Background of the Invention
There are many accessories to cribs that are designed to limit the exposure of infants to hitting the hard sides of a crib while rolling and moving in their sleep or while playing or exploring in their crib.
A common accessory of this type is the bumpers which generally consist of bolsters tied to each side of the crib to cushion the hard surfaces from contact. Often these become loose or provide a step which can allow undesirable access for the infant to greater heights. Accessories of this type challenge the infants sense of curiosity and adventure which may result in creating more problems than they solve.
It is the purpose of this invention to provide a simple and convenient structure which will restrict the movement of the infant to an area away from the edges of the bed. It is also intended to package the mattress and its components as a system for facilitating replacement and cleaning of its surfaces.
The purpose of this invention is accomplished without the need for cumbersome accessories such as bumpers, bolsters and the like. With recent investigations into crib accidents and the bedtime activities of infants, bumpers and similar accessories have acquired a reputation for coming loose, providing foot holds, becoming displaced, being of limited effectiveness, and creating hazards. The recessed sleeping surface of the subject invention provides a means to restrict movement without building upward from the mattress surface.
Summary of the Invention
A mattress system for use in cribs or beds for small infants or adolescent children is constructed of a base and a sleeping recess defined by side walls, a head wall, a foot wall, and a floor. The mattress is constructed of a foam material which is air permeable. The mattress including the side, head, foot walls and floor of the recess, are enclosed in a removable cover. The floor of the recess is covered by a detachable vinyl panel formed as part of the cover and having hook or loop type strips. A second floor cover in the form of a detachable sheet, having mating hook or loop style patches which engage their opposite counterpart on the vinyl panel. An accessory panel is constructed having the dimensions of the recess to fill the recess and convert the specialty mattress into a conventional mattress.
Description of the Drawings
The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled mattress system of this invention;
FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along section lines 2B--2B showing the components of the invention;
FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken along section lines 2A--2A showing the attachment components of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the mattress of this invention showing the use of the insert panel.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
The mattress system 1 of this invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is constructed of a base 2 having constructed therein a recess 3. The recess 3 is defined by side walls 4 and 5, head wall 6, foot wall 7, and floor 8. The recess is constructed of a sufficient size to accommodate an infant in the prone position and to allow a comfortable amount of movement while restricting movement to a central portion of the crib (not shown). The overall dimensions of the base are generally about 28 inches wide by about 52 inches long. In such a size mattress, a centrally located recess of 20 inches wide by 44 inches long would provide a barrier of four inches surrounding the recess. It is desirable that the barrier be at least 4 inches from the sides of the crib.
The mattress is constructed of a foam material which provides a significant degree of air permeability, in a range to provide a maximum pressure drop of 20 mm of H2O at a test airflow of 25 scfm.
This is particularly important in the walls 4,5,6 and 7. The base 2 and recess 3 can be formed by molding a flat rectangular block and cutting out a central opening the size of the recess 3 to form a recess frame comprising walls 4,5,6, and 7. The frame is fixed by glue or other means to a second rectangular flat block which forms the floor 8 of the recess 3. The recess 3 is constructed from a foam block having a depth of from 3 to 5 inches. The block from which the floor 8 is formed should be at least 2 inches thick making the mattress 1 from 5 to 7 inches thick.
The mattress material also allows the absorption of any excess water which may enter the recess. In this manner water is not permitted to accumulate and the floor remains relatively dry. As shown in FIG. 2B, an overall cover 9 is contoured to fit over the assembled base 2 and recess 3. A zippered opening 10 is constructed in the cover 9 to allow insertion and removal of the mattress base. For comfort and ease of maintenance the cover 9 is constructed of a soft polyester and cotton blend of 60 to 40 percent respectively.
FIG. 2A, the floor 8 of the recess includes strips 14 of hook or loop type fasteners at the head and foot secured to the foam panel that forms the floor 8. A vinyl water impervious floor panel 11 is constructed as part of the cover 8 having dimensions sufficient to cover the area of floor 8 and is provided with mating strips 15 of hook or loop type fasteners on its lower surface to removably secure the panel 11 with the cover 9 to floor 8. Further hook or loop type fastener strips 16 are attached to the upper surface of the panel 11. A matching sheet panel 12 is constructed of a polyester and cotton blend material and is provided with strips 17 of loop type fastener material at the foot and head of its lower surface to secure the panel 12 to the panel 11. The hook or loop type fastener material can be of the style sold under the trademark VELCRO. In situations like a hospital where VELCRO fasteners are not practical, the sheet panel 12 could be replaced by a semi-rigid pad fitted to the floor. The pad would be covered by suitable sheeting material and its rigidity would hold it in place.
Conveniently the material removed from the foam panel to form the frame of the recess 3, can be covered to form an accessory panel 13 to be inserted into the recess 3 to fill the space. By inverting the mattress and assembling the accessory panel the mattress system can be converted to a conventional mattress as shown in FIG. 3. The mattress can be converted when the child grows sufficiently to eliminate the need for the sleeping recess.
In this manner a complete mattress system is provided having a restrictive sleeping recess with air permeable walls and removable floor. The cover makes the system easy to use and contributes to the comfort of the user.