U.S. patent application number 14/289129 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for crib liner with skirt.
This patent application is currently assigned to Triboro Quilt Manufacturing Corp.. The applicant listed for this patent is Triboro Quilt Manufacturing Corp.. Invention is credited to Deborah Ashworth.
Application Number | 20150342370 14/289129 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54700357 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150342370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ashworth; Deborah |
December 3, 2015 |
CRIB LINER WITH SKIRT
Abstract
A crib liner is constructed to include an integral skirt and is
intended for use with a crib that includes a crib mattress that is
disposed on a platform. The crib liner includes a liner portion
that has a front surface and a rear surface. The liner portion
includes a set of first fasteners formed along the front surface
for attaching the liner portion to the crib. The crib liner further
includes a skirt portion that is attached to a bottom edge of the
liner portion and depends downwardly therefrom and is configured to
extend below the platform on which the crib mattress is supported.
At least one of the liner portion and skirt portion has on a rear
surface thereof a set of second fasteners for attachment to the
crib.
Inventors: |
Ashworth; Deborah; (Lacombe,
LA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Triboro Quilt Manufacturing Corp. |
White Plains |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Triboro Quilt Manufacturing
Corp.
White Plains
NY
|
Family ID: |
54700357 |
Appl. No.: |
14/289129 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/424 ;
29/525.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 15/008 20130101;
Y10T 29/49948 20150115; A47G 9/0292 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20060101
A47D015/00; A47G 9/02 20060101 A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. A crib liner having an integral skirt for a crib that includes a
crib mattress that is disposed on a platform comprising: a liner
portion that has a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the
liner portion includes a set of first fasteners formed along the
front surface for attaching the liner portion to the crib; and a
skirt portion that is attached to the liner portion and depends
downwardly therefrom and is configured to extend below the platform
on which the crib mattress is supported; wherein at least one of
the liner portion and skirt portion has on a rear surface thereof a
set of second fasteners for attachment to the crib.
2. The crib liner of claim 1, wherein the liner portion includes a
first section and an adjacent second section, the set of first
fasteners being entirely disposed within the first section and the
second section for placement adjacent and above a top surface of
the crib mattress.
3. The crib liner of claim 2, wherein the second section is formed
of a mesh material and the adjacent first section comprises a
non-mesh section.
4. The crib liner of claim 3, wherein the mesh section occupies
less than 50% by surface area of the liner portion.
5. The crib liner of claim 2, further including a third section,
with the second section being disposed between the first and third
sections, wherein the first and third sections are formed of a
non-mesh material and the second section is formed of a mesh
material.
6. The crib liner of claim 1, wherein each of the set of first
fasteners comprises a looped structure that has an adjustable
circumference so as to allow adjustment of the first fastener
relative to one or more frame supports of the crib to cause the
first fastener to assume a taut condition.
7. The crib liner of claim 6, wherein the one or more frame
supports comprises one of: (1) one or more slats of a side rail;
and (2) a corner post.
8. The crib liner of claim 1, wherein each first fastener
comprises: (1) a first elongated member that is attached at one end
to the front surface of the liner portion and has a buckle at an
opposite second end; and (2) a second elongated member that is
attached at one end to the front surface of the liner portion and
has a free end that passes through a slot in the buckle, the second
elongated member having two separate fastener elements that mate
together to attach the second elongated member to itself after
passing through the buckle and being folded on top of itself.
9. The crib liner of claim 8, wherein the two separate fastener
elements comprise hook and loop patches.
10. The crib liner of claim 8, wherein the first and second
elongated members comprise fabric strips.
11. The crib liner of claim 8, wherein there are two first
fasteners one at or proximate each end of the liner portion.
12. The crib liner of claim 1, wherein the set of first fasteners
comprises two different types of fasteners with a first set being
formed at or proximate ends of the liner portion and a second set
being formed between the first set.
13. The crib liner of claim 1, wherein the set of second fasteners
comprises a plurality of ties for attachment to the platform that
supports the crib mattress.
14. The crib liner of claim 1, wherein the mattress platform
comprises a spring frame and the set of second fasteners are
attached to the spring frame.
15. The crib liner of claim 1, wherein the liner portion has a
first end fastener disposed on the front surface at a first end of
the liner portion and second end fastener disposed on the rear
surface at a second end of the liner portion, each of the first and
second end fasteners being configured for attaching one liner
portion to another liner portion.
16. The crib liner of claim 15, wherein the first and second end
fasteners comprise hook and loop material configured to mate
together and link the one liner portion to the other liner portion
in series.
17. A crib liner having an integral skirt for a crib that includes
a frame and a crib mattress that is disposed on a horizontal
platform that is coupled to and supported by the crib frame, the
crib liner comprising: a liner portion that has a front surface and
a rear surface, wherein the liner portion includes a set of first
fasteners formed along the front surface for attaching the liner
portion to the frame of the crib; a skirt portion that is attached
to the liner portion and depends downwardly therefrom and is
configured to extend below the platform on which the crib mattress
is supported, the skirt portion having a front surface and a rear
surface; and a second set of fasteners disposed on the rear surface
of at least one of the liner portion and skirt portion for
attaching the rear surface to the horizontal mattress platform of
the crib.
18. A crib liner and skirt combination for a crib that includes a
crib mattress that is disposed on a platform comprising: a liner
portion that has a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the
liner portion includes a set of first fasteners formed along the
front surface for attaching the liner portion to the crib and a set
of second fasteners for attachment to the crib frame; and a skirt
that is separate from the liner portion and is configured for
placement across the platform on which the crib mattress is
supported, the skirt having a base portion and a plurality of side
portions that depend downwardly from the base portion, the base
portion for placement over the platform and includes a plurality of
spaced openings formed along a periphery of the base portion, the
spaced openings providing access to the platform to allow the
second fasteners to be attached to the platform.
19. The combination of claim 18, wherein the spaced openings are
located along at least first and second sides of the skirt and
extend inwardly from the periphery of the base portion which is
located at an interface between the base portion and one respective
side portion.
20. The combination of claim 19, wherein the opening is triangular
shaped with a pointed end of the triangle pointing away from the
periphery of the base portion.
21. The combination of claim 19, wherein the spaced openings are
formed along all sides of the skirt.
22. The combination of claim 18, wherein each second fastener
comprises a pair of ties that are configured to pass through one
respective opening and be tied to the frame.
23. The combination of claim 22, wherein the mattress platform is
comprised of springs attached within an outer tubular frame, the
ties being tied around the outer tubular frame of the mattress
platform.
24. A method for installing a crib accessory to a crib having a
mattress comprising the steps of: providing a crib liner having an
integral skirt, the crib liner having a crib liner portion and a
skirt portion that is attached to the crib liner portion and
depends downwardly therefrom, wherein a front surface of the crib
liner includes a first set of fasteners and a rear surface of the
crib liner includes a second set of fasteners; positioning the crib
liner relative to the crib such that the crib liner portion extends
above the mattress and the skirt extends below the mattress;
attaching the crib liner to a side rail of the crib using the first
set of fasteners; and attaching the crib liner to a horizontal
platform on which the mattress rests using the second set of
fasteners.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to crib related products and
in particular, to crib attachments that are designed to prevent or
protect infants or young children when in a crib from potentially
problematic situations, such as getting limbs extended and caught
between crib slats, etc., and at the same time provide an
aesthetically pleasing product that also incorporates a crib
skirt.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As is well known, an infant bed (commonly referred to as a
crib) is a small bed that is specifically designed for infants and
very young children. Cribs are designed to safely restrict the
infant to the crib and therefore, are designed so that the sides
are too high for an infant to climb and no footholds are provided.
Cribs are also designed to prevent limb entrapment and
consequently, in many countries, government agencies that oversee
product safety have enacted standards for cribs. For example,
typical standards include requirements that concern the size and
spacing of the vertical bars or slats on the sides and ends and
also the distance between the top of the side and the top of the
mattress support in different operating positions.
[0003] Conventional baby cribs include side rails that are made up
of top and bottom horizontal bars interconnected by a series of
spaced apart slats. Frequently babies and toddlers while sleeping
or playing in their cribs intentionally or accidentally extend
their limbs out of the crib between the slats and can have
difficulty drawing them back into the crib. If this occurs when the
child is sleeping, the extended limbs will remain uncovered and
become cold, and the child will ultimately awaken. In addition, the
child could potentially be injured or caused discomfort by having a
limb become temporarily lodged between a pair of slats. Most
conventional cribs also include headboards and footboards that also
can be made with spaced-apart supports (similar to side rails) and
as a result, the infant can extend a limb between these supports as
well.
[0004] While once popular, one style of crib that was commonly
known as a "drop-side" crib has been recently banned in the United
States due to safety concerns resulting from the drop-down side
portion thereof. As a result, the prevalent crib design of the day
is a fixed crib structure that most often includes two side rail
sections and a footboard/headboard or some other structure that
closes off one end of the crib. For example, some cribs include an
integral changing station which is fixedly attached to one end of
the crib and provides a vertical wall that closes off that end of
the crib's sleeping area.
[0005] In addition to a mattress, there are a vast number of
different crib accessory products that are sold for use with a
crib. These accessory products can range from toys, such as
mobiles, to comfort products, such as quilts and bedding and to
safety products that are designed to address potential safety
concerns and/or provide additional protection for the infant in the
crib. For example, one type of product that is popular is a crib
shield/crib bumper that is disposed across at least a portion of
the crib. "Crib bumpers" are marketed to keep children from bumping
against the hard sides and hurting themselves and keeping arms and
legs inside of the crib. Crib bumpers can be formed in different
styles and using different materials. For example, traditional crib
bumpers can be formed from a number of different materials,
including natural materials (e.g., cotton or bamboo) or synthetic
materials (e.g., polyester) that provide a padded product that
protects the infant from the hard sides. Crib bumpers can be
marketed as part of a matching bedding set and therefore, often
include decorative patterns or decorative indicia, such as animals,
etc. Many parents like the decorative look of the traditional crib
bumpers.
[0006] In addition and more recently, crib shields/crib bumpers can
be formed of a mesh material that is intended to provide increased
ventilation. These products can be in the form of a breathable
integrated padded mesh material. However, these mesh products lack
the decorative appearance of more traditional crib bumpers. Most
times, the mesh product is in the form a plain mesh panel that
lacks any ornamental detail or only includes minor ornamental
detail.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one embodiment, a crib liner is constructed to include an
integral skirt and is intended for use with a crib that includes a
crib mattress that is disposed on a platform. The crib liner
includes a liner portion that has a front surface and a rear
surface. The liner portion includes a set of first fasteners formed
along the front surface for attaching the liner portion to the
crib. The crib liner further includes a skirt portion that is
attached to a bottom edge of the liner portion and depends
downwardly therefrom and is configured to extend below the platform
on which the crib mattress is supported. At least one of the liner
portion and skirt portion has on a rear surface thereof at least
one set of fasteners for attachment to the crib.
[0008] Each of the set of first fasteners comprises a looped
structure that has an adjustable circumference so as to allow
adjustment of the first fastener relative to one or more frame
supports of the crib to cause the first fastener to assume a taut
condition. The one or more frame supports can comprise one of: (1)
one or more slats of a side rail; and (2) a corner post.
[0009] The set of first fasteners can comprise two different types
of fasteners with a first set being formed at or proximate ends of
the liner portion and a second set being formed between the first
set.
[0010] In addition, the set of second fasteners can comprise a
plurality of ties for attachment to the platform that supports the
crib mattress.
[0011] A crib liner and skirt combination for a crib that includes
a crib mattress that is disposed on a platform includes a liner
portion that has a front surface and a rear surface. The liner
portion includes a set of first fasteners formed along the front
surface for attaching the liner portion to the crib and a set of
second fasteners for attachment to the platform. The combination
also includes a skirt that is separate from the liner portion and
is configured for placement across the platform on which the crib
mattress is supported. The skirt has a base portion and a plurality
of side portions that depend downwardly from the base portion. The
base portion for placement over the platform and includes a
plurality of spaced openings formed along a periphery of the base
portion. The spaced openings provide access to the platform to
allow the second fasteners to be attached to the platform.
[0012] These and other aspects, features and advantages shall be
apparent from the accompanying Drawings and description of certain
embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a conventional
crib;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an integral crib liner
and skirt in accordance with one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the integral crib liner
and skirt;
[0016] FIG. 4 is side elevation view of the integral crib liner and
skirt installed on a crib side rail;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view showing the integral crib
liner and skirt attached to the crib;
[0018] FIG. 6 is side elevation view of the integral crib liner and
skirt partially installed on a crib side rail;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a crib with a crib
skirt according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is front perspective view of a crib liner for use
with the crib skirt of FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the crib liner and skirt
attached to the crib; and
[0022] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the crib liner and
skirt attached to the crib.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a conventional crib 100 that includes two side
rails 110, 120, a footboard 130 and a headboard (not shown). The
side rails 110, 120 extend between the footboard 130 and the
headboard along a length thereof. The headboard, footboard 130 and
side rails 110, 120 are connected and sized for receiving a
mattress 160 within an interior 170 of the crib 100. It will be
understood that the crib 100 can be of a permanent type or can be
of a foldable or portable type.
[0024] Generally, the side rails 110, 120, footboard 130, and
headboard define an interior boundary extending proximate and
around a periphery of the mattress 160 disposed within the crib
100. The mattress 160 is supported within the crib 100 by various
platform structures, such as a spring frame 161 or other structure.
For example, a bottom structural member may be supported at one or
more positions about the interior boundary of the crib 100. In many
conventional cribs 100, the mattress 160 and/or a supporting
platform 161 may be raised and/or lowered. The crib 100 includes
four corners 105.
[0025] The supporting mattress platform 161 is typically comprised
of a plurality of springs attached to a rectangular frame, with
said mattress platform attached to the perimeter structure of the
crib, typically at the four corner posts 105. The mattress platform
161 provides a surface on which the mattress 160 sits.
[0026] Each of the side rails 110, 120 generally includes a top bar
112 and a bottom bar 114 positioned substantially parallel to one
another. A plurality of generally vertically-spaced side support
elements 116 extend between the horizontal top bar 112 and
horizontal bottom bar 114. The side rails 110, 120 are fixedly
attached to the other components of the crib, such as the footboard
130 and headboard.
[0027] The footboard 130 of crib 100 includes an upper bar 132 as
well as a bottom horizontal element 134, each connected in a fixed
position to a pair of the corner posts 105. In a similar manner to
the side rails 110, 120, generally vertically-spaced support
elements can extend between the top bar 132 and the bottom
horizontal element 134 or, as shown, the footboard 130 can be
solid. In the illustrated embodiment, the headboard can have a
similar or identical construction as the footboard 130.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of spaced-apart side
support elements 116 of the side rails 110, 120 and the headboard
and footboard define the interior boundary extending proximate and
around the periphery of the mattress 160 disposed within the crib
100.
[0029] In accordance with the present invention and as shown in
FIGS. 2-5, a crib liner (crib shield) with integral skirt 200 is
provided for use with crib 100 and more particularly, the crib
liner with integral skirt 200 is attached to the crib 100 along at
least some portions of the interior boundary of the crib 100
defined by the side rails 110, 120, headboard and footboard 130.
For ease of simplicity, the crib liner with integral skirt is
simply referred to herein as the crib liner 200 and described
below, it will be appreciated that the crib liner 200 has two
distinct portions or sections, namely, the crib liner portion which
serves one purpose and the skirt portion which serves a second
purpose.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the crib liner 200 can come
as a set of liners or panel sections for attachment to the crib
100. For example, the crib liner set can include two or more crib
liners 200 that are used for covering portions of the crib 100. For
example, one crib liner 200 can be attached to the crib 100 such
that it extends along at least a length of the side rail 110 and
optionally along one or both of the headboard and the footboard 130
and another crib liner 200 can be attached to the crib 100 such
that it extends along the other side rail 120 and optionally along
one or both of the headboard and the footboard 130. Alternatively,
the crib liners 200 can be sold individually.
[0031] In one embodiment, the crib liner with integral skirt 200 is
provided in two different sizes, namely, a first size which is
intended for placement along one of the side rails 110 and a second
size which is intended for placement along one of the headboard or
footboard. The length of the side rail is typically longer than the
length of the headboard or footboard. There are many different
types of crib designs and some cribs have a solid wall section,
such as a solid side rail or solid headboard or solid footboard,
and therefore, there is no need to have a liner placed in such
portion of the crib. As a result, the crib liner 200 of the present
invention can be sold as individual panels or as a set of panels to
allow the consumer to purchase only those liners that are needed
for the consumer's crib (based on its design, etc.). For example,
if the rear side wall of the crib is solid, the consumer needs only
to purchase one side rail sized liner for the front side wall and
two smaller sized liners for the headboard and the footboard.
[0032] As will be appreciated and understood, the construction of
the liners 200 for use along the side rails and headboard or
footboard is the same with only the dimensions of the liners 200
differing depending upon where the liner 200 is to be placed along
the crib.
[0033] The crib liner with integral skirt 200 can be thought of has
having two distinct sections or portions, namely, a liner portion
210 that is intended for placement along and above the mattress 160
and a skirt portion 300 that is intended for placement below the
mattress 160. The liner portion 210 is thus defined by a height H1
and a length L1 and has a top edge 212, an opposing bottom edge
214, a first end 216, and an opposing second end 218.
[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, the liner portion 210 is formed
of a number of sections and more specifically, the liner portion
210 is formed of at least three distinct (longitudinal) sections.
The liner portion 210 has a top (first) section 220 that runs the
length of the liner portion 210 and defines the top edge 212; a
middle section 230 that runs the length of the liner portion 210;
and a bottom (lower) section 240 that runs the length of the liner
portion 210 and defines the bottom edge 214.
[0035] The top section 220 is constructed to act as the portion
that is attached to the crib and in particular and in accordance
with one embodiment, the top section 220 includes a number of
fasteners that are used to attach the liner portion 210 to the crib
at one or more locations.
[0036] The top section 220 can be formed of any number of different
materials including but not limited to natural materials and
synthetic materials. The top section 220 can also carry decorative
indicia, such as printed indicia or the like.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the top section 220 includes
a first type of fastener (first fastener) 300 and a second type of
fastener (second fastener) 310. The first type of fastener 300 acts
as the primary fastener for releasably attaching the liner portion
210 to the crib, while the second type of fastener 310 acts as a
secondary fastener for further releasably attaching the liner
portion 210 to the crib.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, there is a plurality of
fasteners 300 of the first type and similarly, there is a plurality
of fasteners 310 of the second type. More specifically, there are
two fasteners 300 one at or near each end of the liner portion 210
and there are two or more fasteners 310 disposed between the two
fasteners 300.
[0039] Preferably and as described below, the fasteners 300 are
adjustable in that the fasteners can be tightened in such a way
that reduces slack in the liner portion 210. In other words, the
fastening and tightening of the fasteners 300 causes sections of
the liner portion 210 to be drawn in towards the two main points of
attachment (defined by fasteners 300) between the liner portion 210
and the crib frame to provide a tighter, more snug fit.
[0040] The fasteners 300 are constructed to attach the liner
portion 210 (e.g., the ends thereof) to the crib. The fasteners 300
can be any number of different types of fasteners. For example,
various types of fastening apparatus may include hook and loop
closures (e.g., Velcro), snaps, buttons/buttonholes, ties, straps,
buckles, zippers, magnets, etc. In the exemplary embodiment of
FIGS. 1-4, the fasteners 300 are in the form of hook and loop
closures. More specifically, each fastener 300 is formed of a first
fastening element 302 and a second fastening element 304 that mates
with the first fastening element 302. The first fastening element
302 is in the form of a first strip of elongated material that is
attached at one end to the inner surface of the top section 210.
The opposite end of the first fastening element 302 is a free end
303 that includes a buckle 305 that has a slot (opening) formed
therein. The second fastening element 304 is in the form of a
second strip of elongated material that is attached at one end 307
to the inner surface of the top section 220. An opposite end 309 of
the second fastening element 304 is a free end. The strip 304 is
constructed such that it has hook and loop material one surface
thereof and in particular, a first patch of hook and loop material
311 is disposed along the front surface near or at the end 307 and
a second patch of hook and loop material 313 is disposed along the
rear surface near or at the free end 309.
[0041] The first and second fastening elements 302, 304 mate with
one another by passing the free end 309 through the slot formed in
the buckle 305 and then folding back the second fastening element
304 on to itself, thereby causing a mating of the hook and loop
material that is on the front and rear surfaces of the second
fastening element 304.
[0042] Since the second fastening element 304 passes through buckle
305, tension can be created within the liner 210 by pulling the
second fastening element 304 until it is taught and then mating
together the hook and loop material 311, 313 formed on the rear
surface of the second fastening element 304.
[0043] It will be appreciated that any number of different types of
fasteners (including those described herein) can be used to
securely attach the liner portion 210 to the frame of the crib.
[0044] To attach the liner portion 210 to the crib, the first
fastening element 302 is disposed on one side of at least one slat
116 and the second fastening element 304 is disposed on the other
side of the at least one slat 116. As a result, the one or more
slats 116 are captured between the first and second fastening
elements 302, 304 when they are mated together as described
above.
[0045] The fasteners 310 are thus constructed to further attach the
liner portion 210 to the crib at additional points. The fasteners
310 can be any number of different types of fasteners. For example,
various types of fastening apparatus can include hook and loop
closures (e.g., Velcro), snaps, buttons/buttonholes, ties, straps,
buckles, zippers, magnets, etc. In the exemplary embodiment of
FIGS. 1-4, the fasteners 310 are in the form of hook and loop
closures. More specifically, each fastener 310 is formed of a first
fastening element 312 and a second fastening element 316 that mates
with the first fastening element 312. The first fastening element
312 is in the form of a patch of hook and loop material that is
fixedly attached to the front surface of the top portion 220 at or
near the top edge thereof. The second fastening element 316 is in
the form of an elongated strip that is attached at one end to the
top portion 220 and has a free end. The free end has a patch of
hook and loop material and in particular, the hook and loop
material is formed on the rear surface of the strip 316.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows an alternative construction in which both the
first and second fastening elements 312, 316 are in the form of
elongated strips of material (straps) with a fastener associated
therewith. The two straps 312, 316 attach to one another to thereby
capture the crib frame (slat 116).
[0047] The use of the fastener 310 is as follows. As described
herein, when the liner portion 210 is placed along an inner surface
of the crib, such as along the inside of one side rail, the strip
316 is fed through one opening defined between the slats of the
side rail and is extended laterally across one or more of the slats
and the free end is mated to the first fastening element 312. In
this manner, the strip 316 effectively captures one or more slats
116 of the side rail and provides another point of attachment
between the liner portion 210 and the crib.
[0048] Although hook and loop fasteners are preferable in some
products, any other closure or fastener apparatus suitable for
attaching crib liners or other crib accessories to the crib 100 can
be used and implemented with the integral liner and skirt described
herein.
[0049] The middle section 230 is formed of a material that has
enhanced breathability and in particular, the middle section 230 is
formed of a mesh material. The mesh material used to construct at
least a portion of the middle section 230 can include any suitable
mesh-type material that provides breathable functionality.
Breathable functionality refers to the ability of the material to
allow air to substantially move effectively therethrough. As used
herein, when air is indicated as substantially moving effectively
through a material, it is meant that the material includes openings
(e.g., mesh openings, open-framework, spaces between elements
thereof, or even those that may not be visually perceivable
openings but still allow a breathable function to occur) that do
not impede air movement to an extent that would prevent a human
being from breathing through (e.g., when a human's respiratory
openings (e.g., nose/mouth) are in direct contact with a material)
such a material in order to prevent suffocation and further that
such openings are too small to permit an infant to insert a finger
or toe therethrough. For example, such materials may include
cotton, silk, polyester, nylon, etc.
[0050] In one embodiment, the middle section 230 is formed of a
mesh material that is formed of openings too small to permit an
infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough. It will also be
appreciated that when mesh material is discussed herein with
reference to other crib liners, one exemplary type of mesh is thus
one in which the mesh material that is formed of openings too small
to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough.
[0051] In accordance with one embodiment, the surface area of the
middle section 230 is less than 66% of the total surface area of
the liner portion 210 and more particularly, the surface area of
the middle liner portion 230 can be less than 55%; less than 50%;
less than 40%, etc.
[0052] It will be appreciated that decorative indicia can also be
formed on the middle section 230 even when it is formed of a mesh
material.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the top section 220 that
carries the fasteners is formed of a non-mesh material since it is
spaced much higher than the crib mattress surface.
[0054] The bottom section 240 is more similar to the top section
220 in that it is preferably not formed of a mesh material since
the bottom section 240 is intended for placement below the crib
mattress surface.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the liner portion 210 also includes two
end fasteners 270, 272 that are formed at the ends of the sections
220, 230, 240 and run vertically from the top edge to the bottom
edge of the liner portion 210. One end fastener 270 is formed on
the front surface of the liner portion 210 at or near end 216,
while the other end fastener 272 is formed along the rear surface
of the liner portion 210 at or near end 218 (FIG. 3). The two end
fasteners 270, 272 are designed to attach one crib liner/skirt 100
to another crib liner/skirt 100 in the case in which multiple crib
liners/skirts 100 are used with the crib. Thus, the fasteners 270,
272 of one crib liner/skirt 100 are configured to attach the one
crib liner/skirt 100 to one or more other crib liners/skirts 100 by
mating with corresponding fasteners 270, 272 of the other crib
liner/skirt 100.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 270, 272 are in
the form of hook and loop material. When one crib liner/skirt 100
is placed along one side of the crib and the other crib liner/skirt
100 is placed along an adjacent side of the crib, the fastener 270
of the one crib liner/skirt 100 is positioned adjacent the fastener
272 of the other crib liner/skirt 100. Accordingly, the fasteners
270, 272 attach to one another at one corner of the crib. When two
or more crib liners/skirts 100 are used, they are thus connected to
one another in series so as to form a continuous crib liner/skirt
100 that extends around the inside of the crib.
[0057] The fasteners 270, 272 thus permit multiple liners/skirts
100 to be easily attached to and detached from one another to allow
user customization.
[0058] It will be understood that each fastener 270, 272 can be
formed of more than one fastener (i.e., a series of snaps) that
attaches to complementary fasteners associated with the other crib
liner/skirt. In addition, the fastener 270, 272 does not have to
extend completely from the top edge to the bottom edge but can
occupy a portion of the liner therebetween. Further, hook and loop
material is only one exemplary type of fastener that can be
used.
[0059] The skirt portion 300 is integrally connected to the liner
portion 210 and more specifically, the skirt portion 300 is
attached to the liner portion 210 along the bottom edge 214
thereof. The skirt portion 300 can be attached to the liner portion
210 using any number of conventional techniques including but not
limited to stitching, use of an adhesive, hook and loop fastener,
etc. There can be some overlap between the bottom edge 214 of the
liner portion 210 and the skirt portion 300.
[0060] The skirt portion 300 has a front surface 310, an opposing
rear surface 312; a top edge 314 and an opposing rear edge 316. The
skirt portion 300 can be pleated as shown. Indicia, such as printed
decorative indicia, can be provided on one or more of the front
surface 310 and the rear surface 312.
[0061] The skirt portion 300 has a height H2 and a length L2. The
height H2 of the skirt portion 300 can be greater than, less than
or about equal to the height H1 of the liner portion 210. The
length L2 of the skirt portion 300 in its normal rest position
(e.g., in a pleated condition) is preferably about equal to the
length L1 of the liner portion 210 such that the respective first
ends of the liner portion 210 and skirt portion 300 are in general
alignment and the respective second ends of the liner portion 210
and skirt portion 300 are also in general alignment.
[0062] It will be understood that the material that forms the skirt
portion 300 can be the same or different than the material that is
used to form at least a portion of the liner portion 210 (e.g.,
portions 220, 230). The skirt portion 300 can thus be formed of a
natural material, such as cotton, or a synthetic material. Since
the skirt portion 300 is positioned below the mattress 160, the
skirt portion 300 preferably does not include a mesh material due
to it being spaced away from the child.
[0063] An additional fastener for attaching the crib liner/skirt
100 to the crib is provided. More specifically, a fastener 400 can
be provided along a length of the liner/skirt 100 for attaching the
liner/skirt 100 to the mattress platform 161 as shown in FIG. 4. As
shown, the fastener 400 is preferably in the form of a plurality of
fasteners 400 that are disposed along the length of the liner/skirt
100 at or near the location at which the liner portion 210 joins
the skirt portion 300.
[0064] The fasteners 400 can be formed of any one of the types of
fasteners disclosed herein and in the illustrated embodiment, the
fasteners 400 are in the form of a plurality of ties 400 that are
spaced along the length of the liner/skirt 100. As shown in FIG. 5,
the ties 400 are securely attached to the mattress platform 161
along the rear of the liner/skirt 100. The fasteners 400 thus
provide additional fasteners that attach the liner/skirt 100 to a
different portion of the crib (i.e., the spring frame 161 as
opposed to the slats of a side rail) and further are formed along
the rear surface as opposed to the fasteners 300, 310 that are
formed along the front surface. In this manner, the crib
liner/skirt 100 is attached to the crib both along its rear and
front, thereby providing a secure attachment as shown in FIGS. 5
and 6.
[0065] As previously mentioned, in-use the crib liner/skirt 100 is
disposed along the inside (interior) of one side or end of the
crib. The crib liner/skirt 100 is positioned at the proper vertical
height such that the second portion 230 which is formed of mesh is
located at and above the crib mattress, with the bottom portion 240
and the skirt portion 300 extending below such crib mattress
surface. The bottom portion 240 and/or the skirt portion 300 thus
cover the unsightly mattress platform 161 and provide a decorative
appearance. The product of the present invention thus eliminates
the need for the user to have a separate crib liner and skirt.
Instead, a customizable product is provided that is constructed to
be securely attached to the crib and also position a liner section
of increased breathability along the crib mattress surface.
[0066] FIG. 7 shows the crib 100 with the main difference between
the crib shown in FIG. 1 is that a skirt 600 in accordance with the
present invention is disposed across and on top of the mattress
platform 161 and the mattress 160 is disposed over the skirt 600.
The placement of the mattress 160 over the skirt 600 maintains the
skirt 600 in place.
[0067] The skirt 600 is formed of a base portion 610 that extends
over and is disposed on a support surface, such as the mattress
platform 161. The base portion 610 has a rectangular shape
complementary to traditional crib design. The skirt 600 further
includes a plurality of side portions 620 that depend from the base
portion 610. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four side
portions 620 which can be thought of as being formed of a pair of
first side portions 622 and a pair of second side portions 624. The
first side portions 622 can be disposed along the sides of the crib
100, while the second side portions 624 can be disposed along the
ends of the crib 100.
[0068] In accordance with the present invention, the base portion
610 has a plurality of openings 625 formed therein along a
periphery of the base portion 610 (i.e., at the interface between
the base portion 610 and the first side portions 622 and also
optionally at the interface between the base portion 610 and the
second side portions 624). The first side portions 622 thus
represent the longer sides of the skirt 600 that overlie the longer
sides of the mattress 160.
[0069] The openings 625 are formed at locations that overlie the
peripheral frame members of the mattress platform 161. Typically,
the peripheral frame members of the mattress platform 161 are
elongated metal structures, often of tubular shape. The illustrated
openings 625 have triangular shapes with the pointed ends of the
triangles facing inward and the maximum width of the opening 625
overlying a respective mattress platform peripheral frame member
(tubular structure). As described herein, the openings 625 provide
and define direct access points to the peripheral frame members of
the mattress platform 161. The openings 625 are not limited to
having triangular shapes and can have any number of other shapes so
long as they provide access to attachment points along the mattress
platform 161 (other shapes can be oblong, square, etc.).
[0070] The skirt 600 is installed on the crib 100 by disposing the
base portion 610 across the top of the mattress platform 161 with
the side portions 620 extending downwardly below the mattress
platform 161. The side portions 620 cover up the mattress platform
161 and can extend down to the floor or close thereto.
[0071] FIGS. 8-10 illustrates a crib liner 500 that is similar to
the crib liner 200 with the exception that the crib liner 500 does
not include an integral skirt and is meant for use with skirt 600.
Those elements of the crib liner 500 that are the same and present
in the crib liner 200 are numbered alike in FIGS. 8-10. In this
embodiment, the skirt 600 is thus provided as a separate element
that is used in combination with the liner 500.
[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the crib liner 500 is formed
of at least three distinct (longitudinal) sections. The crib liner
500 has top (first) section 220 that runs the length of the crib
liner 500 and defines the top edge 212; middle section 230 that
runs the length of the crib liner 500; and bottom (lower) section
240 that runs the length of the crib liner 500 and defines the
bottom edge 214.
[0073] The top section 220 is constructed to act as the portion
that is attached to the crib and in particular and in accordance
with one embodiment, the top section 220 includes a number of
fasteners that are used to attach the crib liner 500 to the crib at
one or more locations.
[0074] The top section 220 can be formed of any number of different
materials including but not limited to natural materials and
synthetic materials. The top section 220 can also carry decorative
indicia, such as printed indicia or the like.
[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the top section 220 includes
a first type of fastener (first fastener) 300 and a second type of
fastener (second fastener) 310. The first type of fastener 300 acts
as the primary fastener for releasably attaching the liner portion
210 to the crib, while the second type of fastener 310 acts as a
secondary fastener for further releasably attaching the crib liner
500 to the crib.
[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, there is a plurality of
fasteners 300 of the first type and similarly, there is a plurality
of fasteners 310 of the second type. More specifically, there are
two fasteners 300 one at or near each end of the liner portion 210
and there are two or more fasteners 310 disposed between the two
fasteners 300.
[0077] Preferably and as described below, the fasteners 300 are
adjustable in that the fasteners can be tightened in such a way
that reduces slack in the crib liner 500. In other words, the
fastening and tightening of the fasteners 300 causes sections of
the liner portion 210 to be drawn in towards the two main points of
attachment (defined by fasteners 300) between the crib liner 500
and the crib frame to provide a more tighter, snug fit.
[0078] The fasteners 300 are constructed to attach the crib liner
500 (e.g., the ends thereof) to the crib. The fasteners 300 can be
any number of different types of fasteners. For example, various
types of fastening apparatus may include hook and loop closures
(e.g., Velcro), snaps, buttons/buttonholes, ties, straps, buckles,
zippers, magnets, etc. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-4,
the fasteners 300 are in the form of hook and loop closures. More
specifically, each fastener 300 is formed of a first fastening
element 302 and a second fastening element 304 that mates with the
first fastening element 302. The first fastening element 302 is in
the form of a first strip of elongated material that is attached at
one end to the inner surface of the top section 210. The opposite
end of the first fastening element 302 is a free end 303 that
includes a buckle 305 that has a slot (opening) formed therein. The
second fastening element 304 is in the form of a second strip of
elongated material that is attached at one end 307 to the inner
surface of the top section 220. An opposite end 309 of the second
fastening element 304 is a free end. The strip 304 is constructed
such that it has hook and loop material one surface thereof and in
particular, a first patch of hook and loop material 311 is disposed
along the front surface near or at the end 307 and a second patch
of hook and loop material 313 is disposed along the rear surface
near or at the free end 309.
[0079] The first and second fastening elements 302, 304 mate with
one another by passing the free end 309 through the slot formed in
the buckle 305 and then folding back the second fastening element
304 on to itself, thereby causing a mating of the hook and loop
material that is on the front and rear surfaces of the second
fastening element 304.
[0080] Since the second fastening element 304 passes through buckle
305, tension can be created within the crib liner 500 by pulling
the second fastening element 304 until it is taught and then mating
together the hook and loop material 311, 313 formed on the rear
surface of the second fastening element 304.
[0081] It will be appreciated that any number of different types of
fasteners (including those described herein) can be used to
securely attach the crib liner 500 to the frame of the crib.
[0082] To attach the crib liner 500 to the crib, the first
fastening element 302 is disposed on one side of at least one slat
116 and the second fastening element 304 is disposed on the other
side of the at least one slat 116. As a result, the one or more
slats 116 are captured between the first and second fastening
elements 302, 304 when they are mated together as described
above.
[0083] The fasteners 310 are thus constructed to further attach the
crib liner 500 to the crib at additional points. The fasteners 310
can be any number of different types of fasteners. For example,
various types of fastening apparatus can include hook and loop
closures (e.g., Velcro), snaps, buttons/buttonholes, ties, straps,
buckles, zippers, magnets, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the
fasteners 310 are in the form of hook and loop closures. More
specifically, each fastener 310 is formed of a first fastening
element 312 and a second fastening element 316 that mates with the
first fastening element 312. The first fastening element 312 is in
the form of a patch of hook and loop material that is fixedly
attached to the front surface of the top portion 220 at or near the
top edge thereof. The second fastening element 316 is in the form
of an elongated strip that is attached at one end to the top
portion 220 and has a free end. The free end has a patch of hook
and loop material and in particular, the hook and loop material is
formed on the rear surface of the strip 316.
[0084] The middle section 230 is formed of a material that has
enhanced breathability and in particular, the middle section 230 is
formed of a mesh material as described herein. In one embodiment,
the middle section 230 is formed of a mesh material that is formed
of openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe
therethrough. It will also be appreciated that when mesh material
is discussed herein with reference to other crib liners, one
exemplary type of mesh is thus one in which the mesh material that
is formed of openings too small to permit an infant to insert a
finger or toe therethrough.
[0085] In accordance with one embodiment, the surface area of the
middle section 230 is less than 66% of the total surface area of
the crib liner 500 and more particularly, the surface area of the
middle liner portion 230 can be less than 55%; less than 50%; less
than 40%, etc. In FIG. 10, the relative size of the middle portion
230 has been exaggerated for purposes of illustration, while FIG. 6
is more representative of the one exemplary embodiment described
herein.
[0086] It will be appreciated that decorative indicia can also be
formed on the middle section 230 even when it is formed of a mesh
material.
[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the top section 220 that
carries the fasteners is formed of a non-mesh material since it is
spaced much higher than the crib mattress surface.
[0088] The bottom section 240 is more similar to the top section
220 in that it is preferably not formed of a mesh material since
the bottom section 240 is intended for placement below the crib
mattress surface.
[0089] The crib liner 500 also includes two end fasteners 270, 272
that are formed at the ends of the sections 220, 230, 240 and run
vertically from the top edge to the bottom edge of the crib liner
500. One end fastener 270 is formed on the front surface of the
crib liner 500 at or near end 216, while the other end fastener 272
is formed along the rear surface of the crib liner 500 at or near
end 218. The two end fasteners 270, 272 are designed to attach one
crib liner 500 to another crib liner 500 in the case in which
multiple crib liner 500 are used with the crib. Thus, the fasteners
270, 272 of one crib liner 500 are configured to attach the one
crib liner/skirt 100 to one or more other crib liners 500 by mating
with corresponding fasteners 270, 272 of the other crib liner 500.
In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 270, 272 are in the
form of hook and loop material.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 9, the fastener 400 is provided along a
length of the liner 500 for attaching the liner 500 to the mattress
platform 161 as shown in FIG. 9. As shown, the fastener 400 is
preferably in the form of a plurality of fasteners 400 that are
disposed along the length of the liner 500 at or near the bottom
edge 214 of the liner 500. The fasteners 400 (ties) are inserted
through openings 625 formed in the skirt 600 and then attached to
the mattress platform 161, thereby securely attaching a bottom edge
of the liner 500 to the mattress platform. As in the first
embodiment (FIG. 1-6), the ties 400 are disposed along the rear
surface of the liner 500, while the other fasteners are located
along the front surface of the liner 500.
[0091] It will be understood that all dimensions, such as lengths,
mentioned herein and set forth in any drawings attached hereto are
merely exemplary in nature and are not limiting of the present
invention since the dimensions of the liner of the present
invention will vary depending upon different parameters, such as
the size of the crib, etc.
[0092] While the invention has been described in connection with
certain embodiments thereof, the invention is capable of being
practiced in other forms and using other materials and structures.
Accordingly, the invention is defined by the recitations in the
claims appended hereto and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *