Patent Publication Number: US-2017367497-A1

Title: Porous crib shield system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
     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 or harmed. Many cribs also have headboards and footboards (i.e., endboards) that are also made with spaced-apart supports and the baby may also extend its arms or legs out of the crib between these slats. 
     Although various types of apparatus have been used to prevent such problematic situations (e.g., extension of limbs outside of the crib through the spaced-apart supports), many of such apparatus exhibit their own problems. For example, as described herein, ventilation may be problematic (e.g., such as that leading up to and resulting in suffocation). For example, crib bumpers are widely used in cribs for protecting a child from injury caused by bodily impact of the child against the sides of the crib that define the interior boundary of the crib. However, in many cases, such bumpers do not allow for adequate ventilation within the crib and obstruct view of the child. 
     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 or around the infant may be a possible cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Existing crib apparatus, such as crib bumpers, tend to trap dangerous gases inside the crib. Further, such apparatus may block the passages of infants under certain circumstances. 
     Various types of other crib apparatus have been described and attempt to reduce one or more of the above problems. For example, such apparatus are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,408 to Bashista et al., entitled “Mesh Crib Liner,” issued 16 Mar. 1999; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,573 to Wagner et al., entitled “Ventilation Upgrade Kit for a Crib Bumper and Method of Using It.” 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention, as described herein, addresses the problems described above and other problems of prior art systems and methods that will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the description below. For example, in a first aspect, a crib shield system, suitable for use with a crib, may include a mesh body portion; wherein the mesh body portion is comprised of at least a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer; wherein the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer are configured to be approximately the same height and length; wherein the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer are configured to be secured together to form a single panel; and wherein both the first mesh layer and second mesh layer comprise openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe there through. 
     In a second aspect, the invention may include a crib shield system, suitable for use with a crib, wherein the crib shield system comprises a mesh body portion, further comprising a first mesh-type material; wherein the mesh body portion comprises approximately 50% or more of a mesh-type material; wherein the first mesh-type material comprises a woven portion with a first size of openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe there through, and wherein the first mesh-type material comprises a woven portion with a second size of openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe there through. 
     In a third aspect, the invention may include a crib shield system, suitable for use with a crib, wherein the crib shield system comprises a mesh body portion, which further comprises a first mesh-type material; wherein the mesh-type material comprises a front layer, a middle layer, and a back layer; wherein the front layer, middle layer, and back layer of the mesh-type material are quilted together along at least two seams crossing the mesh body portion; wherein the at least two seams cross each other to create a pattern in the mesh body portion; and wherein the quilting anchors the middle layer to the front layer and back layer along the at least two seams. 
     In a fourth aspect, the invention may include a crib shield system, suitable for use with a crib, in which the crib shield system comprises a mesh body portion, further comprising a first mesh-type material; wherein the mesh-type material comprises a front layer, a middle layer, and a back layer, in which the front layer and back layer have different fabric weaves. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a crib shield system attached to a crib, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a single-wrap crib shield system attached to a crib, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1C  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a double-wrap crib shield system attached to a crib, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1D  shows a side view of one embodiment of a hook and loop velcro attachment, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1E  shows a side view of one embodiment of tie attachments, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1F  shows a side view of one embodiment of snap attachments, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of one embodiment of a first side panel of the crib shield system shown in  FIG. 1  in an unattached position laid flat, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of one embodiment of a second side panel of the crib shield system shown in  FIG. 1  in an unattached position laid flat, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2C-2F  show details of one embodiment of a breathable 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 other figures, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2G-H  show illustrations of printed mesh designs for crib liners, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         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 example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of a full crib shield system attached to a crib with the mattress of the crib in a lowered position, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a perspective view of a full crib shield system attached to a crib, according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a top view of a side panel for use in the full crib shield system shown in  FIG. 4A  in an unattached position laid flat, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  shows a back side of a crib shield mesh, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5C  shows a front side and several magnified views of a side panel for use in a crib shield system, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5D  shows a side view of a second crib rail cover, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5E  is an illustration of a rail cover having multiple layers of fabric, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         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 example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a top view of an end panel for use in the full crib shield system shown in  FIG. 4A  in an unattached position laid flat, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a back side of a back panel wrap for attaching to a rail cover, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7C  shows a front side of a back panel wrap for attaching to a rail cover, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows an illustration for attachment of the end panel shown generally in  FIG. 7A  to a headboard or footboard of a crib, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  show illustrations of an exemplary breathable material, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows an illustration of two exemplary breathable material layers, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  show illustrations of two exemplary compartmentalized portions of a breathable material, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  show illustrations of exemplary breathable material combinations composed of more than one layer of breathable material, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  show illustrations of an exemplary crib liner, which may be reversible, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows an illustration of one embodiment of a crib liner, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 15A-C  show a detailed illustration of a crib liner, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 16A-C  shows an illustration of a crib liner with crib slat pads, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows an illustration of a two-part liner system, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows an illustration of a crib liner with attachment devices, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 19A-B  show an illustration of one embodiment of a crib liner with extended length, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 20A-B  show an illustration of a crib liner with an underneath mattress fabric, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 21A-B  show an illustration of one embodiment of an expandable crib liner, according to one example embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In general, the present invention is related to a crib liner that is breathable and provides for some protection from limbs getting entangled in crib slats. The crib liner can be made from any breathable material, such as mesh, and can be one or more panels for attachment to a crib. The crib liner may also be breathable primarily in the area of an infant&#39;s head and can be less breathable in other areas such as the borders of the liner. Since, in general, crib liners are removed from the crib as the infant gains the ability to sit or stand, the primary area of breathable concern is from the crib mattress surface up 4 or 5 inches in height, where the infant&#39;s head lies during sleeping. 
     Various embodiments of crib shield systems shall be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-21  and the below description. Additional embodiments of the various breathable materials used within the crib shield systems shall be described with further reference to  FIGS. 2C-2F, 5E, and 9-13 . The particular features of the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to just those illustrated configurations. Instead, the various features disclosed within this disclosure may be combined to create exponentially more embodiments not explicitly illustrated within this disclosure. For example, the various fastener apparatus and configurations for attaching the crib liner to a crib disclosed within may be combined in far more configurations than illustrated within the confines of this disclosure. Further, some exemplary embodiments are illustrated as one panel embodiments while other exemplary embodiments are illustrated as two panel embodiments. It should be understood that the features of such illustrated one panel embodiments and illustrated two panel embodiments (e.g., size, shape, fastener arrangement, method of attaching to crib, etc.) may be interchanged and/or combined to form exponentially more embodiments not explicitly illustrated within this disclosure. As such, the claims should not be limited only to such exemplary illustrated embodiments. Additionally, breathable material includes breathable mesh material and breathable padded mesh material, but may also include alternate material(s) that have similar breathable and/or padding properties (e.g., the weave found in cotton sweaters, such as a corded cotton sweater, may be sufficiently padded and breathable). 
       FIG. 1A  shows a conventional crib  10 . The crib  10  can include two side rails  12 ,  14 , and further, a footboard  16 , and a headboard  18 , referred to generically as endboards. 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 . As illustrated, the crib is configured to receive a standard rectangular-shaped crib mattress. 
     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. 1A . 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 corners  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. 1A , the mattress  26  is in a raised state. On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 4A  (to be described further herein), the mattress is shown in a lowered state. The lowered state is closer to the ground or floor upon which the crib  10  is positioned than the raised state. As such, the depth inside the crib is adjustable. 
     The side rail  12  generally includes a top bar  22  and a bottom bar  24  positioned approximately parallel to one another. A plurality of generally vertically-spaced side support elements  20  (i.e. slats) extend between the horizontal top bar  22  and horizontal bottom bar  24 . Although less prevalent due to crib regulation, the side rail  12  in some older 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. 1A , 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 . Of course, typical cribs today do not have a moveable side rail, and the present invention also address these cribs. In addition, cribs may or may not have slats on one or more sides as the current trend in cribs is to have a crib that is convertible to a toddler bed, using one or more of the crib sides (or foot and head boards) as the foot and/or headboard of the toddler bed. In some cribs typical corner posts are not apparent. Therefore reference to a corner post herein does not strictly refer to a structural member at the corner of the crib and can also include where two sides meet. 
     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 corners  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. In addition, any of the sides of the crib may or may not include slats and the crib may or may not include corner posts. The crib shield systems described herein work with various mechanisms for moving side rails, e.g., side and bottom latch systems and gliding side mechanisms, fixed rails, rails with no slats, or cribs with no corner posts. 
     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 corners  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 corners  31 ,  33 . Of course, in certain cribs there may or may not be corner posts, e.g. the convertible crib. Therefore the term “corner post” could simply be where two sides meet. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , 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. 1A , at least one panel is sized for covering at least a portion of the plurality of spaced-apart side support elements and configured to extend along at least a portion of the interior boundary. Of course, if there are no spaced-apart side support elements and there is a solid panel, the one panel would still cover the side. As is described herein, in one preferred embodiment, a significant amount of the panel is formed of a breathable material and the panel includes at least one fastening apparatus for securing at least one panel to the crib  10 . 
     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). 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1A , crib shield system  40  is attached to crib  10  along a 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. 1A , 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. Likewise, the configuration to the first side panel  42  may differ depending upon the configuration of crib  10  upon which it is attached. In addition, the attachments may be different if attaching to a rail with no slats, for example. 
     In another embodiment of the crib shield of  FIG. 1A , the crib shield may extend nearly the full height of the crib.  FIG. 1B  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a single-wrap crib shield system attached to a crib with a side rail of the crib in a raised or fixed state. A crib shield  111  may include wraps  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c  positioned at different vertical locations along the crib shield  111 . The wraps  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c  may be Velcro, ties, snaps, zipper, or any other suitable fastener. The crib shield  111  may be fastened to the crib  10  through fasteners  114  and  116 . The fasteners  114  and  116  may be located anywhere along the vertical height of the crib shield  111  or perimeter of the crib  10 . 
     The crib shield of  FIG. 1B  illustrates a single wrap full height shield, but additional wraps may be used to secure the crib shield.  FIG. 1C  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a double-wrap crib shield system attached to a crib with a side rail of the crib in a fixed or raised state. The crib shield  111  of  FIG. 1C  includes second wraps  112   a  and  112   b  located at different vertical heights along the crib shield  111 . 
     The various wrap types are illustrated in  FIGS. 1D-1F .  FIG. 1D  shows a side view of one embodiment of a hook and loop Velcro attachment. Velcro  113   a ,  113   b , and  113   c  located at different vertical positions may attach to Velcro receptors  113   d ,  113   e , and  113   f , respectively. 
       FIG. 1E  shows a side view of one embodiment of tie attachments. Ties  115  may be loose pieces of string located on ends of the crib shield or locations along the perimeter of the crib shield to allow an individual to tie one of the ties to another tie.  FIG. 1F  shows a side view of one embodiment of snap attachments. One side of the crib shield may include snap receptors  117   b  while another side of the crib shield may include snap attachments  117   a . An individual snaps on the of the snap receptors  117   b  to a snap attachment  117   a  to secure the crib shield. A crib shield with snap attachments  117   a  and  117   b  allows an individual to custom size the crib shield by selecting where to couple a snap attachment to a snap receptor. Of course, one of ordinary skill would recognize there are multiple attachments available and multiple ways to attach the crib liner to the crib. 
       FIG. 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 . 
     In many embodiments, the body portion  46  has a width (e.g., W panel  1 ) that is less than a length (e.g., L support as shown in  FIG. 1 ) of a vertical spaced support element  20  of the first side rail  12 . In many embodiments, the width (e.g., W panel  1 ) is less than one-half the length (L support) of the vertical spaced side support element  20 . In alternate embodiments, the crib liner is configured to be secured to a crib such that a portion of the liner (e.g., lower trim section) is located between the mattress and the crib, and as such, the breathable material of the liner exposed to an infant in the crib is not reduced by liner edging or trim sections composed of less breathable materials. In many embodiments, the crib liner is configured to provide breathable material along the side rails and endboards such that the head of an infant lying in the crib is exposed to breathable material. In preferred embodiments, the panel will have at least a four (4) inch width of breathable material, or greater, so that an infant resting against a side rail or endboard will only be exposed to the breathable material. It is less relevant if top and bottom boarders are breathable as they are not in the area of the infant&#39;s head. Therefore, it is possible that a liner be 12 or more inches in height as long as there is approximately 4 inches of breathable material in the area of the infant&#39;s head. In this example embodiment, the mesh may be only 33% of the total height of the liner, but it is substantially mesh near the infant&#39;s head where breathability matters most. In many embodiments, the breathable material will be configured to provide between five inches to eight inches or more of breathable material. It should be understood that the portion of breathable material may be adjusted based upon the average head size of an infant, which may be determined using available Center of Disease Control (CDC) data (e.g., average infant head circumference data). In most embodiments, the critical width of breathable material is the portion that extends from the top edge of the crib mattress and extends upward to the top of an average baby&#39;s head. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 . The finishing edge typically does not affect the breathability of the liner since it is not in close proximity to the infant&#39;s head. 
       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 . 
     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 . 
     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 material that provides breathable functionality such as a mesh type material. Breathable functionality refers to the ability of the material to allow air to move effectively therethrough. As used herein, when air is indicated as moving effectively through a material, it is meant that the material includes openings (e.g., mesh openings, open-framework, spaces between elements thereof, or even those that may not be visually perceivable openings but still allow a breathable function to occur) that do not impede air movement to an extent that would prevent a human being from breathing through (e.g., when a human&#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, modal/semi-cellulose based fabrics, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the mesh-type material may include a mesh available from Apex Mills, Inc. under the trade designation TA1 Mesh. However, other various similar mesh materials (e.g., mesh material having suitable openings) are available. A Suffocation Hazard Assessment was performed by RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.) (e.g., the Assessment is further described herein and for which protocol is available from RAM Consulting) on the TAI Mesh resulting in average readings of 1.6 cm H 2 O and, for an upper specification limit of 5 cm H 2 O, a Z-value of 9.0 was obtained. 
     In most embodiments, the breathable material is a breathable mesh-type material  300  (e.g., a padded spacer mesh), such as that shown generally in  FIGS. 2C-2F . The breathable 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 padded mesh material  300  in  FIG. 2F , the material  300  further includes a back substructure  392 . A pile substructure  393  may be integrated with or simply attached at certain locations and extend 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 . As illustrated, and in most embodiments, pile substructure  393  is generally linear (some wave and collapsing may occur) when extending between the front substructure  391  and back substructure  392 . This linear configuration generally provides optimal air flow between the front and back substructures. However, in a few alternate embodiments, it may be beneficial to use a pile substructure  393  that is less than linear, whether lofted, matted, and/or bunched fibers. This may be done to improve padding properties, especially with padding that is sufficiently breathable. In a few alternate embodiments, the substructure  393  is attached only to the front substructure  391  or the back substructure  392 . 
     The meshes or other fabrics shown in  FIGS. 2A-2F  may include designs on the mesh.  FIG. 2G  shows an illustration of a printed mesh according to one embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG. 2H  shows an illustration of a printed mesh according to another embodiment of the disclosure. 
     It will be recognized that the thickness of the padded mesh material may vary, as well as for other materials described herein. For example, more padding may create a softer more plush effect with slightly different breathability/ventilation properties and more opaqueness (e.g., less light transmissive) whereas less padding may create more breathability and buoyancy with less opaqueness (e.g., more light transmissive). Preferably, the panels described herein are at least somewhat transparent such that at least motion of the child in the crib can be seen. 
     Yet further, the padded mesh material is collapsible. As such, when installed or uninstalled, should a child stand on it, the material will collapse. This reduces the risk of the mesh material being leverage to a climbing infant (unlike most conventional bumpers). 
     The breathable material may be a woven polymeric fiber mesh material that is integrated with or attached to a front and/or back 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  may be integrated with or attached to 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 breathable material may be 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. 
     In one embodiment, for example, the breathable 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. 
     In another embodiment, the mesh-type material is a breathable padded mesh material in combination with one or more other material layers. For example, the breathable padded mesh material may be used in combination with one or more layers of other material adjacent to (e.g., one material laid flat against the other) either the front substructure and/or back substructure of the breathable padded mesh material. In various embodiments of such a combination, one or more layers of material may be used adjacent the front substructure, one or more layers of material may be used adjacent the back substructure, or one or more layers of material may be used adjacent the front substructure and the back substructure. For example, such additional layers may be layers of cotton material, knit jersey material, etc. Such additional material layers may provide additional benefits such as, for example, thermal properties with breathability. 
     Further, for example, the breathable material when used alone, or in combination with one or more additional layers, may be a breathable material (e.g., a breathable padded mesh material, such as a spacer mesh) that has a suffocation resistance level of less than about 15 cm H.sub.2O, and preferably less than about 5 cm H 2 O. Such a suffocation resistance is determined according to the RAM Consulting Virtual Child Suffocation Hazard Assessment Model which is a physical model and testing methodology that quantitatively assesses the potential suffocation hazards posed by various types of materials. The details of this Model are available from RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.). Further, according to this Model, Z-values are determined that are statistical measurement tools that describe and predict product performance in relation to its specification limit (e.g., such as those described below). For example, the suffocation resistance limit of 5 cm H.sub.2O is an upper specification limit for materials or products that foreseeably are used and/or intended for young infants with high accessibility; and further, the suffocation resistance limit of about 15 cm H 2 O is an upper specification limit for other materials or products (e.g., those for toddlers). A Z-value of 4.0 or greater with the corresponding upper specification limit for each applicable testing technique is required for a product to be classified as a very low suffocation risk. The details regarding the determination of Z-values are available from RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.). 
     Suffocation Hazard Assessment was performed by RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.) on various configurations using the breathable padded mesh material available from Apex Mills, Inc. under the trade designation DNB27 Spacer Mesh. 
       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. 
     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 H 2 O, wherein the specification upper limit for products young children are intended to lie on is equal to 5 cm H 2 O (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 H 2 O. 
     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 H 2 O 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 H 2 O and 6.2 cm H 2 O. 
     For the individual single layer of spacer padded mesh, average readings of 1.7 cm H 2 O were taken. Further, for an upper specification limit of 5 cm H 2 O, a Z-value of 9.5 was obtained. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , 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 . Of course other suitable methods of using the liner are contemplated. 
     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 along the length of the crib  10 . As used herein when a panel extends 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 corners of the crib (see panel  42  as shown in  FIG. 1A ). 
     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 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 1A , 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  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  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 . 
     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 corners 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. 
     In another embodiment, the crib shield system may comprise a single side panel. As contemplated herein, the crib shield system or crib liner may be one or more panels and may or may not include a bottom panel. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the crib  10  is substantially the same as that shown in  FIG. 1A  except that the side rail  12  is fixed and cannot be lowered or raised. 
     The single side panel  111 , as shown in  FIG. 1B , includes a body portion  70  that extends along a length (L panel  3 ) from a first end  72  thereof to a second end  74  of the single side panel  111 , in a like manner with the second side panel  44  in  FIG. 2B . The length (L panel  3 ) of the single side panel  111  may be sized for allowing attachment to footboard  16  and headboard  18  and across side rail  12  and  14  of crib  10 . For example, the length (L panel  3 ) is slightly longer than the combined lengths of the four sides of the crib  10  (i.e., the lengths of the footboard  16 , headboard  18 , side rail  12 , and side rail  14 ). In this embodiment, the single side panel  111  may be wrapped about support elements  35 , installed along all four sides of the crib, and fastened to support elements  27  using hook and loop closures, as shown in  FIG. 3A . Further, the single side panel  111  may have a width (W panel  3 ) that, at least in one embodiment, may have substantially the same width as the width (W panel  1 ) of first panel  42 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIGS. 1B-1C , single side panel  111  may include fastening apparatus  110   a - c  at first end of the single side panel  111  and fastening apparatus at the second end of the single side panel  111 . Such fastening apparatuses  110   a - c  are substantially similar to the hook and loop fasteners described with respect to first panel  42 . In one embodiment, finishing edge material  80  may be attached around the perimeter of the body portion  70  as shown by the finishing material  80  along edges  81 - 84 . 
     In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1B , the single side panel  111  may be attached to headboard  18  by wrapping first end  72  of the single side panel  111  about spaced side support element  35  and mating the hook and loop fastener portions  110   a - c , as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the body portion  70  of the single side panel  111  may be 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 inside corner  36 . The body portion  70  may be 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 inside corner  31  (see  FIGS. 1B, 1C ). Thereafter, the body portion  70  of the single side panel  111  may be fed to the outside of the crib  10  once again at the footboard  16  and then fed inside of corner  33  to the inside of the crib  10  (e.g., to the inside portions of support elements  20 ). Finally, the second end  74  of single side panel  111  may be wrapped around side support element  27  and fastening apparatus is used to hold the single side panel in place. Thereafter, the user may pull the panel taut across the plurality of spaced side support elements on all four sides of the crib by pulling on the second end  74  containing the fastening apparatus. Fastening apparatus may be attached to support element  27  in such a manner to hold the taut panel in place. The single side panel  111  may be deterred from slipping after being attached to the spaced side support elements  35 ,  27 . 
     As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 4A , the crib  10  is substantially the same as that shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C  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. 1A , the illustrated embodiment of 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 . 
     The illustrated embodiment of 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 . 
       FIG. 4B  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a full crib shield system attached to a crib. A mesh  411  extends around a crib  401 . A number of ties  415  attach side rail covers  417 , a back rail cover  419 , and a front rail cover  421  to the mesh  411 . A hidden zipper (not shown) may attach a front side of the rail covers  417 ,  419 , and  421  to the mesh  411 . The hidden zipper may be concealed by a flap  407 , such as in a gusset pocket. In some embodiments, the rail covers  417 ,  419 , and  421  may be available as upgrades to a basic mesh crib liner  411 . The rail covers  417 ,  419 , and  421  may be a solid color or include patterns and be made of washable material with quick drying capability. 
       FIG. 5  shows a first side panel  102  of an exemplary 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 breathable material known to a person of ordinary skill in the art may be used, such as the breathable materials described herein. 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     In various embodiments, the fastening apparatus  126  may be a series of straps or ties intermittently disposed along the 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. 18-20  below. Each of the straps or ties of 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 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , the exemplary fastening apparatus  126  may include 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. 
     In another embodiment, the padded portion  150  may be removably attached to the fastening apparatus  126 . For example, the padded portion  150  may comprise a strip of padded material with one fastening side, the fastening side designed to be removably attached to the fastening apparatus  126  using hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or other appropriate fastening apparatus. The padded material may be any suitable material, not just the aforementioned mesh-type material. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , 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 corners  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 . 
       FIG. 5B  shows a back side of a crib shield mesh according to the present invention. A crib shield  102  may include one or more ties  115  along a top end of the crib shield  102 . The ties  115  may allow connection of the crib shield  102  with a rail cover described below with reference to  FIG. 5D . Although not shown, the ties  115  may also be coupled to a bottom end of the crib shield  102 . The crib shield  102  may also include a number of Velcro loops  113  including Velcro attachments  113   a ,  113   b , and  113   c , and Velcro receptors  113   d ,  113   e , and  113   f . The receptors  113   d ,  113   e , and  113   f  may loop around a support structure (not shown), such as a crib, and hook around to couple to the attachments  113   a ,  113   b , and  113   c.    
       FIG. 5C  shows a front side and several magnified views of a side panel for use in a crib shield system according to the present invention. The crib shield  102  of  FIG. 5C  may illustrate a side of the crib shield  102  facing an inside of a crib. In one embodiment, the crib shield  102  may have a size of approximately 128 inches by approximately 19.5 inches, although various sizes may be configured to fit different crib sizes and shapes. A fastener  105   a  may couple the crib shield  102  to a front/back crib rail cover  103  through a fastener  105   b . The cover  103  may have a size of approximately 46 inches by approximately 14 inches. The fastener  105   a  and  105   b  may be a half of a zipper and the zipper pull located on one or the other of fastener  105   a  and  105   b . For example, the rail cover  103  may include the zipper pull  105   b , such as a dual separating zipper, which may be opened or closed from either end. A flap  107  may extend over the fastener  105   a  to conceal the zipper. Although a zipper is illustrated connecting the crib shield  102  and the rail cover  103 , other fasteners such as buttons, snaps, and ties are possible. A second rail cover may be used for sides of a crib.  FIG. 5D  shows a side view of a second crib rail cover. The cover  107  includes ties  115  for coupling to the ties  115  of the crib shield  102  illustrated in  FIG. 5B . 
     The rail cover  103  may include multiple layers of material.  FIG. 5E  is an illustration of a rail cover having multiple layers of fabric. For example, the cover  103  may include an outer layer  151  such as mesh fabric, a middle layer  153  such as a padded filler, and a bottom layer  155  such as a waterproof layer, allergen-blocking layer, or other fabric. The cover  107  may have a size of approximately 27 inches by approximately 14 inches. 
     One skilled in the art will recognize that many types of closures may be used to provide the attachment functionality, such as those described previously herein with respect to crib shield 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. 
       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. 
       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 ). 
       FIG. 6C  shows the fastening apparatus  126  in further detail, including fastening portions  147 - 148  and closure  127  in a partially unattached configuration. 
       FIG. 6D  shows a cross-section view of the top bar  22  having the padded rail cover portion  150  wrapped therearound. 
       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. 
       FIG. 6F  shows a cross-section of the bottom bar  24  having strap attachment closure  133  wrapped therearound and in a fastened configuration. 
     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 . 
       FIG. 7A  shows an exemplary 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 ). 
     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 . 
       FIG. 7B  shows a back side of a back panel wrap for attaching to a rail cover according to the present invention. The short back panel  108  may include a number of ties  115  for coupling to a rail cover. The short back panel  108  may also include a number of hook and loop fasteners  178  and  179 . 
       FIG. 7C  shows a front side of a back panel wrap for attaching to rail cover according to the present invention. The front side of the short back panel  108  may face an inside of a crib. The back panel  108  may include a receptor  105   a  for coupling to a rail cover. The receptor  105   a  may be, for example, one half of a zipper or one half of a zipper with a zipper pull. The flap  107  may conceal the receptor  105   a . The back panel  108  may have a size of approximately 56 inches by approximately 22 inches. 
       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. 
     It will be readily understood that a second end panel  106  may be 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 . 
     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. 5A , finishing edge material  138  may be used along edges  141 - 143 . Likewise, as shown in  FIG. 7A , 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, the exposed portions of the panels (e.g., exposed to a child in the crib) are formed of the mesh-type material, while the finishing edge material may be less breathable. 
     In another embodiment, the crib shield system may comprise a crib liner with two side panels  106 , 108 , two end panels  102 , 104 , and a bottom panel  428 , where the side and end panels are attached to the bottom panel, as is shown in further detail in  FIGS. 20A-20B . 
       FIGS. 9A-9C  show illustrations of exemplary breathable materials according to various embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 9A  illustrates an exemplary breathable material  900 . In the illustrated embodiment, the breathable material  900  includes a front substructure  391  composed of a woven material. The woven portion of the front substructure  391 A is illustrated at  902 . The woven material  902  is the portion of the front substructure  391 A with which a pile substructure  393  may be attached and/or integrated. The woven material  902  is configured with openings  904 , which are voids lacking any material. These openings  904  do not have any pile substructure  393  attached, and as such, may be configured to create channels between the front substructure and the back substructure. An exemplary opening  904  may be 1-6 millimeters and preferably 2-4 millimeters in diameter. As illustrated, the exemplary openings  904  are round, although other shapes are available (e.g., oval, triangle, etc.). 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates an exemplary breathable material  920 . In the illustrated embodiment, the breathable material  920  includes a front substructure  391 B with a plain weave woven portion  922  with openings  924 , thereby creating a “netting” pattern. In this exemplary weave configuration, the woven portion  922  is reduced, thereby increasing airflow, but diminishing the distinct channels found in openings  904 . Further, the fine pattern of the woven portion  922  lacks a perceivable ornamental pattern when the liner is viewed as a whole. For this reason, in many embodiments, the breathable material  920  is used as an interior layer when two or more breathable materials are layered together (e.g., embodiments combined to create a more durable crib liner that retains breathability), as further discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 12A-12C . As shown by openings  904  in  FIG. 9B , the back substructure  392 B may be comprised of the front substructure  391 A from breathable material  900 . Thus, the fabric pattern of the front substructure need not mirror the fabric pattern of the back substructure in the various embodiments. 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates an exemplary breathable material  940 . In the illustrated embodiment, the breathable material  940  includes a front substructure  391 C composed of a cableweave fabric. The woven portion of the front substructure  391 C is illustrated at  942 . The woven material  942  is the portion of the front substructure  391 C with which a pile substructure  393  may be attached and/or integrated. The woven material  942  is configured with primary openings  944  (which may also be referred to as first openings), which are voids lacking any material. An exemplary primary opening  944  may be 1-6 millimeters and preferably 2-4 millimeters in diameter, similar to opening  904  of  FIG. 9A . The front substructure  391 C may also include secondary openings  946 , which are smaller than primary openings  944 . Additionally, the woven portion may include even smaller openings  948   a  and  948   b  (which may also be referred to as third openings) incorporated into the fabric pattern, in which the openings are smaller than openings  942  and  944 . The benefit of two or more opening sizes in the fabric pattern is the ability to create a fabric that has increased breathability by reducing the amount of thick woven portions (e.g.,  902 ) while maintaining fabric strength by having many interwoven threads. For example, a secondary opening  946  may be located at the intersection of four primary openings (first openings), thus reducing the amount of woven material between the primary openings. As another example, the third openings may be located between the first openings and second openings in order to further reduce the amount of woven material. Additional openings, such as secondary openings and third openings, further improve the air permeability (or suffocation resistance level) of the breathable material. Further, the larger openings  944 , in combination with the other openings, create a perceivable ornamental pattern when the liner is viewed as a whole. The various openings (e.g.,  944  and  946 ) do not have any pile substructure  393  attached, and as such, may be configured to create channels between the front substructure and the back substructure. 
     The air permeability of breathable materials  900 ,  920 , and  940  may allow the breathable material to be layered with other breathable material (e.g.,  900 ,  920 ,  940 , etc.) to create a layered crib liner, while still maintaining the air permeability (CFM). 
     Testing was conducted by Bureau Veritas in accordance with ASTM D737 standards to determine the air permeability (CFM) of a single layer of breathable material  900 . Additionally, various combinations of layered breathable materials  900 ,  920 , and  940 —such as those described in paragraph 0129—were also tested to determine air permeability. The single layer of breathable material  900  with a thickness of 0.13 inches provided an air permeability of 1013.1 CFM, similar to the 1.6 cm H 2 O discussed in paragraph 0067 above. Adjusting the properties (e.g., thickness, weave pattern, etc.) of the single layer of a breathable material may allow the air permeability to achieve an air permeability of at least 1250 CFM. In contrast, competing crib bumpers provide a CFM of less than 100 CFM. Various combinations of layers of breathable material provided CFM ranging from 384 CFM to above 500 CFM. For example, two exemplary combinations shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12C  provided CFMs of 536.6 and 520.5, respectively. Adjusting the properties (e.g., thickness, weave pattern, etc.) of the layered breathable material may allow the air permeability to achieve an air permeability of at least 900 CFM. 
       FIG. 10  shows an illustration of two exemplary breathable materials according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, breathable material  900  with openings  904  is part of a multi-layer breathable material further including breathable material  920 . The large openings  904  of breathable material  900  is evident next to the finer plainweave fabric pattern of breathable material  920 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11B  show illustrations of two exemplary compartmentalized portions of a breathable material.  FIG. 11A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which at least one layer of breathable material  1100  is stitched  1130  to create distinct “compartments.” These compartments may be stitched  1130  in any ornamental pattern, such as illustrated design. The stitching  1130  may be used to improve the durability of one layer of breathable material, or alternatively, to strengthen liners configured of multiple layers of breathable material. The compartments provide additional rigidity to the layer(s) of breathable material, especially configurations of crib liners that have more than one layer of breathable material. For example, the compartmented breathable material  1100  resists torsional strain better than breathable material that is not compartmented/quilted. Further, the compartmented breathable material  1100  may be more durable over repetitive wash cycles, and further, less susceptible to deformity as a result of being repetitively compressed/crushed (e.g., an infant repeatedly stepping on the crib liner).  FIG. 11B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which at least one layer of breathable material  1120  is embossed, thereby forming compartments similar to those illustrated by  FIG. 11A . The embossing  1150  may be limited to one layer of breathable material  1120  (which may be configured of a front, pile, and back substructure) or may connect two or more layers of breathable material. The embossing of breathable material improves the properties of the breathable material  1120  in the same manner that the stitching improved the properties of breathable material  1100 . Typically, heat and pressure is used to emboss the one or more layers of breathable material  1120 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  show illustrations of various exemplary breathable material combinations composed of more than one layer of breathable material according to multiple embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 12A  illustrates an exemplary crib liner cross section  1200  configured with two layers of breathable material,  1202  and  1204 . In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, layer  1202  is 4 mm thick and layer  1204  is 3 mm thick in order to achieve a total thickness of approximately 7 mm. Layers with varying thicknesses may be combined to achieve the desired total thickness. This thicker breathable material combination improves the padding properties of the crib liner while having a negligible effect on breathability. The thicker breathable material may be achieved with a single layer, which may range from 1 mm to 15 mm. However, a thicker single layer may be more susceptible to torsional strain. Further, a single layer with a thickness greater than 5 mm increases manufacturing costs. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12A , an exemplary breathable material layered to form cross section  1200  may include a front substructure  1204 , a pile substructure  1204   b , and a back substructure  1204   a . In the illustrated embodiment, back substructure  1204   a  is a the fine woven portion  922 . 
       FIG. 12B  illustrates an exemplary crib liner cross section  1220  configured with three layers of breathable material,  1222 ,  1224 , and  1226 , thereby creating a breathable material combination with a total thickness of 10 mm. An exemplary cross section of stitching  1130  is shown, as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 11A . As shown, the exemplary stitching  1130  binds all three layers. The other embodiments, the stitching may bind only one layer or less than all of the layers. 
       FIG. 12C  illustrates an exemplary crib liner cross section  1240  configured with three layers of breathable material,  1242  and  1244 . An exemplary cross section of embossing  1150  is shown, as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 11B . As shown, the exemplary embossing  1150  only binds each individual layer; the embossing does not necessarily bind the layers together. However, the embossing  1150  may bind more than one layer. 
       FIG. 13  show illustrations of an exemplary crib liner, which may be reversible, according to various embodiments of the present invention. In many embodiments, the breathable material will have a different fabric weave, fabric color, and/or ornamental features on one side of the panel,  1310 , compared to the opposite side of the panel,  1320 . This difference in fabric weave, fabric color, and/or ornamental features (e.g., stitching, embossing, fabric shapes, etc.) provides at least two options for sides of the panel which may be exposed to the outside of the crib (and conversely, the inside of the crib). In such configurations, the crib liner is sized and shaped to be reversible. Further, in such configurations, the various fastening apparatus are also configured to be used with either side of the panel exposed to the outside of the crib (i.e., reversible). In some embodiments, the breathable material will have a front substructure with one color while a back substructure has a different color. In such a configuration, the breathable material may be one layer of breathable material (e.g., breathable padded mesh, as shown in  FIG. 2F ). In embodiments with more than one layer of breathable material, such as illustrated in  FIG. 12A-C , different layers of breathable material may be combined to create a reversible liner. For example, one layer of breathable material may be embossed with a pattern while the other layer of breathable material lacks embossing. As another example, both breathable material layers may be embossed, but with different patterns. As yet another example, one layer of breathable material may have a different fabric weave (e.g.,  FIG. 9A ) compared with the other layer of breathable material (e.g.,  FIG. 9C ). Additionally, the color of the layers of breathable material may differ. 
       FIG. 14  shows a crib liner according to one embodiment of the disclosure. A crib frame  402  may include a number of slats  404 . A crib liner  410  may be weaved in and out of various slats  404 . The crib liner  410  may provide cushioning for a child in the crib  402  to prevent injury from impact with the slats  404 . The crib liner  410  may also provide a barrier to prevent a child in the crib  402  from extending appendages through the slats  404 . The crib liner  410  may include a top portion  410   a  and a bottom portion  410   b  separated by a single layer mesh fabric  410   c . The mesh fabric  410   c  includes a number of holes allowing circulation of air as described in detail above. 
     The top portion  410   a  and the bottom portion  410   b  of the crib liner  410  may be similar materials or different materials. In one embodiment, the top portion  410   a  and the bottom portion  410   b  may be fabric material provided for aesthetic purposes to improve the appearance of the mesh fabric  410   c . According to another embodiment, the top portion  410   a  and the bottom portion  410   b  may be a cushioning material, such as fabric material filled with padding. 
     The crib liner  410  may be weaved in and out of each of the slats  404  as shown in  FIG. 14  and secured to the slats  404  by a fastener  412 . The fastener  412  may be, for example, a ribbon that is tied around one of the slats  404  and tied in a bow. Although only one fastener  412  is illustrated, additional fasteners may be included to provide additional support. 
     According to one embodiment, the crib liner  410  may be a one-piece liner wrap design. The crib liner  410 , when a one-piece liner wrap design, may be adjusted for different crib sizes by wrapping the liner  410  multiple times around the slats  404  to consume a portion of the liner  410  in excess length that the perimeter of the crib  402 . According to other embodiments, the crib liner  410  may be a multi-piece liner. For example, the crib liner  410  may include several lengths of shorter material, which may be assembled together to form an appropriate length for the crib  402 . Thus, the crib liner  410  may be adapted for use on cribs of different sizes. 
     Additional detailed illustrations of the crib liner  410  are shown in  FIGS. 15A-C . As shown in  FIG. 15  the crib liner  410  may be weaved through the slats  404  only at corners of the crib  402 . Installing the crib liner  410  by weaving through the slats  404  at corners of the crib  402  may decrease the installation time of the crib liner  410  on the crib  402 . 
     Further details of the crib liner  410  are described below with reference to  FIGS. 16-20 .  FIGS. 16A-C  shows an illustration of the crib liner  410  having crib slat pads according to embodiments of the disclosure.  FIG. 16A  illustrates a view of a crib liner  410  with crib slat pads  420  as seen from the outside of the crib after installation of the crib liner  410 . The crib slat pads  420  cover at least the portion of the slats  404  facing inside the crib  402 . The crib slat pads  420  may be made of fabric or other materials. 
     The crib slat pads  420  may be attached to the slats  404  through attachment mechanisms such as, for example, sewing, snapping, tying, zipping, Velcroing, buttoning, free form molding, clipping, and/or strapping the slat pads  420  to the slats  404 . According to one embodiment, the slat pads  420  are separate pieces that are inserted between the slats. According to another embodiment, the slat pads  420  line the inside of the crib  402  and adhere to the slats  404 .  FIG. 16B  shows the crib liner  410  with slat pads  420  as viewed from the inside of the crib  402 . The slat pads  420  may cover substantially all of the slat  404  facing inside the crib. 
     In certain embodiments, such as that of  FIG. 16A , the slat pads  420  do not extend the entire circumference of the slat  404  such that a portion of the slat  404  is exposed. According to another embodiment, the slat pads  420  may be installed behind the crib liner  410  as shown in  FIG. 16C . In this embodiment, the crib liner  410  may be attached to the front of the slat pads  420 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a two-part liner system. According to one embodiment, the mesh  410   c  of the crib liner  410  may be comprised of multiple fabrics or a combination of other materials. For example, the mesh  410   c  may be divided into an upper fabric  410   c   1  and a lower fabric  410   c   2 . The lower fabric  410   c   2  may be selected to be a fabric having higher breathability than the upper fabric  410   c   1 . Thus, additional airflow may be allowed into the crib  402  at the child&#39;s head level. 
     Other configurations of the crib liner  410  with one or more fabric layers in the mesh are possible. According to one embodiment, the mesh  410  may include two or more cotton or poly-breathable outer layers with a breathable spaces mesh in-between the two or more outer layers. According to another embodiment, the mesh  410  may include two or more cotton or poly-breathable outer layers with a breathable poly foam in-between. According to yet another embodiment, a breathable poly foam may be placed in-between a thin mesh and a spacer mesh. Each of these configurations may comprise the entire liner  410  or may be added to the crib liner  410  as additional layers. Further, these configurations may be applied to any of the embodiments described in this disclosure. 
       FIG. 18  shows the crib liner  410  with top rail according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As described above, the crib liner  410  may be attached to the crib  402  through various mechanisms. According to one embodiment, straps  422  are attached to the crib liner  410  such that the strap  422  may be extended over a rail of the crib  402  and attached again to the crib liner  410 . The attachment  422  may be straps, ties, Velcro, buttons, snaps, and/or a zipper. 
       FIG. 19A  shows the crib liner  410  attached to a second crib liner  424 . As a child grows the crib liner  410  may become insufficient to protect the child from the dangers of the slats  404 . The second crib liner  424  may be attached to the crib liner  410  to extend the height of the crib liner  410 . According to one embodiment, the second crib liner  424  may be the same material as the crib liner  410 . However, the second crib liner  424  may also be different material than the crib liner  410 . For example, the crib liner  410  may be a more breathable material than the second crib liner  424  to allow increased airflow to the child in the crib  402  when the child is laying down and sleeping. The second crib liner  424  may include attachment  422  as described above for attaching the second crib liner  424  and the first crib liner  410  to the crib  402 . 
       FIG. 19B  shows the crib liner of  FIG. 19A  having the crib liner  410  and the second crib liner  424  may include a padded cover  426 . The padded cover  426  may cover a portion of the crib  402  to protect a child from impact with the hard surfaces of the crib  402 . The cover  426  may include slits through which the attachments  422  enter and exit the cover  426 . The cover  426  may be installed on, for example, a top railing of the crib  402 . However, the cover  426  may also be installed on other longitudinal structures of the frame from which the liners  410  and  424  may extend. 
       FIGS. 20A-B  show a crib liner  410  with an underneath mattress fabric  428 . The fabric  428  may be attached to the liner  410  or structurally integrated into the crib liner  410 . Extending the crib liner  410  underneath a mattress with the fabric  428  may prevent the liner  410  from slipping and prevents a child from extending appendages into otherwise unprotected spaces. The fabric  428  may be attached to one portion of the liner  410  and then stretched and attached to another portion of the liner  410  to allow the fabric  428  to fit cribs of different sizes. The fabric  428  may be attached to the liner  410  through fasteners  430  including sewing, strapping, tying, Velcroing, snapping, and/or zipping. 
       FIG. 20B  shows the crib liner in an unattached laid flat position. The bottom panel  428  may have substantially the same length and width as a crib mattress. The side panels  106 , 108  may have substantially the same length as the length of the bottom panel  428 . The end panels  102 , 104  may have substantially the same length as the width of the bottom panel  428 . In this embodiment, the crib liner may be placed directly on top of the mattress, and the side and end panels attached to the four sides of the crib using fasteners  430 , which may be disposed continuously or intermittently along the outer edges of the side and end panels. 
       FIGS. 21A-B  show a crib liner  410  with a receptor  434  for additional connecting pieces such as extra panels  436 . Through the receptor  434  additional components may be affixed to the liner  410  though any of the attachment mechanisms described above. According to one embodiment the additional components may be, for example, the panels  436 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the panels are formed substantially of a breathable material (e.g., mesh-type material). However, in some configurations, the panels may be formed of less than substantially of a breathable material. For example, a majority of the area of a panel may be formed of a breathable material. In other configurations, less than a majority of a panel may be formed of a breathable material, such as some of the configurations discussed herein. 
     The panels formed of the mesh-type material may be used in combination with one or more layers of other material adjacent to the mesh-type material. For example, in one embodiment the body portion of the panels may be formed with strips of padded material attached to the mesh-type material on one side. The strips of padded material may be disposed such that when the panels are attached to a crib, the padded materials line up with the vertical support elements of the crib and offset the mesh-type material from the vertical support elements, thus providing additional padding. The padded material may be any suitable material, not just the aforementioned mesh-type material. 
     The breathable materials allow for 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 little rebreathing of carbon dioxide occur when a child&#39;s face is in direct contact with the material 
     One skilled in the art will recognize that various types of padding may be used in addition to the breathable material in order to form one or more of the shapes of the objects previously described herein. Further, for example, such padding materials may be the breathable padded mesh material itself and/or other breathable materials, such as cotton, jersey, flannel, polyester, nylon, rayon, gabardine, terry cloth, etc. 
     The preceding described embodiments are illustrative of the practice of the invention. It is to be understood, therefore, that other expedients known to those skilled in the art or disclosed herein may be employed without departing from the invention or the scope of the appended claims. For example, various apparatus or steps of one embodiment described herein may be used with one or more other embodiments described herein to form various combinations of methods, systems, or apparatus contemplated by the present invention. As such, the present invention includes within its scope other methods, systems and apparatus for implementing and using the invention described herein.