Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to products for safeguarding children, and more particularly to modular safety systems, operable to be readily mounted on any conventional flat top surface furniture items, or for deployment on any other substantially flat and stable surface, to secure the child within a predefined controlled area therein, and to provide protection from falling and accidental injuries to infants and toddlers positioned therein, during sleep, rest, interaction, and other activities thereof.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present patent application is a non-provisional of, and claims priority from, the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application of Ayana S. Kelly and Ameera S. Simpson, entitled “BABY BUMPER BED GUARD” (Ser. No. 61/205,783), filed on Jan. 24, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to products for safeguarding children, and more particularly to modular safety systems, operable to be readily mounted on any conventional flat top surface furniture items, for providing protection from falling and accidental injuries to infants and toddlers during sleep, rest, interaction, and other activities thereof. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There is no question at all that the safety of a child is of paramount importance to parents and other caregivers. However, it is well established that ensuring the safety of infants (and especially newborns), and toddlers, 27/7 is much more difficult than most realize, until faced with the need to do so. In particular, the time during which the infant is sleeping or resting, poses some of the greatest challenges and risks faced by caregivers. 
         [0004]    Even without delving into the myriad possible neonatal health risks facing a sleeping infant, the most common sleep-related caregiver challenge is quite simply the fact that, because virtually all infant caregivers lead a rest- and sleep-deprived lifestyle, the times during which an infant naps or rests, is also typically the caregiver&#39;s rare opportunity to get some rest as well. Unfortunately, unless another caregiver is available to watch the infant, the resting caregiver is faced with a difficult choice—(1) place the infant in a crib, possibly in a different room (which limits the caregiver&#39;s ability to respond to the infant&#39;s distress or other issues), or (2) try to rest on an adult bed, while holding or otherwise attempting to secure the infant. 
         [0005]    While the second option offers the caregiver the opportunity to rapidly respond to any infant distress, notwithstanding the “pillow and blanket” walls that caregivers try to build on their bed to secure the infant while they both rest, there is a very significant risk of the infant falling off the bed with potentially disastrous consequences—either inadvertently during sleep, or if they awaken while the caregiver is still asleep, and begin “exploring”. Furthermore, while some caregivers are “light” or “sensitive” sleepers, many exhausted individuals may inadvertently roll over, or otherwise shift in their sleep, and either accidentally hurt the infant directly or push them off the bed. 
         [0006]    But mere convenience “while catching a needed nap” is far from the only reason why, notwithstanding the above risks, many parents prefer to have the infants sleep in their adult beds and not in their crib (especially overnight). In many cases, The reasons for this practice include, but are not limited to: 
         [0007]    (1) Fear of infant coming to harm without the parent knowing (especially if the infant is ill, or born prematurely); 
         [0008]    (2) The desire to “bond” with the infant to a greater degree; 
         [0009]    (3) Improvement in the infant&#39;s sleep patterns due to proximity of their mother; 
         [0010]    (4) Convenience for night feedings; 
         [0011]    (5) Lack of a crib (financial reasons, limited space, travel, etc.), etc. 
         [0012]    Moreover, in addition to the various above-noted reasons for allowing infants to spend the night in their caregiver&#39;s bed, in many cases, while watching a resting or sleeping infant, caregivers may want to engage in activities other than just sleep (such as read, speak on the phone, use their computer, read, etc.), which would take their attention away from their charge, but during which activities, transporting the infant to their crib and leaving them there is not practical or is otherwise inconvenient. 
         [0013]    However, as is noted above, there are very significant risk factors to sharing an adult bed with an infant (or moreover with two infants, as the case may be)—the aforementioned dangers of infant rolling or crawling off the bed while the caregiver is asleep or is otherwise distracted, or being inadvertently hurt by a sleeping adult are of course of greatest concern, but the additional drawbacks of this course of action include, but are not limited to: the fact that the infant is likely to soil the adult bed, requiring a change of entire bedding, the inability to easily provide infants with developmental stimuli that are typically only available in cribs (such as musical mobiles, etc.), and of course, the sheet lack of any privacy for a married couple sharing the bed with an infant. 
         [0014]    There have been many attempts to address the challenges posed by sharing adult beds or similar furnishings with infants, however, to date, none have achieved any appreciable functional or commercial success, because each previously know solution only solves one of two of the many aspects of this challenge, while often creating new issues. For example, transportable “soft cribs” that may be placed on a bed may prevent the infant from crawling off the bed but are still vulnerable to being accidentally knocked off the bed, especially because they take up so much room that they are often positioned at the foot of the bed. Another attempted solution—bumper guards are extremely cumbersome to install and use, and while they may prevent an infant from falling off the bed, they pose a huge inconvenience to the adults using the bed, and offer absolutely no protection at all against an infant being hurt by an adult accidentally rolling over them. Finally, no practical solution at all exists for satisfying the safety requirements when twin infants are concerned. 
         [0015]    It would thus be desirable to provide a modular system, usable with conventional furniture having a substantial flat surface (beds, etc.), capable of ensuring the protection and safety of one or more infants, while preserving all of the advantages/benefits of keeping the infant(s) outside the crib and proximal to their caregiver(s). It would also be desirable to provide a modular system for ensuring child safety, when the child is sharing sleeping/resting/activity furnishings with one or more adults, that is very easy to deploy, use, transport, and maintain, that takes up very little space, and that is very inexpensive to manufacture. It would additionally be desirable to provide a system for ensuring child safety when sharing/using furniture in conjunction with adults, that is very flexible and modular with respect to quantity, positioning, and size/configuration of one or more protective modules for each child to be safeguarded. It would moreover be desirable to provide a modular system for ensuring child safety, when one or more children are sharing sleeping/resting/activity furnishings with one or more adults, that facilitates and offers one or more beneficial/advantageous features/functions to the users thereof, in addition to child safety/protection. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding or similar elements throughout the various figures: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive modular baby safety system, operable for being utilized in conjunction with any appropriate flat top surface conventional furniture item, and comprising a single protective module by way of example; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the inventive modular baby safety system, operable for being utilized in conjunction with any appropriate flat top surface conventional furniture item, and comprising at least one or a plurality of protective modules by way of example; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3C  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3D-1  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , shown in a view, in which the protective module is in a fully closed position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3D-2   a  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a first alternate embodiment of the novel protective module of  FIG. 3D-1 , shown in a view, in which one of its sections, forming a lateral side-wall, has been placed in an open position, enabling lateral access to the inner region of the protective module; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3D-2   b  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a second alternate embodiment of the novel protective module of  FIG. 3D-1 , shown in a view, in which one of its sections, forming a lateral side-wall, has been temporarily removed, enabling lateral access to the inner region of the protective module; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3E-1  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , shown in a first view, in which the protective module is in a fully closed position, while  FIG. 3E-2  is a schematic top-down view diagram of the fifth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, shown in a second view, in which two sections of one of its lateral side walls have been removed, enabling partial lateral access to the inner region of the protective module; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3F  is a schematic top-down view diagram of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises multiple modular sections configurable by the user, and which is shown, by way of example, as configured for utilization with two separate protective compartments therein; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4A-1  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises at least one removable inner lining subcomponent having outer side walls; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4A-2  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of an alternate embodiment of the novel protective module of  FIG. 4A-1 , that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises at least one removable planar inner lining subcomponent; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises a built-in multimedia-payback module, operable to provide selective playback of predetermined media content to the child disposed inside the protective module; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4C  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a ninth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises a built-in heating and/or cooling system, operable to provide a desired level of temperature adjustment to the environment of the child disposed inside the protective module; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4D  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a tenth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises a storage compartment in a predetermined region thereof, sized and configured to receive at least a monitoring device therein, and to enable monitoring of the protective compartment of the protective module; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4E  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises at least one storage compartment each positioned in at least one predetermined region thereof; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4F  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a twelfth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises at least one pocket-type storage compartment positioned in at least one predetermined outer side wall of the novel protective module; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4G  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a twelfth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises at least one outer side wall configured to enable lateral viewing of the protective compartment; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4H  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a thirteenth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that comprises at least one additional component mounting interface, operable for utilization to mount at least one additional predetermined component (e.g., a toy mobile, etc.) onto the protective module; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4I-1  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module that may be advantageously utilized as a component of the inventive modular baby safety system embodiments of  FIG. 1  or  2 , and that is sized and configured to comprise a plurality of protective compartments therein, each separated by an (optionally removable), separation element, and disposed in a first predetermined orientation, while  FIG. 4I-2  shows an alternate embodiment of the novel protective module of  FIG. 4I-1 , in which the plural protective compartments are disposed in a second predetermined orientation; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a first alternate embodiment of the inventive modular baby safety system, operable for being utilized in conjunction with any appropriate flat top surface conventional furniture item, and comprising, by way of example, at least one removable protective module operable to securely and releasably connect to the main upper surface of the safely system; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a second alternate embodiment of the inventive modular baby safety system, operable for being utilized in conjunction with any appropriate flat top surface conventional furniture item, and comprising, by way of example, at least one protective module operable to disassemble and fold into a substantially flat configuration parallel to the main upper surface of the safely system. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    The apparatus and method of the present invention address and resolve all of the disadvantages of the previously known attempted solutions for enabling adults and children (and especially babies (e.g., infants)), to safely and securely share adult furniture during sleep, rest, and other activities, by advantageously providing a novel flexible and modular child safety system, that is usable with any conventional furniture having a substantial flat surface (beds, etc.), that is capable of ensuring the protection and safety of one or more infants during utilization thereof, while preserving all of the advantages/benefits of keeping the infant(s) outside the crib and proximal to their caregiver(s). 
         [0040]    The inventive modular child safety system, in various embodiments thereof, is very easy to deploy, use, transport, and maintain, takes up very little space, and is very inexpensive to manufacture. Moreover, in various embodiments thereof, the inventive modular child safety system utilizes one or more protective modules to secure and protect a corresponding child, and is advantageously extremely flexible and modular with respect to quantity, positioning, and size/configuration of each such one or more protective modules. 
         [0041]    In summary, the core embodiment of the inventive child safety system comprises a planar flexible cover/support component sized and configured to substantially cover a predetermined commonly available furniture type (e.g., a twin- or a queen-sized bed, etc.), and also comprises at least one protective module for receiving and securing a child therein, preferably composed of a resilient, but strong, material (such as dense foam sheathed in fabric, etc.), comprising a continuous lateral wall forming a protective barrier for the child placed therein, the at least one protective module being positioned on, and attached to, the cover/support component in at least one predetermined corresponding region. For example, such a region may be selected in a manner such that when the system is placed to cover a particular sized bed, the protective module would be disposed at a position proximal and convenient to a caregiver&#39;s normal resting position on the bed, to ensure that the protected child is kept safe within the protective module, while receiving all of the benefits of the proximity and access to their nearby caregiver. 
         [0042]    Advantageously, in various exemplary embodiments thereof, the various components of the inventive modular child safety system may be composed of virtually any suitable materials as a matter of design choice, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0043]    In additional inventive embodiments thereof, the novel modular child safety system facilitates and offers one or more beneficial/advantageous features/functions to the users thereof, in addition to child safety/protection. These additional features/functions may be optionally implemented in one or more protective modules, and may include, but are not limited to, the following: temperature/climate control for the child within the module, entertainment/educational media playback within the module, mounting/interfaces for crib-type toys and educational devices, flexible modification of protective barrier of each module to enable selective direct access to a caregiver&#39;s lateral position proximal to the module, etc. 
         [0044]    Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0045]    The modular child safety system of the present invention remedies the flaws and drawbacks of all previously known attempted solutions to address the challenges of sharing adult furnishings with children (and especially infants), during various activities (and especially during sleep and rest), while at the same time providing significant additional benefits and advantages. 
         [0046]    In particular, the inventive system flexible and modular child safety system, is readily usable with any conventional furniture having a substantial flat surface (beds, etc.), and is capable of ensuring the protection and safety of one or more infants during utilization thereof, while, among other benefits, preserving all of the advantages of keeping the infant(s) outside the crib, and proximal to their caregiver(s). It should also be noted that while various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described below as being used in conjunction with a furniture item having a substantially flat upper surface, it should be noted that the inventive modular child safety system may be positioned on a floor, or on another substantially flat surface such as ground, sand on a beach, etc., as a matter of design choice, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, that the terms “child”, “infant”, and “baby”, are used interchangeably herein for the sake of convenience, and are not intended to limit any of the embodiments of the present invention in any manner whatsoever. without any limitation—, that the various embodiments of the present invention can be readily utilized with 
         [0047]    Before describing the present invention in greater detail, it should be noted that, in the extensive range of exemplary embodiments thereof, the various components of the inventive modular child safety system may be composed of virtually any suitable material(s), as a matter of design choice, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0048]    For example, the lateral wall(s) of various novel protective module embodiments, may comprise, by way of example: (1) foam (or similar resilient substance) sheathed in fabric (or other flexible material); (2) resilient/flexible material (such as cloth) stretched over a frame, (3) hollow interconnected compartments filled with air (e.g., inflated), fluid, or other substance (e.g., sand), (4) hollow elements composed of a light, but rigid material (air-filled plastic/polymer), etc. 
         [0049]    Similarly, the cover/support component of various embodiments of the inventive modular baby safety system, may be composed of any flexible substantially planar material, which may include at least one of:
       (1) fabric (e.g., as utilized for conventional bed sheets, etc.),   (2) robust resilient flexible material (such as used for coverlets/blankets (e.g., woven cotton/wool/polyester, felt, fleece, etc.), or carpeting material),   (3) multi-layer filled material (such as padded or stuffed material, material with compartments filled with liquid, gel, memory foam, or having air-filled inflatable compartments),   (4) synthetic liquid- and/or soil-proof material, such as plastic or polyester or any other synthetic material; and/or   (5) any combination of the above materials.       
 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a schematic top-down view diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive modular baby safety system, is shown as a modular baby safety (MBS) system  10 . The MBS system  10  comprises a flexible planar cover/support component  14 , sized and configured to be positioned on a support surface  12  (which may be a furniture item, such as a bed, a couch, a table, or any other stable furniture item having a substantially flat upper surface parallel to the floor, or which may be any other sufficiently large flat surface, such as the floor, ground, etc.). The MBS system  10 , also comprises at least one protective module  16  having an inner protected compartment  18 , surrounded by a lateral outer protective wall  20 . The protective module  16 , is preferably configured in one or more predetermined sizes (with respect to the length, width, and height of the protected compartment  18 ), to comfortably receive and protect a child, of a corresponding predetermined size, within the protected compartment  18 . Advantageously, the protective module  16 , may comprise any one of the various inventive protective module embodiments, that are shown in  FIG. 3A  to  FIG. 4I-2 , and that are described in greater detail below in connection therewith. 
         [0056]    The protective module  16  may be positioned in any desired predefined region of the upper surface of cover/support component  14 , as a matter of design choice. Thus, for example, if the cover/support component  14  upper surface is considered to comprise symbolically defined regions A to F, the protective module  16  may be positioned in any of the regions A to F, or may be positioned anywhere else on the cover/support component  14  upper surface, overlapping two or more of the regions. However, preferably, the protective module  16  is positioned in manner that is convenient/comfortable for a caregiver—e.g., in  FIG. 1 , the protective module  16  is shown by way of example, as being positioned in region A, because such a MBS system  10  configuration leaves regions B, C, E, F available for the caregiver to lie down proximal to the protective module  16 , such that the module  16  is within the caregiver&#39;s “primary attention zone” (i.e., next to their head), leaving region D open to provide the caregiver with “legroom”. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the protective module  16  may be permanently attached to the cover/support component  14  in a single predefined position. In other embodiments of the present invention (such as shown in  FIG. 5A  and described in greater detail below in connection therewith), the protective module  16  may be releasably attached to the cover/support component  14  in a single predefined position, or it may be releasably attachable thereto in a plurality of positions. 
         [0058]    During the utilization of the inventive MBS system  10 , the caregiver places the child into the protective module  16 , and may then position themselves proximally thereto, to selectively observe the child. The protective module  16  cradles the child therein, preventing it from crawling out therefrom, and also protecting the child from lateral motion of the proximal caregiver (e.g., from a caregiver rolling over in their sleep). 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a schematic top-down view diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the inventive modular baby safety system, is shown as MBS system  50 . Essentially, the MBS system  50  is similar in configuration and operation to the MBS system  10  of  FIG. 1 , in that it comprises a flexible planar cover/support component  54  (which may be similar, or equivalent to, the cover/support component  14  of  FIG. 1 ), that is sized and configured to be positioned on a support surface  52  (which may be similar, or equivalent to, the support surface  12  of  FIG. 1 ), and also comprises a protective module  56   a  (which may be similar, or equivalent to, the protective module  16  of  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0060]    However, the MBS system  50  may also include at least one additional protective module, such as one or more protective modules  56   b  to  56   d , each of which may be sized and configured in a similar, or in a different manner than one another (for example, the protective module  56   c  is shown as smaller than the protective module  56   a ). Advantageously, if plural protective modules  56   a , etc., are utilized, they may each be positioned and oriented in any desired region(s) (or portion(s) thereof), of the cover/support component  54  (shown in  FIG. 2 , by way of example, as symbolic regions A to Y). In one embodiment of the present invention, the protective modules  56   a , etc., may be permanently attached to the cover/support component  54 , each in their single predefined position. In other embodiments of the present invention, such as shown in  FIG. 5A  and described in greater detail below in connection therewith, at least a portion of the protective modules  56   a , etc., may be releasably attached to the cover/support component  54  in a single predefined position, or be releasably attachable thereto in a plurality of positions. 
         [0061]    The MBS system  50 , may also comprise optional securing components  60   a  to  60   d , for releasably stabilizing, and/or for securing, the outer edges of the cover/support component  54  to substantially stabilize and retain the cover/support component  54  in a desired position on the support surface  52 . Optionally, only a pair of securing components  60   a ,  60   c  or  60   b ,  60   d , may be utilized. 
         [0062]    Preferably, the securing components  60   a - 60   d , are configured for utilization with one or more specific type of intended predetermined support surfaces. Thus for example, if the MBS system  50  is intended to be used with a mattress bed as the support surface  52 , then the securing components  60   a - 60   d  may be additional sections of the support surface  52 , sized and configured to be placed under a mattress upon which the cover/support component  54  is deployed, thus preventing undesirable lateral sliding, bunching, or other undesirable movement thereof (for example, sliding off the bed). 
         [0063]    In another example, if the MBS system  50  is intended to be used on a floor or ground as the support surface  52 , then the securing components  60   a - 60   d  may be weighed (and may optionally comprise increased friction components) that would be disposed around the cover/support component  54  when it is deployed, thus preventing undesirable lateral sliding, bunching, or other undesirable movement thereof. 
         [0064]    The MBS system  50 , may also comprise stabilizing/securing components  58   a - 58   d , in addition to, or instead of, the optional stabilizing components  60   a  to  60   d , for releasably stabilizing and/or securing the outer corners of the cover/support component  54  to corresponding portions of the support surface  52  (such as bedposts, table-legs, etc.) to substantially stabilize and retain the cover/support component  54  in a desired position on the support surface  52 . 
         [0065]    Preferably, the stabilizing/securing components  58   a - 58   d , are configured for utilization with one or more specific type of intended predetermined support surfaces. Thus for example, if the MBS system  50  is intended to be used with a bed as the support surface  52 , then the stabilizing/securing components  58   a - 58   d  may be releasable loop (or equivalent) connectors sized and configured to be releasably secured to bedposts, and/or bed legs, thus preventing undesirable movement or deformation thereof. 
         [0066]    In another example, if the MBS system  50  is intended to be used on a floor or ground as the support surface  52 , then the stabilizing/securing components  58   a - 58   d  may be weights, or spokes (or equivalent thereof) sized and configured for being driven into the ground when the cover/support component  54  is deployed and stretched, thus preventing undesirable movement or deformation thereof. 
         [0067]    Referring now to FIGS.  3 A to  4 I- 2 , various exemplary embodiments are shown of inventive protective modules that may each be readily utilized as protective module  16 , and as protective modules  56   a , etc. in the MBS systems  10  and  50 , of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively, or as protective modules  304   a  and  310   a , and as protective module  304   b , in the MBS systems  300 A and  3006 , of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , respectively, and which may be utilized, individually, or, as may be applicable, in combinations of two or more. It should be noted, that the present invention also contemplates utilization of any protective modules, that may be developed in the future, as long as such modules comprise the key desirable characteristics outlined above in connection with the descriptions of modules  16  and  56   a - 56   d —the securing of a child therewithin, and protection of the secured child from lateral impact (e.g. by the caregiver or other proximal disturbances. Furthermore, each of the protective modules  100 A to  2001 , of FIGS.  3 A to  4 I- 2 , respectively, is readily scalable and may be made available in any desired height/length/width/wall thickness configuration. 
         [0068]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , a schematic top-down view diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  100 A. The protective module  100 A comprises a unitary outer wall  102   a  which may be resilient or rigid (preferably with padding on its internal surface, which may be integral, or which may be provided thereto as a supplemental elements (such as a soft bumper guard), and also comprises the receiving region  104   a , which may be open such that the corresponding cover/support component shows therethrough (in which case lining therefor may be readily provided as an additional supplemental element (such as shown in  FIGS. 4A-1 ,  4 A- 2 , and discussed below in connection therewith), or which may comprise a flooring composed if the same, or a different, material than the outer wall  102   a . Optionally, if flooring is provided, it may comprise padding (or equivalent thereof). 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , a schematic top-down view diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  100 B. The protective module  100 B, is similar to the protective module  100 A of  FIG. 3A , in that it essentially comprises an outer wall  102   b  and a receiving region  104   b . However, in at least one embodiment thereof, the outer wall  102   b  is composed of a flexible or otherwise resilient material, and comprises substantially rigid inserts  106   b - 1  to  106   b - 4 , that are positioned in each of the four sections of the wall  102   b , to enable the wall  102  to protect the receiving region  104   b  while maintaining a resilient outer surface. Optionally, the wall  102   b  may be configured such that the inserts  106   b - 1  to  106   b - 4  are removable therefrom, such that after removal thereof, the wall  102   b  becomes fully flexible and collapsible, and such that the MBS system utilizing the protective module  100 B may be easily disassembled/collapsed for cleaning/transport. The inserts  106   b - 1  to  106   b - 4  are preferably composed of light but strong material(s), and may comprise, by way of example, hard foam panels, wireframe planar panes, solid or hollow plastic panels, etc. 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIG. 3C , a schematic top-down view diagram of second exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  100 C. The protective module  100 C, is similar to the protective module  100 B of  FIG. 3B , in that it essentially comprises an outer wall  102   c  and a receiving region  104   c . However, in at least one embodiment thereof, the outer wall  102   b  comprises four interconnected hollow wall components  106   c - 1  to  106   c - 4 , each composed of a flexible or otherwise resilient material, and each configured to assume substantially rigid properties when filled with an applicable medium (for example filled with water, other liquid, inflated with air, filled with sand or equivalent, etc.). In one embodiment of the protective module  100 C, the wall components  106   c - 1  to  106   c - 4  are permanently filled with a predetermined medium. In another embodiment of the protective module  100 C, the wall components  106   c - 1  to  106   c - 4  are hollow until filled with the predetermined medium (e.g., air), through fill elements  108   c - 1  to  108   c - 4  (such as inflator valves) provided for each corresponding wall component  106   c - 1  to  106   c - 4 . In this configuration, when the wall  102   c  is unfilled, it may be readily collapsed for ready storage/transport of the corresponding MBS system in which the protective module  100 C is being utilized. 
         [0071]    Referring now to  FIG. 3D-1 , a schematic top-down view diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  100 D. The protective module  100 D comprises four lateral outer wall sections  104   d - 1  to  104   d - 4 , each of which is connected to two proximal walls at each of their respective ends (e.g., at the corners of the protective module  100 D. In one embodiment of the protective module  100 D, the corner connections are permanent. In another embodiment of the protective module  100 D, at least a portion of the corner connections may be releasable connectors (not shown), configured for operation by an adult user from outside the protective module  100 D, to enable removal or “flip-down movement” of at least one corresponding outer wall section  104   d - 1  to  104   d - 4 . If all corner connectors are releasable, then the protective module  100 D may be disassembled or collapsed (for example to facilitate cleaning/storage/transport thereof). The outer wall sections  104   d - 1  to  104   d - 4  may each be solid or hollow, or, optionally, each may be composed of a resilient material and comprise a corresponding fill or insert element  106   d - 1  to  106   d - 2 . 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIG. 3D-2   a , in one alternate embodiment of the protective module  100 D, a predefined side outer wall section  104   d - 2   a  (optionally comprising a fill or insert element  106   d - 2   a ), is releasably connected to the two proximal wall section ends, and configured to be operable by an adult user, from outside the protective module  100 D, to be selectively released therefrom, and to be moved into an open position, such that the wall section  104   d - 2   a  is positioned parallel to a corresponding cover/support component upon which the protective module  100 D is disposed. This configuration enables lateral access to a child positioned within the protective module  100 D for various interactions therewith (visual, verbal, playing, physical interaction, etc.) by a proximally disposed caregiver without elevating and repositioning themselves over the top of the protective module  100 D. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIG. 3D-2   b , in another alternate embodiment of the protective module  100 D, a predefined side outer wall section  104   d - 2   b  (optionally comprising a fill or insert element  106   d - 2   b ), is releasably connected to the two proximal wall section ends, and configured to be operable by an adult user, from outside the protective module  100 D, to be selectively released therefrom, and to be removed from the protective module  100 D entirely to thereby laterally expose a predetermined side region thereof, with the same benefits as described above in connection with  FIG. 3D-2   a . Optionally, instead of being releasably connected to the proximal ends of the two other side wall sections, the removable side wall section  104   d - 2   b , may be releasably connected to a corresponding connection element  108   d  integrated into a corresponding cover/support component upon which the protective module  100 D is disposed. 
         [0074]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3E-1  and  3 E- 2 , schematic top-down view diagrams of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a configurable protective module  100 E, having an inner protected compartment  102   e , having a plurality of interconnected side wall elements (which may be shorter versions of the side walls  104   d - 1  to  104   d - 4  of  FIG. 3D ), by way of example only, shown as ten wall elements  104   e - 1  to  104   e - 10 . In one embodiment of the protective module  100 E, the interconnections between the wall elements  104   e - 1  to  104   e - 10  are permanent. In another embodiment of the protective module  100 E, at least a portion of the interconnections (not shown) between the wall elements  104   e - 1  to  104   e - 10  may be releasable, such that predetermined wall elements may be readily removable from the protective module  100 E, to provide lateral access to the region  102   e  inside (and therefore to a child resting therein), with the same benefits as described above in connection with  FIG. 3D-2   a . However, unlike the protective module  100 D, as is shown in  FIG. 3E-2 , by deciding which wall elements are removed, the user has selective control over the degree of lateral exposure of the protected compartment  102   e  of the module  100 E, such that the user may configure a side opening in the module  100 E, that is small enough to prevent a child positioned within from leaving the protected compartment  102   e , but large enough to enable a desired level of lateral interaction between a proximal caregiver and the child. 
         [0075]    Referring now to  FIG. 3F , a schematic top-down view diagram of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  100 F, which is similar in configuration and operation to the protective module  100 E of  FIG. 3E-1 , in that it comprises a plurality of wall elements  112   f , which are connectable to one another (preferably releasably) to enable any desired protective module  100 F configuration. For example, as is shown in  FIG. 3F , the plural wall elements  112   f  may be connected and positioned to partition a protected compartment  102   f  into two proximal protected sub-regions  110   f - 1  and  104   f - 2  (for example, for use with two children, each being positioned in its respective protected sub-region). Optionally, an opening  114   f  may be provided between the proximal protected sub-regions  110   f - 1  and  104   f - 2  to enable proximally positioned children to interact with one another. 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-1  and  4 A- 2 , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  200 A, which comprises an outer lateral wall  202   a  surrounding an internal protected compartment  204   a . Optionally internal protected compartment  204   a  may comprise a floor component  206   a  connected to the wall  202   a . In a preferred embodiment thereof, the protective module  200 A comprises a removable inner lining subcomponent  208   a - 1  having outer walls of lower height than the wall  202   a , which may be readily utilized as an “easy to clean” removable insert, which protects the floor component  206   a  from being soiled, and which is particularly advantageous when the floor component  206   a  is not provided. Alternately, as is shown in  FIG. 4A-2 , a planar removable inner lining subcomponent  208   a - 2  may be utilized instead of the walled inner lining subcomponent  208   a - 1  of  FIG. 4A-1 . 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIG. 4B , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  200 B, having an outer lateral wall  202   b , and an internal protected compartment  206   b , and comprising a multimedia-payback module  210   b  (which may be integrated into the protective module  200 B or which may be removable therefrom), operable to provide selective playback of predetermined media content (for example ranging from audio to video to other sensory stimuli) to the child resting inside the protective module  200 B, through an inner wall  212   b  configured to enable transmission of corresponding media content therethrough toward the child. 
         [0078]    Referring now to  FIG. 4C , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a ninth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  200 C, having an outer lateral wall  202   c , and an internal protected compartment  206   c , and comprising a built-in heating and/or cooling system  210   c  (which may be integrated into the protective module  200 C or which may be removable therefrom), operable to provide a desired level of temperature adjustment to the environment of a child disposed inside the protected compartment  206   c  through at least one heating and/or cooling element  214   c , which may be positioned in at least one of wall section sides of the outer wall  202   c.    
         [0079]    Referring now to  FIG. 4D , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a tenth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  200 D, having an outer lateral wall  202   d , and an internal protected compartment  206   d , and comprising a storage compartment  212   d  in a predetermined region  210   d  thereof, sized and configured to receive at least a monitoring device  218   d  (such as a remote audio, and/or audio/video, baby monitor) therein, and comprising an inner wall  216   b  configured to enable the monitoring device  218   d  to monitor the child resting in the protected compartment  206   d , and to transmit monitoring data to a remote receiving system. Optionally, for a special needs child, the monitoring device  218   d  may comprise one or more medical/vitals monitoring devices operable to monitor one or more predetermined medical/health characteristics of the child positioned resting in the protected compartment  206   d.    
         [0080]    Referring now to  FIG. 4E , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  200 E, having an outer lateral wall  202   e , and a floored internal protected compartment  206   e , and comprising a storage compartment  212   e  for general use (such as baby supplies), in a predetermined region  210   e  thereof, and optionally comprising one or more additional storage compartments (e.g., compartments  220   e - 1 ,  220   e - 2 ) in another region thereof. 
         [0081]    Referring now to  FIG. 4F , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a twelfth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  200 F, having an outer lateral wall  202   f , and an internal protected compartment  208   f  with a floor component  206   f , and comprising at least one pocket-type storage compartment (e.g., shown by way of example only, as three pocket-type compartments  212   f ,  214   f , and  218   f ), each positioned in one predetermined outer side wall section of the outer wall  202   f.    
         [0082]    Referring now to  FIG. 4G , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  200 G, having an outer lateral wall  202   g , and an internal protected compartment  208   g  with a floor component  206   f , and comprising a viewing element  208   g  in at least one section of the outer wall  202   g , sized and configured to enable lateral viewing/visual monitoring of the protected compartment  208   g  (e.g., by a laterally disposed caregiver), and to enable visual interaction with a child resting in the protected compartment  208   g.    
         [0083]    Referring now to  FIG. 4H , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a thirteenth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  200 H, having an outer lateral wall  202   h , and a floored internal protected compartment  206   h , and comprising at least one mounting interface  216   h - 1  and  216   h - 2 , sized and configured to enable the mounting of one or more predetermined additional components  218   h , over a top region of the protected compartment  206   h . The additional component  218   h  may be selected from a group that comprises, but that is not limited to, the following components: a visual toy (e.g., such as a mobile  220   h , shown by way of example), an interactive toy (e.g. an electronic mobile, etc,), a monitoring component (audio/video, medical/health, etc.), an insect screen, a sun screen, a rain screen (e.g. if the protective module  200 H is configured for outdoor use), etc. 
         [0084]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4I-1  and  FIG. 4I-2 , first, a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the novel protective module, is shown as a protective module  2001 , having an outer lateral wall  202   i  and being sized and configured to comprise a plurality of protected compartments therein (two being shown by way of example only), each separated by a separation element  210   i  (optionally removable trough an optional releasable connector  212   i ), and disposed in a first predetermined orientation, while  FIG. 4I-2  shows an alternate configuration of the protective module  2001 , in which the plural protected compartments separated by the separation element  210   i  are disposed in a second predetermined orientation. 
         [0085]    Referring now to  FIG. 5A , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a first alternate embodiment of the inventive modular baby safety system, is shown as an exemplary MBS system  300 A, configured for use on any appropriate flat top surface conventional furniture item  306   a  (such as a mattress), comprising a cover/support component  302   a , and comprising, by way of example, at least one removable protective module  310   a  having a releasable connection element  312   a  (for example, such as a hook part of a hook and loop combination), operable to securely and releasably connect to a releasable connecting region  308   a  (for example, such as a loop part of a hook and loop combination or other material operable to releasably engage the releasable connection element  312   a ), disposed in a predetermined position on the cover/support component  302   a.    
         [0086]    Optionally, the region  308   a  may be sized larger than the releasable connection element  312   a , such that the protective module  310   a  maybe releasably positioned and secured anywhere within its surface area (which, by way of example may optionally comprise at least a substantial portion of the upper surface of the cover/support component  302   a . Any type of releasable connecting elements/regions  312   a ,  308   a  may be readily utilized as a matter of design choice, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The MBS system  300 A may also comprise a second modular protective component  304   a , that may be permanently affixed to the cover/support component  302   a  in a predetermined position, or that may be configured to be releasably secured thereto, in the same or equivalent manner as the modular protective component  310   a.    
         [0087]    Referring now to  FIG. 5B , a schematic top-down isometric view diagram of a second alternate embodiment of the inventive modular baby safety system, is shown as an exemplary MBS system  300 B, configured for use on any appropriate support surface  314   b  (such as a furniture item), comprising a cover/support component  302   b  (shown by way of example as having a larger surface area than the support surface  314   b , and comprising, by way of example, at least one removable protective module  304   b , operable to be selectively disassembled into four proximal wall sections  304   b - 1  to  304   b - 4 , each thereafter being further operable to fold down into a substantially flat configuration parallel to the cover/support component  302   b , to facilitate cleaning/storage/transportation of the MBS system  300 B. 
         [0088]    Optionally, any of the above-described inventive MBS system embodiments may be configured to be fully, or partially, disposable (e.g., with applicable components thereof being composed of low-cost and at least partially biodegradable materials). For example, various embodiments of cover/support components may be disposable and may be configured for use with one or more protective modules releasably connectable thereto. 
         [0089]    Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the inventive system and method as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.