Patent Publication Number: US-2009235461-A1

Title: Infant sleep positioner

Description:
I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application is a non-provisional application claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/070,013, entitled “Infant Sleep Positioner,” filed on Mar. 18, 2008, and is fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to infant sleep positioners and, more particularly, to a device for positioning an infant on their back while sleeping and, thereby, reduce the risk of sudden infant death and may help reduce reflex and aid in digestion of food. The device further provides enhanced ventilation to the infant and, in several embodiments, eliminates the use of “pillow” or “foam” like structures. 
     III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Medical studies have shown that infants who sleep on their backs or sides have a reduced risk of dying suddenly from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as compared to infants who sleep on their stomachs. 
     Knowing this and in an effort to help reduce the risk to infants, Applicant has invented a number of devices as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,473,923; 5,341,531; D448,227; D446,675; D408,676; D385,143; D369,934; D369,054; and pending U.S. Patent Application, Publication Number 2006/0168733 entitled “Infant Positioner For Reducing Risk of Overheating In Infants” and U.S. Patent Application, Publication Number 2007/0163051 entitled “Infant Wedge Sleep Positioner.” Other devices have also been invented as disclosed in the various U.S. patents identified in the Information Disclosure Statement (i.e., PTO/SB/08A) contemporaneously filed with this patent application and incorporated herein by reference. 
     Although these and other similar devices are used to decrease the incidence of SIDS based on the sleeping position of infants, the art in this field continues to expand and grow with new inventive devices toward improving sleep positioning devices and the common goal of providing for the health and safety of infants. Thus, there is a need and there has never been disclosed Applicant&#39;s new infant sleep positioner that, among many benefits, reduces the risk of sudden infant death, helps reduce reflex and aid in digestion of food, provides enhanced ventilation to the infant and, in several embodiments, eliminates the use of “pillow” or “foam” like structures. 
     IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an infant sleep positioner for holding an infant. The infant sleep positioner comprises a frame and a support end for holding or supporting an infant in an elevated position. The infant sleep positioner may be provided with a knee bolster to support the legs of the infant. Side bolsters that are releaseably attached, permanently fixed, and/or integrally molded to the frame may be provided to receive and prevent the infant from rolling off of the infant sleep positioner. Also, wings molded to the frame may be employed. Various means for adjusting the height of the support end of the frame and the elevated position of the infant are also provided. Ventilation holes can be included to assist in providing increased airflow and ventilation to the infant. A covering for the infant sleep positioner may be used to assist in releaseably attaching or permanently affixing the side bolsters to the frame and/or to provide varying materials in supporting the infant and covering the frame. In addition to use of the infant sleep positioner on a support surface, the infant sleep positioner may be used in a crib between a crib sheet and a crib mattress. 
    
    
     
       V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The Description of the Preferred Embodiment will be better understood with reference to the following figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s unique infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating a unique sleep positioner device and three different variations of side bolsters that may be used in positioning the infant on the infant sleep positioner. 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating a plurality of holes throughout the infant sleep positioner for ventilation. 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating an alternate embodiment for the side bolsters and attachment to the infant sleep positioner. 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating a covering for the infant sleep positioner. 
         FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating an alternate embodiment of the covering for the infant sleep positioner to support and facilitate the attachment of the side bolsters. 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating another alternate embodiment in which any variation or embodiment of the side bolsters are integrally molded or formed into the infant sleep positioner. 
         FIGS. 7 through 10  are side perspective views of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating various alternate embodiment designs of the knee bolster for the infant sleep positioner or the infant sleep positioner without a knee bolster altogether. 
         FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating an alternate embodiment of the shape of the infant sleep positioner. 
         FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating another alternate embodiment in which integrally molded or formed wings are used to prevent an infant from rolling off the infant sleep positioner. 
         FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating a means for adjusting the acute angle of the infant sleep positioner to the support surface. 
         FIG. 14  is a side perspective of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating an alternate means for adjusting the acute angle of the infant sleep positioner to the support surface. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view, taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 , of the alternate means for adjusting the acute angle of the infant sleep positioner to the support surface. 
         FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating the preferred embodiment of the infant sleep positioner having a plurality of ventilation holes, a pair of integrally molded wings, and without any knee bolster. 
         FIG. 16A  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  16 A- 16 A of  FIG. 16 , illustrating the angle of the pair of wings in relation to the infant sleep positioner. 
         FIG. 16B  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  16 B- 16 B of  FIG. 16 , illustrating an alternate angle of the pair of wings in relation to the infant sleep positioner. 
         FIG. 17  a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating another alternate embodiment of the infant sleep positioner having a plurality of ventilation holes, a pair of wings, and without any knee bolster. 
         FIG. 18  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating another alternate embodiment of the covering for the infant sleep positioner. 
         FIG. 19  is a side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating the positioning of the infant sleep positioner in a crib between a crib sheet and a crib mattress. 
         FIG. 20  is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner. 
         FIG. 21  is a side perspective view of the alternate embodiment of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner and, in particular, illustrating the positioning of the infant sleep positioner in a crib between a crib sheet and a crib mattress. 
     
    
    
     VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     At the outset, it should be noted that while the invention is described in conjunction with many various embodiments as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-21 , Applicant&#39;s preferred embodiment is that disclosed and illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
     Turning first to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated an infant sleep positioner  30 . The infant sleep positioner  30  comprises a frame  32 , a support end  34 , and a knee bolster  36 . In this embodiment, the frame  32 , the support end  34 , and the knee bolster  36  are connected into a single, one-piece infant sleep positioner  30 . The infant sleep positioner  30  may be connected into a single, one-piece device by integrally molding the frame  32 , the support end  34 , and the knee bolster  36  together; assembling each of these components in their individual capacity adjacent to one another to form the infant sleep positioner  30  and then using a covering to retain or hold each of these individual components together; and/or, alternatively, using any other means known to one skilled in the art. Alternatively, the infant sleep positioner  30  may be provided with ventilating holes  88  throughout the frame  32 , support end  34 , and knee bolster  36 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the ventilating holes  88  can be formed of any shape including but not limited to slots, rectangle, square, oval, ovid, hexagon, rhombus, trapezoid, octagon, or any other desired shape known to one skilled in the art. In this manner, the air surrounding the infant sleep positioner  30  has direct access, through each of the ventilation holes  88 , to the infant  58  on the infant sleep positioner  30 . As overheating is thought to be a possible contributor of SIDS, the open design of this infant sleep positioner  30  and the ventilation holes  88  allows for the constant, free airflow completely around the infant  58  (including from underneath the infant  58  between the infant sleep positioner  30  and the support surface  52  due to the elevated infant sleep positioner  30 ) for increased air circulation and ventilation to the infant  58  to enable the transfer of air to and from the infant  58  for assisting in regulating the temperature of the infant  58 . The illustration of the infant  58  is for informational purposes and as a non-limiting example only and does not form a part of the invention. 
     The frame  32  has atop surface  38 , a bottom surface  40 , and opposed sides  42  and  44 . In this embodiment, the frame  32  is in the shape of a rectangle having a width  46 , a length  48 , and an acute angle  50  formed by the separation from the bottom surface  40  to a support surface  52  beginning at a proximal end  54  of the frame  32  and continuing to a distal end  56  of the frame  52 . The acute angle  50 , in this embodiment, is preferably in the range of between five to twenty degrees (5°-20°). Alternatively, the acute angle  50  may be a larger angle such as, for example, to accommodate or enhance digestion or breathing of the infant  58  as desired or recommended by a pediatrician or a smaller angle provided that the acute angle  50  provides a sufficient angle to accomplish the purposes described herein. 
     The support end  34  is situated at the distal end  56  of the frame  32 . In this embodiment, the support end  34  is rectangular in shape and has an end width  62  (see  FIG. 2 ) that is substantially the same as the width  46  of the frame  32  and has a fixed height  60  (see  FIG. 2 ) that establishes or fixes the acute angle  50  for the frame  32 . Alternatively, the support end  34  may be any shape or any means known to one skilled in the art for supporting the distal end  56  of the frame  32  and establishing or fixing the acute angle  50  for the frame  32 . 
     The knee bolster  36  is situated at the proximal end  54  of the frame  32 . The knee bolster  36  addresses a common problem found in other wedge type infant sleep positioners which is that the infant  58  can “wiggle” or “slide” down the slope of the frame  32  such that the infant&#39;s buttocks actually engage the support surface  52 . The knee bolster  36  assists in preventing or eliminating this problem. 
     In this embodiment, the knee bolster  36  has an arcing curvature  64  that is ergonomically designed to accommodate or support the lower extremities of the infant  58  including the buttocks, legs, knees, and feet. For example, the knee bolster  36  can be viewed as separated into three sections: a seat support  66 , a knee support  68 , and a foot support  70 . The seat support  66  is ergonomically designed to accommodate or support the buttocks and thighs of the infant  58 ; the knee support  68  is ergonomically designed to accommodate or support the thighs leading up to the apex  72  of the knee support  68 , which supports the knees of the infant  58 , and then the leg of the infant  58  as it extends from the knee support  68 ; and the foot support  70  which supports the remaining part of the leg and feet of the infant  58 . Alternatively, the arcing curvature  64  may be increased or decreased to accommodate varying heights of infants  58  or as desired by one skilled in the art. 
     A first side bolster  74  is positioned adjacent to the side  42  of the frame  32  and a second side bolster  76  is positioned adjacent to the side  44  of the frame  32 . In this manner, the combination of the first side bolster  74 , the second side bolster  76 , and the frame  32  coact to create a cradle  78  between them to receive the infant  58  and prevent the infant  58  from rolling off the infant sleep positioner  30 . 
     The first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  are positioned directly opposite from one another and aligned in a parallel relationship relative to the length  48  of the frame  32 . In this embodiment, the first side bolster  74  is releasably affixed to the frame  32  adjacent to the top surface  38  of the frame  32  and the second side bolster  76  is permanently affixed to the frame  32  adjacent to the top surface  38  of the frame  32  such that the first side bolster  74  may move laterally with respect to the second side bolster  76 . 
     In order to move laterally with respect to the second side bolster  76 , the first side bolster  74  is affixed to the frame  32  using a fastening means  80  permanently secured to both the bottom side  82  of the first side bolster  74  and to the frame  32  adjacent to the top surface  38  of the frame  32 . The fastening means  80  is preferably an elongated hook and loop fastener strip such as Velcro®. Alternatively, the fastening means  80  between the first side bolster  74  and the frame  32  may be any type of male/female snaps, hole and button combination, opposed releasable bonding strips, or any other means known to one skilled in the art. In another alternative, the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  may be affixed in any of the above means to the separate attachment  92  affixed to the frame  32  (e.g., separate attachment  92  is discussed in more detail in  FIG. 3 ) or to the covering  94  over the frame  32  (e.g., the covering  94  is discussed in more detail in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), and/or using any other means known to one skilled in the art. 
     With respect to the frame  32 , the fastening means  80  extends laterally, at one end, from a position adjacent the side  42  toward the second side bolster  76  with the opposite end of the fastening means  80  ending at a position covering less than half of the width  46  of the frame  32 . Thus, due to the location and size of the fastening means  80 , the lateral movement of the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  will be or cover less than half of the width  46  of the frame  32 . 
     In this manner, the first side bolster  74  may be affixed to the fastening means  80  on the frame  32  and moved laterally anywhere along the fastening means  80  (i.e, toward or away from the second side bolster  76 ). If the infant  58  is very small, the first side bolster  74  may be moved closer to the second side bolster  76  to accommodate the infant  58 . The first side bolster  74 , however, may only be moved as close to the second side bolster  76  as permitted by the fastening means  80 . As the infant  58  grows or if the infant  58  is larger, the first side bolster  74  may be moved farther away from the second side bolster  76  to accommodate the increased size of the infant  58 . The first side bolster  74 , however, should only be moved as far away from the second side bolster  76  as permitted by the fastening means  80 . Alternatively, it is contemplated that the first side bolster  74  may extend a small distance over the side  42  of the frame  32  provided that there remains sufficient portion of the bottom side  82  of the first side bolster  74  to affix to the frame  32  and remain effective for positioning and retaining the infant  58  on their back. 
     The first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  are shaped to receive and position the infant  58  on its back. In this embodiment, the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  are preferably triangular in cross section. Alternatively, the first side bolster  74  and/or the second side bolster  76  may be shaped as a rectangle, square, circle, oval, ovid, hexagon, rhombus, trapezoid, octagon, or half cylinder as identified by reference number  84 , or cylinder as identified by reference number  86 , or any other shape known to one skilled in the art. The first side bolster  74 , the second side bolster  76 , regardless of the shape, size, or contour, is typically placed under the arms and between the arms and body of the infant  58  resulting in a combination for holding the infant  58  in the cradle  78 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment for the attachment of the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  to the infant sleep positioner  30  is illustrated. In this alternate embodiment, the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  are affixed to the frame  32  using a second fastening means  90  secured to each of the bottom side  82  of the first side bolster  74 , the bottom side  82  of the second side bolster  76 , and to a separate attachment  92  secured to the top surface  38  of the frame  32 . The fastening means  90  is preferably an elongated hook and loop fastener strip such as Velcro®. Alternatively, the fastening means  90  between the first side bolster  74 , the second side bolster  76 , and the separate attachment  92  may be any type of male/female snaps, hole and button combination, opposed releasable bonding strips, or any other means known to one skilled in the art. Additionally, in this alternate embodiment, the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  are each releasably affixed to the separate attachment  92  secured to the top surface  38  of the frame  32  such that each may be moved laterally along the fastening means  90  (i.e, toward or away from one another) to accommodate the infant  58 . In another alternate embodiment, the separate attachment  92  does not need to be affixed to the frame  32  but may simply be placed in position on the top surface  38  of the frame  32 , as desired, which could then be kept in place upon the weight of the infant  58 . 
     With respect to the frame  32 , the second fastening means  90  extends laterally, at one end, from a position adjacent the side  42  toward the second side bolster  76  with the opposite end of the second fastening means  90  ending at a position covering less than half of the width  46  of the frame  32 . Thus, due to the location and size of the second fastening means  90 , the lateral movement of the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  will be or cover less than half of the width  46  of the frame  32 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , a covering  94  for the infant sleep positioner  30  is illustrated. The covering  94  preferably has an open end  96  and a closed end  98  and further defining a hollow space  100  within the covering  94  to receive the infant sleep positioner  30 . The infant sleep positioner  30  is covered by the covering  94  by slipping the open end  96  of the covering  94  over the knee bolster  36  and then continuing to pull the covering  94  in the direction of Arrow A over the frame  32  and finally over the support end  34  until the closed end  98  of the covering  94  becomes engaged with the knee bolster  36 . Alternatively, the infant sleep positioner  30  may be covered by the covering  94  in the opposite manner. In this manner, the entire infant sleep positioner  30  (e.g., both the top surface  38  and the bottom surface  40  from one end of the knee bolster  36  to the other end of the support end  34 ) are covered by the covering  94 . As depicted, the covering  94  is form fitted to the infant sleep positioner  30  but, alternatively, it is contemplated that the covering  94  may have a larger opening  100  that it is not form fitting but rather loose such that, upon the covering  94  being slipped over the infant sleep positioner  30  and tightened at the support end  34  by means including but not limited to Velcro®, male/female snaps, hole and button combination, opposed releasable bonding strips, or any other means known to one skilled in the art, the covering  94  would form a “pie” or “wedge” type shape around the infant sleep positioner  30 . 
     In another alternative, the covering  94  may be secured to the top surface  38  of the infant sleep positioner  30  using a plurality of pouches  102  that frictionally receive each of the ends of the knee bolster  36  and the support end  34  of the infant sleep positioner  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . As discussed in more detail later,  FIG. 18  also illustrates the infant sleep positioner  30  having wings  104  which likewise may be frictionally received in a pouch  102  for securing the covering  94  to the infant sleep positioner  30 . Alternatively, it is contemplated that any other means for securing the covering  94  to the infant sleep positioner  30  may be used including but not limited to Velcro®, male/female snaps, hole and button combination, opposed releasable bonding strips, or any other means known to one skilled in the art. 
     The covering  94  is preferably made of any type of breathable material including but not limited to padded mesh netting, or any other type of breathable material known to one skilled in the art. Alternatively, the covering  94  may be made of a padded material such as memory foam, visco elastic foam, trico padded and quilted material, or any other type of padded material known to one skilled in the art; made of a waterproof, water resistant, or any other materials impervious to water or that resist penetration of water that are known to one skilled in the art; or made of any combination of these materials or any other materials as desired. 
     If the embodiment of this covering  94  is used, this covering  94  may likewise be provided with the fastening means  80  or the second fastening means  90  to releaseably secure one or both of the bottom sides  82  of the first side bolster  74  and/or the second side bolster  76  to the frame  32 . The use of this type of covering  94  provides greater flexibility of use and even permits the covering  94  to be removed for washing. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , an another alternative embodiment for securing the covering  94  to the infant sleep positioner  30  is illustrated. In this another alternate embodiment, the covering  94  has a plurality of opposed open ends  106  and  107  and further defining an enclosure  108  between them. In this manner, one of the opposed open ends  107  of the covering  94  is slipped over the knee bolster  36  and then continuing to pull the covering  94  in the direction of Arrow A over the frame  32 , the infant sleep positioner  30  continues through the enclosure  108  and out the other of the opposed end  106 , until the covering  94  reaches the desired position along the infant sleep positioner  30 . In this embodiment, the desired position is preferably the location where the attachment of the first side bolster  74  and second side bolsters  76  is most effective for use with the infant  58  along the frame  32 . 
     In this another alternate embodiment, the plurality of opposed open ends  106  and  107  of the covering  94  preferably has an open width  110  that is slightly larger than the width  46  of the infant sleep positioner  30  such that, when the covering  94  is slipped over the infant sleep positioner  30 , a frictional engagement is created for securing the covering  94  in the desired position to the infant sleep positioner  30 . Alternatively, it is contemplated that any other means for securing the covering  94  to the infant sleep positioner  30  may be used including but not limited to the covering  94  having lengthwise adjacent ends (which are not initially connected) being placed over the top surface  38 , wrapped around the opposite sides  42  and  44  of the infant sleep positioner  30 , and then secured to one another along the bottom surface  40  by Velcro®, male/female snaps, hole and button combination, opposed releasable bonding strips, or any other means known to one skilled in the art, and thereby securing the covering  94  to the infant sleep positioner  30 . 
     In this another alternate embodiment, the covering  94  is provided with a third fastening means  112  and  114  to affix the first side bolster  74  (see  FIG. 1 ) and the second side bolster  76  (see  FIG. 2 ) to the frame  32 . The third fastening means  112  and  114  are preferably identical and an elongated hook and loop fastener strip such as Velcro(®. With respect to the frame  32 , the third fastening means  112  is positioned adjacent the side  42  and the third fastening means  114  is positioned adjacent to the side  44 . Alternatively, the third fastening means  112  and  114  between the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  may be any type of male/female snaps, hole and button combination, opposed releasable bonding strips, or any other means known to one skilled in the art. 
     In this manner, just as described with respect to  FIG. 1 , the first side bolster  74  may be affixed to the third fastening means  112  on the covering  94  and moved laterally anywhere along the third fastening means  112  (i.e, toward or away from the second side bolster  76 ). If the infant  58  is very small, the first side bolster  74  may be moved closer to the second side bolster  76  to accommodate the infant  58 . The first side bolster  74 , however, may only be moved as close to the second side bolster  76  as permitted by the third fastening means  112 . As the infant  58  grows or if the infant  58  is larger, the first side bolster  74  may be moved farther away from the second side bolster  76  to accommodate the increased size of the infant  58 . The first side bolster  74 , however, should only be moved as far away from the second side bolster  76  as permitted by the third fastening means  112 . Alternatively, it is contemplated that the first side bolster  74  may extend a small distance over the side  42  of the frame  32  provided that there remains sufficient portion of the bottom side  82  of the first side bolster  74  to affix to the frame  32  and remain effective for positioning and retaining the infant  58  on their back. Likewise, in the exact same manner, the second side bolster  76  moves laterally along the third fastening means  114  toward or away from the first side bolster  74 , as desired. Thus, due to the location and size of the third fastening means  112  and  114 , the lateral movement of the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  will be or cover less than half of the width  46  of the frame  32 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , an alternate embodiment in which the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  are integrally molded or formed into the infant sleep positioner  30  is illustrated. In this alternate embodiment, the first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  are integrally molded or formed into the infant sleep positioner  30  and shaped in the form of a half cylinder. Alternatively, the first side bolster  74  and/or the second side bolster  76  may be molded or formed into the infant sleep positioner  30  and shaped as a rectangle, square, circle, oval, ovid, hexagon, rhombus, trapezoid, octagon, cylinder, etc. . . . or any other shape, size, or contour as is known to one skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the use of the integrally molded or formed first side bolster  74  and the second side bolster  76  eliminates the use of “pillow” or “foam” like structures being used with the infant  58 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 7-10 , various alternate embodiment designs of the knee bolster (i.e., including but not limited to the varying shapes and angles) for the infant sleep positioner or the infant sleep positioner without a knee bolster altogether are illustrated. 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , an alternate embodiment of the shape of the infant sleep positioner is illustrated. In this alternate embodiment, the acute angle  50  is increased to a much higher angle such as, for example, thirty degrees (30°) or higher, thereby accommodating or holding an infant  58  into more of a sitting position. 
     Turning to  FIG. 12 , an alternate embodiment of the infant sleep positioner  30  is illustrated in which wings  116  and  118  are illustrated. In this alternate embodiment, the wings  116  and  118  are integrally molded to the sides  42  and  44 , respectively, of the infant sleep positioner  30 . Alternatively, the wings  116  and  118  may be secured to the infant sleep positioner  30  by any other means known to one skilled in the art. The wings  116  and  118  are provided with raised and arcing sidewalls  120  and  122  which are used to prevent the infant  58  from rolling off of the infant sleep positioner  30 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 13 , a means for adjusting the acute angle  50  of the infant sleep positioner  40  to the support surface  52  is illustrated. In this embodiment, the means for adjusting the acute angle  50  comprises a support bar  124  having support legs  126  with a plurality of holes  134  and a pair of tubes  128  fixedly secured to the bottom surface  40  of the infant sleep positioner  30 . A portion  130  of the pair of tubes  128  is hollow and further provides a plurality of holes  132 . To adjust the height of the infant sleep positioner  30  by raising or lowering the support end  34  and thereby also adjust the acute angle  50  to a desired position for the infant  58 , the support legs  126  of the support bar  124  are inserted into the hollow portion  130  of the tubes  128 . Upon reaching the desired height of the infant sleep positioner  30  and the holes  134  in each of the support legs  126  being aligned with the holes  132  in each of the portion  130  of the tubes  128 , a pin  136  is inserted through the holes  134  of the tubes  128  and through the holes  132  in each of the support legs  126 . Alternatively, the means for adjusting the acute angle  50  of the infant sleep positioner  40  to the support surface  52  may be accomplished with the holes  132  being located in only one tube  128  and the holes  134  being located in only one support leg  126  of the support bar  124 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , an alternate means for adjusting the acute angle  50  of the infant sleep positioner  30  to the support surface  52  is illustrated. In this alternate embodiment, the means for adjusting the acute angle  50  of the infant sleep positioner  30  comprises support feet  138  having a plurality of teeth  140  and a pair of tubes  142  fixedly secured to the bottom surface  40  of the infant sleep positioner  30 . A portion  146  of the pair of tubes  142  is hollow. A locking mechanism  144  is used to releaseably secure the adjusting position of the support feet  138  within the pair of tubes  142 . The locking mechanism  144  preferably provides a handle  150  for moving a stopper  148  into position for engaging the desired teeth  140  and thereby locking the tube  142  to the support feet  138 . 
     To adjust the height of the infant sleep positioner  30  by raising or lowering the support end  34  and thereby also adjust the acute angle  50  to a desired position for the infant  58 , the support feet  138  are inserted into the hollow portion  142  of the pair of tubes  142 . Upon reaching the desired height of the infant sleep positioner  30 , the locking mechanism becomes locked securing the support feet  138  to the tubes  142 . Alternatively, while a pair of support feet  138  are used to support the infant sleep positioner  30 , the alternate means for adjusting the acute angle  50  of the infant sleep positioner  40  to the support surface  52  may be accomplished using only one tube  142  and one support feet  138 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 16 , the preferred embodiment of the infant sleep positioner  30  having a plurality of ventilation holes  88 , a pair of wings  152  and  154 , and without any knee bolster  36  is illustrated. In this preferred embodiment, the pair of wings  152  and  154 , like the pair of wings  116  and  118  of  FIG. 12 , are integrally molded to the sides  42  and  44 , respectively, of the infant sleep positioner  30  and have raised and arcing sidewalls  156  and  158  which are used to prevent the infant  58  from rolling off of the infant sleep positioner  30 . One difference though is that these pair of wings  152  and  154  have a shorter length and are located closer to the proximal end  54  of the infant sleep positioner  30 . In this manner, the pair of wings  152  and  154  are proximately located adjacent to the shoulders, arms, and main torso of the infant  58  to be effective to prevent the infant  58  from rolling off the infant sleep positioner  30  when in use but remain clear of where the head and neck of the infant  58  would be located thereby avoiding any engagement or contact of the head of the infant  58  with the wings  152  or  154 . Also, the remaining torso and the buttocks or diaper area of the infant  58  would be located on the frame  32  adjacent the proximal end  54  with the legs of the infant  58  extending out and onto the support surface  52 . In this preferred embodiment, the pair of wings  152  and  154  preferably extend outwardly and perpendicularly (i.e., 90° angle) from the frame  32  of the infant sleep positioner  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 16A . Alternatively, the pair of wings  152  and  154  may extend outwardly and at any other angle (e.g., such as a 45° angle) from the frame  32  of the infant sleep positioner  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 16B . Additionally, in this preferred embodiment, the infant sleep positioner  30  may be covered with the covering  94  described herein, if desired (e.g., without the knee bolster covering portion). 
     Turning to  FIG. 17 , another alternate embodiment of the infant sleep positioner  30  having a plurality of ventilation holes  88 , a pair of wings  162  and  164 , and without any knee bolster  36  is illustrated. In this another alternate embodiment, the pair of wings  162  and  164 , like the pair of wings  152  and  154  of  FIG. 16 , are integrally molded to the sides  42  and  44 , respectively, of the infant sleep positioner  30  and have raised and arcing sidewalls  166  and  168  which are used to prevent the infant  58  from rolling off of the infant sleep positioner  30 . One difference though is that these pair of wings  162  and  164  have a shorter length and are located adjacent to the proximal end  54  of the infant sleep positioner  30 . In this manner, the pair of wings  162  and  164  are proximately located adjacent to the shoulders, arms, and main torso of the infant  58  to be effective to prevent the infant  58  from rolling off the infant sleep positioner  30  when in use but remain clear of where the head and neck of the infant  58  would be located thereby avoiding any engagement or contact of the head of the infant  58  with the wings  152  or  154 . Also, the remaining torso, the buttocks or diaper area, and legs of the infant  58  would extend out and onto the support surface  52 . This alternate embodiment, like the preferred embodiment in  FIG. 16 , achieves the benefits of elevation, enhanced ventilation, elimination of “pillow” or “foam” like structures and also allows for use in smaller spaces such as bassinets, etc. 
     Turning to  FIG. 18 , although the particulars of how the covering  94  is secured to the infant sleep positioner  30  were discussed above, the covering  94  is preferably made of varying materials. In this embodiment, the covering  94  is separated into three sections  170 ,  172 , and  174  of material. Section  170  of the covering  94  is designed to accommodate the head of the infant  58  and therefore this section is made of a padded material such as memory foam, visco elastic foam, or any other material that is known to one skilled in the art which provides comfort to the head of the infant  58 . As a result, this section permits comfort to the head of the infant  58 . Section  172  of the covering  94  is designed to accommodate the torso and leg and feet of the infant  58  and therefore this section is made of a padded mesh netting or any other breathable material known to one skilled in the art. As a result, this section allows for enhanced airflow and/or ventilation to the infant  58  thereby assisting in reducing overheating of infants  58 . Section  174  of the covering  94  is designed to accommodate the buttocks or diaper area of the infant  58  and therefore this section is made of waterproof, water resistant, or any other materials impervious to water or that resist penetration of water that are known to one skilled in the art. As a result, this section prevents leakage from the infant  58  from spreading from the covering  94  of the infant sleep positioner  30 . Alternatively, each of the sections  170 ,  172 , and  174  of the covering  94  could all be made of the same materials described above or any combinations thereof. 
     Turning to  FIG. 19 , the infant sleep positioner  30  (as illustrated in  FIG. 18  except without the covering  94 ) is positioned in a crib  176  between a crib sheet  178  and a crib mattress  180  is illustrated. The use of the infant sleep positioner  30  in this embodiment utilizes the infant sleep positioner  30  in the crib  176  where the infant  58  may be more comfortable and more secure, eliminates the need for the covering  94 , is more stable due to the infant sleep positioner  30  being held or more integrated between the crib sheet  178  and crib mattress  180 , and eliminates the use of any “pillow” or “foam” like structures. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the crib sheet  178  may be a specialized tight or form fitting sheet. Alternatively, any of the various embodiments of the infant sleep positioner  30  discussed herein may be used in the crib  176  in this manner. 
     Turning to  FIG. 20 , an alternate embodiment of Applicant&#39;s infant sleep positioner  30  is illustrated. In this alternate embodiment, the infant sleep positioner  30  is provided with an elongated cradle  182 , a wall  186  situated around the perimeter of the cradle  182 , a ridge  184  situated around the perimeter of the wall  186 , and a continuous wall  188  situated around the exterior of the cradle  182 . The cradle  182  has a lowest point  190  for supporting the buttocks or diaper area of the infant  58 . An inclined wall  192  extends in a gradual upwardly and outwardly manner from the lowest point  190  until the inclined wall  192  reaches the ridge  184 . The inclined wall  192  of the cradle  182  supports the placing and holding of the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and torso of the infant  58  in a comfortable, inclined and elevated position and for preventing the infant  58  from rolling off or out of the infant sleep positioner  30 . The continuous wall  188  is provided with a support base  192  which is used to engage any support surface  52  for supporting the infant sleep positioner  30  on any support surface  52  and further, due to the entire continuous wall  188  engaging the support surface  52 , provides enhanced stability to the infant sleep positioner  30 . In this alternate embodiment, the cradle  182 , the wall  186 , the ridge  184 , and the continuous wall  188  are formed into a single, continuous, and unified infant sleep positioner  30 . 
     Alternatively, the infant sleep positioner  30  in this alternate embodiment may be provided with ventilating holes  88 , disclosed herein, throughout the elongated cradle  182 , the wall  186 , the ridge  184 , and the continuous wall  188  such that the air surrounding the infant sleep positioner  30  has direct access, through each of the ventilation holes  88 , to the infant  58  on the infant sleep positioner  30 . 
     As another alternative, the infant sleep positioner  30  in this alternate embodiment may be provided with any of the various covering  94  disclosed herein. 
     In addition, this alternate embodiment of the infant sleep positioner  30  can be likewise placed in a crib  176  between a crib sheet  178  and a crib mattress  180  is illustrated in  FIG. 21 . 
     Thus, there has been provided a unique infant sleep positioner for positioning an infant on their back for sleeping and to reduce the risk of sudden infant death. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it in intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.