Abstract:
A breathable toy may be made for people or animals. The toy may include a breathable mesh fabric integrated as part of a multi-layer fabric structure. The breathable mesh fabric increases air flow during rest or other activities with the breathable toy. The toy may include ornamental or aesthetic additions without interfering with the breathable mesh fabric. Attachments to the toys may also include the breathable mesh fabric.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/429,734, filed Apr. 24, 2009, entitled “Crib Shield System and Other Breathable Apparatus,” which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/446,017, filed Jun. 2, 2006, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,523,513, entitled “Crib Shield System and Other Breathable Apparatus”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/738,616, filed Dec. 16, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,192, which claims the priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/434,324, filed Dec. 17, 2002. The disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The instant disclosure relates to apparatuses with improved air flow. In particular, the instant disclosure relates to toys with improved air flow. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to cribs and other usable objects (e.g., child usable objects). More particularly, the present invention pertains to crib attachments and other breathable apparatus that, for example, protect infants or young children from harm, e.g., crib attachments that prevent or protect infants or young children when in a crib from getting into one or more problematic situations, e.g., getting limbs extended and caught between crib slats or chewing on crib rails, siblings poking sharp objects into the crib, etc. 
         [0004]    For example, conventional baby cribs 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. Many cribs also have headboards and footboards 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. 
         [0005]    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 bumper pads 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 crib bumpers do not allow for adequate ventilation within the crib and obstruct view of the child. 
         [0006]    Infants usually breathe through the 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, CO 2  levels in the blood rise. The body&#39;s response to this elevation in CO 2  levels 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 CO 2  or other dangerous gases inside the crib may be a possible cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Existing crib apparatus, such as crib bumper pads, tend to trap dangerous gases inside the crib. Further, such apparatus may block the passages of infants under certain circumstances. 
         [0007]    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 
       [0008]    The present invention, as described herein, addresses the problems described above and other problems of prior art systems and methods which will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the description below. Generally, the present invention provides a crib shield system that is breathable, as well as other breathable apparatus (e.g., objects such as blankets, toys, etc.). For example, one crib shield system is for use with a crib that includes a first and second side rail, a headboard, and a footboard connected and sized for receiving a mattress therein. At least one of the first and second side rails includes a top bar and a plurality of spaced support elements. 
         [0009]    The crib shield system according to the present invention for use with the crib includes a first and second side panel, wherein each of the first and second side panels is configured as a separate panel to cover at least a substantial portion of a corresponding side rail with a mesh-type material comprising openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough. Each of the first and second side panels includes at least one fastening apparatus that extends along an entire edge of the side panel to attach the side panel to the top bar of a corresponding side rail. Further, each of the first and second side panels includes at least one other fastening apparatus for securing the side panel to the corresponding side rail. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment of the crib shield system, the system further includes at least one of a first and second end panel. Each of the at least one first and second end panels is configured as a separate panel to cover at least a substantial portion of a corresponding headboard or footboard with a mesh-type material having openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough. Each of the first and second end panels includes at least one fastening apparatus that extends along an entire edge of the panel to attach the panel to a spaced support element of a corresponding headboard or footboard, and further wherein each of the first and second end panels includes at least one other fastening apparatus for securing the panel to the corresponding headboard or footboard. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment, the at least one other fastening apparatus of each of the first and second end panels is provided at one or more positions along an edge opposite the entire edge to allow a user to pull the panel taut across the corresponding headboard or footboard when the at least one fastening apparatus extending along the entire edge of the panel is attached to the spaced support element of the corresponding headboard or footboard. Further, it is configured to secure the panel to another spaced support element of the corresponding headboard or footboard using the at least one other fastening apparatus. 
         [0012]    In yet another embodiment of the system, the at least one other fastening apparatus of each of the first and second side panels is provided at one or more positions along an edge opposite the entire edge to allow a user to pull the panel taut across the corresponding side rail when the at least one fastening apparatus extending along the entire edge of the panel is attached to the top rail of a corresponding side rail. Further, it is configured to secure the panel to another portion of the corresponding side rail using the at least one other fastening apparatus. 
         [0013]    Another crib shield system according to the present invention for use with a crib (e.g., wherein each of the first and second side rails extend along a length of the crib between the headboard and the footboard) includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is configured to cover at least a portion of the first side rail and to extend along substantially the length of the crib. Further, the first panel is formed substantially of a mesh-type material having openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough and includes at least one fastening apparatus to attach a first end of the first panel to a first portion of the first side rail. Yet further, the first panel includes at least one other fastening apparatus for securing a second end opposite of the first end of the first panel to a second portion of the first side rail. 
         [0014]    The second panel is separate from the first panel and is configured to cover at least a portion of the second side rail and to extend at least along the length of the crib. The second panel is substantially formed of a mesh-type material having openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough and the second panel includes at least one fastening apparatus to attach a first end of the second panel to the crib. Further, the second panel includes at least one other fastening apparatus for securing a second end opposite of the first end of the second panel to the crib. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment of this crib shield system, the second panel is further configured to cover at least a portion of the headboard and footboard, the at least one fastening apparatus of the second panel is configured to attach the second panel to one of the headboard and footboard, and the at least one other fastening apparatus of the second panel is configured to secure the second panel to the other of the headboard and footboard. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment of the system, the at least one fastening apparatus of the second panel is configured to attach the second panel to a spaced support element that forms a part of the headboard, and the at least one other fastening apparatus of the second panel is configured to attach the second panel to another spaced support element that forms a part of the footboard. 
         [0017]    Yet further, in another embodiment, the at least one fastening apparatus of the first panel is configured to attach the first end of the first panel to a spaced support element of the first side rail proximate the headboard, and the at least one other fastening apparatus of the first panel is configured to attached the second end of the first panel to another spaced support element of the first side rail proximate the footboard. 
         [0018]    Further, in one or more embodiments of this crib shield system, at least the first panel includes a width that is less than the length of a spaced support element of the first side rail or a width that is less than one half the length of a spaced support element of the first side rail. 
         [0019]    Another crib shield system for a crib that includes a plurality of spaced support elements (e.g., used in defining an interior boundary extending proximate and around a periphery of a mattress disposed within the crib) includes at least one panel configured to cover at least a portion of the plurality of spaced support elements and to extend along at least a portion of the interior boundary. The at least one panel is formed substantially of a breathable integrated padded mesh material and includes at least one fastening apparatus for securing the at least one panel to the crib. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment of this system, the at least one panel may include a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is sized to cover at least a portion of the plurality of spaced support elements that form a part of a first side rail that defines at least a part of the interior boundary and to extend along a substantial portion of a length of the first side rail from a headboard to a footboard of the crib. Further, the first panel includes at least one fastening apparatus to attach a first end of the first panel to one of the plurality of spaced support elements of the first side rail, and also at least one other fastening apparatus for securing a second end of the first panel to another one of the plurality of spaced support elements of the first side rail. The second panel is separate from the first panel and is sized to cover at least a portion of the plurality of spaced support elements that form a part of a second side rail that defines at least a part of the interior boundary and to extend at least along a substantial portion of a length of the second side rail from a headboard to a footboard of the crib. The second panel includes at least one fastening apparatus to attach the second panel to one of the plurality of spaced support elements of the crib, and also includes at least one other fastening apparatus for securing the second panel to another one of the plurality of spaced support elements of the crib. 
         [0021]    In yet another embodiment of the system, the second panel is further sized to cover at least a portion of the headboard and the footboard that defines at least a part of the interior boundary. For example, the at least one fastening apparatus of the second panel is configured to attach the second panel to a spaced support element of the headboard and the at least one other fastening apparatus of the second panel is configured to secure the second panel to a spaced support element of the footboard. 
         [0022]    In one or more embodiments of the apparatus or systems described herein, the plurality of spaced support elements covered, at least in part, by the at least one panel form a part of a side rail that is movable relative to a remainder of the crib. Further, one or more of the fastening apparatus may include a hook and loop fastener. 
         [0023]    Further, one or more of the panels of the systems described herein may be formed of a breathable integrated padded mesh material. For example, the mesh-type material may include a front substructure, a back substructure, and a pile substructure integrated with and extending between the front and back substructures. Each of the substructures allows air to substantially move effectively therethrough. 
         [0024]    Yet further according to the present invention, various other breathable apparatus may be provided. For example, an apparatus may include a body portion that includes one or more surfaces. The body portion is, for example, used proximate the mouth of a human being. The body portion may form at least a substantial portion of at least one of a blanket, a baby carrier apparatus, baby clothing, a toy, etc. Further, substantially all of the one or more surfaces of the body portion may be formed of a breathable integrated padded mesh material. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment of the present invention, 
         [0026]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    For a more complete understanding of the disclosed system and methods, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a low crib shield system attached to a crib with a side rail of the crib in a raised state. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of one embodiment of a first side panel of the low crib shield system shown in  FIG. 1  in an unattached position laid flat. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of one embodiment of a second side panel of the low crib shield system shown in  FIG. 1  in an unattached position laid flat. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 2C-2F  show details of one embodiment of an integrated padded mesh material that may be used in forming the side panels and the crib shield system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as well as other apparatus or objects described in the other figures. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate the attachment of the first and second side panels shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  to a crib according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a full crib shield system attached to a crib with the mattress of the crib in a lowered position and a moveable side rail in a raised state. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  shows a top view of one embodiment of a side panel for use in the full crib shield system shown in  FIG. 4  according to the present invention in an unattached position laid flat. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 6A-6F  show various illustrations for use in describing the attachment of the side panel shown in  FIG. 5  to a crib side rail according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  shows a top view of an end panel for use in the full crib shield system shown in  FIG. 4  according to the present invention in an unattached position laid flat. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  shows an illustration for use in describing attachment of the end panel shown generally in  FIG. 7  to a headboard or footboard of a crib according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a general embodiment of a breathable apparatus according to the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 10A-10C  show illustrations of a breathable blanket and a breathable comforter, along with more detail thereof, respectively, according to the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 11A-11F  show various illustrations of breathable apparatus, such as apparatus for carrying or receiving a small child (e.g., a baby) according to the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIGS. 12A-G  show various illustrations embodiments of a breathable toy according to the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  shows a diagram of one embodiment of breathable clothing or wearables according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0043]    One or more embodiments of crib shield systems shall be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . Thereafter, various embodiments of other breathable apparatus shall be described. In particular, a breathable pillow and pillowcase are described with reference to  FIGS. 14-15 , and a playmat is described with reference to  FIGS. 22-25 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 1  shows a conventional crib  10 . The crib  10  includes two side rails  12 ,  14 , a footboard  16 , and a headboard  18 . The side rails  12 ,  14  extend between the footboard  16  and headboard  18  along a length thereof. The headboard  18 , footboard  16 , and side rails  12 ,  14  are connected and sized for receiving a mattress within an interior  11  of the crib  10 . 
         [0045]    Generally, the side rails  12 ,  14 , footboard  16 , and headboard  18  define an interior boundary extending proximate and around a periphery of the mattress  26  disposed within the crib  10 . The mattress  26  is supported within the crib  10  by various structure not shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, a bottom structural member may be supported at one or more positions about the interior boundary of the crib  10  (e.g., elements attached to corner posts  36 ,  38 ,  31 ,  33 ) or in any other fashion. In many conventional cribs  10 , the mattress  26  and/or a supporting member therebelow may be raised and/or lowered. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the mattress  26  is in a raised state. On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 4  (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 crib  10  is positioned than the raised state. 
         [0046]    The side rail  12  generally includes a top bar  22  and a bottom bar  24  positioned substantially parallel to one another. A plurality of generally vertically-spaced side support elements  20  extend between the horizontal top bar  22  and horizontal bottom bar  24 . The side rail  12  in many conventional cribs is moveable from a raised state to a lowered state. For example, the moveable side rail  12  allows a user to lower the side rail  12  in order to have easier access to a child lying on mattress  26 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , side rail  12  can be raised or lowered relative to support structure element  39  and the remainder of the crib  10 . The present invention allows for the side rail  12  to be moved from a lowered state to a raised state, or vice versa, even with the crib shield system  40  attached to the crib  10 . 
         [0047]    Side rail  14  may be similarly configured like that of side rail  12 . In other words, side rail  14  may be moveable from a lowered to a raised state, and vice versa. However, side rail  14  may also be in a stationary position fixedly attached to corner posts  36 ,  31 . Likewise, side rail  12  may 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. The crib shield systems described herein work with various mechanisms for moving side rails, e.g., side and bottom latch systems and gliding side mechanisms. 
         [0048]    Headboard  18  of crib  10  includes an upper bar  32  (e.g., in a decorative curved shape) as well as a bottom horizontal element  43 , each connected in a fixed position to corner posts  36 ,  38 . In a similar manner to the side rails  12 ,  14 , generally vertically-spaced support elements  34  extend between the top bar  32  and the horizontal element  43 . It will be recognized that many cribs may or may not have spaced support elements that define a part of the footboard  16  or headboard  18 . For example, the headboard and footboard may be solid materials as opposed to spaced-apart supports. The footboard  16  is configured in a manner like that of headboard  18  and includes corner posts  31 ,  33 . 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of spaced-apart side support elements  20 ,  34  of the side rails  12 ,  14  and the headboard and footboard  16 ,  18  are used to define the interior boundary extending proximate and around the periphery of the mattress  26  disposed within the crib  10 . In one embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , 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. As is described herein, in one preferred embodiment, substantially the entire panel is formed of a breathable integrated padded mesh material and the panel includes at least one fastening apparatus for securing at least one panel to the crib  10 . 
         [0050]    As used herein, the term mattress may include any structure disposed within crib  10  and 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, convertible cribs, round cribs, or other structures including, for example, spaced-apart side supports which require an apparatus or system such as that described herein). 
         [0051]    As further shown in  FIG. 1 , crib shield system  40  is attached to crib  10  along a substantial portion of the interior boundary of the crib  10  defined by the headboard  18 , footboard  16 , and side rails  12 ,  14 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a first side panel  42  is attached to side rail  12 . Further, a second side panel  44  is attached for covering side rail  14 , footboard  16 , and headboard  18 . However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the second side panel  44  may also be configured to cover just the second side rail  14  and the footboard  16  (e.g., such as when the headboard  18  lacks vertical spaced-apart side support elements), or may cover just side rail  14  and headboard  18  (e.g., such as when footboard  16  lacks spaced-apart side support elements). In other words, the configuration of the second side panel  44  may differ depending upon the configuration of crib  10  upon which it is attached. 
         [0052]      FIG. 2A  shows the first side panel  42  in an unattached laid flat position. The first side panel  42  includes a body  46  formed of a mesh-type material that extends along the length (L panel  1 ) from a first end  48  of the first side panel  42  to a second end  50  of the first side panel  42 . The length (L panel  1 ) of the first side panel  42  is sized for allowing attachment to the side rail  12  of crib  10 . For example, the length (L panel  1 ) is slightly longer than the distance between spaced-apart side support elements  27 ,  29 . In such a manner, the first side panel  42  can be wrapped about such side support elements  27 ,  29  and fastened thereto using hook and loop closures  52 ,  54 , as is further described herein with reference to  FIG. 3A . 
         [0053]    The body portion  46  has a width (W panel  1 ) that is less than a length (L support as shown in  FIG. 1 ) of a vertical spaced support element  20  of the first side rail  12 . Preferably, the width (W panel  1 ) is less than one-half the length (L support) of the vertical spaced side support element  20 . 
         [0054]    The first side panel  42  includes a first fastening apparatus  52  at the first end  48  of the first side panel  42  and a second fastening apparatus  54  at the second end  50  of the first side panel  42 . Fastening apparatus  52  includes fastening portions  53 ,  55 , such as hook and loop closures (e.g., Velcro). In one embodiment, fastening apparatus  54  is the same as fastening apparatus  52 , however, such closure structures may also be different. 
         [0055]    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 crib  10  may be used. 
         [0056]    In one embodiment, a finishing edge material  58  is provided along the periphery of the body portion  46 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2A , a finishing edge material (e.g., a decorative material) may be used along edges  61 - 64 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 2B  shows the second side panel  44  in an unattached laid flat position. The second side panel  44  includes a body portion  70  that extends along a length (L panel  2 ) from a first end  72  thereof to a second end  74  of the second side panel  44 . The length (L panel  2 ) of the second side panel  44  is sized for allowing attachment to footboard  16  and headboard  18  and across side rail  14  of crib  10 . For example, the length (L panel  2 ) is slightly longer than the combined lengths of the three sides of the crib  10  (i.e., the lengths of the footboard  16 , headboard  18 , and side rail  14 ). In such a manner, the second side panel  44  can be wrapped about support elements  19 ,  35  and fastened thereto using hook and loop closures  76 ,  78 , as is further described herein. Further, the second side panel  44  has a width (W panel  2 ) that, at least in one embodiment, has substantially the same width as the width (W panel  1 ) of first panel  42 . 
         [0058]    Further, second side panel  44  includes fastening apparatus  76  at first end  72  of the second side panel  44  and fastening apparatus  78  at the second end  74  of the second panel  44 . Such fastening apparatus  76 ,  78  are substantially similar to the hook and loop fasteners described with respect to first panel  42 . Further, in a like manner, finishing edge material  80  may be used around the perimeter of the body portion  70  as shown by the finishing material  80  along edges  81 - 84 . 
         [0059]    The mesh-type material of the body portion  46  of first side panel  42  and body portion  70  of second side panel  44  may include any suitable mesh-type material that provides breathable functionality. Breathable functionality refers to the ability of the material to allow air to substantially move effectively therethrough. As used herein, when air is indicated as substantially moving effectively through a material, it is meant that the material includes openings (e.g., mesh openings, open-framework, spaces between elements thereof, or even those that may not be visually perceivable openings but still allow a breathable function to occur) that do not impede air movement to an extent that would prevent a human being from breathing through (e.g., when a human&#39;s respiratory openings (e.g., nose/mouth) are in direct contact with a material) such a material in order to prevent suffocation and further that such openings are too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough. For example, such materials may include cotton, silk, polyester, nylon, etc. 
         [0060]    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. 
         [0061]    Preferably, the mesh-type material is a breathable integrated padded mesh material  300  (e.g., a padded spacer mesh), such as that show generally in  FIGS. 2C-2F . The breathable integrated padded mesh material  300  includes openings  349  on a front substructure  391  thereof, as shown in top view of the material  300  of  FIG. 2C . As shown in the cross-section of the breathable integrated padded mesh material  300  in  FIG. 2F , the material  300  further includes a back substructure  392 . A pile substructure  393  is integrated with and extends between the front and back substructures  391 ,  392 . Each of the substructures (e.g., the front, back, and pile substructures) allows air to substantially move effectively therethrough. The material  300  is further shown in the perspective views of  FIGS. 2D-2E . 
         [0062]    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. 
         [0063]    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). 
         [0064]    The breathable padded mesh material may be a woven polymeric fiber mesh material that is integrated with a front and back substructure  391 ,  392 . The front substructure  391  may include larger openings on the front substructure  391  than on the back substructure  392 . In one example embodiment, the padded mesh material  300  is integrated with the front and back substructures  391 ,  392  by weaving the fibers that are provided as part of the pile substructure  393  through the front and back substructure  391 ,  392  as shown in  FIG. 2D-F . In another embodiment, the padded mesh material is integrated by sewing, or otherwise attaching, the padded mesh material  300  between 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. 
         [0065]    In one embodiment, for example, the breathable integrated padded mesh material  300  may 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. 
         [0066]    In another embodiment, the mesh-type material is a breathable integrated padded mesh material in combination with one or more other material layers. For example, the breathable integrated 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 integrated 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. 
         [0067]    Further, for example, the breathable integrated padded mesh material when used alone, or in combination with one or more additional layers, may be any breathable integrated padded mesh material that has a suffocation resistance level of less than about 15 cm H.sub.20, 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.20 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.). 
         [0068]    Suffocation Hazard Assessment was performed by RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.) on various configurations using the breathable integrated padded mesh material available from Apex Mills, Inc. under the trade designation DNB27 Spacer Mesh. 
         [0069]    1 Configuration 1: Single Layer of Padded Spacer Mesh Configuration 2: Layer 1: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer 2: Cotton Configuration 3: Layer 1: Knit Jersey Layer 2: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer 3: Cotton Configuration 4: Layer 1: Cotton Layer 2: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer 3: Cotton Configuration 5: Layer 1: Knit Jersey Layer 2: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer 3: Knit Jersey Configuration 6: Layer 1: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer 2: Flannel Fabrics tested: Knit Jersey Manufacturer: NATEX Content: 50% Polyester/50% Cotton Knit Jersey Style#: INT Cotton Manufacturer: SOUTHERN BELLE Content: 100% Cotton Style#: L93N67 Flannel Manufacturer: QUILTERS CORNER Content: 100% Cotton Style#: RN41324 
         [0070]    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. 
         [0071]    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. 
         [0072]    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. 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first side panel  42  is attached to first side rail  12  by wrapping first end  48  of the first spacer panel  42  about spaced side support element  27  and mating the hook and loop fastener portions  53 ,  55  as shown in  FIG. 3A . The second end  50  of first spacer panel  42  is wrapped around side support element  29  and fastening apparatus  54  is used to hold the first side panel in place. For example, in one embodiment, the fastening apparatus  54  is attached to the side support element  27 . Thereafter, the user pulls the panel taut across the plurality of spaced side support elements  20  by pulling on the second end  50  containing the fastening apparatus  54 . Fastening apparatus  54  is the attached to support element  29  in such a manner to hold the taut panel in place. As such, the first side panel  42  is prevented from slipping after being attached to the spaced side support elements  27 ,  29 . 
         [0074]    In at least one embodiment, the first side panel  42  is configured to cover at least a portion of the first side rail  12  and to extend substantially along the length of the crib  10 . As used herein when a panel extends substantially along the length of the crib  10 , 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 corner posts of the crib (see panel  42  as shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0075]    In a like manner, second side panel  44  is attached to the crib  10 . For example, the second end  74  of the second side panel  44  is wrapped about spaced support element  35  of headboard  18 . Fastening apparatus  78  (e.g., Velcro closures) is used to fasten the second end  74  about the support element  35 . 
         [0076]    Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the body portion  70  of the second side panel  44  is fed to the inside of the crib  10  (e.g., to the inside portions of support elements  34 ) and thereafter fed to the outside of the crib  10  and around corner post  36 . The body portion  70  is continued to be fed back into the inside of the crib  10  (e.g., to the inside of the support elements of the second side rail  14 ) and thereafter fed once again to the outside of the crib  10  and around corner post  31  (see  FIGS. 3B-3C ). Thereafter, the body portion  70  of the second side panel  44  is fed to the inside of the crib  10  once again at the footboard  16  and then wrapped around support element  19  of footboard  16  in a similar manner to the fastening of the second side panel  44  around support element  35  of headboard  18 . 
         [0077]    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 panel  42 , is pulled taut prior to fastening to keep the second side panel  44  in position. Further, the weaving of the second side panel  44  around the corner posts and/or around one or more of the spaced support elements also assists in maintaining the second side panel  44  in position (e.g., in a position higher on the crib  10  when the mattress is raised relative to the floor and lower in the crib  10  when 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. 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the crib  10  is substantially the same as that shown in  FIG. 1  except that the mattress  26  is in a lowered position. However, the side rail  12  is a side rail that can be lowered or raised, as desired. Like the crib shield system  40  in  FIG. 1 , crib shield system  100 , shown in  FIG. 4 , allows the side rail  12  to be moved even with the crib shield system  100  attached to crib  10 . 
         [0079]    Crib shield system  100  includes a first side panel  102  and a second side panel  104  for attachment to respective side rails  12 ,  14 . Further, the crib shield system  100  includes a first end panel  106  for attachment to the footboard  16  and a second end panel  108  for attachment to the headboard  18 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 5  shows the first side panel  102  of crib shield system  100  in an unattached laid flat position. The first side panel  102  includes a body portion  120  formed 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 mesh-type material described herein may be used as well. 
         [0081]    The body portion  120  extends along a length (L panel  1 ) extending from a first end  122  of the first side panel  102  to a second end  124  thereof. Further, the laid flat first side panel  102  has a width (W panel  1 ) that is sized to cover at least a substantial portion of side rail  12 . 
         [0082]    As used herein, when referring to the covering of a substantial portion of a side rail (or headboard or footboard, at least two-thirds of the side rail  12  is covered. However, the first side panel may cover less than a substantial portion. For example, the first side panel may cover just a majority of the entire side rail  12 . 
         [0083]    The first side panel  102  further includes a fastening apparatus  126  that extends along an entire edge  144  of the side panel  102  for use in attaching the side panel  102  to the top bar  22  of the side rail  12 , as is shown in further detail in  FIGS. 6A-6D . The fastening apparatus  126 , at least in one embodiment, includes first and second fastening portions  147 ,  148  that are both for mating with one another in order to hold the first side panel  102  in a fixed position relative to side rail  12 . 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIG. 6A , the fastening apparatus  126  includes a padded portion  150  that is wrapped around top rail  22  such that first and second fastening portions  147 ,  148  can be placed in contact with one another. As a result, the padded portion  150  covers the top bar  22  of the side rail  12 . With use of the fastening apparatus  126  that extends along the entire edge  148  of the first side panel  102 , the first side panel  102  can be fixed in a stable position with respect to side rail  12 . For example, the first side panel  102  can be fixedly positioned to prevent movement thereof relative to the side rail  12  using one or more other various fastening apparatus. 
         [0085]    For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , closures  127 - 128  provide for additional affixing functionality about the top bar  22  of the crib  10 . In addition, closures  129 - 130  assist in affixing the first side panel  102  to respective corner posts  38 ,  33 . Yet further, for example, a plurality of closures  131 - 133 , located opposite the edge  144  can be used to attach the first side panel  102  to bottom bar  24  of the side rail  12  such that the panel  102  is held in a taut manner across the plurality of support elements  20 . 
         [0086]    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 system  40 . 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. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 6A-6D  show further detail illustrating the attachment of the first side panel  102  to the crib  10 .  FIG. 6A  shows the fastening apparatus  126  wrapped around the top bar  22  of the crib  10  and, in particular, a closure  130  wrapped around post  33  but not yet in a closed position. 
         [0088]      FIG. 6B  shows the closure  130  in a wrapped around configuration and closed (e.g., the hook and loop fasteners in direct contact with one another and providing attachment to corner post  33 ). 
         [0089]      FIG. 6C  shows the fastening apparatus  126  in further detail, including fastening portions  147 - 148  and closure  127  in a partially unattached configuration. 
         [0090]      FIG. 6D  shows a cross-section view of the top bar  22  having the padded rail cover portion  150  wrapped therearound. 
         [0091]      FIG. 6E  shows one of the bottom closure strap attachments  133  used to wrap around bottom bar  24 . The strap attachment  133  is shown in a partially closed position with a part of the hook and loop fasteners in direct contact. 
         [0092]      FIG. 6F  shows a cross-section of the bottom bar  24  having strap attachment closure  133  wrapped therearound and in a fastened configuration. 
         [0093]    It will be readily understood that second side panel  104  is substantially similar to that of first side panel  102 . In addition, the attachment of second side panel  104  to side rail  14  is performed in substantially the same manner as the attachment of first side panel  102  to side rail  12  of crib  10 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 7  shows the end panel  108  in an unattached laid flat position. The end panel  108  includes a body portion  160  of mesh-type material like that described with respect to first side panel  102  which extends along a length (L panel  2 ) from a first end  162  to a second end  164  of the end panel  108 . Further, the end panel  108  has a width (W panel  2 ) that along with length (L panel  2 ) is sized to cover a substantial portion of headboard  18 . The end panel  108  includes fastening apparatus  166 , for example, along the entire edge  183  of the body portion  160  for use in attachment of the end panel  108  to a support element  37  of the headboard  18 . The fastening apparatus  166  includes fastener portions  168 - 169  and a body portion  170 . The body portion  170  is wrapped around the support element  37 , as shown in further detail in  FIG. 8 , with the fastener portions  168 - 169  placed in direct contact with one another to provide attachment of the end panel  108  to the headboard  118 . The fastener portions  168 - 169  are preferably hook and loop fasteners to provide a consistent closure along the entire width (W panel  2 ). 
         [0095]    At least one other fastening apparatus, such as fastening apparatus  176 , are provided at one or more positions along an edge  184  opposite edge  183  to allow a user to pull the panel taut across the headboard  118  when fastening apparatus  166  has been attached to support element  37 . Such fastening apparatus  176  can be thereafter used to secure the end panel  108  around support element  35  and maintain the end panel  108  in a taut position adjacent the support elements  34 . In one embodiment, the fastening apparatus  176  includes hook and loop fasteners  177 - 179  (e.g., Velcro closures) positioned along edge  184  using a body of material  193  that can be wrapped about support element  35 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 8  shows an illustration of attaching the end panel  108  to headboard  118 . For example, as shown therein, closure  177  is in an unattached configuration, whereas closures  178 ,  179  are in a fastened configuration. Likewise, fastening apparatus  166  along the first end  162  of the end panel  108  is shown in a partially fastened configuration. 
         [0097]    It will be readily understood that second end panel  106  is substantially similar to that of first end panel  108 . In addition, the attachment of second end panel  106  to the footboard  16  is performed in substantially the same manner as the attachment of first end panel  108  to headboard  18  of crib  10 . 
         [0098]    Both the side panel  102  and the end panel  108  may be provided with associated finishing material for functional or decorative purposes (e.g., to prevent the fraying of mesh material of body portion  120 , to provide further padding, etc.). For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , finishing edge material  138  may be used along edges  141 - 143 . Likewise, as shown in  FIG. 7 , finishing material  172  may be used along edges  181 - 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 crib  10 . However, preferably, substantially the entire exposed portions of the panels (e.g., exposed to a child in the crib) are formed of the mesh-type material. 
         [0099]    As used herein, when reference is made to the panels having substantially the entire exposed portions thereof being formed of the mesh-type material, it means that at least two-thirds of the exposed portions are formed thereof. However, in some configurations, less than substantially the entire exposed portions may be formed thereof. For example, a majority or more of the exposed portions may be formed of the mesh-type material. 
         [0100]    The breathable materials allow for full 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 substantially no rebreathing of carbon dioxide occur when a child&#39;s face is in direct contact with the material. 
         [0101]      FIG. 9  shows a general illustrative block diagram embodiment of a breathable apparatus  200  that includes a body portion  210  having one or more surfaces  212 . In one particular embodiment, the body portion  210  is useable in proximity to the respiratory orifices (e.g., mouth and nose) of a human being  202 . Further, in another embodiment, substantially all of the one or more surfaces are formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material, a material described herein. 
         [0102]    The breathable apparatus  200  shown generally in  FIG. 9  may include one or more various types of objects. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10A-10B , the breathable apparatus may take the form of an object used to cover a child or other human being. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10A , a breathable blanket  220  including a body portion  222  formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material is shown. Likewise, in  FIG. 10B , a breathable comforter  230  is shown that includes a body portion  232  that is formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. It will be understood that the body portions  222 ,  232  may be trimmed using any various finishing materials. For example, trim  224  may be used along the edges of the breathable blanket  220 , as shown in  FIG. 10A , and trim  234  may be used to trim the breathable comforter  230  along its edges. Likewise, a breathable material  235  may be used in conjunction with the breathable integrated padded mesh material, as shown in  FIG. 10B , as a back panel. In other words, the breathable integrated padded mesh material which forms the body portion may be configured as a single layer blanket or comforter formed only of the padded mesh material or the padded mesh material may be used in combination with one or more additional breathable layers as shown in  FIG. 10C . For example, the configurations described above with reference to the crib shield systems may be used (e.g., cotton on one or both sides of the padded mesh material). As described above and as shown generally in  FIG. 10C , the breathable integrated padded mesh material may be used in combination with one or more other material layers. For example, the breathable integrated 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 integrated padded mesh material. In  FIG. 10C , one or more layers of material  237  may be used adjacent the front substructure of the breathable integrated padded mesh material  238  and/or one or more layers of material  239  may be used adjacent the back substructure thereof. One skilled in the art will recognize that various types of sizes and shapes may be used, as well as various types of breathable materials. 
         [0103]    Further, the breathable apparatus  200  may take the form of one or more other carrying apparatus. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11A , a breathable bundle  240  including a body portion  242  is shown for carrying a baby. The body member  242  defines a volume  244  for receiving a child. 
         [0104]    As shown in  FIG. 11B , a breathable carrier cover  250  includes a body member  252  that defines a volume (not shown) in which a carrier is received. 
         [0105]      FIG. 11C  shows an illustrative embodiment of a baby carrier  260 . The baby carrier  260  includes a body portion  262  formed of at least a part of a breathable integrated padded mesh material according to the present invention that defines a volume  264  for receiving a child. As one skilled in the art will recognize, various attachment mechanisms for use in attaching the carrier to another person are required. However, a substantial portion of the one or more surfaces forming the carrier  260 , particularly those that would exist next to a child&#39;s face, are preferably formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. 
         [0106]      FIG. 11D  shows a car seat cover  270  for a car seat  269  including a body portion  272  formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. The body portion  272  forms or defines a volume  274  in which a child is positioned. Once again, preferably, a substantial portion of all the surfaces of the car seat cover  270  are formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. 
         [0107]    As shown in  FIG. 11E , a double headrest  280  includes a body portion  282  formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. The body portion  282  defines a volume  284  for receiving, for example, the head of a child. 
         [0108]      FIG. 11F  shows a sleep positioner  290  including a body portion  292  formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. The body portion  292  provides a defined volume  294  for receiving a portion of a child&#39;s body. 
         [0109]    One skilled in the art will recognize that various types of padding may be used in addition to the breathable integrated padded mesh 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 integrated padded mesh material itself and/or other breathable materials, such as cotton, jersey, flannel, polyester, nylon, rayon, gabardine, terry cloth, etc. 
         [0110]    The breathable apparatus  200 , shown generally in  FIG. 9 , may also take the form of a breathable toy  300 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . The breathable toy  300 , shown in  FIG. 12  as a teddy bear, includes a body portion  302  formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. Further, trim material and various decorative elements  304  will be used to accessorize the body portion  302  (e.g., padded feet, a nose, eyes, etc.). Preferably, however, a majority of the toy  300  is covered with the breathable integrated padded mesh material. 
         [0111]    Further, preferably, any single portion of trim material  304  of the toy  300  (or of any other apparatus described herein that includes the breathable padded mesh material) is smaller than that which could potentially block breathing of a child. Further, preferably, substantially the entire toy (or of any other apparatus described herein that includes the breathable padded mesh material) is formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. As used herein, when substantially the entire apparatus is formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material at least two-thirds of the object is formed thereof. For example, some material may still be used for decorative or other trimming purposes, including additional padding. However, such material is kept to portions that are smaller than those which may potentially block breathing of a child (e.g., through mouth and nose of a child). Further, the breathable integrated padded mesh material may cover less than a substantial portion. For example, the breathable integrated padded mesh material may cover just a majority of the apparatus. 
         [0112]    It will be recognized that the toy bear shown in  FIG. 12A  is but one illustrative embodiment of a toy that may utilize the breathable integrated padded mesh material. For example, dolls, or any other animal or stuffed toy, may be created using the breathable integrated padded mesh material. 
         [0113]      FIGS. 12B and 12C  illustrate additional embodiments of a toy, for a person or an animal, that may utilize the breathable integrated padded mesh material.  FIG. 12B  illustrates a toy  1200   a  shaped as a football. Although a football is shown, the toy  1200   a  may take the shape of other sport or non-sport objects such as a baseball, a tennis ball, a soccer ball, or a star.  FIG. 12C  illustrates a toy  1200   b  shaped as a toy bear. Although a bear is illustrated in  FIG. 12C , the toy  1200   b  may take any shape including animals or inanimate objects, such as a rabbit, a turtle, a dog, or a book. 
         [0114]    The toy  1200   a  and the toy  1200   b  may include an integrated padded mesh material  1206 . The material mesh material  1206  may have a mesh size between approximately 2 millimeters and approximately 3 millimeters. The toys  1200   a,    1200   b  may also include ornamental or aesthetic additions  1204  made of satin, mesh, or any other material. The additions  1204  may be sewn or otherwise attached to the toy  1200   a,    1200   b.    
         [0115]    In one embodiment, different configurations of padded mesh material may comprise the toy  1200   b.  For example, the toy  1200   b  of  FIG. 12C  may include a first integrated padded mesh material  1206  having a mesh size between approximately 2 millimeters and approximately 3 millimeters. The toy  1200   b  may also have a second integrated padded mesh material  1202  having a mesh size of approximately 2 millimeters. The materials  1202  and  1206  may also differ in color or number of layers. 
         [0116]    The breathable padded mesh material may be integrated with other materials for use in a breathable toy by sewing, or otherwise attaching, the breathable padded mesh material to one or more other layers.  FIG. 12E  is a cross-section illustrating materials for a breathable toy according to one embodiment of the disclosure. A breathable toy, such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-C  above, may include, two, three, or more layers integrated with the breathable padded mesh. According to one embodiment the layers may be sewn together at the seams. 
         [0117]      FIG. 12D  illustrates a two-layer integrated breathable padded mesh material according to one aspect of the invention. A two-layer material  1240   a  may include a first layer  1242  made of lightweight liner fabric and a second layer  1244  made of mesh fabric.  FIG. 12E  illustrates a three-layer integrated breathable padded mesh material according to one aspect of the invention. A three-layer material  1240   b  may include the first layer  1242  and the second layer  1244  along with a third layer  1246  made of an allergy-blocking fabric and/or a water-resistant fabric. At least one of the layers may be a breathable fabric material. For example, the second layer may be a breathable padded mesh material integrated with the first layer  1242  and/or the third layer  1246 . 
         [0118]      FIGS. 12F-G  illustrate breathable attachments  1252   a,    1252   b  for the breathable toy of  FIGS. 12A-C . Although described as attachments, the embodiments of  FIGS. 12F-G  may also be stand-alone toys. The attachments  1252   a,    1252   b  include an integrated breathable mesh fabric  1260 . The attachments  1252   a,    1252   b  may also include aesthetic or ornamental additions  1262 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 12F , the attachment  1252   a  includes a rattle handle, rubber chewy, or other device  1254  for attaching the attachment  1252   a  to a breathable toy. In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 12G , the attachment  1252   b  includes a rope or other material running through the attachment  1252   b  for attaching the attachment  1252   b  to a breathable toy. 
         [0119]    Yet further, the breathable apparatus  200  shown generally in  FIG. 9  may take the form of breathable clothing or wearables, as shown in  FIG. 13 . For example, the breathable clothing  310  may include a body portion  312  that defines a volume (not shown) that may receive the body of a human or doll. Such clothing may be used as outerwear to be worn outside of other clothing or may be used as an inner layer or a single layer for covering the body of a human. 
         [0120]    Although many of such breathable apparatus may be preferably used with respect to children (e.g., to prevent suffocation), such breathable apparatus, shown generally in  FIG. 9 , may also be used at other age levels. For example, geriatrics may utilize a blanket having the breathable features described herein or wear breathable clothing, such as shown generally in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0121]    Further, the breathable integrated padded mesh material may be used with one or more of the following apparatus: Mats such as Play Gym Mats, Activity Mats, Sleeping Mats, Bath Mats, and Bathing Cushions; Activity and Soft Toys such as Hanging Soft Toys, Mobile Soft Toys, Musical Soft Toys, Interactive Soft Toys, Bath Soft Toys, Soft Toys with moving pieces, Car Seat Activity Centers, and Soft Dolls; Games such as Soft Puzzles, Soft Cutout Shapes, Soft Books, Cloth Books, and Photo Album Covers; Pads such as Mattress Pads, Changing Table Pads, Crib Pads, Crib Bumper Pads, Cradle Bumper Pads, Porta-Crib Bumper Pads, Play yard Covers and Pads, Sheet Savers, Contour Pads, Lap Burp Pads, and Floor Pads; Covers such as Changing Pad Covers, Dressing Table Pad Covers, Bouncer Covers, Swing Covers, Cradle Swing Covers, Seat Covers, Car Seat Covers, Carrier Covers, and Stroller Covers; Pillows such as Support Pillows, Wedges, Sleep Positioners, and Double Headrests; Blankets such as Comforters, Wearable Blankets, Receiving Blankets, and Stroller Blankets; Bags such as Nursery Organizers, Backpacks, Sleeping Bags, Luggage, Diaper Bags, and Carry Bags; Carriers such as Soft Carriers, Slings, and Bundles; Bedding such as Toddler Bedding, Crib Bedding, Cradle Bedding, Pillowcases, and Pillowcase and Fitted Sheet in one; and Clothing such as Sports Clothing; Hats; Scarves; Jackets; Vests, and Outerwear. 
         [0122]    Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the present invention, disclosure, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.