Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 61/557,757, filed on Nov. 9, 2011. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to a multifunctional infant bed. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    An infant&#39;s proximity to a parent is crucial for the infant&#39;s mental, emotional, and psychological development. Being nestled in the arms, against the chest, and near the parent&#39;s face gives the infant a soothing environment. But when parents are not available, the second best option is to create an environment which resembles the womb. The current devices that hold infants have various drawbacks. For example, a parent may lay an infant on a blanket; however, the blanket space may be too open, hard, and uncomfortable for the infant. A cot may prevent an infant from visual exploration. Additionally, cots or cribs may not be snug enough for a newborn. An infant lounger would require buckling the infant in, thereby restricting his or her movement. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, it is important for infants to get what is called “tummy time,” during which infants are positioned on their stomach. The benefits of “tummy time” are many. For example, “tummy time” allows an infant to develop their motor control and planning, sensory integration, environmental awareness, and postural strength. “Tummy time” also gives infants the important ability to strengthen their neck muscles to prepare them for crawling. It also helps infants get ready to push up, roll over, sit up, and eventually stand. Furthermore, the “tummy time” position takes the pressure off of the infant&#39;s occipital area or the back of their heads. But many infants do not enjoy tummy time, and appear miserable in this position. For example, when placed on their stomach without any neck support, many infants cry or even refuse to lift their head. 
         [0007]    Another important infant activity is co-sleeping of the infant and their parents. Co-sleeping promotes an increase in the infant&#39;s self-esteem, confidence, sensitively as well as environmental acceptance. For example, the infant may benefit from the calming effect on their breathing and heart function while lying next to their parents, which may reduce the risk of cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome. A co-sleeping infant also needs prevention from rolling out of bed, hitting their head against a headboard, getting caught between the bed and the wall, or wriggling under the covers. A co-sleeping infant may also need prevention from the risk of suffocation that exists with soft adult mattresses. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, an infant may preferentially lie on only one side of their head, which may result in positional or deformational plagiocephaly, also known as flattened head syndrome. 
         [0009]    Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that provides a comfortable and snug environment resembling the womb, while at the same allowing an infant to visually explore their surroundings without restriction in their movement. Additionally, there is a need for an apparatus that allows an infant to be propped on their tummy while still providing some support for their neck muscles. There is also a need for an apparatus that allows an infant to co-sleep with their parents while preventing an infant from rolling out of bed, hitting their head against a headboard, getting caught between the bed and the wall, or wriggling under the covers, and that reduces the risk of suffocation that exists with soft adult mattresses. Additionally, there is a need for an apparatus that encourages an infant to alter the resting position of their head, thereby reducing the risk of flattened head syndrome. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In view of the above discussion and the shortcomings in the prior art, various embodiments of the invention seek to overcome such shortcomings of the prior art by providing a multifunctional bed for infants. 
         [0011]    According to various embodiments of the present invention, a novel multifunctional bed is disclosed. The multifunctional bed includes, e.g., a bumper and a bottom that may be permanently attached, or attachable and/or separable from one another. The bumper may have a shell that is filled with a filler material, for example, fiber, or foam. The bumper may be configured in an womb-like shape, such as an oval shape (including, e.g., rounded and elliptical shapes) and preferably runs along the perimeter of the multifunctional bed. The bumper may be raised from the bottom to form a recess where a subject, e.g., a human infant may be placed. The bumper further includes a fastener, e.g., a clasp, for connecting two ends of the bumper to form the bumper&#39;s oval shape. The bumper may also include one or more handles that allow a user to carry the multifunctional bed. The bottom may be rectangular in shape. Additionally, the bottom may be filled with filler material, such as fiber or foam. Alternatively, the bumper and bottom may be formed as a unitary structure. When the bumper is formed as a separate structure from the bottom, the bumper and the bottom may be fastened to each other via a variety of fasteners. 
         [0012]    According various embodiments of the invention, a novel multifunctional bed is disclosed. The multifunctional bed preferably includes a bumper and a bottom that may be unitary in structure. The bumper may be filled with a filler material, such as fiber or foam, and an insert. The bed may be in an oval shape when filled with the insert. The bumper preferably runs along the perimeter of the multifunctional bed and may be raised from the bottom forming a recess where an infant may be placed. The bumper includes one or more zippers that allow a user to remove or replace the insert from the bumper. These zippers are preferably infant safe zippers that do not have a pull tab. The bumper further includes a clasp that connects two ends of the bumper to form the bumper&#39;s oval shape. The bumper further includes one or more handles that allow a user to carry the multifunctional bed. The bottom is preferably in a rectangular shape and is also filled with an insert. The bottom includes a zipper that allows a user to remove or replace the insert from the bottom. 
         [0013]    According to other embodiments of the present invention, the multifunctional bed may further include mesh windows on opposing sides of the bumper. The mesh windows allowing an infant pressed against them to breathe air by allowing airflow between the inside and outside of the multifunctional bed. A bumper indentation in the mesh area may be hollow, such that no fibers or foam or minimal fibers or foam may be provided in the mesh area of the bumper. 
         [0014]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional bed may be positioned on a base. The base can be in an incline wedge shape and may be separate from and attachable to the multifunctional bed. The base would have a shell and filler material. The base may be attachable to the multifunctional bed via a plurality of fasteners. 
         [0015]    It should be noted that although the description herein describes the multifunctional bed as being used by an infant, it can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that certain aspects of the present invention can be used for children of any other age or size, as well as for other living beings, such as animals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    Certain embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like components. For the purposes of illustrating the present application, there is shown in the drawings various embodiments. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects, and devices shown, and the arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and devices shown and may be used singularly or in combination with other arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and devices. 
           [0017]    The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are not in any way intended to limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify the various embodiments of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multifunctional bed according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the opposite side of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a back view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 1  positioned on a base; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the multifunctional bed and base of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the other side of the multifunctional bed and base of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a back view of the multifunctional bed and base of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of a multifunctional bed according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a multifunctional bed according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the opposite side of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a back view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a close up view of the bumper zipper of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a front view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a top view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a bottom view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 13  in an open state; 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is an exploded perspective view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of a multifunctional bed according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 13  positioned on a base; 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  is a side view of the multifunctional bed and base of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 26  is a side view of the other side of the multifunctional bed and base of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 27  is a back view of the multifunctional bed and base of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a multifunctional bed according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 29  is a side view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 30  is a side view of the opposite side of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 31  is a close up view of the bumper zipper of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 32  is a back view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 33  is a front view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 34  is a top view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 35  is a bottom view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 28  in an open state; 
           [0054]      FIG. 37  is a close up view of the bottom zipper of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 36 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 38  is a cross-sectional view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 28  taken along the lines  38 - 38 ′; 
           [0056]      FIG. 39  is an exploded perspective view of a multifunctional bed according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view of the multifunctional bed of  FIG. 28  positioned on a base; 
           [0058]      FIG. 41  is a side view of the multifunctional bed and base of  FIG. 40 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 42  is a side view of the other side of the multifunctional bed and base of  FIG. 40 ; and 
           [0060]      FIG. 43  is a back view of the multifunctional bed and base of  FIG. 40 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0061]    Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the aforementioned figures. In general, such embodiments relate to a multifunctional bed for an infant, although as one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, certain embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in connection with various other living beings, such as children, adults, animals or the like. Embodiments of a multifunctional bed according to the present invention are described below. These embodiments are provided for the purpose only of illustrating principles of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention in any way beyond the scope of the claims and their equivalents. 
         [0062]    An embodiment of a multifunctional bed  1  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 . The multifunctional bed  1  may be used as a standalone product, or may be used as a crib or cot insert. The multifunctional bed  1  may be used by a parent when co-sleeping with an infant. The multifunctional bed  1  preferably has anti-dust-mite, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. 
         [0063]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 1-7 , the multifunctional bed  1  includes a bumper  2  and a bottom  3 . The bumper  2  is preferably in a horseshoe shape, where the ends of the horseshoe of the bumper  2  can be connected with a clasp  6  to form an oval shape. The bumper  2  is preferably composed of a shell made of a breathable, machine washable material such as cotton, that may have anti-dust-mite, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and may be composed of a coated non-woven material. The shell of bumper  2  is preferably filled with filler material, such as fiber or foam. The filler material may include cluster fibers, foam, thermobonded (poly) fiber, or wadding. The filler material may have antimicrobial properties. When the clasp  6  is fastened, the bumper  2  is preferably in an oval shape that runs along the perimeter of the multifunctional bed  1 . Additionally, the profile of the bumper  2  is preferably raised from the bottom  3 , forming a recess  4 . The height of the profile of the bumper  2  is preferably high enough to confine an infant within the space of the bumper  2 , but low enough to allow an infant to visually observe surroundings. In preferred embodiments, an infant may be placed in the recess  4  of the multifunctional bed  1 . The infant may be placed on their back or on their stomach in the recess  4 . Alternatively, an infant may be placed partially in the recess  4  and partially on the bumper  2 . 
         [0064]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , and in particular  FIG. 5 , the clasp  6  of the bumper  2  preferably includes two parts—a male part  61  and a female part  62 . The clasp  6  preferably connects the ends of bumper  2 , forming a recess  4  where an infant may be placed. The male part  61  is preferably connected to one end of bumper  2  while the female part  62  is preferably connected to another end of bumper  2 . When the clasp  6  is unfastened, the bumper  2  may be in a horseshoe shape, allowing a parent to slide out an infant from the opened end of the bumper  2 . Additionally, the clasp  6  may be fastened to the bars of a crib or another stable object, securing the multifunctional bed  1  in place. The bumper  2  further preferably includes one or more handles  7 . For example, the bumper  2  may include two handles  7  that allow a user to carry the multifunctional bed  1 . 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , the bumper  2  is preferably attached to the bottom  3 . In preferred embodiments the bumper  2  and the bottom  3  are composed of the same fabric and are part of a unitary or continuous structure. Alternatively, with reference to  FIG. 12 , the bumper  2  may be a separate structure from the bottom  3  and may be fastened to the bottom  3  via a fasteners  12 . The fasteners  12  may be a variety of fasteners, such as, for example, Velcro™, snaps, buttons, or other fasteners. 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , the bottom  3  is preferably in a partially rectangular and partially rounded shape. The part of the bottom  3  that is closest to the clasp  6  has a rectangular shape while the part of the bottom  3  furthest from the clasp  6  has a rounded shape. The bottom  3  has a shell that is preferably filled with filler material, such as fibers or foam. The filler material may include cluster fibers, foam, thermobonded (poly) fiber, or wadding. The filler material may have antimicrobial properties. The bottom  3  preferably provides a soft, yet firm, surface for an infant to lie on. 
         [0067]    With reference to  FIGS. 8-11 , the multifunctional bed  1  can be positioned on a base  15 . In preferred embodiments, the base  15  is in an incline wedge shape. The base  15  is separate from and attachable to the multifunctional bed  1 . The base  15  has a shell and is preferably filled with filler material. The filler material may include cluster fibers, foam, thermobonded (poly) fiber, or wadding. The base  15  may be attached to the multifunctional bed  1  via one or more fasteners, such as, for example, Velcro™, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other fasteners. The attachment of the base  15  to the multifunctional bed  1  creates an incline position for an infant, where the infant&#39;s head is raised relative to the infant&#39;s body. This position can relieve an infant&#39;s reflux or other abdominal problems. Additionally, when an infant has a cold, this incline position allows the infant to breathe easier. 
         [0068]    Another embodiment of a multifunctional bed  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 13-22 . The multifunctional bed  100  may be used as a standalone product, or may be used as a crib or cot insert. The multifunctional bed  100  may be used by a parent when co-sleeping with an infant. The multifunctional bed  100  preferably has anti-dust-mite, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. 
         [0069]    As can be seen in  FIG. 13 , the multifunctional bed  100  includes a shell  101 . The shell  101  is preferably made of a breathable, machine washable material such as cotton and may be composed of a coated non-woven material. The shell  101  may have anti-dust-mite, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. With reference to  FIGS. 13-22 , the shell  101  preferably has a bumper  102  and a bottom  103 . 
         [0070]    With reference to  FIGS. 13-22 , the bumper  102  is preferably in a horseshoe shape, where the ends of the horseshoe of the bumper  102  can be connected with a clasp  106  to form an oval shape. The bumper  102  is preferably attached to the bottom  103 . In preferred embodiments the bumper  102  and the bottom  103  are composed of the same fabric and are part of a unitary or continuous structure. Alternatively, with reference to  FIG. 23 , the bumper  102  may be a separate structure from the bottom  103  and may be fastened to the bottom  103  via a variety of fasteners  112 , such as, for example, Velcro™, snaps, buttons or other fasteners. 
         [0071]    With reference to  FIG. 21 , the bumper  102  is further preferably filled with an insert  110 . The insert  110  is preferably composed of filler material, such as fibers or foam. The filler material may be cluster fibers, foam, thermobonded (poly), or wadding. The filler material may have antimicrobial properties. When the clasp  106  is fastened and the bumper  102  is filled with the insert  110 , the bumper  102  is preferably in an oval shape that runs along the perimeter of the multifunctional bed  100 . Additionally, when the bumper  102  is filled with the insert  110 , the profile of the bumper  102  is preferably raised from the bottom  103 , forming a recess  104 . The height of the profile of the bumper  102  is preferably high enough to confine an infant within the space of the bumper  102 , but low enough to allow an infant to visually observe surroundings. In preferred embodiments, an infant may be placed in the recess  104  of the multifunctional bed  100 . The infant may be placed on their back or on their stomach in the recess  104 . Alternatively, an infant may be placed partially in the recess  104  and partially on the bumper  102 . 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIGS. 13-22 , the bumper  102  preferably has two bumper zippers  105 . Alternatively, the bumper  102  may have only one zipper or may have more than two zippers. The bumper zippers  105  preferably run along the entire length of the bumper  102 . Alternatively, the bumper zippers  105  may run along only part of the length of the bumper  102 . With reference to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the bumper zippers  105  are preferably infant safe zippers that include only zipper sliders, and do not include zipper pull tabs. The elimination of the pull tab from the bumper zippers  105  reduces the amount of small parts that may be a choking hazard for an infant. With reference to  FIG. 21 , when the bumper zippers  105  are in an open state, the insert  110  may be removed from the bumper  102  for cleaning, replacement, or repositioning in bumper  102 . 
         [0073]    With reference to  FIG. 18 , the clasp  106  of the bumper  102  preferably includes two parts—a male part  1061  and a female part  1062 . The clasp  106  preferably connects the ends of bumper  102 , forming a recess  104  where an infant may be placed. The male part  1061  is preferably connected to one end of bumper  102  while the female part  1062  is preferably connected to another end of bumper  102 . When the clasp  106  is unfastened, the bumper  102  may be in a horseshoe shape, allowing a parent to slide out an infant from the opened end of the bumper  102 . Additionally, the clasp  106  may be fastened to the bars of a crib or another stable object, securing the multifunctional bed  100  in place. 
         [0074]    The bumper  102  further preferably includes one or more handles  107 . With reference to  FIGS. 13-22 , the bumper  102  may include two handles  107  that allow a user to carry the multifunctional bed  100 . The handles  107  may be composed of the same material as the shell  101 . Alternatively, the handles  107  may be composed of a different material from the shell  101 . 
         [0075]    With reference to  FIG. 20 , the bottom  103  is preferably partially rectangular and partially rounded shape. The part of the bottom  103  that is closest to the clasp  106  has a rectangular shape while the part of the bottom  103  furthest from the clasp  106  has a rounded shape. The bottom  103  is preferably filled with an insert  111 . The insert  110  is preferably composed of filler material, such as fibers or foam. The filler material may be luster fibers, foam, thermobonded (poly) fiber, or wadding. The filler material may have antimicrobial properties. When the bottom  103  is filled with the insert  111 , it preferably provides a soft, yet firm, surface for an infant to lie on. The bottom  103  preferably includes a bottom zipper  108 . The bottom zipper  108  is preferably an infant safe zipper that includes only a zipper slider, and, similar to bumper zippers  105 , does not include a zipper pull tab. With reference to  FIG. 22 , when the bottom zipper  108  is in an open position, a user may remove the insert  111  from the bottom  103  for cleaning, replacement, or repositioning. 
         [0076]    With reference to  FIGS. 24-27 , the multifunctional bed  100  can be positioned on a base  115 . In preferred embodiments, the base  115  is in an incline wedge shape. The base  115  is separate from and attachable to the multifunctional bed  100 . The base  115  has a shell and is preferably filled with filler material. The filler material may include cluster fibers, foam, thermobonded (poly) fiber, or wadding. The base  115  may be attached to the multifunctional bed  100  via a plurality of fasteners, such as, for example, Velcro™, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other fasteners. The attachment of the base  115  to the multifunctional bed  100  creates an incline position for an infant, where the infant&#39;s head is raised relative to the infant&#39;s body. This position can relieve an infant&#39;s reflux or other abdominal problems. Additionally, when an infant has a cold, this incline position allows the infant to breathe easier. 
         [0077]    Another embodiment of a multifunctional bed  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 28-38 . The multifunctional bed  200  may be used as a standalone product, or may be used as a crib or cot insert. The multifunctional bed  200  may be used by a parent when co-sleeping with an infant. The multifunctional bed  200  preferably has anti-dust-mite, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. 
         [0078]    As can be seen in  FIG. 28 , the multifunctional bed  200  includes a shell  201 . The shell  201  is preferably made of a breathable, machine washable material such as cotton and may be composed of a coated non-woven material. The shell  201  may have anti-dust-mite, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. With reference to  FIGS. 28-38 , the shell  201  preferably has a bumper  202  and a bottom  203 . 
         [0079]    With reference to  FIGS. 28-38 , the bumper  202  is preferably in a horseshoe shape, where the ends of the horseshoe of the bumper  202  can be connected with a clasp  206  to form an oval shape. The bumper  202  is preferably attached to the bottom  203 . In preferred embodiments the bumper  202  and the bottom  203  are composed of the same fabric and are part of a continuous structure. Alternatively, with reference to  FIG. 39 , the bumper  202  may be a separate structure from the bottom  203  and may be fastened to the bottom  203  via a variety of fasteners  212 , such as, for example, Velcro™, snaps, buttons or other fasteners. 
         [0080]    With reference to  FIGS. 28-30 , the bumper  202  preferably includes mesh sections  209 . The mesh sections  209  are preferably located on each long side of the bumper  202 . The mesh windows  209  are preferably located substantially where an infant&#39;s head would be located when the infant is laying down. The mesh windows  209  preferably allow an infant pressed against them to breathe air by allowing airflow between the inside and outside of the multifunctional bed  200  through or in the region of the bumper  202 . 
         [0081]    With reference to  FIGS. 36 and 38 , the bumper  202  is further preferably filled with inserts  210 . The inserts  210  is preferably composed of filler material, such as foam or fibers. The filler material may be cluster fibers, foam, thermobonded (poly) fiber, or wadding. The filler material may have antimicrobial properties. The inserts  210  preferably have indentations where the mesh windows  209  are located. The indentations preferably have no part of the inserts  210  located within them. Alternatively, the indentations may have minimal parts of the inserts  210  located within them so as to allow air flow in or near the region of the bumper. This will allow an infant to still inhale sufficient air when pressed against the mesh windows  209 . 
         [0082]    Additionally, the bumper  202  in the region of the mesh windows  209  may be provided with stents or supports so as to maintain the shape of the bumper even though the region of the mesh windows  209  may not be provided with sufficient filling so as to maintain its shape. The stents or supports may be anchored to the filling material of the bumper on either side of the mesh window  209  so as to be supported across the length of the mesh window  209 . 
         [0083]    With reference to  FIGS. 28-38 , when the clasp  206  is fastened and the bumper  202  is filled with the inserts  210 , the bumper  202  is preferably in an oval shape that runs along the perimeter of the multifunctional bed  200 . Additionally, when the bumper  202  is filled with the inserts  210 , the profile of the bumper  202  is preferably raised from the bottom  203 , forming a recess  204 . The height of the profile of the bumper  202  is preferably high enough to confine an infant within the space of the bumper  202 , but low enough to allow an infant to visually observe their surroundings. In preferred embodiments, an infant may be placed in the recess  204  of the multifunctional bed  200 . The infant may be placed on their back or on their stomach in the recess  204 . Alternatively, an infant may be placed partially in the recess  204  and partially on the bumper  202 . 
         [0084]    With reference to  FIGS. 28-38 , the bumper  202  preferably has two bumper zippers  205 . Alternatively, the bumper  202  may have only one zipper or may have more than two zippers. The bumper zippers  205  preferably run along the entire length of the bumper  202 . Alternatively, the bumper zippers  205  may run along only part of the length of the bumper  202 . With reference to  FIG. 31 , the bumper zippers  205  are preferably infant safe zippers that include only zipper sliders, and do not include zipper pull tabs. The elimination of the pull tab from the bumper zippers  205  reduces the amount of small parts that may be a choking hazard for an infant. With reference to  FIG. 36 , when the bumper zippers  205  are in an open state, the inserts  210  may be removed from the bumper  102  for cleaning, replacement, or repositioning in bumper  202 . 
         [0085]    With reference to  FIG. 33 , the clasp  206  of the bumper  202  preferably includes two parts—a male part  2061  and a female part  2062 . The clasp  6  preferably connects the ends of bumper  202 , forming a recess  204  where an infant may be placed. The male part  2061  is preferably connected to one end of bumper  202  while the female part  2062  is preferably connected to another end of bumper  202 . When the clasp  206  is unfastened, the bumper  202  may be in a horseshoe shape, allowing a parent to slide out an infant from the opened end of the bumper  202 . Additionally, the clasp  206  may be fastened to the bars of a crib or another stable object, securing the multifunctional bed  200  in place. 
         [0086]    The bumper  202  further preferably includes one or more handles  207 . With reference to  FIGS. 28-38 , the bumper  202  may include two handles  207  that allow a user to carry the multifunctional bed  200 . The handles  207  may be composed of the same material as the shell  201 . Alternatively, the handles  207  may be composed of a different material from the shell  201 . 
         [0087]    With reference to  FIGS. 28-38 , the bottom  203  is preferably partially rectangular and partially rounded shape. With reference to  FIG. 35 , the part of the bottom  203  that is closest to the clasp  206  has a rectangular shape while the part of the bottom  203  furthest from the clasp  206  has a rounded shape. With reference to  FIG. 38 , the bottom  203  is preferably filled with an insert  211 . The insert  211  is preferably composed of filler material, such as foam or fibers. The filler material may be cluster fibers, foam, thermobonded (poly) fiber, or wadding. The fibers may have antimicrobial properties. When the bottom  203  is filled with the insert  211 , it preferably provides a soft, yet firm, surface for an infant to lie on. The bottom  203  preferably includes a bottom zipper  208 . With reference to  FIG. 37 , the bottom zipper  208  is preferably an infant safe zipper that includes only a zipper slider, and, similar to bumper zippers  205 , does not include a zipper pull tab. When the bottom zipper  208  is in an open position, a user may remove the insert  211  from the bottom  203  for cleaning, replacement, or repositioning. 
         [0088]    With reference to  FIGS. 40-43 , the multifunctional bed  200  can be positioned on a base  215 . In preferred embodiments, the base  215  is in an incline wedge shape. The base  215  is separate from and attachable to the multifunctional bed  200 . The base  215  has a shell and is preferably filled with filler material. The filler material may include cluster fibers, foam, thermobonded (poly) fiber, or wadding. The base  215  may be attached to the multifunctional bed  200  via a plurality of fasteners, such as, for example, Velcro™, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other fasteners. The attachment of the base  215  to the multifunctional bed  200  creates an incline position for an infant, where the infant&#39;s head is raised relative to the infant&#39;s body. This position can relieve an infant&#39;s reflux or other abdominal problems. Additionally, when an infant has a cold, this incline position allows the infant to breathe easier. 
         [0089]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the claims and their equivalents. 
         [0090]    Any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into one single embodiment, the locations of particular elements can be altered and alternate embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known. 
         [0091]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention. While there had been shown and described fundamental features of the invention as applied to being exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers conventionally known, future developed variations and modifications to the components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

Technology Category: 1