U.S. patent application number 11/357537 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for inflatable play pen and inflatable construction set.
Invention is credited to Jim Ryan.
Application Number | 20060236461 11/357537 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37185294 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060236461 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ryan; Jim |
October 26, 2006 |
Inflatable play pen and inflatable construction set
Abstract
An inflatable playpen has a base with shaped welds, an
inflatable wall, and optionally a cover. At least one of the shaped
welds has an interior portion removed. The inflatable wall has a
plurality of rings. The rings are oriented so that their centers
are substantially collinear. Each ring in the wall may be an air
chamber. The cover has a securing means to keep it secured snugly
to the base and wall of the inflatable playpen.
Inventors: |
Ryan; Jim; (Syosset,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO MORIN & OSHINSKY LLP
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS (6TH AVENUE)
41 ST FL.
NEW YORK
NY
10036-2714
US
|
Family ID: |
37185294 |
Appl. No.: |
11/357537 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60653774 |
Feb 17, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 ; 5/425;
5/655.3; 5/93.1; 5/945 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/063
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/655 ;
005/945; 005/093.1; 005/655.3; 005/425 |
International
Class: |
A47D 7/00 20060101
A47D007/00; A47D 13/06 20060101 A47D013/06; A47C 21/08 20060101
A47C021/08 |
Claims
1. An inflatable child containment device comprising: a base, the
base having at least one inflatable chamber and a plurality of
shaped welds, at least one shaped weld having an interior portion
removed; and an inflatable wall connected to the base.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the wall further comprises a
plurality of contiguous rings, the rings oriented so that their
centers are substantially collinear.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the base has a plurality of
inflatable chambers.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein each ring has at least one air
chamber not shared by another ring.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein each ring has a plurality of air
chambers.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the interior portion removed is
circular.
7. The device of claim 2, wherein the interior portion removed is
circular.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cover adapted to
cover the child containment device.
9. The device of claim 2, further comprising a cover adapted to
cover the child containment device.
10. The device of claim 4, further comprising a cover adapted to
cover the child containment device.
11. The device of claim 5, further comprising a cover adapted to
cover the child containment device.
12. The device of claim 6, further comprising a cover adapted to
cover the child containment device.
13. The device of claim 7, further comprising a cover adapted to
cover the child containment device.
14. The device of claim 8, wherein the cover has an edge and a
drawstring movably affixed to the edge, the drawstring oriented to
minimize the perimeter of the opening.
15. The device of claim 9, wherein the cover has an edge and a
drawstring movably affixed to the edge, the drawstring oriented to
minimize the perimeter of the opening.
16. The device of claim 10, wherein the cover has an edge and a
drawstring movably affixed to the edge, the drawstring oriented to
minimize the perimeter of the opening.
17. The device of claim 13, wherein the cover has an edge and a
drawstring movably affixed to the edge, the drawstring oriented to
minimize the perimeter of the opening.
18. The device of claim 10, further comprising the cover having
straps and Velcro tabs; and the base having openings for the straps
to pass through.
19. The device of claim 16, further comprising the cover having
straps and Velcro tabs; and the base having openings for the straps
to pass through.
20. An inflatable child containment device comprising a base, the
base having at least one inflatable chamber, a plurality of shaped
welds, at least one shaped weld having an interior portion removed,
and openings for straps to pass through; an inflatable wall
connected to the base, the wall having a plurality of contiguous
rings, each ring having a plurality of air chambers, the rings
oriented so that their centers are substantially collinear; and a
cover, the cover having an edge, a drawstring movably affixed to
the edge to change the size of the perimeter of the edge, straps
connected to the cover, and Velcro tabs connected to the cover and
connectable to the straps.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provision
Application No. 60/653,774, Filed Feb. 17, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a playpen. More
particularly, the present invention relates to an inflatable
playpen.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Playpens are used by parents and childcare providers to
confine and monitor children in a safe and enclosed location that
insulates the children from undesired or dangerous environments.
Playpens also restrict objects children have access to so that
potentially harmful objects are avoided.
[0004] Traditional playpens have walls, a frame, and a base
primarily made of wood, metal, or plastic. These play pens have the
problems of being heavy, immobile, difficult and time consuming to
assemble, and rigid.
[0005] Playpens made from wood, metal, or rigid plastic can be very
heavy. A parent or childcare provider wishing to relocate such a
playpen is typically unable to do so because it is too heavy.
Playpens made out of wood, metal, or plastic are also rigid and
have a fixed shape. A parent or childcare provider wishing to
relocate such a playpen is typically unable to do so because the
rigid shape of the playpen often does not allow it to fit through
doors or other relatively small openings.
[0006] Current playpens made out of wood, metal, or rigid plastic
are also difficult and time-consuming to assemble. A parent or
childcare provider may not have the time, tools, or necessary
technical skills to disassemble and later reassemble the playpen.
Difficult and time-consuming assembly requires the attention of the
person assembling the playpen, causing the parent or childcare
provider to stop paying attention to the child, who is no longer
confined to a playpen. Leaving a child unattended and unconfined is
potentially dangerous for the child.
[0007] Playpens made out of wood, metal, or rigid plastic contain
hard walls, posts, or bases. Very young children often have limited
ability to maintain their balance and stand upright, causing them
to fall frequently. If a child falls into a hard wood, metal, or
plastic wall, post, or base of a playpen, the child could be
injured.
[0008] Other types of playpens include inflatable playpens. Current
inflatable playpens are susceptible to being punctured or otherwise
developing holes that allow air to escape and the playpen to
deflate. This is dangerous because a deflated playpen will no
longer confine the child. The unconfined child is free to leave the
playpen and encounter dangerous objects and environments.
[0009] Current inflatable playpens have components such as a base
and walls made out of single air chambers. These playpens have the
problem of completely deflating when any portion of the air chamber
is punctured or deflates. This is dangerous because a single
puncture would deflate the entire play pen.
[0010] Present inflatable playpens have bases that do not allow air
to pass through them. Instead, air pockets can become trapped
beneath the base of a current inflatable playpen. These air pockets
can cause the playpen to become unstable and potentially tip over.
This is problematic because if the playpen tips over it could
injure the child or allow the child to leave the playpen and get
hurt.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,750 to Kelter et. al. discloses an
inflatable crib with four separate and distinct walls and an
inflatable base without any way for air to pass through the
base.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,153 to Bleser et. al. discloses an
inflatable playpen with an inflatable mattress and columns
constituting a single air chamber.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,284 to Brown discloses an inflatable
crib formed by an inflatable base, independently inflatable side
walls and a screen-like webbing connecting each side wall to the
base portion.
[0014] All these patents suffer from the same defect. If any one of
the walls becomes deflated a child can leave the crib and encounter
danger. Even a single wall deflating could make the crib unstable,
allowing the child to tip it over, potentially injuring the child.
Without any way for air to pass through the base air pockets are
trapped underneath the base, potentially causing the crib to become
unstable and dangerous.
[0015] Current playpens get dirty easily and are difficult to
clean. At times children may eat or drink in a playpen. This can
cause the playpen to get dirty and sticky. Additionally, when a
playpen is located outdoors where there is dirt and other debris
that can cause the playpen to get dirty. Currently it is necessary
to clean playpens by hand, which is difficult and
time-consuming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an
inflatable playpen with an inflatable base, the base having shaped
welds, at least one of the shaped welds having an interior portion
removed. This preferred embodiment also has an inflatable wall made
up of a number of connected rings that each have a separate air
chamber. The base of the playpen is connected to the ring closest
to it. The inflatable playpen in this preferred embodiment also has
a cover with an opening that can fit snugly around the base and the
walls. The multiple air chambers in the rings making up the wall
prevents any one leak of hole from causing the wall to deflate. If
the wall deflated, it would be problematic because a child put in
the playpen would no longer be confined to the playpen. The cover
can be removed and easily washed. This is beneficial because
playpens get dirty frequently.
[0017] These and other features of the present invention are
discussed or apparent in the following detailed description.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable playpen
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inflatable playpen with
cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an inflatable playpen
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a plain view of an inflatable playpen according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the base of
an inflatable playpen according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of inflatable playpen 100. The
inflatable playpen 100 includes base 110 and inflatable wall 120.
The base 110 includes at least one inflatable chamber 112, a
plurality of shaped welds 114, and a plurality of shaped weld
having their interior portions removed 116. The inflatable wall 120
includes multiple rings 122, each ring having a separate air
chamber.
[0024] To construct inflatable playpen 100, an outer edge of base
110 is connected to inflatable wall 120. In base 110, upper sheet
402 and lower sheet 404 (as shown in FIG. 5 and discussed below)
are connected by welds 114 oriented in a grid pattern out to the
edges. This forms inflatable chamber 112. Inflatable wall 120 is
constructed by connecting rings 122 together. Ring 122, closest to
base 110, is connected to base 110. Rings 122 are oriented so that
their centers are substantially collinear.
[0025] In operation, welds 114 help base 110 maintain its shape.
Welds 114 also help stabilize base 110 and maintain a substantially
uniform distribution of air in inflatable chamber 112. This cushion
of air in base 110 helps protect children in playpen 100 from
injury when playpen 100 is placed on a hard surface. At least one
shaped weld has its interior portion 116 removed, allowing air to
move from beneath playpen 100 through base 110. Preferably a
plurality of shaped welds have their interior portions removed 116,
and are configured in a grid formation. This prevents pockets of
air from getting trapped under playpen 100 causing it to become
unstable. Inflatable wall 120 confines a child placed in playpen
100. The multiple rings 122 of wall 120 create a barrier that keeps
the child in playpen 100.
[0026] Several alternatives exist to the embodiment of the
invention described above and shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment
the shape and placement of welds 114 and welds having an interior
portion removed 116 are different. In one embodiment welds 114 and
welds having an interior portion removed 116 are shapes other than
circles, such as ovals, squares, rectangles, stars, diamonds,
octagons, polygons, or the like. In one embodiment welds 114 and
welds having an interior portion removed 116 are arranged in
different patterns other than a grid. The number of rings 122 in
the inflatable wall 120 may also vary. In one embodiment, each ring
122 is a separate air chamber. In another embodiment each ring 122
has multiple air chambers. The number of air chambers in base 110
may also vary. In one embodiment, base 110 has multiple air
chambers. In one embodiment base 110 has inflatable chambers 112
that are parallel to each other. In another embodiment the base 110
has inflatable chambers 112 that are concentric circles. In yet
another embodiment, the inflatable chambers are interwoven, thereby
preventing the child from coming into contact with a hard surface
if any one of the chambers deflates.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of inflatable playpen 200 with
cover 210. Cover 210 includes drawstring 212. Cover 210 is placed
around playpen 200 and is secured with drawstring 212. In
operation, when drawstring 212 is tightened, it makes the opening
in cover 210 smaller than the size of playpen 200, thereby keeping
cover 210 secured to playpen 200. The cover 210 is secured to
playpen 200 with securing means such as drawstring 212, Velcro.TM.,
zippers, snaps, hooks, ties, buttons, and the like.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of inflatable playpen 300.
Inflatable playpen 300 includes base 310, inflatable wall 320, and
cover 330. Base 310 includes inflatable chambers 312, shaped welds
314, shaped welds having an interior portion removed 316, and
openings 318 for securing means 334. In the pictured embodiment
inflatable wall 320 includes multiple rings 322. Cover 330 includes
drawstrings 332, securing means 334, Velcro.TM. tabs 336, and
opening 338.
[0029] In one embodiment, an outer edge of base 310 is connected to
inflatable wall 320, and cover 330 is constructed to formfit around
base 310 and wall 320. In base 310, upper sheet 402 and lower sheet
404 are connected by welds 314. This creates inflatable chamber
312. In one embodiment, holes through the upper sheet 402 and lower
sheet 404 of base 310 in interior portions of welds create shaped
welds having an interior portion removed 316. In one embodiment,
holes through the upper and lower sheets of base 310 create
openings 318 for securing means 334. In one embodiment, openings
318 for securing means 334 are located on base 310 near wall 320.
Rings 322 are connected together forming and inflatable wall, and
base 310 is connected to the ring 322 closest to it. In cover 330,
drawstrings 332, securing means 334, and Velcro.TM. tabs 336 are
connected to cover 330. Securing means 334 are oriented so that
they can pass through openings 318 and partially connect to
Velcro.TM. tabs 336.
[0030] In one embodiment, playpen 300, base 310, inflatable chamber
312, welds 314, shaped welds having an interior portion removed
316, inflatable wall 320, and rings 322 operate as described above
with reference to FIG. 1.
[0031] In another embodiment shaped welds having an interior
portion removed 316 let air pass out of the enclosure formed
between base 310, wall 320 and cover 330. This prevents air from
getting trapped between base 310, wall 320 and cover 330, and makes
cover 330 formfitting to wall 320 and base 310. Drawstrings 332,
securing means 334, and Velcro.TM. tabs 336 also make cover 330
formfitting. Drawstrings 332 can be tightened to make the opening
338 in cover 330 smaller than base 310, thereby securing cover 330
snugly to base 310 and wall 320. Securing means 334 can pass
through openings 318 and attach to Velcro.TM. tabs 336 to secure
cover 330 to base 310 and wall 320. This also makes cover 330
formfitting to base 310 and wall 320. Cover 330 is easily removed
and cleaned by, for example, washing it in a washing machine. This
makes playpen 300 easy to keep clean and sanitary.
[0032] In one embodiment, the shape and placement of welds 314 and
welds having an interior portion removed 316 are different. In one
embodiment, welds 314 and welds having an interior portion removed
316 are shapes other than circles, such as ovals, squares,
diamonds, rectangles, or starts. In another embodiment, welds 314
and welds having an interior portion removed 316 are arranged
differently. The number of rings 322 in inflatable wall 320 may
also vary. In one embodiment, each ring 322 is an air chamber
distinct from each other ring 322. In another embodiment, rings 322
each have multiple air chambers. The number of air chambers in base
310 may vary. In one embodiment, base 310 has multiple air
chambers. In one embodiment, base 310 has parallel inflatable
chambers 312. In another embodiment base 310 has inflatable
chambers 312 that are concentric circles.
[0033] There are numerous ways cover 330 can be secured to base 310
and wall 320. Cover 330 may also be secured to base 310 or wall 320
using ties, buttons, snaps, hooks, clamps, zippers, or the like.
Openings 318 for securing means 334 may also be in different
locations on either base 310 or wall 320. In one embodiment,
Velcro.TM. tabs 336 are replaced by other fastening devices such as
buttons, snaps, hooks, clamps, or the like. In another embodiment,
the securing means 334 are ties, and the ends of the ties are tied
together after they pass through openings 318 or other holes.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a plain view of inflatable playpen 400. Inflatable
playpen 400 includes base 410 and wall 420. Base 410 includes
inflatable portion 412, shaped welds 414 and welds having an
interior portion removed 416. Base 410 is connected to an outer
edge of inflatable wall 420. Inflatable chamber 412 in base 410 is
formed by welds 414.
[0035] In one embodiment, the shape and placement of welds 414 and
welds having an interior portion removed 416 are different. In
another embodiment welds 414 and welds having an interior portion
removed 416 are shapes other than circles, such as squares, ovals,
diamonds, rectangles, stars, hexagons, octagons, polygons, or the
like. In one embodiment, welds 414 and welds having an interior
portion removed 416 are arranged in different patterns.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of base 410 of
inflatable playpen 400. In base 410, upper sheet 402 and lower
sheet 404 are connected by welds 414 oriented in a grid pattern.
This shapes inflatable chamber 412.
[0037] While particular elements, embodiments and applications of
the present invention have been shown and described, it is
understood that the invention is not limited thereto since
modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly
in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by
the appended claims to cover such modifications and incorporate
those features which come within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *