CHILD BARRIER ACCESSORY FOR A MATTRESS

Abstract

The child barrier accessory for a mattress comprises one or more bolsters. Each individual bolster selected from the one or more bolsters attaches to a mattress. The individual bolster forms a boundary of a perimeter of a protected space. By protected space is meant an enclosed area of the mattress. An infant placed within the protected space is contained with the protected space such that the infant cannot crawl or roll out of the protected space. Each of the one or more bolsters comprises the individual bolster, a plurality of straps, and a plurality of fasteners. The plurality of straps attach the individual bolster to the mattress. The plurality of fasteners secure the plurality of straps to the mattress.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

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REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of personal and domestic articles including accessories for children's furniture, more specifically, a restraining device configured for use with a bed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The child barrier accessory for a mattress comprises one or more bolsters. Each individual bolster selected from the one or more bolsters attaches to a mattress. The individual bolster forms a boundary of a perimeter of a protected space. By protected space is meant an enclosed area of the mattress. An infant placed within the protected space is contained with the protected space such that the infant cannot crawl or roll out of the protected space. Each of the one or more bolsters comprises the individual bolster, a plurality of straps, and a plurality of fasteners. The plurality of straps attach the individual bolster to the mattress. The plurality of fasteners secure the plurality of straps to the mattress.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the child barrier accessory for a mattress will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the child barrier accessory for a mattress in detail, it is to be understood that the child barrier accessory for a mattress is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the child barrier accessory for a mattress.

It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the child barrier accessory for a mattress. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an in use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5.

The child barrier accessory for a mattress 100 (hereinafter invention) comprises one or more bolsters 101. Each individual bolster 102 selected from the one or more bolsters 101 attaches to a mattress 191. The individual bolster 102 forms a boundary of a perimeter of a protected space 192. By protected space 192 is meant an enclosed area of the mattress 191. An infant 193 placed within the protected space 192 is contained with the protected space 192 such that the infant 193 cannot crawl or roll out of the protected space 192. Each of the one or more bolsters 101 comprises the individual bolster 102, a plurality of straps 103, and a plurality of fasteners 104. The plurality of straps 103 attach the individual bolster 102 to the mattress 191. The plurality of fasteners 104 secure the plurality of straps 103 to the mattress 191.

The one or more bolsters 101 comprises a collection of individual bolsters 102. Each individual bolster 102 is a pillow placed on the mattress 191. The individual bolster 102 forms a boundary of the protected space 192 formed by the invention 100. Any individual bolster 102 selected from the one or more bolsters 101 is geometrically similar to the individual bolster 102 remaining in the one or more bolsters 101.

The individual bolster 102 is a commercially available elastic foam pad. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the individual bolster 102 is formed from a polyurethane foam. The individual bolster 102 is further defined with a first vertical face 171, a second vertical face 172, a third vertical face 173, a fourth vertical face 174, an inferior face 175, and a superior face 176.

The first vertical face 171 is a surface of the individual bolster 102 that perpendicularly attaches to both the inferior face 175 and the superior face 176. The second vertical face 172 is a surface of the individual bolster 102 that attaches to both the inferior face 175 and the superior face 176. The second vertical face 172 forms a non-perpendicular cant relative to the horizontal surface presented by the mattress 191. The third vertical face 173 is a surface of the individual bolster 102 that perpendicularly attaches to both the inferior face 175 and the superior face 176. The fourth vertical face 174 is a surface of the individual bolster 102 that attaches to both the inferior face 175 and the superior face 176. The fourth vertical face 174 forms a non-perpendicular cant relative to the horizontal surface presented by the mattress 191.

The inferior face 175 is the surface of the individual bolster 102 placed in contact with the mattress 191. The superior face 176 is the surface of the individual bolster 102 that is distal from the inferior face 175. The first vertical face 171 is the face of the individual bolster 102 that is distal from the third vertical face 173. The second vertical face 172 is the face of the individual bolster 102 that is distal from the fourth vertical face 174.

Optionally, each individual bolster 102 may be enclosed by a decorative sham.

In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more bolsters 101 comprises a first bolster 181, a second bolster 182, and a third bolster 183. As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, the perimeter of the protected space 192 is formed by abutting the third bolster 183 to the first bolster 181 and the 5 second bolster 182. In FIG. 4, the headboard of the mattress 191 is used to enclose the perimeter of the protected space 192.

The plurality of straps 103 is an apparatus that attaches the individual bolster 102 to the mattress 191. The plurality of straps 103 comprises a first strap 111 and a second strap 112.

The first strap 111 comprises a first webbing 113 and a second webbing 114. The first strap 111 is a textile base structure. The first webbing 113 is a commercially available webbing. The second webbing 114 is a commercially available webbing. The first webbing 113 is further defined with a first end 161 and a second end 162. The second webbing 114 is further defined with a third end 163 and a fourth end 164.

The second strap 112 comprises a third webbing 115 and a fourth webbing 116. The second strap 112 is a textile base structure. The third webbing 115 is a commercially available webbing. The fourth webbing 116 is a commercially available webbing. The third webbing 115 is further defined with a fifth end 165 and a sixth end 166. The fourth webbing 116 is further defined with a seventh end 167 and an eighth end 168.

Each of the plurality of fasteners 104 is an apparatus that fastens the elements of a strap selected from the group consisting of the first strap 111 and the second strap 112 to the mattress 191. The plurality of fasteners 104 comprises a first fastener 121 and a second fastener 122. The first fastener 121 is a commercially available device that attaches the first webbing 113 to the second webbing 114 to fasten the first strap 111. The second fastener 122 is a commercially available device that attaches the third webbing 115 to the fourth webbing 116 to fasten the second strap 112.

In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the first fastener 121 is a quick release buckle that further comprises a first ring and slider arrangement 133. The first fastener 121 comprises a first female connector 131, a first male connector 132, and a first ring and slider arrangement 133. The second fastener 122 is a quick release buckle that further comprises a second ring and slider arrangement 143. The second fastener 122 comprises a second female connector 141, a second male connector 142, and a second ring and slider arrangement 143. Quick release buckles, female connectors, male connectors, and ring and slider arrangements are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure.

In the second potential embodiment of the disclosure, the first fastener 121 is a commercially available hook and loop fastener. The first fastener 121 is a hook and loop fastener that further comprises a first hook/loop surface 151 and a second hook/loop surface 152. The second fastener 122 is a commercially available hook and loop fastener. The second 5 fastener 122 is a hook and loop fastener that further comprises a third hook/loop surface 153 and a fourth hook/loop surface 154.

Hook and loop fasteners, as well as the first hook/loop surface 151, the second hook/loop surface 152, the third hook/loop surface 153, and the fourth hook/loop surface 154, are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure.

The attachment of the invention 100 to the mattress 191 is described in the following four paragraphs.

The first end 161 of the first webbing 113 attaches to a location proximal to the brink formed by the intersection of the fourth vertical face 174 and the inferior face 175 of the individual bolster 102. The third end 163 of the second webbing 114 attaches to a location proximal to the brink formed by the intersection of the second vertical face 172 and the inferior face 175 of the individual bolster 102. The fifth end 165 of the third webbing 115 attaches to a location proximal to the brink formed by the intersection of the fourth vertical face 174 and the inferior face 175 of the individual bolster 102. The seventh end 167 of the fourth webbing 116 attaches to a location proximal to the brink formed by the intersection of the second vertical face 172 and the inferior face 175 of the individual bolster 102.

In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the first female connector 131 attaches to the second end 162 of the first webbing 113 of the first strap 111. The first ring and slider arrangement 133 attaches to the second end 162 of the first webbing 113 of the first strap 111. The first male connector 132 attaches to the fourth end 164 of the second webbing 114 of the first strap 111. The second female connector 141 attaches to the sixth end 166 of the third webbing 115 of the second strap 112. The second ring and slider arrangement 143 attaches to the sixth end 166 of the third webbing 115 of the second strap 112. The second male connector 142 attaches to the eighth end 168 of the fourth webbing 116 of the second strap 112.

In the second potential embodiment of the disclosure, the first hook/loop surface 151 attaches to the second end 162 of the first webbing 113. The second hook/loop surface 152 attaches to the fourth end 164 of the second webbing 114. The third hook/loop surface 153 attaches to the sixth end 166 of the third webbing 115. The fourth hook/loop surface 154 attaches to the eighth end 168 of the fourth webbing 116.

To attach the individual bolster 102 to the mattress 191; the inferior face 175 of the individual bolster 102 is placed on the mattress 191. Next, the first webbing 113 and the second webbing 114 of the first strap 111 are wrapped around the mattress 191; 2) the third webbing 115 and the fourth webbing 116 of the second strap 112 are wrapped around the mattress 191; 3) first fastener 121 is fastened to secure the first strap 111; and, 4) the second fastener 122 is fastened to secure the second strap 112.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

Bolster: As used in this disclosure, a bolster is a long pillow or cushion.

Boundary: As used in this disclosure, a boundary refers to a straight or curved line segment that forms: the portion of the perimeter of a first space; and, 2) the portion of the perimeter of a second space. Stated less formally, the boundary forms the delineation between the first space and the second space. When identifying a boundary within this disclosure, a first space will be said to “be bounded” by one or more additional spaces or objects.

Brink: As used in this disclosure, a brink refers to the edge or line formed by the intersection of a first plane or surface and a second plane or surface wherein a cant exists between the first plane or surface and the second plane or surface.

Buckle: As used in this disclosure, a buckle is a fastening used for joining a first loose end of a strap to a second loose end of the same strap or a different strap. A buckle further comprises a male connector that is attached to a first loose end and a female connector that is attached to a second loose end. The male connector has a pin or other structure that is generally caught by a structure formed in the female connector.

Cant: As used in this disclosure, a cant is an angular deviation from one or more reference planes such as a vertical plane or a horizontal plane.

Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond means that a first object is in some manner linked to a second object in a one to one relationship.

Cushion: As used in this disclosure a cushion is a structure formed from a pad that is used to prevent injury or damage to a person or object.

Decorative: As used in this disclosure, the term decorative is used to describe a design decision or feature that is made for aesthetic purposes and is not anticipated to materially affect the novelty of the innovation described in this disclosure.

Elastic: As used in this disclosure, an elastic is a material or object that deforms when a force is applied to it and that will return to its relaxed shape after the force is removed. A material that exhibits these qualities is also referred to as an elastomeric material.

Fastener: As used in this disclosure, a fastener is a device that is used to join or affix two objects. Fasteners generally comprise a first element which is attached to the first object and a second element which is attached to the second object such that the first element and the second element join to affix the first object and the second object. Common fasteners include, but are not limited to, hooks, zippers, snaps, buttons, buckles, quick release buckles, or hook and loop fasteners.

Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal.

Hook and Loop Fastener: As used in this disclosure, a hook and loop fastener is a fastener that comprises a hook surface and a loop surface. The hook surface comprises a plurality of minute hooks. The loop surface comprises a surface of uncut pile that acts like a plurality of loops. When the hook surface is applied to the loop surface, the plurality of minute hooks fastens to the plurality of loops securely fastening the hook surface to the loop surface. A note on usage: when fastening two objects the hook surface of a hook and loop fastener will be placed on the first object and the matching loop surface of a hook and loop fastener will be placed on the second object without significant regard to which object of the two objects is the first object and which of the two objects is the second object. When the hook surface of a hook and loop fastener or the loop surface of a hook and loop fastener is attached to an object this will simply be referred to as the “hook/loop surface” with the understanding that when the two objects are fastened together one of the two objects will have a hook surface and the remaining object will have the loop surface.

Infant: As used in this disclosure, an infant refers to a human child who: 1) is under 18 months old; and, 2) has not yet learned to walk.

One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction.

Pad: As used in this disclosure, a pad is a mass of soft material used as a filling or for protection against damage or injury. Commonly used padding materials include, but are not limited to, polyurethane foam, silicone, a polyester fill often referred to as fiberfill or polystyrene beads often referred to as stuffing beans or as bean bag chair beans.

Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bound an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference.

Quick Release Buckle: As used in this disclosure, a quick release buckle is a specific type of buckle wherein the buckle can be readily and easily disconnected by pressing a button or pinching one of the ends of the quick release buckle. Quick release buckles are readily and commercially available.

Rectilinear Block: As used in this disclosure, a rectilinear block refers to a three-dimensional structure comprising a plurality of rectangular surfaces. Rectilinear blocks are similar to rectangular blocks and are often used to create a structure with a reduced interior volume relative to a rectangular block. Within this disclosure, a rectilinear block may further comprise rounded edges and corners.

Ring and Slider Arrangement: As used in this disclosure, a ring and slider arrangement is an apparatus comprising a ring component and a slider component that is used to adjust the effective length of a webbing in an application. In the ring and slider arrangement, an end of the webbing is inserted through the slider component, looped through the ring component and then reverse threaded through the slider component for a second time. By adjusting the position of the slider component relative to the webbing, the effective length of the webbing can be adjusted. Ring and slider arrangements are well known and documented in the textile arts.

Sham: As used in this disclosure, a sham is a decorative sheath into which a cushion or a pad is inserted.

Sheath: As used in this disclosure, a sheath is a shell of material that is used to cover or enclose an object.

Strap: As used in this disclosure a strap is a strip of leather, cloth, or other flexible material, often with a buckle, that is used to fasten, secure, carry, or hold onto something.

Strip: As used in this disclosure, the term describes a long and narrow object of uniform thickness that appears thin relative to the length of the object. Strips are often rectangular in shape.

Textile: As used in this disclosure, a textile is a material that is woven, knitted, braided or felted. Synonyms in common usage for this definition include fabric and cloth.

Webbing: As used in this disclosure, a webbing is strong, close woven or knitted fabric that is used for straps or belting. As used in this disclosure, webbing is a fully formed material that is only cut to length for use. Webbing is not formed by cutting broader materials into strips.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in FIGS. 1 through 6 include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A restraining device comprising:

one or more bolsters;

wherein the one or more bolsters form a protected space;

wherein the protected space is further defined with a perimeter;

wherein each of the one or more bolsters is an individual bolster;

wherein each individual bolster further comprises a plurality of straps and a plurality of fasteners;

wherein the plurality of straps are attached to the individual bolster;

wherein the plurality of fasteners are attached to the plurality of straps;

wherein each individual bolster is configured for use with a mattress;

wherein the mattress is further defined with a horizontal surface;

wherein each individual bolster attaches to the mattress;

wherein the individual bolster forms a boundary of the perimeter.

2. The restraining device according to claim 1

wherein the plurality of straps attach the individual bolster to the mattress;

wherein the plurality of fasteners secure the plurality of straps to the mattress.

3. The restraining device according to claim 2 wherein any individual bolster selected from the one or more bolsters is geometrically similar to the individual bolster remaining in the one or more bolsters.

4. The restraining device according to claim 3

wherein the individual bolster is an elastic foam pad;

wherein the individual bolster is formed from a polyurethane foam;

wherein the individual bolster is further defined with a first vertical face, a second vertical face, a third vertical face, a fourth vertical face, an inferior face, and a superior face.

5. The restraining device according to claim 4

wherein the second vertical face forms a non-perpendicular cant relative to the horizontal surface presented by the mattress;

wherein the fourth vertical face forms a non-perpendicular cant relative to the horizontal surface presented by the mattress.

6. The restraining device according to claim 5

wherein the plurality of straps comprises a first strap;

wherein the first strap is a textile base structure;

wherein the first strap comprises a first webbing and a second webbing;

wherein the second strap is a textile base structure;

wherein the second strap comprises a third webbing and a fourth webbing;

wherein the first webbing is a webbing;

wherein the second webbing is a webbing;

wherein the first webbing is further defined with a first end and a second end;

wherein the second webbing is further defined with a third end and a fourth end.

7. The restraining device according to claim 6

wherein the first end of the first webbing attaches to the brink formed by the intersection of the fourth vertical face and the inferior face of the individual bolster;

wherein the third end of the second webbing attaches to the brink formed by the intersection of the second vertical face and the inferior face of the individual bolster.

8. The restraining device according to claim 7

wherein the plurality of fasteners comprises a first fastener;

wherein the first fastener attaches the first webbing to the second webbing to fasten the first strap.

9. The restraining device according to claim 8

wherein the first fastener is a quick release buckle;

wherein the first fastener comprises a first female connector, a first male connector, and a first ring and slider arrangement.

10. The restraining device according to claim 9

wherein the first female connector attaches to the second end of the first webbing of the first strap;

wherein the first ring and slider arrangement attaches to the second end of the first webbing of the first strap;

wherein the first male connector attaches to the fourth end of the second webbing of the first strap.

11. The restraining device according to claim 7

wherein the first fastener is a hook and loop fastener;

wherein the first fastener is a hook and loop fastener that further comprises a first hook/loop surface and a second hook/loop surface;

wherein the second fastener is a hook and loop fastener;

wherein the second fastener is a hook and loop fastener that further comprises a third hook/loop surface and a fourth hook/loop surface.

12. The restraining device according to claim 11

wherein the first hook/loop surface attaches to the second end of the first webbing;

wherein the second hook/loop surface attaches to the fourth end of the second webbing;

wherein the third hook/loop surface attaches to the sixth end of the third webbing;

wherein the fourth hook/loop surface attaches to the eighth end of the fourth webbing.

13. The restraining device according to claim 7

wherein the plurality of straps further comprises a second strap;

wherein the second strap is a textile base structure;

wherein the second strap comprises a third webbing and a fourth webbing;

wherein the second webbing is a webbing;

wherein the third webbing is a webbing;

wherein the fourth webbing is a webbing;

wherein the third webbing is further defined with a fifth end and a sixth end;

wherein the fourth webbing is further defined with a seventh end and an eighth end.

14. The restraining device according to claim 13

wherein the fifth end of the third webbing attaches the brink formed by the intersection of the fourth vertical face and the inferior face of the individual bolster;

wherein the seventh end of the fourth webbing attaches to the brink formed by the intersection of the second vertical face and the inferior face of the individual bolster.

15. The restraining device according to claim 14

wherein the plurality of fasteners comprises a first fastener and a second fastener;

wherein the first fastener is a attaches the first webbing to the second webbing to fasten the first strap;

wherein the second fastener attaches the third webbing to the fourth webbing to fasten the second strap.

16. The restraining device according to claim 15

wherein the first fastener is a quick release buckle;

wherein the second fastener is a quick release buckle.

17. The restraining device according to claim 16

wherein the first fastener comprises a first female connector, a first male connector, and a first ring and slider arrangement;

wherein the second fastener comprises a second female connector, a second male connector, and a second ring and slider arrangement.

18. The restraining device according to claim 17

wherein the first female connector attaches to the second end of the first webbing of the first strap;

wherein the first ring and slider arrangement attaches to the second end of the first webbing of the first strap;

wherein the first male connector attaches to the fourth end of the second webbing of the first strap;

wherein the second female connector attaches to the sixth end of the third webbing of the second strap;

wherein the second ring and slider arrangement attaches to the sixth end of the third webbing of the second strap;

wherein the second male connector attaches to the eighth end of the fourth webbing of the second strap.

19. The restraining device according to claim 14

wherein the first fastener is a hook and loop fastener;

wherein the first fastener is a hook and loop fastener that further comprises a first hook/loop surface and a second hook/loop surface;

wherein the second fastener is a hook and loop fastener;

wherein the second fastener is a hook and loop fastener that further comprises a third hook/loop surface and a fourth hook/loop surface.

20. The restraining device according to claim 19

wherein the first hook/loop surface attaches to the second end of the first webbing;

wherein the second hook/loop surface attaches to the fourth end of the second webbing;

wherein the third hook/loop surface attaches to the sixth end of the third webbing;

wherein the fourth hook/loop surface attaches to the eighth end of the fourth webbing.