Crib Height Extending Bumper

Abstract

Semi-rigid foam bumpers configured to strategically increase the climb over height of a crib to hinder a young toddler from attempting to climb out of the crib and possibly risking injury are described. The bumpers are comprise a sufficiently rigid foam that they do not compress appreciably when handled thus maintaining their form when leaned on or otherwise handled by a budding toddler, yet they are soft and forgiving enough not to harm a child that falls into or against them.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and incorporates fully by reference U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/922,466, filed on Dec. 31, 2013, which has a common inventor as the present application.

BACKGROUND

As a baby becomes a toddler but before he/she is ready to transition to a bed, many kids have grown enough and have enough dexterity and strength to climb up onto and possibly over a crib wall. The results of a baby doing this are potentially disastrous if the baby falls to the floor having breached the cribs containment.

Traditional crib padding comprised of fabric stuffed with a polyester fiber fill or forgiving foam easily compresses and does little to hinder a child from climbing over the top rail of the crib if he or she is intent on doing so.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a short height extending bumper according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of a long height extending bumper according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A comprises a perspective view of a crib having a plurality of short height extending bumpers installed on three sides thereof according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a crib having a plurality of short height extending bumpers installed on two sides and a long height extending bumper installed on a front side according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3, 4 & 5 are top bottom and side views respectively of the crib of FIG. 2A FIG. 2A according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a crib height extending bumper installed on a crib taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a strap used to secure the height extending bumper to a crib top rail according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8, 9 & 10 are top, bottom and end views respectively of the crib height extending bumper of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise semi-rigid foam or solid bumpers configured to strategically increase the climb over height of a crib (typically 3-6″) to hinder a young toddler from attempting to climb out of the crib and possibly risking injury. The bumpers typically comprise a sufficiently rigid foam or solid polymeric material (such as an elastomer) that they do not compress appreciably when handled thus maintaining their form when leaned on or otherwise handled by a budding toddler, yet they are soft and forgiving enough not to harm a child that falls into or against them.

Each bumper includes a formed in recessed channel, or recess, configured to be snuggly received over a variety of sizes of top rails of a crib. The bumper is held in place and in an upright orientation by one or more straps that wrap around the top rail. The top edge of the bumper is convexly rounded to minimize the ability and possibility of a toddler grabbing the bumper and leveraging off of it to help lift himself or herself up and over the crib sidewall.

Some embodiments of the bumpers are extruded in extended lengths from a suitable foamed material, such as polyethylene. The bumpers can then be cut to a desired length and one or more strap holes formed or machined into them in a secondary operation. The foregoing fabrication process facilitates the efficient manufacture of bumpers in a variety of lengths without requiring additional and expensive tooling.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.

The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.

The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.

The terms “removable”, “removably coupled”, “removably installed,” “readily removable”, “readily detachable”, “detachably coupled”, “separable,” “separably coupled,” and similar terms, as used in this specification and appended claims, refer to structures that can be uncoupled, detached, uninstalled, or removed from an adjoining structure with relative ease (i.e., non-destructively, and without a complicated or time-consuming process), and that can also be readily reinstalled, reattached, or coupled to the previously adjoining structure.

Directional or relational terms such as “top,” bottom,” “front,” “back,” “above,” “beneath,” and “below,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refer to relative positions of identified elements, components, or objects, where the components or objects are oriented in an upright position as normally installed or used.

Embodiments of a Height Extending Bumper for a Crib

FIGS. 1A and 8-10 illustrate different views of an embodiment of a typical crib height extending bumper 10A of a first length. FIG. 1B illustrates a substantially similar bumper 10B that differs from the other embodiment only in length. The bumper has a body 12 with a uniform cross section across its length as would be expected for an extruded piece and is defined by an arcuate convex upper portion having a cylindrical bore 18 extending lengthwise therethrough, and a lower portion comprising a pair of legs 14 that define a crib top rail receiving recess 16.

The illustrated embodiments can be fabricated from any suitable extrudable semi-rigid foam material. In at least one embodiment, a thermoplastic polyethylene foam is used that has a similar rigidity to that of a common swimming pool noodle. While certain embodiments of the bumper 10A, 10B are extruded in long lengths and cut to desired sizes, other embodiments can be made using other suitable processes, such as reaction molding the bumpers in closed molds out of thermoset foams, such as polyurethane. Other variations of the bumper having essentially the illustrated form factor can also be fabricated, such as extruded, from solid plastic elastomers; however, solid plastic versions may not be as forgiving if the child hits his/her head, mouth or other body parts on the bumper.

The upper portion forms a generally rounded exterior ridge with no pointed or sharp edges. The top surface is substantially arcuate forming a half circle. The sides transition from the half circle into outwardly facing gentle concave radii which ultimately flow into the legs 14 of the lower portion. The rounded and flowing surfaces of the upper portion hinders the ability of a toddler to effectively grab hold of the bumper 10A, 10B in an effort to pull himself or herself up and out of the crib. The upper portion provides little for which small hands can grip and the generally slippery nature of the foam material further inhibits gaining a handhold. Optionally, a cylindrical bore 18 extends through the approximate center of the top section. It serves to reduce the amount of material used in the bumper as well as make the top section of the bumper more forgiving.

The lower portion of the bumper 10A, 10B is dominated by a pair of opposing legs 14 that define the downwardly facing crib receiving recess 16. The legs have a curved concave inner surfaces are configured to interface with crib top rails 52 of varying widths and configurations as best shown in FIG. 6. Ideally, the inside surface of each leg will interface with the crib rail in two places: proximate the upper corner of the rail and proximate the lower end of the leg. The upper inside surface of the recess forms a substantially flat portion designed to interface with the upper surface of the crib rail and provide a stable platform from the upper portion of the bumper.

The inside surfaces of the receiving recess and other bumper surfaces as well may form a skin during the fabrication process depending on the material and process utilized to fabricate the bumper. In some variations the coefficient of friction of the skin will facilitate the bumper 10A, 10B to better grip an associated crib rail 52. In other variations, a surface layer can be applied to some or all of the inside recess surfaces to increase the surface friction to promote a better grip on the crib rail.

As best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, strap openings 20 are distributed along the length of the bumpers 10A, 10B that extend widthwise there through typically proximate the intersection of the upper and lower portions. The strap openings receive strap assemblies 22, such as the type illustrated in FIG. 7, there through. The strap assemblies are also received through and around the crib rail and secured to pull the legs of the bumper firmly against the crib rail as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3-6. The strap assembly can comprise any suitable type of strap 26 and use any suitable type of closure mechanism; however, buckle type closure 24 is illustrated. Each of the illustrated variations uses two straps but variations with one, three or even more straps are anticipated.

The dimensions of the bumpers 10A, 10B can vary but typically the height of the bumper from the inside top surface of the recess 16 to the top of the upper portion is 3-6 inches, which usually is a sufficient height to prevent a young toddler from being able to scale the height-extended wall of the crib. The bumpers can be provided in a variety of lengths to fit both the long and short sides of a typical crib. As shown in FIG. 2A, two or more short bumpers 10A can be used to sufficiently cover the longer side of a crib top rail 52; whereas, only a single short bumper is used on the shorter sides of the crib 50. The back long side has no bumpers attached thereto in the illustration under the assumption that the back side of a crib typically backs up to a wall, but bumpers can be attached to all four sides as is necessary and desired. A typical short bumper can be about 16-20″ long.

FIG. 2B shows a crib 50 having a single longer bumper 10B covering the long front side and single short bumpers 10A covering each of the short sides. A typical long bumper can be about 28-36″ long. As is evident in FIGS. 2A and 2B the bumpers do not cover the entire sides of the crib 50. For instance in FIG. 2A, there is a gap between the two short bumpers installed on the long front side of the crib. The gap is not typically problematic as a young toddler will usually be able to climb out of a crib only from the corners where he or she can get more leverage to pull himself or herself up and out. Simply, while in some variations the bumpers can be configured to cover substantially the entire length of an exposed crib side, it is generally not necessary as spaced bumpers that effectively limit a child's ability to gain leverage on the crib rail 52 can prevent the child's ability to climb out of the crib.

A Method of Installing a Set of Crib Bumpers

First, a care giver determines the number of bumpers 10A, 10B needed to adequately cover the exposed sides of a crib 50. If the crib is in the middle of a room, all four sides will require bumpers. If the crib has one side backed up against a wall, only three sides will require bumpers. If the crib is located in a corner, than only two sides will require bumpers. If short bumpers 10A alone are used, long sides (about 52″) typically require two while the shorter sides (about 28″) require one. If long bumpers 10B are available, the long sides require one.

Once the appropriate numbers of bumpers 10A, 10B have been acquired the care giver installs each over the crib rail 52 by spreading apart the legs as necessary and slipping them over the crib rail. Each bumper is moved into its desired position on each associated rail. The width of the recess is typically less than the width of the typical crib rail. The resiliency of the lower portion legs act to grip the crib rail when stalled thereon.

After the bumpers have been positioned, the straps 22 of the various bumpers are tightened around the crib rail 52 to further pull the legs and interior surfaces of the recess into close contact with the crib rail. The foregoing assumes the straps have been previously threaded through the strap openings. The bumpers can be removed as necessary by undoing the straps and pulling each bumper upwardly and, if necessary spreading one or more of the legs.

Use of a Set of Crib Bumpers Installed on a Crib

Once the bumpers 10A, 10B are installed, the crib 50 is used in the typical matter excepting that the bumpers hinder a young toddler from being able to climb out of the crib. The spaces between bumpers permit a care giver to easily reach into the crib to grab items such as blankets and baby toys from the surface of the crib mattress with ease without having to reach over the bumpers.

Other Variations and Embodiments

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A crib height extender, the extender comprising:

a unitary bumper made of a single material having a length and having similar cross section along its entire length, the bumper being characterized by a upper portion and a bottom portion, the upper portion comprising an upwardly facing convex arcuate ridge with an apex, and the lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion and comprising opposing downwardly extending left and right legs defining a recess, the recess being configured to be resiliently received over a top rail of a side of a crib.

2. The crib height extender of claim 1, wherein the upper section includes a cylindrical opening that extends lengthwise along the length of the bumper therein.

3. The crib height extender of claim 1, wherein the bumper is comprised of a polymeric foam.

4. The crib height extender of claim 1, wherein the polymeric foam is polyethylene foam.

5. The crib height extender of claim 1, wherein the bumper is comprised a solid polymeric material.

6. The crib height extender of claim 1, further comprising one or more strap slots, the strap slots extending generally horizontally through the bumper from one edge to an opposing edge proximate an intersection of the upper and lower portions.

7. The crib height extender of claim 6, further comprising one or more straps, each strap including a closure mechanism and being configured to be received through a strap slot of the one or more strap slots.

8. The crib height extender of claim 7, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a buckle.

9. The crib height extender of claim 1, wherein the convex arcuate ridge transitions into a concave portion on right and left lengthwise extending sides proximate an intersection of the upper and lower portions.

10. The crib height extender of claim 1, wherein the recess is defined by facing concave inside surfaces on the left and right legs.

11. The crib height extender of claim 10, wherein the recess is further defined by a downwardly facing top side including a portion having a substantially flat surface.

12. The crib height extender of claim 1, wherein (i) the upper section includes a cylindrical opening that extends lengthwise along the length of the bumper therein, and (ii) one or more slots extend generally horizontally through the bumper from one edge to an opposing edge proximate an intersection of the upper and lower portions, the crib height extender further comprising one or more straps, each strap including a closure mechanism and being configured to be received through a strap slot of the one or more strap slots.

13. The crib height extender of claim 12, wherein the recess is defined by (i) facing concave inside surfaces on the left and right legs, and (ii) a downwardly facing top side including a portion having a substantially flat surface.

14. The crib height extender of claim 13, wherein the convex arcuate ridge transitions into a convex portion on right and left lengthwise extending sides proximate an intersection of the upper and lower portions.

15. A kit for extending the effective height of a crib, the kit including: at least four bumpers of claim 1, the length of each bumper being similar.

16. A kit for extending the effective height of a crib, the kit including: at least four bumpers of claim 6, the length of each bumper being similar; and a plurality of straps, each strap being configured to be received through a strap slot of the one or more strap slots.

17. A kit for extending the effective height of a crib, the kit including: at least three bumpers of claim 1, two of the bumpers having a first length and one of the bumpers having a second length, the first length being shorter than the second length.

18. A combination comprising the crib and at least one bumper of claim 7, wherein the recess of the bumper is received over the top rail of the side of the crib and secured in place by the one or straps received through the one or more slots and wherein the one or more straps extend around the top rail.

19. A combination comprising the crib and a plurality of bumpers of claim 7, wherein (a) the recess of at least one bumper is received over a top rail of a left side of the crib, (b) the recess of at least one bumper is received over a top rail of a right side of the crib, and (c) the recess of at least one bumper is received over a top rail of a front side of the crib.

20. A crib height extender system for cribs, the system comprising one or more semi-rigid bumpers configured for receipt over a top rail of a sidewall of the crib, each of the one or more bumpers effectively increasing the climb over height of the associated crib sidewall at least three inches.