Abstract:
This document relates to a foldable bassinet configured to provide a short-term, portable, safe environment for a young child.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/369,571, filed Aug. 1, 2016, and entitled “Bassinets, Bassinet Systems, and Methods,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This document relates to a bassinet, a bassinet system, and related methods for providing a temporary, portable, safe environment for a young child. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) (which can also be referred to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)) is the leading cause of post-neonatal infant death in the United States. Each year in the United States, there are about 3,500 deaths due to SUID. In addition, many infants die each year of asphyxiation while in a crib. SUID is defined as the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, which includes the performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. 
         [0004]    While no specific cure of SUID is known, studies as well as other medical research suggests that neurological disorders, sleeping in the prone position, and the accumulation of carbon dioxide in an infant&#39;s sleeping area may be contributing causes. In particular, in the case of carbon dioxide accumulation, expired carbon dioxide can enter infant bedding to form a “pool” of carbon dioxide that a child can potentially rebreathe. Rebreathing carbon dioxide trapped in soft bedding products or sleep areas may contribute to the deaths of infants found in potentially suffocating circumstances. As such, it is advised that pillows and blankets not be placed in the crib environment to further lessen the likelihood of suffocation. 
         [0005]    The accumulation of carbon dioxide may occur in an infant&#39;s sleeping area because carbon dioxide is fifty percent heavier than air. The exhaled carbon dioxide therefore moves in a downward direction but its movement may be blocked by a sleeping enclosure and its mattress, resulting in the formation of the “pool” of carbon dioxide at or near the bottom of the sleeping area. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Some embodiments described herein may include a bassinet or a bassinet system configured to receive a child (e.g., an infant) and provide a safe environment for the child. The bassinet and systems provided herein can, in some cases, be used to hold a child of about or less than six months of age. The bassinet system provided herein can be useful, for example, to a caretaker (e.g., a parent or a guardian) who would like a light-weight portable bassinet, either empty or holding an infant, which can be conveniently carried from one room to another. Certain implementations of the bassinet system provided herein can be shipped and received by the caretaker. The system described herein can be provided as unassembled components, which may include a flat die cut sheet, handle components, a mattress, and an optional accessory device. The system provided herein may be assembled by folding the die cut sheet into a bassinet structure defining an interior cavity, placing the mattress into the interior cavity, and optionally attaching soft handles for easier gripping to the walls of the bassinet structure. In some implementations, the system can include a die cut sheet that forms a bassinet structure having angled sidewalls to promote air flow through the interior cavity. The angled sidewalls can minimize or prevent carbon dioxide, which is produced by the infant, from accumulating within the interior cavity of the bassinet structure. Accordingly, in some implementations, the system or method provided herein can form a bassinet structure that provides a safe, inexpensive, portable environment for the infant that significantly reduces or even eliminates risk factors for SUID. 
         [0007]    Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this document can be implemented to optionally provide one or more of the following advantages. First, the bassinet systems provided herein can provide the advantage of facilitating the disbursement of carbon dioxide away from an interior cavity of the bassinet. Unlike a square-shaped box having right-angled side walls, the angled walls of the bassinet provided herein provide a sloped surface that can reduce the formations of eddy currents within the interior cavity. Eddy currents can trap gases within the interior cavity. Thus, the prevention of the eddy currents within the interior cavity can promote increased air flow through the interior cavity. Accordingly, when a child is placed within the interior cavity of the bassinet, the angled side walls of the bassinet system can help mitigate the risks of exposing the child to undesirable levels of carbon dioxide gas 
         [0008]    Second, some embodiments herein may be configured to provide an easy-to-assemble bassinet system that provides a safe environment for a child. For example, in some cases, the assembly of the bassinet provided herein does not require the use of any tools. In some cases, the assembly of the bassinet can be completed in a short amount of time (e.g., in about or less than 15 minutes). The system can include a die cut sheet that is configured to fold into a bassinet structure. Once formed, the bassinet provides an interior cavity that is free of objects or materials that might harm the child, such as loose blankets, pillows, or the like. The walls of the bassinet can be used to separate the child from peripheral objects or materials present in a room that could be potentially harmful to the infant. The interior cavity also provides a clean surface on which to place the infant when the bassinet is carried to a particular room. 
         [0009]    Third, some embodiments provided herein may reduce the likelihood of a caretaker placing a young child in an unsafe location since the bassinet is made lightweight materials, and thus making it highly portable. The lightweight characteristic of the bassinet is facilitated to allow a caretaker (e.g., a parent) to grab and transport the bassinet with ease to different locations, e.g., different rooms within a home. Because the bassinet can be highly portable, the use of the bassinet can reduce the likelihood of the caretaker temporarily placing the child in potentially unsafe locations, e.g., placing a child on a couch with loose blankets, which can increase the risk of SUID. 
         [0010]    Fourth, some implementations of the bassinet and system provided herein can be environmentally friendly. For example, the bassinet provided herein can include recycled materials and/or compostable materials. In particular, the bassinet can comprise a foldable die cut sheet made of recycled cardboard or paper-based materials. Furthermore, the angled walls of the bassinet can also allow for stackability that increases packaging volume efficiency and reduces volume reduction of waste products. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, a system comprises a foldable die cut sheet configured to form an open top bassinet for receiving an infant when in an operative position and the sheet comprising a plurality of panels connected by fold lines and a padded member having a size and shape approximately equal to a rectangular perimeter of the base panel, the padded member configured to be positioned within an interior cavity of the bassinet to provide soft padding for the child. The foldable die cut sheet comprises a base panel having a pair of transverse edges defined by spaced, parallel, transverse fold lines that extend along a transverse direction and a pair of longitudinal edges defined by longitudinal fold lines that extend along a longitudinal direction, the base panel adapted to form a bottom wall of the bassinet. The foldable die cut sheet also comprises two end panels, each end panel extending from a respective one of the transverse fold lines of the base panel, each end panel comprising a primary portion hingedly connected at said transverse fold lines and a reinforcing portion hingedly connected to the primary portion, and each primary and reinforcing portion of each end panel defining a trapezoidal shape configured to form outwardly angled end walls of the bassinet. The foldable die cut sheet also comprises two side panels, each side panel extending from a respective one of the longitudinal fold lines of the base panel, each side panel comprising a sidewall primary portion, two connecting portions, and one sidewall reinforcing portion for folding each side panel for engagement with the end panels and the base panel, and each of the primary and reinforcing portions of the end panel defining a trapezoidal shape configured to form outwardly angled side walls of the bassinet. Each connecting portion of each side panel is hingedly connected to the primary sidewall portion for folding toward the opposing connecting portion of the opposing side panel so that the reinforcing portion of the adjacent end panel contemporaneously engages with both the connecting portion and the opposing connecting portion. 
         [0012]    In some implementations, a system comprises a bassinet that includes a substantially planar horizontal base having a plurality of edges; a plurality of angled sidewalls, each angled sidewall aligned to an edge of the base and extending upwardly and outwardly from the base; and a padded member member having a size and shape approximately equal to a rectangular perimeter of the base panel. The angled sidewalls define an interior cavity. The padded member is configured to be positioned within an interior cavity of the bassinet to provide soft padding for a child. Each angled sidewall is positioned at an angle relative to the base. The angled sidewall are configured promote air flow through the interior cavity. 
         [0013]    The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of an exemplary bassinet system for receiving a young child.  FIG. 1A  shows a collapsed view of the system holding the young child, and  FIG. 1B  shows an expanded view of the system and the young child. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2A-2C  are plan, side, and front views of the exemplary bassinet of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are plan and side views of an exemplary die cut sheet for forming the bassinet of  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4A-4D  show how the exemplary die cut sheet of  FIGS. 3A-3B  can be folded and assembled to form the exemplary bassinet of  FIG. 2A-2C . 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5A-5D  are illustrations showing an exemplary accessory electronic device for the systems and bassinets provided herein.  FIG. 5A  shows a partial plan view of a bassinet with the accessory device anchored therewith.  FIG. 5B  shows magnified side view of the anchored electronic accessory device.  FIGS. 5C and 5D  show components of the exemplary accessory electronic device. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are plan and perspective side views of another exemplary bassinet. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are perspective side views of another exemplary bassinet. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of an exemplary die cut sheet for forming the bassinet of  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
       
    
    
       [0023]    Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawing figures referred to herein are not all drawn to scale and may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and in that regard, the drawing figures should not be construed as limiting. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1B , an exemplary bassinet system  100  provided herein provides a temporary and easily transportable, safe sleeping area for a child  10  (e.g., an infant). In some cases, the bassinet system  100  provided herein can provide a low cost, safe environment for the child  10 . In some cases, the child  10  may about or be less than about six months of age. In some cases, the child  10  may be about or less than one years old and have limited mobility. For example, the system provided herein may be appropriate for a child  10  who is yet unable to push up on his or her hands and knees, or unable to turn over. In some cases, the child  10  may be of less than a predetermined weight (e.g., less than 30 pounds (lbs.), less than 25 lbs., less than 20 lbs., less than 15 lbs., less than 10 lbs., or less than 7 lbs.). 
         [0025]    The bassinet system  100  can include an easy-to-assemble bassinet  110 , handles  120  to facilitate easy gripping, and a mattress  130  for providing a soft bedding material. The bassinet  110  may include two elongate slots  140 , where each slot can optionally receive a corresponding handle  120 . The bassinet  110  defines an open top for receiving the mattress  130 , and the child  10 , and an interior cavity  150  with a flat base surface for which the mattress  130  may be disposed thereon. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2C , an exemplary bassinet  110  provided herein includes four angled walls  160 ,  162  extending from a flat base  164  to form the interior cavity  150  with an open top. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the outer perimeter of bassinet  110  can have a generally rectangular shape. The bassinet  110  can include two slots  140 , one slot  140  at each end wall  160 , to provide gripping areas for the caretaker (e.g., a parent or guardian) to lift and carry the bassinet  110 . The bassinet  110  can optionally also include two attachable handles  120  that can be positioned into each slot  140 . 
         [0027]    The bassinet  110  can include any suitable size for receiving the child (e.g., the child  10  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) of a desired age range (e.g., a child of six months of age or younger) and/or weight (e.g., less than 25 lbs.). The bassinet  110  may include appropriate dimensions (e.g., such as a width “W”, a height “H”, and a length “L”, as depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) that would be appropriately size for the child. For example, in some cases, the bassinet  110  can have a width ranging from about 13 inches to about 45 inches (e.g., from about 13 inches to about 35 inches, from about 15 inches to about 25 inches, from about 16 inches to about 20 inches, from about 18 inches to about 40 inches, from about 20 inches to about 30 inches, or from 20 inches to about 40 inches). In some cases, the bassinet can have a length ranging from about 20 inches to about 50 inches (e.g., about 22 inches to about 40 inches, from about 24 inches to about 35 inches, or from about 26 inches to about 31 inches). In some cases, the bassinet can have a height ranging from about 8 inches to about 15 inches (e.g., from about 9 inches to about 13 inches, or from about 10 inches to about 12 inches). 
         [0028]    In some cases, the bassinet  110  provided herein include four angled walls  160 ,  162 . In particular, the bassinet  110  can include two angled end walls  160  and two angled side walls  162 . In some cases, the bassinet  110  can include two angled walls  160 ,  162  and two non-angled vertical walls (not shown). At least two of, or each of the angled walls, can have an angle (e.g., see “α 1 ” or “α 2 ” in  FIGS. 2B and 2C ) of greater than 90 degrees (e.g., about or greater than 92 degrees, about or greater than 95 degrees, about or greater than 97 degrees, about or greater than 98 degrees, about or greater than 99 degrees, about or greater than 100 degrees, about or greater than 105 degrees, about or greater than 110 degrees, or about or greater than 120 degrees) relative to the flat base  164 . In some cases, at least two of, or each of the angled walls  160 ,  162 , can range from about 95 degrees to about 140 degrees (e.g., from about 96 degrees to about 130 degrees, from about 97 degrees to about 120 degrees, or from about 98 degrees to about 100 degrees) relative to the flat base  164 . In some cases, the end walls  160  and the side walls  162  of the bassinet  110  can have approximately equivalent angles relative to the base  164 . In some cases, the side walls  162  and the end walls  160  can have different angles relative to the base  164 . For example, in some cases, the side walls  162  may be sloped at a greater angle than the end walls  160 , or vice versa. 
         [0029]    The angled walls  160 ,  162  of the bassinet  110  can provide the advantage of facilitating the disbursement of carbon dioxide away from the interior cavity  150  of the bassinet  110 . Unlike a square-shaped box having right-angled side walls, the angled walls  160 ,  162  of the bassinet  110  provided herein provides a sloped surface that can reduce the formations of eddy currents within the interior cavity  150  of the bassinet  110 . Eddy currents can trap gases within the interior cavity  150 . Thus, the prevention of the eddy currents within the interior cavity  150  can promote increased air flow through the interior cavity  150 . Accordingly, when the child (e.g., the child  10  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) is placed within the interior cavity  150  of the bassinet  110 , the angled walls  160 ,  162  of the bassinet system  100  can help mitigate the risks of exposing the child to undesirable levels of carbon dioxide gas. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are plan and side views of an exemplary foldable die cut sheet  170  configured to form an open top bassinet (e.g., see bassinet  110  in  FIGS. 2A-2C ) for receiving a child (e.g., the child  10  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) when in an operative position. An operative position of the bassinet is when the die cut sheet  170  in a folded configuration that forms the bassinet. The sheet  170  may include one or more fold lines (e.g., base panel fold lines  172 ,  173 ), cut lines  174 , and/or score lines (not shown) to facilitate proper assembly of the bassinet. In some cases, the die cut sheet  170  includes a plurality of panels  180 ,  182 ,  184  connected by fold lines. Certain embodiments of the die cut sheet  170  can include a base panel  180 , two end panels  182 , and two side panels  184 . The two opposing side panels  184  and the two opposing end panels  182  are of the same size and cut, respectively. 
         [0031]    In various embodiments, the base panel  180  can be adapted to form a flat, bottom wall  164  of the bassinet  110  for receiving the mattress  130 . The base panel  180  can be a centrally located panel connected to each of the side panels  184  and end panels  182 . The base panel  180  can be defined by a pair of transverse edges defined by spaced, parallel, transverse fold lines  173  that extend along a transverse direction and a pair of longitudinal edges defined by longitudinal fold lines  172  that extend along a longitudinal direction. The spacing of the two pairs or sets of fold lines  172 ,  173  are dimensioned to define the base panel  180  having a rectangular shape. In some cases, the base panel  180  can be configured to form a square-shaped base, with the associated panels properly dimensioned for the fabrication of a square-shaped bassinet. 
         [0032]    The end panels  182  can define the width and height dimensions of the bassinet (e.g., the bassinet of  FIGS. 2A-2C ). Each end panel  182  can extend from a respective one of the transverse fold lines  173  of the base panel  180 . Each end panel  182  may include a primary portion  186  hingedly connected at an transverse fold line  173  and a reinforcing portion  188  hingedly connected to the primary portion  186  at an end transverse fold line  190 . Each primary portion  186  and each reinforcing portion  188  of each end panel  182  can define a trapezoidal shape configured to form outwardly angled end walls of the bassinet (e.g., see end walls  160  of  FIG. 2A ). The reinforcing portion  188  of the end panel  182  can be configured to fold along the end transverse fold line  190  to engage with portions of the side panel  184 , as will be discussed further in sections below. 
         [0033]    In some cases, the trapezoidal shape of the primary portion  186  of each said end panel  182  can be partially defined by cut lines  174  that extend in an outwardly diverging relation from an intersection of the transverse fold lines  173  and the longitudinal fold lines  172  of the base panel  180 . The cut lines  174  extend between a connecting portion  196  (which will be discussed in later sections) of the side panel  184  and primary portion  186  of the end panel  182 . The cut lines  174  of the end panel  182  can set the slope of the angled walls of the bassinet. In some cases, each cut line  174  extends at an angle “Ll” ranging from about 92 degrees to about 120 degrees relative to the transverse fold lines  173  of the base panel. In some cases, each cut line  174  can extend at an angle ranging from about 95 degrees to about 100 degrees relative to the transverse fold lines  173  of the base panel  180 . 
         [0034]    The end panel  182  of the die cut sheet  170  can optionally include a pair of slot openings  140  to allow the caretaker to easily grasp the bassinet. In particular, each of the primary and reinforcing portions  186 ,  188  of each end panel  182  can include a complementary slot opening  140 , such that the two slot openings  140  align when the reinforcing portion  188  is folded over the primary portion  186 . In some cases, the slot opening  140  has a width that can range from about 3.5 to about 4.5 inches and a height that can range from about 1 inch to about 2 inches. In some cases, each side panel  184  can optionally include a pair of slot openings  140  for easy gripping. 
         [0035]    The end panel  182  can have a minimum transverse dimension “T min ” and a maximum transverse dimension “T max ,” and a difference therebetween that sets the slope of the angled end walls of the bassinet. In some cases, the ratio of a minimum transverse dimension of the end panel to a maximum transverse dimension of the end panel  182  can range from about 0.80 to about 0.99. In some cases, the ratio of a minimum transverse dimension of the end panel to a maximum transverse dimension of the end panel can range from about 0.95 to about 0.98. 
         [0036]    The side panel  184  can define the length and height dimensions (e.g., see “L” and “H” of  FIG. 2A ) of the bassinet. The longitudinal dimension of the side panels  184  can be larger than the transverse dimension of the end panels  182  to form a rectangular-shaped bassinet. For example, in some cases, the ratio of a maximum transverse dimension “Tmax” of the end panel  182  to a maximum longitudinal dimension “Lmax” of the side panel  184  can range from about 1.5 to about 1.75. 
         [0037]    Each side panel  184  can extend from a respective one of the longitudinal fold lines  172  of the base panel  180 . Each side panel  184  can include a sidewall primary portion  192 , two connecting portions  196 , and one sidewall reinforcing portion  194 . Each of the primary and reinforcing portions  192 ,  194  of the side panel  184  can define a trapezoidal shape configured to form outwardly angled side walls of the bassinet (e.g., see side walls  162  in  FIG. 2A ). The primary portion  192 , the reinforcing portion  194 , and the connecting portion  196  of the each side panel  182  can be folded to engage the side panel  184  with the end panels  182  and the base panel  180 . 
         [0038]    The side panel  184  can have a minimum longitudinal dimension “L min ” and a maximum longitudinal dimension “L max ,” where the difference therebetween determines the slope of the angled side walls of the bassinet (e.g., see side walls  162  in  FIG. 2A ). In some cases, a ratio of a minimum longitudinal dimension of the side panel  184  to a maximum longitudinal dimension of the side panel can range from about 0.75 to about 0.95. In some cases, the ratio of a minimum longitudinal dimension of the side panel to a maximum longitudinal dimension of the side panel  184  can range from about 0.88 to about 0.93. 
         [0039]    The die cut sheet  170  can be made from one of various types of material. In some cases, the die cut sheet can be made from a combination of materials. Suitable materials can include including paper (e.g., corrugated cardboard), wood (e.g., bamboo), plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, silicone, polyurethane, or the like), or a light-weight metal (e.g., aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and beryllium, or combinations thereof, or alloys thereof). Preferably, the die cut sheet  170  comprises corrugated cardboard because it is both a highly economical and light-weight material. In some cases, the die cut sheet  170  can be made of a recycled or recyclable material (e.g., recycled or recyclable corrugated cardboard). 
         [0040]    In some cases, a surface of the die cut sheet  170  provided herein can include one or more labels. In some cases, the label can be in the form of a sticker and applied onto the surface of the sheet  170 . In some cases, the label can be printed directly onto a surface of the sheet  170 . The labels can include, but are not limited to, product information (e.g., batch information, manufacturing date, or the like), manufacturer information, decorative designs, warnings labels, and/or instructions for use. In some cases, the label on the die cut sheet  170  can include an embossed or textured surface, or a gloss or matte finish. In some cases, at least a portion of the surface of the die cut sheet  170  can include a painted surface or a printed surface. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , the die cut sheet  170  provided herein can have a uniform thickness. The die cut sheet  170  can have any suitable thickness for providing the required strength to support a bassinet holding the child. The thickness of the die cut sheet  170  can be a predetermined thickness based on a desired weight rating for satisfying an appropriate regulatory standard. In some cases, a suitable thickness range of the die cut sheet can range from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm (e.g., from about 1 mm to about 4 mm, from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, from about 1 mm to about 2 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm). Preferably, in some cases, the sheet  170  can include any thickness value between from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate how the exemplary die cut sheet  170  of  FIGS. 3A-3B  can be folded and assembled to form the exemplary bassinet  110  of  FIG. 2A-2C . In some cases, the die cut sheet  170  provided herein can include a plurality of fold lines to facilitate facile assembly of the bassinet. In some cases, the die cut sheet  170  can also include one or more score lines to facilitate the removal of one or more portions or sections of the die cut sheet  170  (e.g., portions of the die cut sheet defining the slots  140  can be scored or cut to facilitate removal of material). In some cases, the assembly of the bassinet provided herein can include adhesive tabs or strips  198  positioned in predesignated locations along the pre-cut sheet  170 , or applicable in any location along the die cut sheet  170 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 4A , assembly of the bassinet can include folding and adjoining the connecting portions  196  of the side panels  184 . In some cases, as shown, each of the connecting portions  196  of the side panels  184  can be folded at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the plane of the primary portion  192  of the corresponding side panel  184 . Free ends of opposing connecting portions  196  can be joined together by pivoting the folded connecting portions  196  (depicted by arrows in  FIG. 4A ) about the pivot point “P” located at the intersections of the transverse fold lines and the longitudinal fold lines of the base panel. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , each end panel  182  can be folded along its transverse fold line “T” such that the reinforcing portion  188  is folded over the connecting portions (not shown) of the side panels  184 . One or more tape strips  198  (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, or more than five) may be used to secure the end panel in its folded configuration. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 4C , the reinforcing portions  194  of the side panels  184  can be folded into place to form the bassinet  110 . In particular, each reinforcing portions  194  of the side panel  184  can be along its longitudinal fold line “L” such that the reinforcing portions  194  fold inwardly into the interior cavity  150 . One or more tape strips  198  (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, or more than five) may be used to secure any one of the side panels  184  and/or end panels  182  in its folded configuration. 
         [0046]    In some cases, the folded configuration of the bassinet  110  can be maintained without the use of one or more fasteners. For example, in some cases, the bassinet  110  may be secured into its folded form by an interference fit of one or more folded panels. In some cases, the bassinet  110  may be bonded by use of an adhesive (e.g., pressure-sensitive tape strip, hot melt, adhesive paste, curable adhesive, or a UV adhesive) to maintain its folded form. In some cases, portions of the bassinet  110  may be coupled together by one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., staples, string, ribbon, hooks, or the like). 
         [0047]    Still referring to  FIG. 4C , the method of assembling the bassinet system can optionally include attaching handles  120  to the bassinet  110  to provide a more comfortable gripping area for the user. The bassinet can include any number of handles (e.g., one, two, or more than two handles) and configuration of handles (e.g., handles located on any one or more walls of the bassinet). In some cases, the assembly of the handle  120  can include connecting mating components of a two-piece handle  120 . For example, one portion of the handle  120   a  may be inserted through the slot opening at each end panel  182  and then connected to the other portion  120   b  inserted through the opposite side of the slot opening  140 . Alternatively, in some cases, a handle  120  may be a single piece made of an elastomeric material that is flexible enough to flex and conform into each slot opening  140 . The handles  120  can advantageously provide a soft material for gripping as well as a smooth gripping surface to increase the user&#39;s comfort when the user grabs and moves the bassinet system  100  from one location to another location. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 4D , the mattress  130  may optionally be placed into the interior cavity  150  of the bassinet  110  to form the system  100  provided herein. In some cases, the mattress  130  may be snuggly seated into the base surface of the bassinet  110  or placed loosely onto the base surface, depending on the relative sizing of the mattress area relative to the surface area of the interior cavity  150  at the base surface. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5D , the bassinet and systems  100  provided herein can optionally include an exemplary accessory electronic device  200 . In some cases, the electronic accessory device  200  may comprise a light that is conveniently positioned on one of the angled walls and configured to illuminate the interior cavity  150  of the bassinet  110 . In certain embodiments, the accessory electronic device  200  may be anchored onto a portion (e.g., a wall) of the bassinet  110 . The accessory electronic device  200  can be a battery-operated device adapted to illuminate an area around or inside the bassinet when the bassinet  110  is in a dark room. The light from the accessory electronic device  200  can provide added convenience for the caretaker, as well as allow the caretaker to visually check the position of the child within the bassinet  110  in a dark room. 
         [0050]    In some cases, the accessory electronic device  200  can include a speaker for providing music to soothe the child in the bassinet. In some cases, the accessory electronic device  200  can be a speaker that allows the caretaker to speak to the child in the bassinet from a separate receiver at a different location. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the accessory electronic device  200  is anchored to one end wall of the bassinet  110 . The accessory electronic device  200 , in some cases, may be positioned at any location along at least one wall of the bassinet  110 . Certain embodiments of the bassinet  110  can include multiple accessory electronic devices  200  (e.g., two, three, four, five, or more than five accessory electronic devices). 
         [0052]      FIGS. 5C and 5D  show components of the exemplary accessory electronic device  200 . In some embodiments, the accessory electronic device  200  may be a device that can be partially advanced through an aperture (not shown) defined in one or more walls of the bassinet  110 . One or more apertures can be defined by a pair of through-holes in the end panels and/or the side panels of the bassinet  110 . 
         [0053]    As shown, the depicted accessory electronic device  200  includes a main body  205  having a head portion  207  and a neck portion  208 , and a connector  210 . The head portion  207  of the accessory electronic device  200  may further include a compressible face  212  that can be pushed to switch the accessory electronic device  200  from an on-state to an off-state, or vice versa. The face  212  of the accessory electronic device  200  may be supported by an internal spring (not shown) that allows the face  212  to be compressed (see depicted arrow in  FIG. 5B ) for actuating a switch within the main body  205 . In some cases, the main body  205  optionally includes an accessible battery compartment that can be opened by a user when a battery replacement is required. 
         [0054]    The neck portion  208  of the main body  205  can be shaped and sized for placement in the aperture in the bassinet wall from the interior cavity. The neck portion  208  can be sized such that a free end of the neck portion  208  extends from an opposite side of the wall when inserted through the aperture. The neck portion  208  of the main body  205  and the connector  210  can be mated together by complementary fasteners. For example, in some cases, the neck portion  208  of the main body  205  may include a threaded male portion that is coupleable with a threaded female portion of the connector  210 . In some cases, the neck portion  208  of main body  205  may include other types of fastening mechanisms, such as beading (not shown) that extends about the circumference of the neck portion  208  and configured to form an interference fit with a female portion of the connector  210 . In some cases, the neck portion  208  of the main body  205  can include one or more outwardly extending prongs (not shown) that locks the connector  210  in place when advanced over the neck portion  208 . 
         [0055]    In some cases, the accessory electronic device  200  may include only a head portion (i.e., no neck portion) with a compressible front face and a rigid, flat rear face. The rear face can include an adhesive backing configured for adhesively bonding the head portion to a wall of the bassinet without requiring use of an aperture. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7-9  show various embodiments of a bassinet with features (e.g., apertures, slots, mesh-reinforcement, or ventilation devices) for further promoting air flow through its interior cavity. Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in some cases, the bassinet  310  can include walls defining one or more venting apertures. In some cases, a plurality of apertures can be defined along one wall (e.g., a side wall or an end wall) of the bassinet  310 . In some cases, the apertures can be defined along two or more walls, or each of the walls. In some cases, the apertures can be defined along the base of the bassinet  310 . In some cases, the apertures can be defined along the wall in an orderly pattern. In some cases, the apertures can be defined randomly along the wall. The venting apertures can promote and increase air flow through the interior cavity of the bassinet. 
         [0057]    The apertures can have various suitable shapes and sizes. The apertures can be defined in one of various shapes, such as circular, square-shaped, oval, triangular, or the like. In some cases, the apertures can be irregularly-shaped. Each aperture can have a maximum dimension (e.g., diameter) ranging from about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to about 50 mm (e.g., from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, from about 20 mm to about 50 mm, from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, or from about 1 mm to about 3 mm). 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an exemplary bassinet  410  may include a plurality of elongate slots having a mesh insert therein. The bassinet  410  may include one or more slots expose an interior mesh material that is either embedded within the bassinet wall, or coupled to a surface of one or more bassinet walls. The mesh can be made of a fibrous material (e.g., nylon). The mesh-reinforced slots can be defined along any one or more walls, or the base, of the bassinet  410 . The mesh-reinforced slots can include any suitable shape and size for promoting and increasing air flow through the interior cavity of the bassinet  410 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an exemplary bassinet  510  may include at least one ventilation device coupled to one or more walls of the bassinet  510 . Each venting device can include a body having elongate ventilating slots extending in a horizontal, a vertical, or an angled direction. The ventilation device can be defined along any one or more walls, or the base, of the bassinet  510 . The ventilation device can include any suitable shape (e.g., circular, oval, rectangular, or the like) and size (e.g., about 1 inch) for promoting and increasing air flow through the interior cavity of the bassinet  510   
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an exemplary foldable die cut sheet  670  is configured to form an open top bassinet (e.g., see bassinet  110  in  FIGS. 2A-2C ) for receiving a child (e.g., the child  10  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) when in an operative position. The foldable die cut sheet  670  includes many features already discussed and shown in the exemplary foldable die cut sheet  170  of  FIG. 3A , with exception of connecting tabs  690  and receiving slots  692  that are discussed in the following sections. 
         [0061]    The die cut sheet  670 , when in the operative position, is in a folded configuration that forms the bassinet. The sheet  670  may include one or more fold lines (e.g., base panel fold lines  672 ,  673 ), cut lines  674 , and/or score lines (not shown) to facilitate proper assembly of the bassinet. The die cut sheet  670  includes a plurality of panels  680 ,  682 ,  684  connected by fold lines. For example, the depicted die cut sheet  670  includes a base panel  180 , end panels  682 , and side panels  684 . The die cuit sheet  670  has opposing side panels  684  and opposing end panels  682  that are of the same size and cut, respectively. The bassinet  670  can include a connecting means on one or more of the side and end panels. 
         [0062]    Still referring to  FIG. 9 , the die cut sheet  670  includes four tabs  690  and four receiving slots  692  that provide a connecting means for the side and/or end panels. Each tab  690  is sized and shaped to insert into a corresponding mating receiving slot  692 . Each tab  690  is coupled to the side panel  684 , or the end panels  682  of the die cut sheet  670 . The receiving slots  692  are located along a folding edge (e.g., base panel fold lines  672 ,  673 ) or proximate to the folding edge. In some embodiments, the die cut sheet  670  can include one or more tabs  690  and one or more receiving slots  692  (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or greater than ten tabs  690  and/or receiving slots  692 ). Each tab  690  can be placed on any one panel (e.g., along an edge of any one panel), and each slot can be placed in any location on the die cut sheet  670  that allows for mating between the slot  692  and a corresponding tab  690 . The tabs  690  and receiving slots  692  provide a quick and facile means for securing the die cut sheet  670  in the operative position. 
         [0063]    A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.