Abstract:
Disclosed is a portable mattress topper apparatus and related methods for increasing the safety and comfort of children in play pens or play yards.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/636,622 (filed on Apr. 20, 2012) entitled “Foldable Mattress Topper for Play Yards and Related Methods” and its contents are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0004]    The present application is within the field of portable and foldable mattress toppers, mattress, mat, pad, or topper. 
         [0005]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0006]    Parents are frequently concerned with the safety and comfort of their children. For this reason, parents often confine their children within a play pen or play yard (during child&#39;s play or sleep) so that they may monitor the safety and comfort of the children&#39;s restricted environment. Play pens or play yards are not always entirely safe for child&#39;s play because the pens/yards have hard floor surfaces where children can fall and be injured. Play pens or play yards are also not always entirely suitable for all sleeping children because the pens&#39;/yards&#39; hard floor surfaces are uncomfortable. Pads exist for placement in the floor of a play pen or yard to provide safety and comfort, but these pads either (1) do not provide sufficient padding to the surface of the play pen for safety, or are too soft whereby the children can suffocate if their faces become covered or buried in the pad while sleeping. Accordingly, a need exists for apparatus and related methods of providing a safety or comfort to the surface to a play pen or play yard. 
         [0007]    Playpens are, on occasion, portable where pads for placement in the floor are also designed for portability. One such play pen is the Pak&#39;N Play® by Grano. However, even if such pads increase the safety or comfort of the portable pens/yards, such pads have not always been satisfactory for their intended uses because (1) the pads may be unattractive in their portable appearance and (2) the pads that come with the products are too hard for adequate comfort and safety for the child. Thus, a need exists for portable play pen or yard mattress toppers that provide safety and comfort while remaining aesthetically pleasing when in a portable state. 
         [0008]    Finally, pads placed in play pens or play yards frequently become dirty. Sometimes, pads which provide safety or comfort are difficult to clean and, therefore, not entirely satisfactory for their intended purposes. As a result, a need exists for portable play pen or yard mattress toppers that (1) provide safety and comfort, (2) are aesthetically pleasing when in a portable state, and (3) are easily cleaned. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is an objective of this application to provide a foldable mattress topper for placement over the floor of a child&#39;s play pen or play yard, wherein said mattress topper (1) increases the safety and comfort of a play yard, (2) is aesthetically pleasing when in a folded state, and (3) is easy to clean. In one embodiment the mattress topper is comprised of three side-by-side sections, said sections having an aesthetically pleasing top surface and a durable base surface, said sections being connected so that: (A) a first side section may be folded over the central section so that the base surfaces of the first side and central sections interface; and (b) a second side section may be folded over the first and central section so the base surface of the second side section interfaces with the top surface of the first side section. In one mode of operation, the mattress topper may be unfolded so that the cushions may be placed side-by-side over the floor of a play pen or play area. In another suitable mode of operation, the folded mattress topper may be provided with a sleeve having a handle so that the mattress topper may be easily toted. In yet another mode of operation, the mattress topper comprises a cushion and a cover, whereby the mattress top per may be removed so that the cover can be cleansed. 
         [0010]    Other objectives and desires may become apparent to one of skill in the art after reading the below disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0011]    Other objectives of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached figures in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mattress topper; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an environmental view of the mattress topper of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is another environmental view of the mattress topper of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the mattress topper of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a rear view of the mattress topper of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a left side view of the mattress topper of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a right side view of the mattress topper of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is top view of the mattress topper of  FIG. 1 ; and, 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the mattress topper of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0021]    It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale but are representative. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    Generally disclosed is a foldable mattress topper for placement over the floor of a child&#39;s play pen or play yard, wherein said mattress topper (1) increases the safety and comfort of a play yard (2) is aesthetically pleasing when in a folded state, and (3) is easy to clean. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed mattress topper is comprised of three side-by-side sections, connected so that the two side sections may be folded over the center section. The mattress topper sections each have a cushion that may be removed from a cover. When unfolded the mattress topper may be placed over the floor of a play pen. The more specific aspects of the disclosed mattress topper are described below with reference to the attached figures. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an unfolded mattress topper  100 .  FIGS. 4 through 9  are the orthogonal views of the unfolded mattress topper of  FIG. 1 . As shown in said  FIGS. 1 through 6 , the mattress topper  100  is defined by a first side mattress topper section  110 , a first connector  120 , a central mattress topper section  130 , and a second side mattress topper section  140 . 
         [0024]    The first side mattress topper section  110  is shown in  FIGS. 1 , and  4  through  8 . Referring to said figures, the first side mattress topper section  110  is defined by a cushion (not shown) inside a case  118  which has a base surface  115 , a first side surface  111 , a second side surface  112 , a third side surface  113 , a fourth side surface  114 , and a top surface  116 , and a first zipper (not shown), covered by a flap  117 , on the first side surface  111 . Structurally, the case  118  with cushion (not shown) disposed therein generally defines rectangular block (e.g., a twenty-six inch by twelve and one half inch by one and one half inch ((26″×12.5″×1.5″) rectangular block). Operably, the cushion (not shown) may be removed from the case  118  via pulling back the flap  117  and unzipping the zipper and pulling the cushion (not shown) through the first side surface  111  to outside of the confines of the case  118 . In a preferable embodiment, the case may be washed with cold, gentle washing machine cycle with non chlorine bleach (when necessary); the case may suitably be tumble dried. 
         [0025]    The first connector  120  is seen in  FIGS. 1 and 4  through  7 . The case is a thin and flexible or foldable rectangular member (e.g., a three quarter inch or one half inch by thirteen inch (0.75″ or 0.5″ rectangular sheet of fabric or the like) that is connected (1) along its length on one side to the corner of the base side  115  and second side  112  of the first mattress topper section  110  and (2) along its length on the other side to the corner of the base side  135  and the first side  131  of the central mattress topper section  130 . As discussed below, the first connector  120  may suitably operate to fold the first side mattress topper section  110  over the central mattress topper section so that the base surfaces  135  and  115  interface. 
         [0026]    It should be noted: even though the drawings depict a cushion with a zipper covered by a flap, any other type of zipper may suitably be substituted without departing from the spirit and intent of this disclosure. For instance, in another preferred embodiment, a hidden zipper (also known as an “invisible zipper”) is incorporated into the various sections. 
         [0027]    The central mattress topper section  130  is shown in  FIGS. 1 , and  4  through  7 . Referring to said figures, the central mattress topper section  110  is defined by a cushion (not shown) inside a case  138  which has a base surface  135 , a first side surface  131 , a second side surface  132 , a third side surface  133 , a fourth side surface  134 , and a top surface  136 , and a first zipper (not shown), covered by a flap  137 , on the first side surface  131 . Structurally, the case  138  with cushion (not shown) disposed therein generally defines rectangular block (e.g., a twenty-six inch by twelve and one half inch by one and one half inch (26″×12.5″×1.5″) rectangular block). Operably, the cushion (not shown) may be removed from the case  138  via pulling back the flap  137  and unzipping the zipper and pulling the cushion (not shown) through the first side surface  131  to outside of the confines of the case  138 . It should be noted that the topper is more readily cleanable when the cushions are removed. 
         [0028]    The second connector  140  is seen in  FIGS. 1 and 4  through  7 . The case is a thin and flexible or foldable rectangular member that is two or three times wider than the first connector  120  (e.g., a one or one and one half inch by thirteen inch (1.5″×13″) rectangular sheet of fabric or the like). It should be noted that the first connector  120  may be doubled in thickness (i.e., two sheets of fabric or the like) for stability. Suitably, the second connector  140  may be connected (1) along its length on one side to the corner of the base side  135  and second side  132  of the central mattress topper section  130  and (2) along its length on the other side to the corner of the base side  155  and the second side  151  of the second side mattress topper section  150 . As discussed below, the second connector  120  may suitably operate to fold the second side mattress topper section  150  over the folded first side and central mattress topper sections  110 ,  130  so that the base surfaces  155  of the second side mattress topper section  150  and the top surface  116  of the first side mattress topper section  120  interface. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is an environmental view of the disclosed mattress topper  100 . More specifically, the figure shows a folded mattress topper  100 . When folded, the disclosed mattress topper  100  preferably resembles a rectangular block (e.g., a twenty-six inch by twelve and one half inch by four and one half inch (26″×12.5″×4.5″) rectangular block). As shown in the figure, the mattress topper may be folded to the illustrated configuration by: (1) folding the first connector  120  so that the first side mattress topper section  110  is positioned over the central mattress topper section  130  wherein the base surfaces  135 ,  115  of said mattress topper sections  110 ,  130  interface; and then (2) folding the second connector  120  so that second side mattress topper section  150  is positioned over the folded first side and central mattress top per sections  110 ,  130  wherein the base surfaces  155  of the second side mattress topper section  150  and the top surface  116  of the first side mattress topper section  120  interface. It should be noted that the disclosed method for folding the mattress topper  100  results in the top surfaces of the center and second side mattress topper section  130 ,  150  facing outwardly. 
         [0030]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the folded mattress topper  100  may be rendered portable via the addition of a tote  200 . As seen in the figure, the tote may suitably be defined by a sleeve  210  and a handle  220 . The sleeve  210  may preferably a loop (e.g., a thirty four or thirty five inch in diameter by four inch (34″×4) loop). Operably, the sleeve  210  may be positioned around mid-section of the folded mattress topper  100  so that the handle  220  may be gripped for purposes of lifting the mattress topper  100 . As alluded to above, the top surfaces  136 ,  156  of the center and second side mattress topper section  130 ,  150  face outwardly wherein said surfaces may be decorated or provided with attractive materials so that the mattress topper may be aesthetically pleasing in its portable condition. In addition to portability, the mattress topper  100 , when folded, can further act as a “toddler bench when folded.” 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  illustrates another environmental view of the mattress topper  100 . Specifically, the figure illustrates an unfurled mattress topper  100  wherein the first side, central, and second side cushions  110 ,  120 ,  130  are positioned in side-by-side abutment. As shown, the mattress topper  100  resembles a rectangular block (e.g., a twenty-six inch by thirty-seven and one half inch by four and one half inch (26″×37.5″×1.5″) rectangular block). As shown, the mattress topper  100  may suitably be placed on the floor of a play yard (e.g., fits all standard play yards in a manner that is tight and form fitting), for a “tummy time mat,” a diaper changing station, a nap mat, a hotel bed, beach or park beds, camping bed, or daycare bed. 
         [0032]    A preferable embodiment is constructed folding or sewing components together. Preferably: (1) the first, second, third, fourth, and top surfaces of each mattress topper section is a soft fabric material (e.g., cotton, silk or the like (e.g., 97% cotton and 3% spandex)); (2) the base of each mattress topper section is a rugged fabric material (e.g., polyester (e.g., 100% polyester) or leather); (3) the cushion (not shown) is made of one and one half inch 44-180, 45-165, or 45-170 foam or 100% polyurethane foam that is firm-yet-soft; and (4) the tote  200  is constructed of 97% cotton and 3% spandex. In one embodiment, the base is a dark material so that stains resulting from use are less visible. Preferably the mattress topper  100  should be constructed of materials that do not possess lead or phthalate, that are non-toxic, and meet appropriate flammability standards. 
         [0033]    In view of the foregoing, the disclosed apparatus has benefits in view of the prior art. First, the disclosed apparatus is portable in view of the three sections folding for easy travel. Moreover, the folding mechanisms of the disclosed mattress topper are different than prior art because the mattress folds, via the first and second connectors, around one of the end portions instead of folding like an accordion. Second, the disclosed mattress topper fights tightly, via abutment of the two end portions with the center portion of the mattress topper, in all standard sized play yards. Said tight fit is an improvement over the state of the art because the risk of suffocation is lessened by use of the disclosed mattress topper since: (a) a child&#39;s face/nose cannot get stuck in gaps between the mattress topper; and, (b) a child cannot pull up the mattress and get caught/trapped thereunder. Third, the disclosed mattress is comprised of 97% cotton fabric washable slip-cover, with 3 convenient zippers (1 for each panel) so that the health risks to children associated with vinyl (especially vinyl containing PVC, Dioctyl Phthalates, BPA) are avoided. Fourth, bright and contemporary colored fabric may be used so that the topper is fashionable. This is an improvement over vinyl toppers that are always white. Furthermore, the folding design mentioned above allows the blue or pink cotton fabric to appear on the outside when folded, so the one color (blue or pink) appears on all 6 sides, thus achieving a very attractive visual appearance. Fifth, the disclosed mattress uses non-toxic high-density foam instead of polyfiber foam found in the prior art. Sixth, the disclosed topper, unlike the prior art, is multipurpose because the same may be used for tummy time, as a diaper changing station, a nap-time mat, under a play or jungle gym, and as a toddler bench when folded. Finally, the disclosed topper may feature a travel or storage bag with a separate carrying handle included. 
         [0034]    It should be noted that the above description and recited embodiments or examples are of illustrative importance only. In other words, the descriptions of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting of the subject matter in this application. For instance, referring once again to  FIGS. 1 and 4  through  9 , although disclosed with preferable dimensions, said dimensions may be modified as long as the thickens of the mattress topper sections  110 ,  130 ,  150  is two times (2×) the width of the first connector  120  and the width of the second connector  140  is two times (2×) the width of the first connector  120 . For another instance, said top and base surfaces are interchangeable. Additional modifications may become apparent to one skilled in the art after reading this disclosure.