U.S. patent application number 10/774895 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-11 for inflatable crib.
Invention is credited to Hardy, Scott D..
Application Number | 20050172400 10/774895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34827077 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050172400 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hardy, Scott D. |
August 11, 2005 |
Inflatable crib
Abstract
An inflatable and/or portable crib includes a base platform
sized and configured to support a child, and inflatable side panels
extending vertically from and surrounding the base platform. The
base platform and side panels define an enclosure for the child. An
inflatable member is attached to the outer periphery of the base
platform and protective webbing is attached to the inner panels of
the crib in order to prevent harm to the child should a portion of
the crib deflate.
Inventors: |
Hardy, Scott D.;
(Ferrisburgh, VT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
225 FRANKLIN ST
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Family ID: |
34827077 |
Appl. No.: |
10/774895 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/93.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 9/005 20130101;
A47D 13/063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/093.1 |
International
Class: |
A47D 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A structure comprising: a base platform configured to support a
child; a plurality of inflatable side panels extending vertically
from and surrounding the base platform, the base platform and side
panels defining an enclosure for the child; and an inflatable
member attached to an outer periphery of the base platform, the
inflatable member configured to support the side panels of the
structure.
2. The structure of claim 27 wherein each of the side panels is
inflatable individually.
3. The structure of claim 27 wherein the plurality of inflatable
side panels is configured to be inflatable from a single valve.
4. The structure of claim 27 wherein the base platform is integral
to the side panels.
5. The structure of claim 27 wherein the base platform is
inflatable.
6. The structure of claim 27 wherein the base platform comprises a
plurality of elongated ribs.
7. The structure of claim 27 wherein the base platform is formed of
a woven mesh.
8. The structure of claim 27 wherein each of the side panels has a
lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a width greater
than the upper end.
9. The structure of claim 27 further comprising a pump to inflate
the side panels.
10. The structure of claim 27 wherein the panels are configured to
be inflated with air.
11. A structure comprising: a base platform configured to support a
child; a plurality of inflatable side panels extending vertically
from and surrounding the base platform, the base platform and side
panels defining an enclosure for the child; and a protective member
sealing the inner, inflatable panels from the child.
12. The structure of claim 11, wherein the protective member is
formed of woven mesh.
13. The structure of claim 12, wherein the woven mesh is bonded to
the inner inflatable frame.
14. The structure of claim 13, wherein the woven mesh is
heat-sealed to the inner inflatable frame.
15. The structure of claim 12, wherein the woven mesh is stitched
to the inner inflatable frame.
16. The structure of claim 15 further comprising binding tape
positioned between the woven mesh and the inner inflatable
frame.
17. The structure of claim 16 further comprising stitching between
the binding tape and the woven mesh and between the binding tape
and the inner inflatable frame.
18. The structure of claim 11 wherein each of the side panels is
inflatable individually.
19. The structure of claim 11 wherein the plurality of inflatable
side panels is configured to be inflatable from a single valve.
20. The structure of claim 11 wherein the base platform is integral
to the side panels.
21. The structure of claim 11 wherein the base platform is
inflatable.
22. The structure of claim 11 wherein the base platform comprises a
plurality of elongated ribs.
23. The structure of claim 11 wherein the base platform is formed
of a woven mesh.
24. The structure of claim 11 wherein each of the side panels has a
lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a width greater
than the upper end.
25. The structure of claim 11 further comprising a pump to inflate
the side panels.
26. The structure of claim 11 wherein the panels are configured to
be inflated with air.
27. The structure of claim 11 further comprising an inflatable
member attached to an outer periphery of the base platform, the
inflatable member configured to support the side panels of the
structure.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Portable cribs have been used for years and are extremely
handy for occasional overnight trips, supervised naps in tight
quarters, or even day trips to Grandma's house. A popular version
of a portable crib has sides that are hinged so that upon folding,
each side collapses into the end piece, which is constructed like
one half of a suitcase. The end pieces are then latched together to
provide a self-contained suitcase-like unit. Certain versions of
this collapsible crib have the same folding mechanism as well as
side panels provided with spring-loaded barrel bolts, which lock
the respective sides in the open position when the crib is in
use.
SUMMARY
[0002] In one general aspect of the invention, a portable crib
includes a base platform sized and configured to support a child,
and inflatable side panels extending vertically from and
surrounding the base platform. The base platform and side panels
define an enclosure for the child, at least one of side panels
having an outer inflatable frame surrounding a region configured to
allow visibility within the enclosure.
[0003] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include one
or more of the following features.
[0004] The region configured to allow visibility within the
enclosure is formed of a woven mesh. Thus, a child placed within
the crib can be assured to be well ventilated and visible to anyone
monitoring the child. For example, the woven mesh is bonded to the
outer inflatable frame (e.g., using heat sealing). Alternatively,
the woven mesh is stitched to the outer inflatable frame using a
binding tape positioned between the woven mesh and the outer
inflatable frame. For example, stitching is provided between the
binding tape and the woven mesh and between the binding tape and
the outer inflatable frame.
[0005] Each of the side panels is configured to be inflatable from
a single valve. Alternatively, the side panels are individually
inflatable so that the entire crib does not deflate in the event
that one of the panels is punctured.
[0006] In certain embodiments, the base platform is integral to the
side panels. Alternatively, the base platform can be separate and
removable unit allowing the platform to be easily
assembled/disassembled and cleaned more easily. The base platform
may be inflatable and may include elongated ribs. In other
embodiments, the base platform can be in the form of a mesh.
[0007] The base platform and side panels define a rectangular
enclosure. The side panels have a lower end with a width greater
than an upper end of the panels. That is, the side panels taper
upwardly to provide a broader base for added stability. The side
panels are configured to be inflated with air, although other
inflation mediums may be used (e.g., water). The crib includes a
pump to inflate the side panels and, if necessary, base
platform.
[0008] In general, the crib is lightweight and portable. Among
other advantages, the crib is designed to be mechanically stable
without the need for additional reinforcing structure. The side
panels and bottom platform are formed of materials that are safe
(e.g., non-toxic) and comfortable when inflated. The crib requires
virtually no assembly other than inflating. When the crib is no
longer required to be used, the air is simply released from the
side panels by mechanical or manual methods (in certain embodiments
from the bottom platform as well) and the crib is rolled into a
compact lightweight package and stowed for later use.
[0009] For safety precautions, some embodiments include an
inflatable member configured to support the side panels of the crib
and attached to the outer periphery of the base platform so that
the child will not suffocate, should the member deflate. With a
similar member attached to the inner periphery of the base
platform, a potential exists for the child to puncture the member
and entangle himself in the deflated material.
[0010] As a further precaution, some embodiments also include
protective webbing attached to the inner walls of the crib. This
layer seals of the inflatable panels so that the child cannot
puncture them and entangle himself among the deflated material.
Such entanglement may harm the child, for instance, causing
suffocation. Attaching the inflatable member to the outer periphery
and attaching protective webbing to the inner periphery thus
prevent the occurrence of such harm.
[0011] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable crib
[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the inflatable
crib showing the interface between the meshed netting and the
air-filled chamber of the outer frame of the crib.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a plane view of the floor support member of the
inflatable crib of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the floor support
member of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
an inflatable crib.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of an inflatable crib,
which includes an inflatable member attached to the outer periphery
of the base platform.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of an inflatable crib,
which includes a protective member that seals off the inner,
inflatable panels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, an inflatable crib 10 includes four
inflatable side panels 12 attached at a lower end of the panels to
a floor support 14. The four inflatable side panels 12 and floor
support together define an enclosed volume for enclosing a baby or
young child. Each side panel has a height sufficient for preventing
the child from escaping the enclosed volume when the panels are
fully inflated. One of side panels 12 includes its own valve 16 for
inflation and deflation. Side panel 12 is inflatable using a hand
or foot-pump 18. Alternatively, the side panels can be inflated
using an electrically powered pump (e.g., battery) or from the
mouth of the assembler. In alternative embodiments, each of side
panels 12 is individually inflatable.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, pump 16 includes a bellows 20 that by
alternate contraction and expansion draws air in through a pump
valve (not shown) and expels it to valve 16 of a side panel 12
through a tube 22 having a nozzle 24. The valve 16 is of the type
having a stem that extends from the surface of the side panel
during inflation and an open end for receiving a cap. The stem
includes an internal flap that prevents air introduced into the
chamber of the side panel from escaping. When the chamber is fully
inflated, the stem is sealed with the cap and then pressed into the
chamber of the side panel. To release the air from the chamber, the
stem is withdrawn from the chamber, the cap removed, and the stem
is squeezed to displace the internal flap sufficiently to allow air
to escape. Other valve mechanisms for allowing quick release of air
may be used as well. Valve 16 is positioned at the lower end of an
outer surface of an associated side panel, where it is essentially
inaccessible by a child in the crib.
[0021] Each side panel is formed from a pair of adjacent sheets
26a, 26b formed of flocked polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other
durable, but pliable material. The adjacent sheets are heat sealed
at inner and outer peripheral regions to form seams 28 that define
air-receiving chambers. The air-filled chambers form an outer frame
that surrounds a mesh-like netting 30 formed of nylon for allowing
air to pass through to the child in the enclosed volume as well as
to provide visibility of the child within the enclosed volume. One
approach for heat-sealing the air-filled chambers or tubes of the
side panels is radio frequency (RF) heat-sealing.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, in an alternative approach, one edge of
a binding tape 34 is attached to an outer edge of mesh-like netting
30 and then folded over so that the opposite edge of the binding
tape is attached to an inner edge of the mesh-like netting. A
folded-over length of binding tape 36 is attached to the edge of
the outer peripheral region 38 of the outer frame that is not
inflated. Binding tapes 34, 36 are positioned to overlap each other
and a stitching 38 is then sewn through the tapes to secure the
mesh-like netting and the outer frame together. In an alternate
embodiment, the mesh-like netting 30 and the outer peripheral
region 38 of the outer frame are sewn together with stitching and
then covered with a binding tape to reinforce the stitching. In
this example, each side panel 12 is trapezoidal in shape having a
lower edge that is wider than an upper edge.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, crib 10 also includes a separate
inflatable cushion 40 formed of PVC and sized and shaped to cover
floor support 14. Cushion 40 is removable to make
assembly/disassembly and cleaning easier. Cushion 40 includes heat
sealed seams 42 that extend virtually the entire length of the
cushion 40 to form a series of cylindrically shaped air
compartments. Each of the cylindrically shaped compartments has at
least one air passage connected to adjacent compartments to allow
air to pass from one compartment to the other when air is
introduced through a valve 44.
[0024] Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 5, for example, the floor support of
inflatable crib 50 can include a mesh floor 52 made from the same
or similar material used for mesh netting 30. In this version of an
inflatable crib, the floor support weighs less and provides
increased ventilation when compared with a solid floor support of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] In the embodiment described above in conjunction with FIGS.
1-4, inflatable cushion 40 was separate from crib 10 allowing it to
be removed and easily cleaned or replaced. In other embodiments,
inflatable cushion, although separately inflatable, is attached or
otherwise secured to the floor support 14.
[0027] In the embodiments described above, valve 16 was used to
release the air from side panels 12. As discussed above, in certain
embodiments, each side panel is independently inflatable through
its own valve 16. In either embodiment, a separate opening or waste
gate having, for example, a wider mouth, is provided to permit
faster deflation of crib 10.
[0028] In the embodiments described above, air from the assembler's
lungs or pump is used to inflate the compartments of the side
panels and bottom cushion. In other embodiments, water or other
fluids may be used to inflate the compartments.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 6, a crib 100 includes an additional
structure for minimizing the possibility that a child becomes
entrapped between parts of the inflatable crib in the event that
the side panels of the crib are deflated. In particular, in one
embodiment, an independently inflatable base member 15 is attached
at the base of each of the side panels and around the entire
periphery 13 of the base platform 14 of the crib 100. The
inflatable base member is attached to the base platform in the same
manner as the side panels, previously discussed, and likewise
includes a valve for inflation. When inflated, the inflatable base
member 15 has a height that is commensurate with the width of the
inflatable portions of the side panels. In the event that the side
panels become deflated, through inadvertent opening of the valves
or accidental puncture, the inflatable base member 15 prevents the
side panels from fully collapsing. Thus, if a child's head becomes
positioned along a side panel before it is deflated, the risk of
suffocation is minimized.
[0030] In other embodiments, further protection can be provided by
preventing the child's head from moving into corner areas of crib
100. For example, referring to FIG. 7, a protective member in the
form of a webbing 31 is attached at corner regions of the crib.
Specifically, side edges of the protective webbing are bonded,
sewed or otherwise attached to the inner panels 12 of the crib in
the same manner as the visibility screens 30, discussed above.
Protective webbing 31 prevents the child from squirming or rolling
into the corner regions of the crib where the risk of suffocation
is higher should the side panels deflate. In some embodiments, the
protective webbing is formed of a woven mesh and may be provided
along the entire inner periphery of the crib.
[0031] A number of embodiments of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within
the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *