Patent Publication Number: US-6708356-B1

Title: Bedding article

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a bedding article. It finds particular application in retaining and preventing downward sliding movement of a baby in a crib or other mattress which is inclined, and will be described primarily in reference thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention may be employed in conjunction with all manner of sleep surfaces and children of various ages. 
     Positional treatment of a child by elevating one side of a crib mattress has proven useful in certain circumstances, such as in the prevention of reflux and alleviating congestion and cold symptoms, thereby helping the child to sleep better. However, if unrestrained, the baby may slide down the inclined mattress and may potentially wind up in a compromising position. 
     Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a new and improved bedding article which can securely restrain or cradle a child while providing a safe, secure, and comfortable place to sleep. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a bedding article for releasably retaining a human child on an inclined surface includes a generally planar bottom panel comprising a sheet of material and a top panel comprising a sheet of material which is secured at a first position along its peripheral edge to the bottom panel by a first fastener. Second and third fasteners releasably secure the top panel to the bottom panel at second and third positions, respectively, on the top panel. The second and third fasteners are spaced apart from each other and from the first fastener to define first, second and third openings for receiving a lower torso and first and second legs of the child when the first, second, and third fasteners are in fastened position. A plurality of additional fasteners are attached to and spaced about the peripheral edge of the bottom panel to releasably secure the bottom panel in a fixed position relative to the inclined surface. 
     In another aspect, a bedding article for releasably retaining a human child on an inclined surface, comprises a generally planar bottom panel comprising a sheet of material a top panel secured to the bottom panel at a first position along its peripheral edge via a first fastener. Second and third fasteners releasably secure the top panel at second and third positions on the top panel, the second and third fasteners spaced apart from each other and from the first fastener, thereby defining first, second and third openings for receiving a lower torso and first and second legs of the child when the child is placed within the bedding article in a supine or prone position and when the first, second, and third fasteners are in fastened position. Fourth and fifth openings are also provided which are adapted to receive the first and second legs when the child is placed in the bedding article in a side lateral position. 
     In yet another aspect, a bedding article for releasably retaining a human child on an inclined surface, comprises a generally planar bottom panel comprising a sheet of material and a top panel comprising a sheet of material. The top panel is secured about a portion of its peripheral edge to the second surface of the bottom panel. A plurality of additional fasteners are attached to and spaced about the peripheral edge of the bottom panel, the additional fasteners being adapted to releasably secure the bottom panel in fixed position relative to the inclined surface. 
     In still a further aspect, a bedding article for releasably retaining a human child on an inclined surface, comprises a generally planar bottom panel and a garment adapted to be worn around a pelvic region of the child. A hook-and-pile fastening system releasably secures the garment to the bottom panel. One of the hook component and the pile component is attached to the bottom panel and the other of the hook component and the pile component is secured to the garment. A plurality of additional fasteners are attached to and spaced about the peripheral edge of the bottom panel so as to releasably secure the bottom panel in fixed position relative to the inclined surface. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the accompanying drawings, which are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention: 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing a first embodiment of a bedding article according to the present invention, and illustrating the manner of operation of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a bedding article according to the present invention; 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of third and fourth embodiments of bedding articles according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of a bedding article according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a bedding article according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment of a bedding article according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an eighth embodiment of a bedding article according to the present invention; and 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of an exemplary fastening system for use with the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to FIG. 1, a bedding article  100  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention includes a bottom panel  110  and a top panel  112  secured thereto. The top and bottom panels  110  and  112  are each formed of a pliable material, preferably a fabric material. For example, the top and/or bottom panels may be formed of one or more layers of fabric material, such as used in bedding, such as a blanket material, cotton or linen bedsheet material, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom panel is formed of multiple fabric layers, optionally with batting therebetween. Optionally, a waterproof barrier may be incorporated into or onto the bottom panel  112  for protection of the mattress  142  and any bedding thereon. 
     In the depicted illustration, the bedding article  100  is placed on the mattress  142  of a conventional crib  140  and there appears a child  160 , such as an infant, baby, toddler, or the like, removably retained therein. The bedding article  100  is advantageously used when the mattress  142  is placed at an incline such that the mattress end  146  is elevated with respect to the opposite end  148 , is indicated for positional treatment for various physical conditions or diseases, including gastroesophagic reflux and others. 
     Although the bedding article  100  is depicted as being somewhat smaller than the mattress  142 , it will be recognized that the device  100 , and particularly the bottom panel  110  thereof, may be any desired size. Preferably, the bottom panel is large enough such that the child  160  is completely accommodated thereon. In this manner, the device  100  may be used directly on the mattress and provides a comfortable sleeping surface, with or without additional bedding underneath, and, may be used to prevent the mattress and any bed clothes underneath from becoming soiled. 
     Also, the bottom panel  112  may be sized up to the size of the crib or bed being utilized, or, larger wherein the edges of the bottom panel may be folded around and tucked under the mattress. In one preferred embodiment, the dimensions of bottom panel is about 24 inches by 34 inches (61 cm by 86 cm). In another preferred embodiment, the bottom panel is the size of a standard crib mattress, e.g., about 27 inches by 52 inches (69 cm by 132 cm). 
     In the depicted embodiment, the top panel  112  is generally in the shape of an inverted triangle and is secured to the bottom panel  110  at a position  114  between the legs  162  of the child  160 . Preferably, the top panel  112  is secured at position  114  via a permanent fastening means, such as stitching, adhesive, rivets, staples, and so forth, most preferably by permanently stitching the top panel  112  to the bottom panel  110  at the position  114 . However, it will be recognized that an alternative fastening means may also be employed, including any of the releasable fastening means described herein. 
     The top panel  112  further includes two fastening systems  130  attached to the top panel  112  on opposite lateral sides thereof. The fastening systems  130  are located in spaced relation with respect to the attachment point  114  to define two openings  122  for receiving the legs  162  of the baby  160 . An opening  126  is defined between the two fastening systems  130  and is adapted to receive the waist or lower torso  164  of the child  160 . 
     Each fastening system  130  includes a fastener  116 , which is illustrated generally, and is preferably a releasable fastener. Exemplary releasable fasteners include, for example, hook-and-pile or hook-and-loop type fasteners (e.g., Velcro® fasteners and the like), snaps, clasps, clips, hook-and-eye fasteners, pins, buttons, tie strings, buckles, magnetic catches, and the like. Preferably, the fastener  116  is a snap lock type fastener of the type illustrated and described below by way of reference to FIG.  8 . 
     With continued reference to FIG. 1, the depicted fastening system  130  includes a strap member  120 , with the fastener  116  attached to a first end thereof. The second end of the strap member  120  is secured to the top panel  112 , preferably in a permanent manner, most preferably via stitching thereto. The fastener  116  is also attached to a first end of a second strap member  118 , the second end of the strap member  118  being secured to the bottom panel  110 , preferably in a permanent manner, most preferably via stitching thereto. 
     Preferably, one or both of the strap members  118  and  120  are adjustable in length to accommodate children of varying size. Alternatively, the fastening systems  130  may comprise a fastener having first and second engaging members which are attached directly to the top and bottom panels, respectively. 
     The bottom panel  110  further includes a plurality of fastening systems  132  spaced about the peripheral edge of the bottom panel  110 . Preferably, the number and spacing of the peripheral fasteners is such that the bottom panel will not slide or buckle in any direction. Each fastening system  132  includes a fastener  124 , which is illustrated generally, and may be a fastener of the type described above with respect to fastener  116 , and is preferably a snap lock type fastener. 
     In the depicted embodiment, the fastener  124  is attached to a first end of a first strap member  126 , the second end of the strap member  126  being secured to the bottom panel  110 , preferably in a permanent manner. The fastener  124  is also attached to a first end of a second strap member  128 , the second end of the strap member  128  likewise being secured to the bottom panel  110 , preferably in a permanent manner. 
     The strap  128  passes around an adjacent slat or spindle  144  of the crib  140 . Preferably, one or both of the strap members  126  and  128  are adjustable in length to accommodate cribs or bed of varying size and/or configuration. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown in greater detail an exemplary fastening system for use in conjunction with the present invention. The preferred fastening system includes a snap lock fastener  124 , shown in latched relation, which comprises a first member  124   a  which is removably received within a complimentary receptacle  124   b.    
     The fastening member  124   a  is attached to a first end of the strap member  128 . The second end of the strap member  128  is secured to the bottom panel  110 , preferably in a permanent manner, such as via stitching  130 . 
     The fastener  124   b  is attached to a first end of the strap member  126 , the second end of the strap member  126  being secured to the bottom panel  110 , preferably in a permanent manner, such as via stitching  130 . 
     It will be recognized that other fastener types may be employed for use in fastening systems  130  and/or  132 . Exemplary suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, hook-and-pile type fasteners, snap lock fasteners, snaps, clasps, clips, hook-and-eye fasteners, pins, buttons, ties, buckles, magnetic catches, and the like. It will be recognized that the fastening systems  130  and  132  may advantageously employ the same fastener types, thus reducing the number of different parts and simplifying construction. The description of fastener  124  by way of reference to FIG. 8 for securing the bottom panel relative to mattress  142  is equally applicably to the fasteners herein for securing the top panel to the bottom panel in FIGS. 1,  3 A,  3 B,  6 , and  7 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 2, there is shown a child retention device  200  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The above description by way of reference to FIG. 1 is applicable to the embodiment of FIG. 2, unless otherwise noted. 
     The device  200  includes a bottom panel  210  and a top panel  212  secured thereto at an attachment position  214  as described above by way of reference to FIG.  1 . The embodiment of FIG. 2 is illustrated in relation to a mattress  242  of a crib  240 . 
     The top panel  212  is similar to top panel  112  of FIG. 1, but instead employs hook-and-pile fasteners  216 . Leg openings  222  are defined between attachment point  214  and the lateral side fasteners  216 . Torso opening  226  is defined between the two fasteners  216 . 
     The embodiment of FIG. 2 further includes optional snap or buttontype fasteners  218 , which may be selectively fastened to adjust the size of the openings  222  to accommodate users of varying size. The fasteners  218  can optionally be disposed along the peripheral edge of the top panel between the two fasteners  216  to render the opening  226  adjustable in size in like manner. 
     The bottom panel  210  further includes a plurality of fasteners  224  spaced about the peripheral edge of the bottom panel  210 . The fasteners depicted include a pair of strings or ties for removable securing the bottom panel  224  to an adjacent slat, spindle, or post  244 , or other bed frame member of the crib  240 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there are shown bedding articles  300   a  and  300   b  in accordance with third and forth embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrated in relation to a crib or bed mattress  342 , the crib or bed frame itself being omitted for ease of exposition. 
     Referring to FIG. 3A, the device  300   a  includes a bottom panel  310  and a web-like top panel  312   a  which accommodates multiple sleeping positions. The top panel or web  312   a  is secured to the bottom panel  310  at an attachment position  314   a  in the manner as described above by way of reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Attachment  314   a  is preferably a permanent attachment. 
     The top panel  312   a  includes fasteners  316  on opposite lateral sides thereof, which are preferably releasable fasteners. The fasteners  316  may advantageously comprise, for example, hoop-and-pile fasteners, snap lock fasteners, buckles, clasps, or other type of fastener as described herein. Two openings  322  are defined between attachment point  314   a  and the lateral side fasteners  316  for receiving the legs of a child placed within the device  300   a  in either a supine or prone position. An opening  326  is defined between the two fasteners  316  for receiving the lower torso of a child placed therein. 
     The web  312   a  also includes two adjacent openings  323   a  with a strap  325   a  defined therebetween. The strap  325   a  may be an integral portion of the panel  312   a  or a separately attached member. The size and position of the openings  323   a  are adapted such that each opening receives a leg of a child when placed in a lateral or side position. Optionally, when a baby is placed on a lateral side sleeping position, the device  300   a  can be used in conjunction with a wedge, roll (e.g., a rolled blanket), pillow, or other elongate member  346  (shown in phantom) of a type commonly employed when babies are placed in a lateral sleeping position. Advantageously, the wedge or roll  346  may pass through one of the openings  322 , which is otherwise unused when the baby is placed in a lateral position in the depicted illustration, the device  346  is positioned for a baby sleeping on its right lateral side and can be moved to the opposite side for a baby placed on its left lateral side. 
     Optionally, a removable panel (not shown) may be removably secured over one or each of the openings  323   a  when not in use, i.e., when a baby is placed in a prone or supine position. Each panel may be, for example, a zip-out panel, a panel attached via a hook-and-loop fastener or other releasable fastener, and so forth. 
     The embodiment of FIG. 3A is shown with generally-depicted fasteners  324 , spaced about the periphery of the bottom panel  310 , for securing the bottom panel  310  to the frame of a crib or bed, the fasteners preferably comprising snap lock type fasteners. However, other types of fasteners, such as those described herein, are also contemplated. Likewise, additional features disclosed herein may also optionally be employed in conjunction with the embodiment of FIG. 3A, such as snap or button fasteners  218  (see FIG. 2) for adjusting the size of the leg openings  322 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 3B, the bedding article  300   b  includes a bottom panel  310  and a top panel  312   b , secured thereto at two laterally spaced apart positions  314   b . The top panel  312   b  includes fasteners  316  on opposite lateral sides thereof, which are preferably releasable fasteners as described above. 
     Two openings  322  are defined between each attachment point  314   b  and its adjacent lateral side fastener  316  for receiving the legs of a child placed within the device  300   b  in either a supine or prone position. An opening  326  is defined between the two fasteners  316  for receiving the lower torso of a child placed therein. 
     A first opening  323   b  is defined between the two attachment points  314   b  and is adapted to receive a first leg of a baby when placed in a lateral side position. The web  312   b  also includes a somewhat centrally located opening  323   c  adapted to receive a second leg of a baby when placed in a lateral side position. A strap  325   b  is defined between the openings  323   b  and  323   c . The strap  325   b  may be integral with the panel  312   b  or a separately attached member. 
     The size and position of the openings  323   b  and  323   c  are adapted to receive the legs of a child when placed within the device  300   b  in a lateral or side position. Again, optionally, when a baby is placed on a lateral side sleeping position, the device.  300   b  can be used in conjunction with a device  346  (shown in phantom) in the manner described above by way of reference to FIG.  3 A. 
     Optionally, a removable panel (not shown) may be removably secured over one or each of the openings  323   b  and  323   c  when not in use, i.e., when a baby is placed in a prone or supine position. Each panel may be, for example, a zip-out panel, a panel attached via a hook-and-loop fastener or other releasable fastener, and so forth. 
     Likewise, the embodiment of FIG. 3B is shown with fasteners  324 , preferably snap lock type fasteners, spaced about the periphery of the bottom panel  310 , for securing the bottom panel  310  to the frame of a crib or bed. Again, it will be recognized that other types of fasteners, such as those described herein, are also contemplated. Furthermore, additional features disclosed herein may also optionally be employed in conjunction with the embodiment of FIG. 3B, such as snap or button fasteners  218  (see FIG. 2) for adjusting the size of the leg openings  322 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a further bedding article embodiment  400  in accordance with the present invention. The device  400  includes a bottom panel  410  and a top panel  412  secured thereto. The top panel  412  is secured about a portion of its peripheral edge to the bottom panel  410 , preferably via a secure fastening means  414 . The top panel  412  is preferably attached preferably via stitching, although other fastener types are contemplated as well, such as a zipper type fastener or a series or snaps, buttons, or other fastener types as described herein. 
     An opening  426  is formed at the upper peripheral edge of the top panel  412 , thereby forming a pouch adapted to receive the legs and lower torso of a child  460  placed therein. The bottom panel  410  further includes a plurality of fasteners  424 , which may be any of the types described herein, spaced about the periphery of the bottom panel  410  for securing the device  400  to slats or frame members of a crib or bed (not shown). 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, there appears a bedding article  500  according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, shown in relation to a mattress  542 . The device  500  comprises a bottom panel  500  having a plurality of fasteners  524  spaced about the peripheral edge thereof for fastening to the slats, frame or posts of a crib or bed (not shown). The fasteners  524  may be of a type described above. The device  500  further includes a garment  512  which is worn around the pelvic region of a child employing the device. The garment  512  may be disposable or washable. The garment  512  may a diaper-type garment which unfolds and is fastened on the lateral sides thereon, or, alternatively, may be in the form of briefs, trunks, pants, training underwear, a pull-on type diaper, or the like. 
     A hook-and-pile fastening system is employed to secure the garment  512  to the bottom panel  510 . For example, a sheet, patch, or strip  514  of a hook material comprising one-half of a hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the bottom panel  510 , preferably via a permanent attachment means, such as stitching, adhesive, staples, or the like. Likewise, one or more sheets or strips of a pile material which is adapted to removably engage the hook fastener  514 , are attached, preferably in a permanent manner, to the garment  512 . In the illustrated embodiment, a sheet, strip, or patch of pile material  516  is placed in a generally central position on the garment  512  allowing a child wearing the garment to be placed in a prone or supine (preferred) position, depending on whether the patch  516  is positioned in the front or rear of the child when the patch  516  is secured to the patch  514 . 
     Optional patches  518  and  520  are placed on the opposite lateral sides of the garment  512 , allowing selective placement of the child in either lateral side position when the pile material  518  or  520  is placed in contact with the hook material  516 . Another optional patch (not shown) may be placed on the garment opposite the patch  516  to allow selective placement of the child in a prone or supine position. In the depicted example, the pile material  516 ,  518 , and  520  appear as segmented strips or patches. Alternatively, the pile material may be in the form of a continuous band or circular or semicircular segment to allow selective placement of a child wearing the garment  512  in any desired sleeping position. 
     Alternatively, the patch  514  may be a pile fastening component and the patches  516 ,  518 , and  520  (or, alternative, a continuous strip or band) may be a complimentary hook component. Optionally, the unused patches (or portions thereof) on the garment  512  may be covered for comfort of the wearer when not in use. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown two embodiments  600  and  700 , respectively, of the present invention, which are sized to conform to a specific mattress size in fitted manner. The devices  600 ,  700 , each comprise a bottom panel  610  and a top panel  612 . The bottom panel  610  is configured to engage a mattress  642  of a crib  640  or other bed, e.g., in the manner of a fitted sheet or blanket. Alternatively, the bottom panel may be larger than the mattress  642 , wherein the edges are tucked under the mattress to secure the panel  610  relative to the mattress  642 . Optional straps  624  (FIG. 6) or  724  (FIG. 7) passing under the mattress  642  may also be used to further secure the device ( 600 ,  700 ) to the mattress  642 . 
     In the depicted embodiments, the top panel  612  appears as a diaper-type sling which is attached to the bottom panel  610  at an attachment point  614  and wherein fasteners  616  are employed to secure the lateral sides of the top panel  612  to the bottom panel  610 . However, any of the alternative top panel embodiments and fastening means as described above by way of reference to FIGS. 1-5 may also be employed in connection with the bottom panel  610 . In this manner, the bedding article  600 ,  700 , may be secured with respect to the crib or bed without attaching the bottom panel  612  directly to the crib or bed frame. 
     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.