Collapsible and portable infant sleeping area

Abstract

The invention relates to a baby crib, more particularly to a baby crib covering that can be assembled with ease. In greater detail the invention regards a covering for a crib or baby sleeping area.

Description

The invention relates to a 3 dimensional covering for a baby crib, or similar baby sleeping area, more particularly that can be assembled and disassembled with ease. In greater detail the invention regards a covering for a crib or baby sleeping area. Since presumably the dawn of time mothers and fathers have put their children to sleep in a crib like structure until just recently the structure has been open to the air and the light and the insects. What is needed is the ability to cover a baby's sleeping area so as to prevent light and/or in many ways to minimize noise from the surrounding environment which might improperly impact a sleeping child as well as to prevent insects from interacting with the sleeping child.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a collapsable 3 dimensional support, within which lies a crib or other type of sleeping bed for a child. The covering or blanket is placed over the 3 dimensional outer structor, such that the sleeping area is protected from exterior noises. The covering may be comprised of a blanket which is of sufficient size so as to completely cover the 3 dimensional outer structure within which is the sleeping area or crib within which lies the infant. The invention may further be seen as an outer structure under which is found a child sleeping area, such as a crib. Said outer structure being further covered by a blanket so as to conserve heat, or by a mesh covering to prevent insects from bothering the sleeping or playing child.

The structure of which we speak is comprised of four upwardly extending arms which may be connected at their corners, forming a box. The upwardly extending vertical arms are perhaps 2 to 6 feet in length with corresponding crosspieces, such that a Box-type structor is formed. A blanket or covering which is of sufficient size so as to cover the upwardly extending box either with or without clips to attach the blanket to the upwardly extending pieces is further provided. The crib may be of the type that is known in the industry and is called by the trade name “Pack-N-play”. Into this type of structures the upwardly extending arms are slid either to the outside or along the inside of the corners such that they may or may not contact the floor. Once a child is placed within the crib the blankets or other covering items are placed over the upwardly extending box so as to create a dark interior to provide for the babies rest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will further be described with reference to the corresponding Figures and included numbers.

FIG. 1 displays the upwardly extending arms (2) which are designed to snugly fit either around the outside (1B) or down within (1A) the corner slots of the crib. FIG. 1 further displays the cross pieces (2) connecting the uppermost end of the upwardly extending support arms and further depicts the folding means (1) which also includes expansion and securing means (3,4,5,6) which further allows connection of the supporting structor, which is shown as a cube type structor, yet may have numerous configurations, including a soccer-type or a teepee or an arching type system. What is also shown is a similar structure much like a soccer goal where there is not a corresponding cross piece along the base of the structor. Further displayed in FIG. 1 are corner pieces (4) which facilitate connecting of the upwardly extending support piece and the cross pieces. All such portions of the structure can be fabricated of either plastic, wood or metal or any desirable material so long as it will support the covering material. Moreover the corner pieces (4) are designed to allow for collapsing of the supporting structor so as to place said structor in storage for future use or for travel. The collapsed structor may be stored in any suitable area so as to be out of the way, perhaps under a bed or the top of a closet.

FIG. 2 displays a close-up view of the corner piece of the device and/or the upwardly extending box, more clearly depicting the bar (2), the corner, connecting piece (7), as well as the connecting/points of expansion (3,9) as well as depicting the holes through which a nut and bolt type fastening device may be inserted. The covering which should fit over and completely cover the upwardly extending box. The covering may be thick or thin depending upon the temperature either outside or inside so as to provide adequate warmth to the infant. This particular arrangement would facilitate either the placement of an infant within the crib and/or the removal of the infant from the crib. This type arrangement is similar to what is envisioned where the upwardly extending structor is open like a soccer goal with no bottom cross piece. FIG. 2A further displays snapping or attachment means whereby the cover is secured over the cross member pieces of the supporting box. Snapping means are provided whereby the covering fabric may be folded over the cross member pieces so as to securely and detachably attach said fabric around the cross member portions. Said attachment means includes velcro type fastening devices or magnetic type fastening means or clips.

FIG. 3 Displays the corner connecting means, from beneath looking upwardly showing corner connecting means (7), as well as securing means (3,4).

FIG. 4 displays the connecting means in a transparent mode, showing the connecting hole (12) through which a connection means, such as a bolt (8) or similar device is passed. This Figure further displays a tension spring (10), supplying pressure against rod (15), and depicting length adjustor portion (11). Also shown in FIG. 4 is a securing nut whereby portion (9) is securely held.

FIG. 5 is depicted a view from beneath FIG. 4 looking upwards showing washer (12).

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the connection means showing cap (3).

FIG. 7 displays the connecting means is closed or in the connected view.

FIG. 8 shows the upwardly extended box in the open view.

FIG. 9 displays the upwardly extended box in closed view.

FIG. 10 shows a horizontal sliced view across the connection means, showing hinged portion (3), bolt (8), connecting pin (11), spring (10), interior rod (15), within outer bar (2), connected onto receiving stub (9).

FIG. 11 depicts where the upwardly extending box contacts the floor (2A)

Said collapsing of the upwardly extending structor may also occur at specified areas along the cross pieces, such at (3, 4 and 7). These designated spots are determined by the ease of use and not by the corresponding figures. It is clearly to be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that there may be different ways whereby said upwardly extending structor may be collapsed. Appropriate means are depicted in FIG. 15 whereby the upwardly extending arm and crosspiece are brought together. This FIG. 15 further shows the upwardly extending structor in it's partially collapsed form. This FIG. 15 further shows the structor in it's fully collapsed form. The designation of partially collapsed, and fully collapsed forms are described merely to designate and show the ability to be performed. Additional means will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art so as to collapse the upwardly extending structor to allow for easy storage.

FIG. 12 depicts the structor with the covering (15) further showing the clips or snaps securing the covering.

FIG. 13 shows the structor with covering showing securing means (15).

FIG. 14 depicts the structor and means whereby it may be collapsed (17,18).

Claims

1. An upwardly extending structor is defined by 4 upwardly extending portions, 3 to 4 corresponding cross pieces, forming thereby a structure.

2. The claim according to claim 1 further comprising a covering.

3. The claim according to claim 1 wherein an attachment means is provided whereby the upwardly extending portions are fixably and movably connected to the cross pieces.

4. The claim according to claim 1 wherein both the upwardly extending portions and the cross pieces are constructed from the group consisting of wood, plastic and metal.

5. The claim according to claim 1 wherein the covering is a thick blanket type covering whereby the babies heat is conserved.

6. The claim according to claim 1 wherein the covering is a mesh type covering.

7. The claim according to claim 1 wherein the upwardly extending structor is collapsible into a neat arrangement so as to be easily stored.

8. The claim according to claim 1 wherein the downwardly extending arms to not contact the floor through the crib.

9. The claim according to claim claim 5 wherein the covering does not extend to the floor.

10. The claim according to claim 1 further providing an expansion means and a collapsing means.

11. An upwardly extending soccer-goal type structor is defined by 4 upwardly extending portions, 3 corresponding cross pieces, and a covering such that the front is open like a soccer goal.

12. The claim according to claim 10 wherein the bottom of the structure is open like a soccer goal.

13. The claim according to claim 10 wherein an attachment means is provided whereby the upwardly extending portions are fixedly and movably connected to the cross pieces.

14. The claim according to claim 10 wherein both the upwardly extending portions and the cross pieces are made from the group consisting of wood, plastic, metal.

15. The claim according to claim 10 wherein the covering is a thick blanket type covering whereby the babies heat is conserved.

16. The claim according to claim 10 wherein the upwardly extending box is collapsible into a neat arrangement so as to be easily stored.

17. The claim according to claim 10 wherein the downwardly extending portions do not contact the floor.

18. The claim according to claim 14 wherein the covering does not contact the floor.