Crib liner

A crib liner, suitable for use with a crib, wherein the crib has a first, second, third and fourth side configured for receiving a mattress is disclosed. The crib also includes four corners, wherein each corner is constructed as part of where two adjacent sides meet; wherein at least one first, second, third or fourth sides has a horizontal top bar and a plurality of vertical spaced support elements. The crib liner includes at least a first panel configured to cover a portion of the vertical spaced support elements. The first panel includes a breathable body portion, a bottom border, a top border and side borders and at least a first and second fastener at each end to attach the first panel to the crib. The breathable body portion includes a first material having a front layer and a back layer attached to each other and having different fabric weaves; the breathable body portion having an air permeability of between 385 CFM to 1530 CFM and a light permeability of between 47 and 99%.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cribs and other usable objects (e.g., child or infant objects). More particularly, the present invention pertains to crib attachments and other breathable apparatus that, for example, protect infants or young children from harm, such as, getting limbs extended and caught between crib slats. In addition, such attachments can allow air to flow into, out of or around the interior of the crib.

BACKGROUND

Conventional baby cribs typically include side rails that are made up of top and bottom horizontal bars interconnected by a series of spaced supports (e.g., vertical slats). Frequently, babies and toddlers, while sleeping or playing in their cribs, intentionally or accidentally extend their limbs out of the crib between the slats and have difficulty drawing them back into the crib. If this occurs when the child is sleeping, the extended limbs will remain uncovered and become cold, and the child will be ultimately awakened or harmed. Many cribs also have headboards and footboards (i.e., endboards) that are also made with spaced-apart supports and the baby may also extend its arms or legs out of the crib between these slats.

Although various types of apparatus have been used to prevent such problematic situations (e.g., extension of limbs outside of the crib through the spaced-apart supports), many of such apparatus exhibit their own problems. For example, as described herein, ventilation may be problematic (e.g., such as that leading up to and resulting in suffocation). For example, crib bumpers are widely used in cribs for protecting a child from injury caused by bodily impact of the child against the sides of the crib that define the interior boundary of the crib. However, in many cases, such bumpers do not allow for adequate ventilation, or air flow, within the crib and also obstruct viewing of the child.

Infants usually breathe through their nasal passages. However, during crying or in the event their nasal passages are blocked, infants may breathe through their oral cavities. Mechanical resistance suffocation takes places when respiration is interrupted if these passages are both blocked externally by an object. When respiration is interrupted, CO2levels in the blood rise. The body's response to this elevation in CO2levels is to attempt more rigorous respiration. If the agent of suffocation is not removed, the incident may be fatal after two or three minutes. Further, the accumulation of CO2or other dangerous gases inside the crib or around the infant may be a possible cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Existing crib apparatus, such as crib bumpers, tend to trap dangerous gases inside the crib. Further, such apparatus may block the passages of infants under certain circumstances. Therefore, improvements are desirable.

Various types of other crib apparatus have been described and attempt to reduce one or more of the above problems. For example, such apparatus are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,408 to Bashista et al., entitled “Mesh Crib Liner,” issued 16 Mar. 1999; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,573 to Wagner et al., entitled “Ventilation Upgrade Kit for a Crib Bumper and Method of Using It.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as described herein, addresses the problems described above and other problems of prior art systems and methods that will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the description below. For example, in a first aspect, a crib liner, suitable for use with a crib, wherein the crib has a first, second, third and fourth side configured for receiving a mattress is disclosed. The crib also includes four corners, wherein each corner is constructed as part of where two adjacent sides meet; wherein at least one first, second, third or fourth sides has a horizontal top bar and a plurality of vertical spaced support elements. The crib liner includes at least a first panel configured to cover a portion of the vertical spaced support elements. The first panel includes a breathable body portion, a bottom border, a top border and side borders and at least a first and second fastener at each end to attach the first panel to the crib. The breathable body portion includes a first material having a front layer and a back layer attached to each other and having different fabric weaves; the breathable body portion having an air permeability of between 385 CFM to 1530 CFM and a light permeability of between 47 and 99%.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In general, the present invention is related to a crib liner that allows air to flow through it and provides for some protection from limbs getting entangled in crib slats. The crib liner can be made from any airflow material, such as mesh, and can be one or more panels for attachment to a crib. The crib liner may also allow air flow primarily in the area of an infant's head and can provide less in other areas not as critical to the infant, such as the borders of the liner. Since, in general, crib liners are removed from the crib as the infant gains the ability to sit or stand, the primary area of airflow concern is from the crib mattress surface up 4 or 5 inches in height, where the infant's head lies during sleeping. As such, for example, a crib liner that has a bottom border of 0.5 to 1 inches, a middle area of 4 to 5 inches of mesh in height and a top border of any length, say for example 10 inches can allow air flow even though the total amount of mesh makes up only 4 inches of the total 15 inches. In other words, only 26.7% of the above crib liner is mesh but it is about 100% mesh where the infant's head is resting during sleep.

In general, a crib liner, suitable for use with a crib, wherein the crib has a first, second, third and fourth side configured for receiving a mattress is disclosed. The crib also includes four corners, wherein each corner is constructed as part of where two adjacent sides meet; wherein at least one first, second, third or fourth sides has a horizontal top bar and a plurality of vertical spaced support elements. The crib liner includes at least a first panel configured to cover a portion of the vertical spaced support elements. The first panel includes a breathable body portion, a bottom border, a top border and side borders and at least a first and second fastener at each end to attach the first panel to the crib. The breathable body portion includes a first material having a front layer and a back layer attached to each other and having different fabric weaves; the breathable body portion having an air permeability of between 385 CFM to 1530 CFM and a light permeability of between 47 and 99%.

Various embodiments of crib liners shall be described with reference toFIGS. 1-27Iand the below description. Additional embodiments of the various materials allowing airflow used within the crib liners shall be described. The particular features of the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to just those illustrated configurations. Instead, the various features disclosed within this disclosure may be combined to create exponentially more embodiments not explicitly illustrated within this disclosure. For example, the various fastener apparatus and configurations for attaching the crib liner to a crib disclosed within may be combined in far more configurations than illustrated within the confines of this disclosure. Further, some exemplary embodiments are illustrated as one panel embodiments while other exemplary embodiments are illustrated as two panel embodiments. It should be understood that the features of such illustrated one panel embodiments and illustrated two panel embodiments (e.g., size, shape, fastener arrangement, method of attaching to crib, etc.) may be interchanged and/or combined to form exponentially more embodiments not explicitly illustrated within this disclosure. As such, the claims should not be limited only to such exemplary illustrated embodiments. Additionally, airflow material not only includes mesh material and padded mesh material, but may also include alternate material(s) that have similar airflow and/or padding properties (e.g., the weave found in cotton sweaters, such as a corded cotton sweater, may be sufficiently padded and breathable).

FIG. 1Ashows a conventional crib10. The crib10can include two sides12,14, or side rails, and further, a third side16, or side rail, (or footboard), and a fourth side18, or side rail (or headboard). The sides12,14extend between the third side16and fourth side18along a length thereof. The headboard18, footboard16, and side rails12,14are connected and sized for receiving a mattress within an interior11of the crib10. As illustrated, the crib is configured to receive a standard rectangular-shaped crib mattress. Of course, other crib configurations are possible. One or more of the side rails or end boards may be solid and the terms “side” or “end” are interchangeable. Essentially the crib10has four sides12,14,16and18that define an interior boundary11extending proximate and around a periphery of the mattress26disposed within the crib10.

The mattress26is supported within the crib10by various structure not shown inFIG. 1A. For example, a bottom structural member may be supported at one or more positions about the interior boundary of the crib10or in any other fashion. In many conventional cribs10, the mattress26and/or a supporting member therebelow may be raised and/or lowered. For example, as shown inFIG. 1A, the mattress26is in a raised state. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 4A(to be described further herein), the mattress is shown in a lowered state. The lowered state is closer to the ground or floor upon which the crib10is positioned than the raised state. As such, the depth inside the crib is preferably adjustable.

The side rail12generally includes a top bar22and a bottom bar24positioned approximately parallel to one another. A plurality of generally vertically-spaced side support elements20(i.e. slats) extend between the horizontal top bar22and horizontal bottom bar24. Although less prevalent due to crib regulation, the side rail12in some older cribs is moveable from a raised state to a lowered state. For example, the moveable side rail12allows a user to lower the side rail12in order to have easier access to a child lying on mattress26. As shown inFIG. 1A, side rail12can be raised or lowered relative to support structure element39and the remainder of the crib10. The present invention allows for the side rail12to be moved from a lowered state to a raised state, or vice versa, even with the crib shield system40attached to the crib10.

Of course, typical cribs today do not have a moveable side rail. In addition, cribs may or may not have slats on one or more sides as the current trend in cribs is to have a crib that is convertible to a toddler bed, using one or more of the crib sides (or foot and head boards) as the foot and/or headboard of the toddler bed. In some cribs typical corner posts are not apparent. Therefore reference to a corner post herein does not strictly refer to a structural member at the corner of the crib and can also simply include where two sides meet.

Side rail14may be similarly configured like that of side rail12. In other words, side rail14may be moveable from a lowered to a raised state, and vice versa. However, side rail14may also be in a stationary position fixedly attached to corners36,31. Likewise, side rail12may be moveable or in a fixed position. As moveable side rails are conventional configurations, no further description is provided with respect to the mechanisms for allowing such movement thereof. In addition, any of the sides of the crib may or may not include slats and the crib may or may not include corner posts. The crib shield systems described herein also work with various mechanisms for moving side rails, e.g., side and bottom latch systems and gliding side mechanisms, fixed rails, rails with no slats, or cribs with no corner posts.

Generally, headboard18of crib10includes an upper bar32(e.g., in a decorative curved shape) as well as a bottom horizontal element43, each connected in a fixed position to corners36,38. In a similar manner to the side rails12,14, generally vertically-spaced support elements34extend between the top bar32and the horizontal element43. It will be recognized that many cribs may or may not have spaced support elements that define a part of the footboard16or headboard18. For example, the headboard and footboard may be solid materials as opposed to spaced-apart supports. The footboard16is configured in a manner like that of headboard18and includes corners31,33. Of course, in certain cribs there may or may not be corner posts, e.g. the convertible crib. Therefore the term “corner post” could simply be where two sides meet.

As shown inFIG. 1A, the plurality of spaced-apart side support elements20,34of the side rails12,14and the headboard and footboard16,18are used to define the interior boundary extending proximate and around the periphery of the mattress26disposed within the crib10. In one embodiment, and as shown inFIG. 1A, at least one panel is sized for covering at least a portion of the plurality of spaced-apart side support elements and configured to extend along at least a portion of the interior boundary. Of course, if there are no spaced-apart side support elements and there is a solid panel, the one panel would still cover the side. As is described herein, in one preferred embodiment, a significant amount of the panel is formed of a material allowing air to flow through it (e.g. “breathable”) and the panel includes at least one fastening apparatus for securing at least one panel to the crib10.

As used herein, the term mattress may include any structure disposed within crib10and upon which objects and/or human beings may be placed. In other words, mattress refers to any structure and not just a soft sleeping apparatus. For example, the crib could be configured into a playpen-type structure with a solid hard and/or flat bottom that is, for example, lowered very close to the floor. As such, and as used herein, a crib can be equated to and encompasses the various structures similar to a crib, such as those for containing a small child (e.g., playpens, portable cribs, basinets, convertible cribs, round cribs, or other structures including, for example, spaced-apart side supports that require an apparatus or system such as that described herein).

As further shown inFIG. 1A, crib shield system40is attached to crib10along a portion of the interior boundary of the crib10defined by the headboard18, footboard16, and side rails12,14. As shown inFIG. 1A, a first side panel42is attached to side rail12. Further, a second side panel44is attached for covering side rail14, footboard16, and headboard18. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the second side panel44may also be configured to cover just the second side rail14and the footboard16(e.g., such as when the headboard18lacks vertical spaced-apart side support elements), or may cover just side rail14and headboard18(e.g., such as when footboard16lacks spaced-apart side support elements). In other words, the configuration of the second side panel44may differ depending upon the configuration of crib10upon which it is attached. Likewise, the configuration of the first side panel42may differ depending upon the configuration of crib10upon which it is attached. In addition, the attachments may be different if attaching to a rail with no slats, for example. Furthermore, the crib shield system40can include 1 panel or more and may or may not cover all sides of the crib10.

In another embodiment of the crib shield ofFIG. 1A, the crib shield may extend nearly the full height of the crib.FIG. 1Bshows a perspective view of one embodiment of a single-wrap crib shield system attached to a crib with a side rail of the crib in a raised or fixed state. A crib shield111may include wraps110a,110b, and110cpositioned at different vertical locations along the crib shield111. The wraps110a,110b, and110cmay be Velcro, ties, snaps, zipper, or any other suitable fastener. The crib shield111may be fastened to the crib10through fasteners114and116. The fasteners114and116may be located anywhere along the vertical height of the crib shield111or perimeter of the crib10.

The crib shield ofFIG. 1Billustrates a single wrap full height shield, but additional wraps may be used to secure the crib shield.FIG. 1Cshows a perspective view of one embodiment of a double-wrap crib shield system attached to a crib with a side rail of the crib in a fixed or raised state. The crib shield111ofFIG. 1Cincludes second wraps112aand112blocated at different vertical heights along the crib shield111.

The various wrap types are illustrated inFIGS. 1D-1F.FIG. 1Dshows a side view of one embodiment of a hook and loop Velcro attachment. Velcro113a,113b, and113clocated at different vertical positions may attach to Velcro receptors113d,113e, and113f, respectively.FIG. 1Eshows a side view of one embodiment of tie attachments. Ties115may be loose pieces of string located on ends of the crib shield or locations along the perimeter of the crib shield to allow an individual to tie one of the ties to another tie.FIG. 1Fshows a side view of one embodiment of snap attachments. One side of the crib shield may include snap receptors117bwhile another side of the crib shield may include snap attachments117a. An individual snaps on one of the snap receptors117bto a snap attachment117ato secure the crib shield. A crib shield with snap attachments117aand117ballows an individual to custom size the crib shield by selecting where to couple a snap attachment to a snap receptor. Of course, one of ordinary skill would recognize there are multiple attachments available and multiple ways to attach the crib liner to the crib.

FIG. 2Ashows the first side panel42in an unattached laid flat position. Preferably, the first side panel42includes a body46formed of a breathable material, such as a mesh-type material, that extends along the length (L panel 1) from a first end48of the first side panel42to a second end50of the first side panel42. The length (L panel 1) of the first side panel42is sized for allowing attachment to the side rail12of crib10. For example, the length (L panel 1) is slightly longer than the distance between spaced-apart side support elements27,29ofFIG. 1. In such a manner, the first side panel42can be wrapped about such side support elements27,29and fastened thereto using hook and loop closures52,54, as is further described herein with reference toFIG. 3A.

In many embodiments, the body portion46has a width (e.g., W panel 1) that is less than a length (e.g., L support as shown inFIG. 1) of a vertical spaced support element20of the first side rail12. In many embodiments, the width (e.g., W panel 1) is less than one-half the length (L support) of the vertical spaced side support element20.

Preferably, the crib liner is configured to be secured to a crib such that a portion of the liner, e.g., a bottom border62, is located approximately between the mattress and the crib, and as such, the breathable material of the liner exposed to an infant in the crib is not significantly reduced by the bottom border62, which may be composed of less breathable materials. Typically, the bottom border may range from 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches in height. Of course, if the bottom border is above the surface of the mattress, the crib liner is still very breathable. For example, a crib liner that has a bottom border of 1 inches, a middle area of 4 inches of mesh in height and a top border of any length, say for example 10 inches can allow air flow even though the total amount of mesh makes up on 4 inches of the total 15 inches. In other words, only 26.7% of this crib liner is mesh but it is still about 80% mesh where the infant's head is resting during sleep if the bottom border is above the surface of the mattress.

In many embodiments, the crib liner is configured to provide breathable material along the 4 sides of the crib such that the head of an infant lying in the crib is exposed to mainly breathable material. In preferred embodiments, the panel will have approximately a four (4) inch height of breathable material, or greater, above the bottom border62, such that an infant resting against a side rail or endboard will mainly be exposed to the breathable material. It is less relevant if top and bottom boarders are breathable as they are not significantly in the area of the infant's head. Therefore, it is possible that a liner be 12 or more inches in height as long as there is approximately 3 or 4 inches or more of breathable material in the area of the infant's head when the infant is lying down resting her head against the mattress. In this example embodiment, the mesh may be only 25% of the total height of the liner, but it is substantially mesh near the infant's head where breathability matters most. InFIGS. 2B and 2Csuch an alternative embodiment is illustrated in which the top border is substantially larger in height then the body portion but yet the crib liner is breathable near the infants head when the infant is lying down resting, even if the bottom border is installed above, or extends above, the surface of the mattress.

In many embodiments, the breathable material will be configured to provide between five inches to eight inches or more of breathable material. It should be understood that the portion of breathable material may be adjusted based upon the average head size of an infant, which may be determined using available Center of Disease Control (CDC) data (e.g., average infant head circumference data). In most embodiments, the critical width of breathable material is the portion that extends from the top edge of the crib mattress and extends upward to the top of an average baby's head. In this area, the liner should include a majority or more of breathable material.

Preferably, the first side panel42includes a first fastening apparatus52at the first end48of the first side panel42and a second fastening apparatus54at the second end50of the first side panel42. Fastening apparatus52includes fastening portions53,55, such as hook and loop closures (e.g., Velcro). In one embodiment, fastening apparatus54is the same as fastening apparatus52, however, such closure structures may also be different.

Various fastening apparatus may be used to attach the first side panel as well as the other panels as described herein to a crib. For example, various types of fastening apparatus may include hook and loop closures (e.g., Velcro), snaps, buttons/buttonholes, ties, straps, buckles, zippers, etc. Although hook and loop fasteners are preferable, any other closure or fastener apparatus suitable for attaching panels to crib10may be used.

In one embodiment, a finishing edge material58, or border, is provided along the periphery of the body portion46. For example, as shown inFIG. 2A, a finishing edge material (e.g., a decorative material) may be used along edges61-64. The finishing edge typically does not affect the breathability of the liner since it is not in close proximity to the infant's head.

FIG. 2Dshows the second side panel44in an unattached laid flat position. The second side panel44includes a body portion70that extends along a length (L panel 2) from a first end72thereof to a second end74of the second side panel44. The length (L panel 2) of the second side panel44is sized for allowing attachment to footboard16and headboard18and across side rail14of crib10. For example, the length (L panel 2) is slightly longer than the combined lengths of the three sides of the crib10(i.e., the lengths of the footboard16, headboard18, and side rail14). In such a manner, the second side panel44can be wrapped about support elements19,35and fastened thereto using hook and loop closures76,78, as is further described herein. Further, the second side panel44has a width (W panel 2) that, at least in one embodiment, has substantially the same width as the width (W panel 1) of first panel42.

Further, second side panel44includes fastening apparatus76at first end72of the second side panel44and fastening apparatus78at the second end74of the second panel44. Such fastening apparatus76,78are substantially similar to the hook and loop fasteners described with respect to first panel42. Further, in a like manner, finishing edge material80may be used around the perimeter of the body portion70as shown by the finishing material80along edges81-84.

The breathable material of the body portion46of first side panel42and body portion70of second side panel44may include any suitable material that provides breathable functionality such as a mesh type material. Breathable functionality refers to the ability of the material to allow air to move effectively therethrough. As used herein, when air is indicated as moving effectively through a material, it is meant that the material includes openings (e.g., mesh openings, open-framework, spaces between elements thereof, or even those that may not be visually perceivable openings but still allow a breathable function to occur) that do not impede air movement to an extent that would prevent a human being from breathing through (e.g., when a human's respiratory openings (e.g., nose/mouth) are in direct contact with a material) such a material in order to help prevent suffocation and further that such openings are too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough. For example, such materials may include cotton, silk, polyester, nylon, modal/semi-cellulose based fabrics, etc.

In one embodiment, the mesh-type material may include a mesh available from Apex Mills, Inc. under the trade designation TA1 Mesh. However, other various similar mesh materials (e.g., mesh material having suitable openings) are available. A Suffocation Hazard Assessment was performed by RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.) (e.g., the Assessment is further described herein and for which protocol is available from RAM Consulting) on the TAI Mesh resulting in average readings of 1.6 cm H2O and, for an upper specification limit of 5 cm H2O, a Z-value of 9.0 was obtained.

In one example embodiment, the breathable material is a breathable mesh-type material300(e.g., a padded spacer mesh), such as that shown generally inFIGS. 2E-2H. The breathable material300includes openings349on a front substructure391thereof, as shown in top view of the material300ofFIG. 2E. As shown in the cross-section of the breathable padded mesh material300inFIG. 2Fthe material300further includes a back substructure392. A pile substructure393may be integrated with or simply attached at certain locations and extend between the front and back substructures391,392. Each of the substructures (e.g., the front, back, and pile substructures) allows air to substantially move effectively therethrough. The material300is further shown in the perspective views ofFIGS. 2G-2H. As illustrated, and in most embodiments, pile substructure393is generally linear (some wave and collapsing may occur) when extending between the front substructure391and back substructure392. This linear configuration generally provides optimal air flow between the front and back substructures. However, in a few alternate embodiments, it may be beneficial to use a pile substructure393that is less than linear, whether lofted, matted, and/or bunched fibers. This may be done to improve padding properties, especially with padding that is sufficiently breathable. In a few alternate embodiments, the substructure393is attached only to the front substructure391or the back substructure392. Of course other breathable materials can be used including a single layer mesh.

The meshes or other fabrics shown inFIGS. 2A-2Hmay include designs on the mesh.FIG. 2Ishows an illustration of a printed mesh according to one embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 2Jshows an illustration of a printed mesh according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The meshes or other fabrics may also include a variety of mesh designs and types.

It will be recognized that the thickness of the padded mesh material may vary, as well as for other materials described herein. For example, more padding may create a softer more plush effect with slightly different breathability/ventilation properties and more opaqueness (e.g., less light transmissive) whereas less padding may create more breathability and buoyancy with less opaqueness (e.g., more light transmissive). Preferably, the panels described herein are at least somewhat transparent such that at least motion of the child in the crib can be seen.

Yet further, the padded mesh material is collapsible. As such, when installed or uninstalled, should a child stand on it, the material will collapse. This reduces the risk of the mesh material being leverage to a climbing infant (unlike most conventional bumpers).

The breathable material may be a woven polymeric fiber mesh material that is integrated with or attached to a front and/or back substructure391,392. The front substructure391may include larger openings on the front substructure391than on the back substructure392. In one example embodiment, the padded mesh material300may be integrated with or attached to the front and back substructures391,392by weaving the fibers that are provided as part of the pile substructure393through the front and back substructure391,392as shown inFIG. 2D-F. In another embodiment, the breathable material may be integrated by sewing, or otherwise attaching, the padded mesh material300between a front and back substructure or other substructures (not shown). That is, in this embodiment the padded mesh material is integrated by attaching to other materials, such as breathable materials or pad materials, to form a multi-layer structure (not shown). The multi-layer structure may be, for example, laminated or quilted.

In one embodiment, for example, the breathable padded mesh material300may include a padded spacer mesh available from Apex Mills, Inc. under the trade designation DNB27 Spacer Mesh. However, other various similar padded spacer mesh materials are available.

In another embodiment, the mesh-type material is a breathable padded mesh material in combination with one or more other material layers. For example, the breathable padded mesh material may be used in combination with one or more layers of other material adjacent to (e.g., one material laid flat against the other) either the front substructure and/or back substructure of the breathable padded mesh material. In various embodiments of such a combination, one or more layers of material may be used adjacent the front substructure, one or more layers of material may be used adjacent the back substructure, or one or more layers of material may be used adjacent the front substructure and the back substructure. For example, such additional layers may be layers of cotton material, knit jersey material, etc. Such additional material layers may provide additional benefits such as, for example, thermal properties with breathability.

Further, for example, the breathable material when used alone, or in combination with one or more additional layers, may be a breathable material (e.g., a breathable padded mesh material, such as a spacer mesh) that has a suffocation resistance level of less than about 15 cm H.sub.2O, and preferably less than about 5 cm H2O. Such a suffocation resistance is determined according to the RAM Consulting Virtual Child Suffocation Hazard Assessment Model which is a physical model and testing methodology that quantitatively assesses the potential suffocation hazards posed by various types of materials. The details of this Model are available from RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.). Further, according to this Model, Z-values are determined that are statistical measurement tools that describe and predict product performance in relation to its specification limit (e.g., such as those described below). For example, the suffocation resistance limit of 5 cm H.sub.2O is an upper specification limit for materials or products that foreseeably are used and/or intended for young infants with high accessibility; and further, the suffocation resistance limit of about 15 cm H2O is an upper specification limit for other materials or products (e.g., those for toddlers). A Z-value of 4.0 or greater with the corresponding upper specification limit for each applicable testing technique is required for a product to be classified as a very low suffocation risk. The details regarding the determination of Z-values are available from RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.).

Suffocation Hazard Assessment was performed by RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.) on various configurations using the breathable padded mesh material available from Apex Mills, Inc. under the trade designation DNB27 Spacer Mesh.

A screening was performed on all configurations in both a dry and wet state. The spacer padded mesh when layered with fabrics resulted in a satisfactory reading based on values in cm H2O, wherein the specification upper limit for products young children are intended to lie on is equal to 5 cm H2O (e.g., mattress pads or items young infants are intended to have their face on) and wherein the specification for products young children are not intended to lie on is equal to 15 cm H2O.

Four individual readings were performed with an average being determined. Dry state readings did not register, thus presenting very low hazard when the configurations were dry (i.e., under the 5 cm H2O specification limit). In the wet state (after application of 8 ml of sprayed on water), the average readings for the configurations were between 4.6 cm H2O and 6.2 cm H2O.

For the individual single layer of spacer padded mesh, average readings of 1.7 cm H2O were taken. Further, for an upper specification limit of 5 cm H2O, a Z-value of 9.5 was obtained.

As shown inFIG. 1A, according to one example embodiment, the first side panel42is attached to first side rail12by wrapping first end48of the first spacer panel42about spaced side support element27and mating the hook and loop fastener portions53,55as shown inFIG. 3A. The second end50of first spacer panel42is wrapped around side support element29and fastening apparatus54is used to hold the first side panel in place. For example, in one embodiment, the fastening apparatus54is attached to the side support element27. Thereafter, the user pulls the panel taut across the plurality of spaced side support elements20by pulling on the second end50containing the fastening apparatus54. Fastening apparatus54is the attached to support element29in such a manner to hold the taut panel in place. As such, the first side panel42is prevented from slipping after being attached to the spaced side support elements27,29. Of course other suitable methods of using the liner are contemplated.

In at least one embodiment, the first side panel42is configured to cover at least a portion of the first side rail12and to extend along the length of the crib10. As used herein when a panel extends along the length of the crib10, it will be recognized that the panel may not extend completely along the entire length, but may end proximate the headboard and footboard. For example, depending upon the fastening techniques used, the panel may be attached a short distance from the corners of the crib (see panel42as shown inFIG. 1A).

In a like manner, second side panel44is attached to the crib10. For example, the second end74of the second side panel44is wrapped about spaced support element35of headboard18. Fastening apparatus78(e.g., Velcro closures) is used to fasten the second end74about the support element35.

Further, as shown inFIG. 1A, the body portion70of the second side panel44is fed to the inside of the crib10(e.g., to the inside portions of support elements34) and thereafter fed to the outside of the crib10and around corner36. The body portion70is continued to be fed back into the inside of the crib10(e.g., to the inside of the support elements of the second side rail14) and thereafter fed once again to the outside of the crib10and around corner31(seeFIGS. 3B-3C). Thereafter, the body portion70of the second side panel44is fed to the inside of the crib10once again at the footboard16and then wrapped around support element19of footboard16in a similar manner to the fastening of the second side panel44around support element35of headboard18.

One will recognize that the second side panel may be attached to any number of different support elements, may be fed around and/or to the outside of one or more spaced support elements, and, as with the first side panel42, is pulled taut prior to fastening to keep the second side panel44in position. Further, the weaving of the second side panel44around the corners and/or around one or more of the spaced support elements also assists in maintaining the second side panel44in position (e.g., in a position higher on the crib10when the mattress is raised relative to the floor and lower in the crib10when the mattress is lowered to the floor). In addition, any of the panels may be positioned such that a portion of the panel is below the upper surface of the mattress (e.g., a few centimeters below the surface along the side of the mattress) to assist in securing the crib and preventing arms and legs from going under the panel.

In another embodiment, the crib shield system may comprise a single side panel. As contemplated herein, the crib shield system or crib liner may be one or more panels and may or may not include a bottom panel (that lies under the mattress). As shown inFIG. 1B, the crib10is substantially the same as that shown inFIG. 1Aexcept that the side rail12is fixed and cannot be lowered or raised.

The single side panel111, as shown inFIG. 1B, includes a body portion70that extends along a length (L panel 3) from a first end72thereof to a second end74of the single side panel111, in a like manner with the second side panel44inFIG. 2B. The length (L panel 3) of the single side panel111may be sized for allowing attachment to footboard16and headboard18and across side rail12and14of crib10. For example, the length (L panel 3) is slightly longer than the combined lengths of the four sides of the crib10(i.e., the lengths of the footboard16, headboard18, side rail12, and side rail14). In this embodiment, the single side panel111may be wrapped about support elements35, installed along all four sides of the crib, and fastened to support elements27using hook and loop closures, as shown inFIG. 3A. Further, the single side panel111may have a width (W panel 3) that, at least in one embodiment, may have substantially the same width as the width (W panel 1) of first panel42.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 1B-1C, single side panel111may include fastening apparatus110a-cat first end of the single side panel111and fastening apparatus at the second end of the single side panel111. Such fastening apparatuses110a-care substantially similar to the hook and loop fasteners described with respect to first panel42. In one embodiment, finishing edge material80may be attached around the perimeter of the body portion70as shown by the finishing material80along edges81-84.

In one embodiment as shown inFIG. 1B, the single side panel111may be attached to headboard18by wrapping first end72of the single side panel111about spaced side support element35and mating the hook and loop fastener portions110a-c, as shown inFIG. 3A.

Further, as shown inFIG. 1B, the body portion70of the single side panel111may be fed to the inside of the crib10(e.g., to the inside portions of support elements34) and thereafter fed to the outside of the crib10and inside corner36. The body portion70may be continued to be fed back into the inside of the crib10(e.g., to the inside of the support elements of the second side rail14) and thereafter fed once again to the outside of the crib10and inside corner31(seeFIGS. 1B, 1C). Thereafter, the body portion70of the single side panel111may be fed to the outside of the crib10once again at the footboard16and then fed inside of corner33to the inside of the crib10(e.g., to the inside portions of support elements20). Finally, the second end74of single side panel111may be wrapped around side support element27and fastening apparatus is used to hold the single side panel in place. Thereafter, the user may pull the panel taut across the plurality of spaced side support elements on all four sides of the crib by pulling on the second end74containing the fastening apparatus. Fastening apparatus may be attached to support element27in such a manner to hold the taut panel in place. The single side panel111may be deterred from slipping after being attached to the spaced side support elements35,27.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4A, the crib10is substantially the same as that shown inFIGS. 1A-1Cexcept that the mattress26is in a lowered position. However, the side rail12is a side rail that can be lowered or raised, as desired Like the crib shield system40inFIG. 1A, the illustrated embodiment of crib shield system100, shown inFIG. 4, allows the side rail12to be moved even with the crib shield system100attached to crib10.

The illustrated embodiment of crib shield system100includes a first side panel102and a second side panel104for attachment to respective side rails12,14. Further, the crib shield system100includes a first end panel106for attachment to the footboard16and a second end panel108for attachment to the headboard18.

FIG. 4Bshows a perspective view of another embodiment of a full crib shield system attached to a crib. A mesh411extends around a crib401. A number of ties415attach side rail covers417, a back rail cover419, and a front rail cover421to the mesh411. A hidden zipper (not shown) may attach a front side of the rail covers417,419, and421to the mesh411. The hidden zipper may be concealed by a flap407, such as in a gusset pocket. In some embodiments, the rail covers417,419, and421may be available as upgrades to a basic mesh crib liner411. The rail covers417,419, and421may be a solid color or include patterns and be made of washable material with quick drying capability.

FIG. 5Ashows a first side panel102of an exemplary crib shield system100in an unattached laid flat position. The first side panel102includes a body portion120formed of a mesh-type material. In one embodiment, the mesh-type material is an open framework material that includes openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough. However, any breathable material known to a person of ordinary skill in the art may be used, such as the breathable materials described herein.

The body portion120extends along a length (L panel 1) extending from a first end122of the first side panel102to a second end124thereof. Further, the laid flat first side panel102has a width (W panel 1) that is sized to cover at least a majority portion of side rail12. However, the first side panel may cover less than a majority portion.

The first side panel102further includes a fastening apparatus126that extends along an entire edge144of the side panel102for use in attaching the side panel102to the top bar22of the side rail12, as is shown in further detail inFIGS. 6A-6D. The fastening apparatus126, at least in one embodiment, includes first and second fastening portions147,148that are both for mating with one another in order to hold the first side panel102in a fixed position relative to side rail12.

In various embodiments, the fastening apparatus126may be a series of straps or ties intermittently disposed along the edge144of the side panel102for use in attaching the side panel102to the top bar22of the side rail12. Each of the straps or ties of fastening apparatus126, at least in one embodiment, includes first and second fastening portions147,148that are both for mating with one another in order to hold the first side panel102in a fixed position relative to side rail12.

As shown inFIG. 6A, the exemplary fastening apparatus126may include a padded portion150that is wrapped around top rail22such that first and second fastening portions147,148can be placed in contact with one another. As a result, the padded portion150covers the top bar22of the side rail12. With use of the fastening apparatus126that extends along the entire edge148of the first side panel102, the first side panel102can be fixed in a stable position with respect to side rail12. For example, the first side panel102can be fixedly positioned to prevent movement thereof relative to the side rail12using one or more other various fastening apparatus.

In another embodiment, the padded portion150may be removably attached to the fastening apparatus126. For example, the padded portion150may comprise a strip of padded material with one fastening side, the fastening side designed to be removably attached to the fastening apparatus126using hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or other appropriate fastening apparatus. The padded material may be any suitable material, not just the aforementioned mesh-type material.

For example, as shown inFIG. 5A, closures127-128provide for additional affixing functionality about the top bar22of the crib10. In addition, closures129-130assist in affixing the first side panel102to respective corners38,33. Yet further, for example, a plurality of closures131-133, located opposite the edge144can be used to attach the first side panel102to bottom bar24of the side rail12such that the panel102is held in a taut manner across the plurality of support elements20.

FIG. 5Bshows a back side of a crib shield mesh according to one example embodiment of the present invention. A crib shield102may include one or more ties115along a top end of the crib shield102. The ties115may allow connection of the crib shield102with a rail cover described below with reference toFIG. 5D. Although not shown, the ties115may also be coupled to a bottom end of the crib shield102. The crib shield102may also include a number of Velcro loops113including Velcro attachments113a,113b, and113c, and Velcro receptors113d,113e, and113f. The receptors113d,113e, and113fmay loop around a support structure (not shown), such as a crib, and hook around to couple to the attachments113a,113b, and113c.

FIG. 5Cshows a front side and several magnified views of a side panel for use in a crib shield system according to the present invention. The crib shield102ofFIG. 5Cmay illustrate a side of the crib shield102facing an inside of a crib. In one embodiment, the crib shield102may have a size of approximately 128 inches by approximately 19.5 inches, although various sizes may be configured to fit different crib sizes and shapes. A fastener105amay couple the crib shield102to a front/back crib rail cover103through a fastener105b. The cover103may have a size of approximately 46 inches by approximately 14 inches. The fastener105aand105bmay be a half of a zipper and the zipper pull located on one or the other of fastener105aand105b. For example, the rail cover103may include the zipper pull105b, such as a dual separating zipper, which may be opened or closed from either end. A flap107may extend over the fastener105ato conceal the zipper. Although a zipper is illustrated connecting the crib shield102and the rail cover103, other fasteners such as buttons, snaps, and ties are possible. A second rail cover may be used for sides of a crib.FIG. 5Dshows a side view of a second crib rail cover. The cover107includes ties115for coupling to the ties115of the crib shield102illustrated inFIG. 5B.

The rail cover103may include multiple layers of material.FIG. 5Eis an illustration of a rail cover having multiple layers of fabric. For example, the cover103may include an outer layer151such as mesh fabric, a middle layer153such as a padded filler, and a bottom layer155such as a waterproof layer, allergen-blocking layer, or other fabric. The cover107may have a size of approximately 27 inches by approximately 14 inches.

One skilled in the art will recognize that many types of closures may be used to provide the attachment functionality, such as those described previously herein with respect to crib shield system40. In one particular embodiment, all of the closures are provided with hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro fasteners). In such a manner, no ties are necessary, which eliminate additional material that could be grabbed by a small child and pulled upon.

FIGS. 6A-6Fshow further detail illustrating the attachment of the first side panel102to the crib10.FIG. 6Ashows the fastening apparatus126wrapped around the top bar22of the crib10and, in particular, a closure130wrapped around post33but not yet in a closed position.

FIG. 6Bshows the closure130in a wrapped around configuration and closed (e.g., the hook and loop fasteners in direct contact with one another and providing attachment to corner post33).

FIG. 6Dshows a cross-section view of the top bar22having the padded rail cover portion150wrapped therearound.

FIG. 6Eshows one of the bottom closure strap attachments133used to wrap around bottom bar24. The strap attachment133is shown in a partially closed position with a part of the hook and loop fasteners in direct contact.

FIG. 6Fshows a cross-section of the bottom bar24having strap attachment closure133wrapped therearound and in a fastened configuration.

It will be readily understood that second side panel104is substantially similar to that of first side panel102. In addition, the attachment of second side panel104to side rail14is performed in substantially the same manner as the attachment of first side panel102to side rail12of crib10.

FIG. 7Ashows an exemplary end panel108in an unattached laid flat position. The end panel108includes a body portion160of mesh-type material like that described with respect to first side panel102which extends along a length (L panel 2) from a first end162to a second end164of the end panel108. Further, the end panel108has a width (W panel 2) that along with length (L panel 2) is sized to cover a substantial portion of headboard18. The end panel108includes fastening apparatus166, for example, along the entire edge183of the body portion160for use in attachment of the end panel108to a support element37of the headboard18. The fastening apparatus166includes fastener portions168-169and a body portion170. The body portion170is wrapped around the support element37, as shown in further detail inFIG. 8, with the fastener portions168-169placed in direct contact with one another to provide attachment of the end panel108to the headboard118. The fastener portions168-169are preferably hook and loop fasteners to provide a consistent closure along the entire width (W panel 2).

At least one other fastening apparatus, such as fastening apparatus176, are provided at one or more positions along an edge184opposite edge183to allow a user to pull the panel taut across the headboard118when fastening apparatus166has been attached to support element37. Such fastening apparatus176can be thereafter used to secure the end panel108around support element35and maintain the end panel108in a taut position adjacent the support elements34. In one embodiment, the fastening apparatus176includes hook and loop fasteners177-179(e.g., Velcro closures) positioned along edge184using a body of material193that can be wrapped about support element35.

FIG. 7Bshows a back side of a back panel wrap for attaching to a rail cover according to the present invention. The short back panel108may include a number of ties115for coupling to a rail cover. The short back panel108may also include a number of hook and loop fasteners178and179.

FIG. 7Cshows a front side of a back panel wrap for attaching to rail cover according to the present invention. The front side of the short back panel108may face an inside of a crib. The back panel108may include a receptor105afor coupling to a rail cover. The receptor105amay be, for example, one half of a zipper or one half of a zipper with a zipper pull. The flap107may conceal the receptor105a. The back panel108may have a size of approximately 56 inches by approximately 22 inches.

FIG. 8shows an illustration of attaching the end panel108to headboard118. For example, as shown therein, closure177is in an unattached configuration, whereas closures178,179are in a fastened configuration. Likewise, fastening apparatus166along the first end162of the end panel108is shown in a partially fastened configuration.

It will be readily understood that a second end panel106may be substantially similar to that of first end panel108. In addition, the attachment of second end panel106to the footboard16is performed in substantially the same manner as the attachment of first end panel108to headboard18of crib10.

Both the side panel102and the end panel108may be provided with associated finishing material for functional or decorative purposes (e.g., to prevent the fraying of mesh material of body portion120, to provide further padding, etc.). For example, as shown inFIG. 5A, finishing edge material138may be used along edges141-143. Likewise, as shown inFIG. 7A, finishing material172may be used along edges181-182. Further, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that various types of materials may be used along the edges and in combination with various fastening apparatus for attaching the panels to the crib10. However, preferably, the exposed portions of the panels (e.g., exposed to a child in the crib) are formed of the mesh-type material, while the finishing edge material may be less breathable.

In another embodiment, the crib shield system may comprise a crib liner with two side panels106,108, two end panels102,104, and a bottom panel428, where the side and end panels are attached to the bottom panel.

FIGS. 9A-9Cshow illustrations of exemplary breathable materials according to various embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 9Aillustrates an exemplary breathable material900. In the illustrated embodiment, the breathable material900includes a front substructure391composed of a woven material. The woven portion of the front substructure391A is illustrated at902. The woven material902is the portion of the front substructure391A with which a pile substructure393may be attached and/or integrated. The woven material902is configured with openings904, which are voids lacking any material. These openings904do not have any pile substructure393attached, and as such, may be configured to create channels between the front substructure and the back substructure. An exemplary opening904may be 1-6 millimeters and preferably 2-4 millimeters in diameter. As illustrated, the exemplary openings904are round, although other shapes are available (e.g., oval, triangle, etc.).

FIG. 9Billustrates an exemplary breathable material920. In the illustrated embodiment, the breathable material920includes a front substructure391B with a plain weave woven portion922with openings924, thereby creating a “netting” pattern. In this exemplary weave configuration, the woven portion922is reduced, thereby increasing airflow, but diminishing the distinct channels found in openings904. Further, the fine pattern of the woven portion922lacks a perceivable ornamental pattern when the liner is viewed as a whole. For this reason, in many embodiments, the breathable material920is used as an interior layer when two or more breathable materials are layered together (e.g., embodiments combined to create a more durable crib liner that retains breathability), as further discussed in conjunction withFIGS. 12A-12C. As shown by openings904inFIG. 9B, the back substructure392B may be comprised of the front substructure391A from breathable material900. Thus, the fabric pattern of the front substructure need not mirror the fabric pattern of the back substructure in the various embodiments.

FIG. 9Cillustrates an exemplary breathable material940. In the illustrated embodiment, the breathable material940includes a front substructure391C composed of a cableweave fabric. The woven portion of the front substructure391C is illustrated at942. The woven material942is the portion of the front substructure391C with which a pile substructure393may be attached and/or integrated. The woven material942is configured with primary openings944(which may also be referred to as first openings), which are voids lacking any material. An exemplary primary opening944may be 1-6 millimeters and preferably 2-4 millimeters in diameter, similar to opening904ofFIG. 9A. The front substructure391C may also include secondary openings946, which are smaller than primary openings944. Additionally, the woven portion may include even smaller openings948aand948b(which may also be referred to as third openings) incorporated into the fabric pattern, in which the openings are smaller than openings942and944. The benefit of two or more opening sizes in the fabric pattern is the ability to create a fabric that has increased breathability by reducing the amount of thick woven portions (e.g.,902) while maintaining fabric strength by having many interwoven threads. For example, a secondary opening946may be located at the intersection of four primary openings (first openings), thus reducing the amount of woven material between the primary openings. As another example, the third openings may be located between the first openings and second openings in order to further reduce the amount of woven material. Additional openings, such as secondary openings and third openings, further improve the air permeability (or suffocation resistance level) of the breathable material. Further, the larger openings944, in combination with the other openings, create a perceivable ornamental pattern when the liner is viewed as a whole. The various openings (e.g.,944and946) do not have any pile substructure393attached, and as such, may be configured to create channels between the front substructure and the back substructure.

The air permeability of breathable materials900,920, and940may allow the breathable material to be layered with other breathable material (e.g.,900,920,940, etc.) to create a layered crib liner, while still maintaining air permeability (CFM).

Testing was conducted by Bureau Veritas in accordance with ASTM D737 standards to determine the air permeability (CFM) of a single layer of textile materials. Additionally, various combinations of layered materials900,920, and940—such as those described in paragraph 0129—were also tested to determine air permeability. For example, The single layer of breathable material900with a thickness of 0.13 inches provided an air permeability of 1013.1 CFM, similar to the 1.6 cm H2O discussed in paragraph 0067 above. Adjusting the properties (e.g., thickness, weave pattern, etc.) of the single layer of a breathable material may allow the air permeability to achieve an air permeability of at least 1250 CFM. Adjusting the properties (e.g., thickness, weave pattern, etc.) of the layered breathable material may allow the air permeability to achieve an air permeability of at least 900 CFM.

The breathability of the body portion46of a crib liner can be measured using a variety of methodologies, including air permeability, mesh coverage (both location and cover factor measurement via light microscopy), light permeability as measured by photodetector, spectrophotometer or by transmittance or blocking of ultraviolet radiation, or other suitable tests. Preferably, the body portion46has an air permeability of between 385 CFM to 1530 CFM. Of course, the higher the air permeability the more breathable the material is. Preferably, the body portion46has a mesh coverage of between 32% and 91%. Mesh coverage is measure of the holes versus material in a mesh material. Preferably, the body portion46has a light permeability by photodetector of between 47% and 99%, by spectrophotometer of between 4 and 71%, and by ultraviolet radiation of between 47% and 100%. The tested samples may have one or more layers that compose the crib liner and may or may not be “padded”. The below chart illustrates tests performed on various samples of materials that could comprise the body portion46:

In contrast, competing crib bumpers provide a CFM of less than 100 CFM.

FIG. 10shows an illustration of two exemplary breathable materials according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, breathable material900with openings904is part of a multi-layer breathable material further including breathable material920. The large openings904of breathable material900is evident next to the finer plain weave fabric pattern of breathable material920.

FIGS. 11A-11Bshow illustrations of two exemplary compartmentalized portions of a breathable material.FIG. 11Aillustrates an exemplary embodiment in which at least one layer of breathable material1100is stitched1130to create distinct “compartments.” These compartments may be stitched1130in any ornamental pattern, such as illustrated design. The stitching1130may be used to improve the durability of one layer of breathable material, or alternatively, to strengthen liners configured of multiple layers of breathable material. The compartments provide additional rigidity to the layer(s) of breathable material, especially configurations of crib liners that have more than one layer of breathable material. For example, the compartmented breathable material1100resists torsional strain better than breathable material that is not compartmented/quilted. Further, the compartmented breathable material1100may be more durable over repetitive wash cycles, and further, less susceptible to deformity as a result of being repetitively compressed/crushed (e.g., an infant repeatedly stepping on the crib liner).FIG. 11Billustrates an exemplary embodiment in which at least one layer of breathable material1120is embossed, thereby forming compartments similar to those illustrated byFIG. 11A. The embossing1150may be limited to one layer of breathable material1120(which may be configured of a front, pile, and back substructure) or may connect two or more layers of breathable material. The embossing of breathable material improves the properties of the breathable material1120in the same manner that the stitching improved the properties of breathable material1100. Typically, heat and pressure is used to emboss the one or more layers of breathable material1120.

FIGS. 12A-12Cshow illustrations of various exemplary breathable material combinations composed of more than one layer of breathable material according to multiple embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 12Aillustrates an exemplary crib liner cross section1200configured with two layers of breathable material,1202and1204. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, layer1202is 4 mm thick and layer1204is 3 mm thick in order to achieve a total thickness of approximately 7 mm. Layers with varying thicknesses may be combined to achieve the desired total thickness. This thicker breathable material combination improves the padding properties of the crib liner while having a negligible effect on breathability. The thicker breathable material may be achieved with a single layer, which may range from 1 mm to 15 mm. However, a thicker single layer may be more susceptible to torsional strain. Further, a single layer with a thickness greater than 5 mm increases manufacturing costs.

As illustrated inFIG. 12A, an exemplary breathable material layered to form cross section1200may include a front substructure1204, a pile substructure1204b, and a back substructure1204a. In the illustrated embodiment, back substructure1204ais the fine woven portion922.

FIG. 12Billustrates an exemplary crib liner cross section1220configured with three layers of breathable material,1222,1224, and1226, thereby creating a breathable material combination with a total thickness of 10 mm. An exemplary cross section of stitching1130is shown, as discussed in conjunction withFIG. 11A. As shown, the exemplary stitching1130binds all three layers. The other embodiments, the stitching may bind only one layer or less than all of the layers.

FIG. 12Cillustrates an exemplary crib liner cross section1240configured with three layers of breathable material,1242and1244. An exemplary cross section of embossing1150is shown, as discussed in conjunction withFIG. 11B. As shown, the exemplary embossing1150only binds each individual layer; the embossing does not necessarily bind the layers together. However, the embossing1150may bind more than one layer.

FIG. 13show illustrations of an exemplary crib liner, which may be reversible, according to various embodiments of the present invention. In many embodiments, the breathable material will have a different fabric weave, fabric color, and/or ornamental features on one side of the panel,1310, compared to the opposite side of the panel,1320. This difference in fabric weave, fabric color, and/or ornamental features (e.g., stitching, embossing, fabric shapes, etc.) provides at least two options for sides of the panel which may be exposed to the outside of the crib (and conversely, the inside of the crib). In such configurations, the crib liner is sized and shaped to be reversible. Further, in such configurations, the various fastening apparatus are also configured to be used with either side of the panel exposed to the outside of the crib (i.e., reversible). In some embodiments, the breathable material will have a front substructure with one color while a back substructure has a different color. In such a configuration, the breathable material may be one layer of breathable material (e.g., breathable padded mesh, as shown inFIG. 2F). In embodiments with more than one layer of breathable material, such as illustrated inFIG. 12A-C, different layers of breathable material may be combined to create a reversible liner. For example, one layer of breathable material may be embossed with a pattern while the other layer of breathable material lacks embossing. As another example, both breathable material layers may be embossed, but with different patterns. As yet another example, one layer of breathable material may have a different fabric weave (e.g.,FIG. 9A) compared with the other layer of breathable material (e.g.,FIG. 9C). Additionally, the color of the layers of breathable material may differ.

FIG. 14shows a crib liner according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. A crib frame402may include a number of slats404. A crib liner410may be weaved in and out of various slats404. The crib liner410may provide cushioning for a child in the crib402to prevent injury from impact with the slats404. The crib liner410may also provide a barrier to prevent a child in the crib402from extending appendages through the slats404. The crib liner410may include a top portion410aand a bottom portion410bseparated by a single layer mesh fabric410c. The mesh fabric410cincludes a number of holes allowing circulation of air as described in detail above.

The top portion410aand the bottom portion410bof the crib liner410may be similar materials or different materials. In one embodiment, the top portion410aand the bottom portion410bmay be fabric material provided for aesthetic purposes to improve the appearance of the mesh fabric410c. According to another embodiment, the top portion410aand the bottom portion410bmay be a cushioning material, such as fabric material filled with padding.

The crib liner410may be weaved in and out of each of the slats404as shown inFIG. 14and secured to the slats404by a fastener412. The fastener412may be, for example, a ribbon that is tied around one of the slats404and tied in a bow. Although only one fastener412is illustrated, additional fasteners may be included to provide additional support.

According to one embodiment, the crib liner410may be a one-piece liner wrap design. The crib liner410, when a one-piece liner wrap design, may be adjusted for different crib sizes by wrapping the liner410multiple times around the slats404to consume a portion of the liner410in excess length that the perimeter of the crib402. According to other embodiments, the crib liner410may be a multi-piece liner. For example, the crib liner410may include several lengths of shorter material, which may be assembled together to form an appropriate length for the crib402. Thus, the crib liner410may be adapted for use on cribs of different sizes.

Additional detailed illustrations of the crib liner410are shown inFIGS. 15A-C. As shown inFIG. 15the crib liner410may be weaved through the slats404only at corners of the crib402. Installing the crib liner410by weaving through the slats404at corners of the crib402may decrease the installation time of the crib liner410on the crib402.

Further details of the crib liner410are described below with reference toFIGS. 16-21B.FIGS. 16A-Cshows an illustration of the crib liner410having crib slat pads according to embodiments of the disclosure.FIG. 16Aillustrates a view of a crib liner410with crib slat pads420as seen from the outside of the crib after installation of the crib liner410. The crib slat pads420cover at least the portion of the slats404facing inside the crib402. The crib slat pads420may be made of fabric or other materials.

The crib slat pads420may be attached to the slats404through attachment mechanisms such as, for example, sewing, snapping, tying, zipping, Velcroing, buttoning, free form molding, clipping, and/or strapping the slat pads420to the slats404. According to one embodiment, the slat pads420are separate pieces that are inserted between the slats. According to another embodiment, the slat pads420line the inside of the crib402and adhere to the slats404.FIG. 16Bshows the crib liner410with slat pads420as viewed from the inside of the crib402. The slat pads420may cover substantially all of the slat404facing inside the crib.

In certain embodiments, such as that ofFIG. 16A, the slat pads420do not extend the entire circumference of the slat404such that a portion of the slat404is exposed. According to another embodiment, the slat pads420may be installed behind the crib liner410as shown inFIG. 16C. In this embodiment, the crib liner410may be attached to the front of the slat pads420.

FIG. 17shows a two-part liner system. According to one embodiment, the mesh410cof the crib liner410may be comprised of multiple fabrics or a combination of other materials. For example, the mesh410cmay be divided into an upper fabric410c1and a lower fabric410c2. The lower fabric410c2may be selected to be a fabric having higher breathability than the upper fabric410c1. Thus, additional airflow may be allowed into the crib402at the child's head level.

Other configurations of the crib liner410with one or more fabric layers in the mesh are possible. According to one embodiment, the mesh410may include two or more cotton or poly-breathable outer layers with a breathable spaces mesh in-between the two or more outer layers. According to another embodiment, the mesh410may include two or more cotton or poly-breathable outer layers with a breathable poly foam in-between. According to yet another embodiment, a breathable poly foam may be placed in-between a thin mesh and a spacer mesh. Each of these configurations may comprise the entire liner410or may be added to the crib liner410as additional layers. Further, these configurations may be applied to any of the embodiments described in this disclosure.

FIG. 18shows the crib liner410with top rail according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As described above, the crib liner410may be attached to the crib402through various mechanisms. According to one embodiment, straps422are attached to the crib liner410such that the strap422may be extended over a rail of the crib402and attached again to the crib liner410. The attachment422may be straps, ties, Velcro, buttons, snaps, and/or a zipper.

FIG. 19Ashows the crib liner410attached to a second crib liner424. As a child grows the crib liner410may become insufficient to protect the child from the dangers of the slats404. The second crib liner424may be attached to the crib liner410to extend the height of the crib liner410. According to one embodiment, the second crib liner424may be the same material as the crib liner410. However, the second crib liner424may also be different material than the crib liner410. For example, the crib liner410may be a more breathable material than the second crib liner424to allow increased airflow to the child in the crib402when the child is laying down and sleeping. The second crib liner424may include attachment422as described above for attaching the second crib liner424and the first crib liner410to the crib402.

FIG. 19Bshows the crib liner ofFIG. 19Ahaving the crib liner410and the second crib liner424may include a padded cover426. The padded cover426may cover a portion of the crib402to protect a child from impact with the hard surfaces of the crib402. The cover426may include slits through which the attachments422enter and exit the cover426. The cover426may be installed on, for example, a top railing of the crib402. However, the cover426may also be installed on other longitudinal structures of the frame from which the liners410and424may extend.

FIGS. 20A-Bshow a crib liner410with an underneath mattress fabric428. The fabric428may be attached to the liner410or structurally integrated into the crib liner410. Extending the crib liner410underneath a mattress with the fabric428may prevent the liner410from slipping and prevents a child from extending appendages into otherwise unprotected spaces. The fabric428may be attached to one portion of the liner410and then stretched and attached to another portion of the liner410to allow the fabric428to fit cribs of different sizes. The fabric428may be attached to the liner410through fasteners430including sewing, strapping, tying, Velcroing, snapping, and/or zipping.

FIG. 20Bshows the crib liner in an unattached laid flat position. The bottom panel428may have substantially the same length and width as a crib mattress. The side panels106,108may have substantially the same length as the length of the bottom panel428. The end panels102,104may have substantially the same length as the width of the bottom panel428. In this embodiment, the crib liner may be placed directly on top of the mattress, and the side and end panels attached to the four sides of the crib using fasteners430, which may be disposed continuously or intermittently along the outer edges of the side and end panels.

FIGS. 21A-Bshow a crib liner410with a receptor434for additional connecting pieces such as extra panels436. Through the receptor434additional components may be affixed to the liner410though any of the attachment mechanisms described above. According to one embodiment the additional components may be, for example, the panels436.

In an alternative example embodiment,FIGS. 22A-22Jillustrate a crib liner2200where the body portion2246has a mesh type material having a fishnet appearance. The crib liner2200also includes a top border2298having ruffles2299.FIG. 22Jillustrates an alternative back layer having a different appearance than that ofFIG. 22I.

In another alternative example embodiment,FIGS. 23A-23Iillustrate a crib liner2300where the body portion2346has a mesh type material having a diamond appearance.

In another alternative example embodiment,FIGS. 24A-24Jillustrate a crib liner2400where the body portion2446has a mesh type material having a triangle appearance.FIG. 24Jillustrates an alternative back layer having a different appearance than that ofFIG. 24I.

In another alternative example embodiment,FIGS. 25A-25Jillustrate a crib liner2500where the body portion2546has a mesh type material having a honeycomb appearance.FIG. 25Jillustrates an alternative back layer having a different appearance than that ofFIG. 25I.

In another alternative example embodiment,FIGS. 26A-26Killustrate a crib liner2600where the body portion2646has a mesh type material having a microweave appearance.FIG. 26Killustrates an alternative back layer having a different appearance than that ofFIG. 26J.

In yet another alternative embodiment,FIGS. 27A-27Iillustrate a crib liner2700where the body portion2746has a mesh type material having a chevron appearance.

As is apparent fromFIGS. 22A-27I, many different mesh appearances are possible.

In some exemplary embodiments, the panels are formed substantially of a breathable material (e.g., mesh-type material). However, in some configurations, the panels may be formed of less than substantially of a breathable material. For example, a majority of the area of a panel may be formed of a breathable material. In other configurations, less than a majority of a panel may be formed of a breathable material, such as some of the configurations discussed herein.

The panels formed of the mesh-type material may be used in combination with one or more layers of other material adjacent to the mesh-type material. For example, in one embodiment the body portion of the panels may be formed with strips of padded material attached to the mesh-type material on one side. The strips of padded material may be disposed such that when the panels are attached to a crib, the padded materials line up with the vertical support elements of the crib and offset the mesh-type material from the vertical support elements, thus providing additional padding. The padded material may be any suitable material, not just the aforementioned mesh-type material.

The breathable materials allow for air circulation. When a padded, soft breathable mesh material is utilized, further protection is provided to a child from bodily harm. When using one or more of the breathable mesh materials described herein, it is preferred that little rebreathing of carbon dioxide occur when a child's face is in direct contact with the material.

One skilled in the art will recognize that various types of padding may be used in addition to the breathable material in order to form one or more of the shapes of the objects previously described herein. Further, for example, such padding materials may be the breathable padded mesh material itself and/or other breathable materials, such as cotton, jersey, flannel, polyester, nylon, rayon, gabardine, terry cloth, etc.

The preceding described embodiments are illustrative of the practice of the invention. It is to be understood, therefore, that other expedients known to those skilled in the art or disclosed herein may be employed without departing from the invention or the scope of the appended claims. For example, various apparatus or steps of one embodiment described herein may be used with one or more other embodiments described herein to form various combinations of methods, systems, or apparatus contemplated by the present invention. As such, the present invention includes within its scope other methods, systems and apparatus for implementing and using the invention described herein.