Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CRIB LINER SYSTEM
Cross Reference to Related Application
The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.:
13/649,204,
filed October 11, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent
application No.
13/463,966, filed May 4, 2012, which claims the benefit of and priority to
U.S. patent
application Nos. 61/483,434, filed May 6, 2011 and 61/503,893, filed July 1,
2011, each of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to crib related products and in particular, to
crib
attachments that are designed to prevent or protect infants or young children
when in a crib
from potentially problematic situations, such as getting limbs extended and
caught between
crib slats, etc., and at the same time provide an aesthetically pleasing
product.
Background
As is well known, an infant bed (commonly referred to as a crib) is a small
bed that is
specifically designed for infants and very young children. Cribs are designed
to safely
restrict the infant to the crib and therefore, are designed so that the sides
are too high for an
infant to climb and no footholds are provided. Cribs are also designed to
prevent limb
entrapment and consequently, in many countries, government agencies that
oversee product
safety have enacted standards for cribs. For example, typical standards
include requirements
that concern the size and spacing of the vertical bars or slats on the sides
and ends and also
the distance between the top of the side and the top of the mattress support
in different
operating positions.
Conventional baby cribs include side rails that are made up of top and bottom
horizontal bars interconnected by a series of spaced apart 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 can have difficulty drawing them
back into the
crib. If this occurs when the child is sleeping, the extended limbs will
remain uncovered and
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become cold, and the child will ultimately awaken. In addition, the child
could potentially be
injured or caused discomfort by having a limb become temporarily lodged
between a pair of
slats. Most conventional cribs also include headboards and footboards that
also can be made
with spaced-apart supports (similar to side rails) and as a result, the infant
can extend a limb
between these supports as well,
While once popular, one style of crib that was commonly known as a "drop-side"
crib
has been recently banned in the United States due to safety concerns resulting
from the drop-
down side portion thereof. As a result, the prevalent crib design of the day
is a fixed crib
structure that most often includes two side rail sections and a
footboard/headboard or some
other structure that closes off one end of the crib. For example, some cribs
include an
integral changing station which is fixedly attached to one end of the crib and
provides a
vertical wall that closes off that end of the crib's sleeping area.
In addition to a mattress, there are a vast number of different crib accessory
products
=
that are sold for use with a crib. These accessory products can range from
toys, such as
mobiles, to comfort products, such as quilts and bedding and to safety
products that are
designed to address potential safety concerns and/or provide additional
protection for the
infant in the crib. For example, one type of product that is popular is a crib
shield/crib
bumper that is disposed across at least a portion of the crib. "Crib bumpers "
are marketed to
keep children from bumping against the hard sides and hurting themselves and
keeping arms
and legs inside of the crib. Crib bumpers can be formed in different styles
and using different
materials. For example, traditional crib bumpers can be formed from a number
of different
materials, including natural materials (e.g., cotton or bamboo) or synthetic
materials (e.g.,
polyester) that provide a padded product that protects the infant from the
hard sides.
Crib bumpers can be marketed as part of a matching bedding set and therefore,
often
include decorative patterns or decorative indicia, such as animals, etc. Many
parents like the
decorative look of the traditional crib bumpers.
In addition and more recently, crib shields/crib bumpers can be formed of a
mesh
material that is intended to provide increased ventilation. These products can
be in the form
of a breathable integrated padded mesh material. However, these mesh products
lack the
decorative appearance of more traditional crib bumpers. Most times, the mesh
product is in
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the form a plain mesh panel that lacks any ornamental detail or only includes
minor
ornamental detail.
Summary
In one embodiment, a crib liner for a crib is provided. The crib includes a
plurality of
sides and four corner posts. The liner includes a body that has a pair of
opposing first panel
sections for placement along two sides and a pair of opposing second panel
sections for
placement along the other two sides. Each panel section is defined by a top
edge and an
opposite bottom edge, wherein a length of the top edge is different than a
length of the
bottom edge for each of the panel sections. The body is configured for
placement inside of
the crib along inner surface of the sides of the crib. The liner is attached
to the inside of the
crib by a plurality of fasteners, each fastener being configured to attach
around one corner
post for securely attaching the liner body to the crib.
In another embodiment, a crib liner is provided for a crib that includes sides
and four
corner posts. The liner includes a body having a pair of opposing first panel
sections for
placement along two sides of the crib and a pair of opposing second panel
sections for
placement along the other two sides of the crib. The body is configured for
placement inside
of the crib along inner surfaces of the sides of the crib. The liner includes
a plurality of
fasteners for attaching the liner to the crib. Each fastener is configured to
attach around one
corner post for securely attaching the liner body to the inner surfaces of the
crib. Each
fastener includes a first member and a second member being located in one
corner of the
liner. The first and second members are configured to mate together to define
a looped
structure that extends around the corner post and has an adjustable
circumference so as to
capture and accommodate different sized corner posts by adjustment of the
circumference of
the looped structure.
These and other aspects, features and advantages shall be apparent from the
accompanying Drawings and description of certain embodiments of the invention.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a crib liner according to one embodiment
attached
to a crib;
Fig. 2 is a side view of one end section of one portion of the crib liner of
Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a top view, in cross-section, of the crib liner of Fig. 1 showing a
first
exemplary step for attaching the crib liner to a section of the crib;
Fig. 4 is a top view, in cross-section, of the crib liner of Fig. 1 showing a
second
exemplary step for attaching the crib liner to the crib section;
Fig. 5 is a top view, in cross-section, of the crib liner of Fig. 1 showing a
third
exemplary step for attaching the crib liner to the crib section;
Fig. 6A-6D show details of one embodiment of an integrated padded mesh
material
that may be used in forming at least a portion of a crib liner according to
one embodiment of
the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a layered structure for use as one section
of one
exemplary crib liner according to the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a side elevation view of a section for a crib liner according to one
exemplary
embodiment;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a crib liner according to another exemplary
embodiment and including a spacer element;
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the crib liner of Fig. 9 installed
on a crib
frame;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a crib liner according to another exemplary
embodiment and shown installed on a crib frame;
Fig. 12 is a side elevation view of a crib liner according to yet another
exemplary
embodiment in a fully extended position;
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Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a crib liner similar to the one of Fig. 12 in
a folded
position showing an inner section;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the crib liner of Fig. 13 in the folded
position showing
the outer section;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a crib liner according to one embodiment;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a crib liner according to another embodiment;
Fig. 17 is a cross-section top plan view of a crib liner according to another
embodiment showing a first step for attaching the liner to a corner post;
Fig. 18 is a cross-section top plan view of a crib liner of Fig. 17 showing a
second
step for attaching the liner to a corner post;
Fig. 19 is a cross-section top plan view of a crib liner of Fig. 17 showing a
third step
for attaching the liner to a corner post;
Fig. 20 is a side perspective view of a crib liner according to another
embodiment
showing a first step for attaching the liner to a corner post;
Fig. 21 is a side perspective view of a crib liner according to another
embodiment
showing a second step for attaching the liner to a corner post;
Fig. 22 is a side perspective view of a crib liner according to another
embodiment
showing a third step for attaching the liner to a corner post;
Fig. 23 is a side perspective view of a crib liner according to another
embodiment
showing a fourth step for attaching the liner to a corner post;
Fig. 24 is a top and side perspective of a crib liner according to one
embodiment;
Fig. 25 is a first section of the crib liner of Fig. 24 which defines a part
of one corner;
Fig. 26 is a second section of the crib liner of Fig. 24 which defines another
part of the
corner;
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Fig. 27 is a perspective view of one corner of the crib liner showing a first
step of
fastening the crib liner to a corner post;
Fig. 28 is a perspective view of one corner of the crib liner showing a second
step of
fastening the crib liner to a corner post;
Fig. 29 is a perspective view of one corner of the crib liner showing a third
step of
fastening the crib liner to a corner post;
Fig. 30 is a perspective view of one corner of the crib liner showing a fourth
step of
fastening the crib liner to a corner post;
Fig. 31 is a perspective view of an exterior of one corner of a crib showing a
crib liner
according to the present invention attached thereto;
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of an interior of the one corner of the crib
showing the
crib liner attached thereto;
Fig. 33 is a top plan view of the one corner of the crib showing a first step
of fastening
the crib liner of Fig. 31 to the one corner;
Fig. 34 is a top plan view of the one corner of the crib showing a second step
of
fastening the crib liner of Fig. 31 to the one corner;
Fig. 35 is a top plan view of the one corner of the crib showing a third step
of
fastening the crib liner of Fig. 31 to the one corner
Fig. 36 is a top plan view of the one corner of the crib showing a fourth step
of
fastening the crib liner of Fig. 31 to the one corner;
Fig. 37 is a top and side perspective of a crib liner according to one
embodiment;
Fig. 38 is a first section of the crib liner of Fig. 37 which defines a part
of one corner;
and
Fig. 39 is a second section of the crib liner of Fig. 37 which defines another
part of the
corner.
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Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments of the Invention
Fig. 1 shows a conventional crib 100 that includes two side rails 110, 120, a
footboard
130 and a headboard 140. The side rails 110, 120 extend between the footboard
130 and the
headboard 140 along a length thereof. The headboard 140, footboard 130 and
side rails 110,
120 are connected and sized for receiving a mattress 160 within an interior
170 of the crib
100. It will be understood that the crib 100 can be of a permanent type or can
be of a foldable
or portable type.
Generally, the side rails 110, 120, footboard 130, and headboard 140 define an
interior boundary extending proximate and around a periphery of the mattress
160 disposed
within the crib 100. The mattress 160 is supported within the crib 100 by
various structures
not shown in Fig. 1. For example, a bottom structural member may be supported
at one or
more positions about the interior boundary of the crib 100. In many
conventional cribs 100,
the mattress 160 and/or a supporting member there below may be raised and/or
lowered. The
crib 100 includes four corner posts 105.
Each of the side rails 110, 120 generally includes a top bar 112 and a bottom
bar 114
positioned substantially parallel to one another. A plurality of generally
vertically-spaced side
support elements 116 extend between the horizontal top bar 112 and horizontal
bottom bar
114. The side rails 110, 120 are fixedly attached to the other components of
the crib, such as
the footboard 130 and headboard 140.
The headboard 140 of crib 100 includes an upper bar 132 as well as a bottom
horizontal element 134, each connected in a fixed position to a pair of the
corner posts 105.
In a similar manner to the side rails 110, 120, generally vertically-spaced
support elements
136 extend between the top bar 132 and the bottom horizontal element 134. In
the illustrated
embodiment, the footboard 130 has a similar or identical construction and
includes an upper
bar 132 as well as a bottom horizontal element 134, each connected in a fixed
position to a
pair of the corner posts 105. Vertically-spaced support elements 136 extend
between the top
bar 132 and the bottom horizontal element 134.
However, it will be recognized that some cribs may or may not have spaced
support
elements 136 that define a part of the footboard 130 or headboard 140. For
example, the
headboard 140 and footboard 130 can be formed of a solid material as opposed
to spaced-
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apart supports. The footboard 130 is configured in a manner like that of the
headboard 140
and includes corner posts 105.
As shown in Fig. 1, the plurality of spaced-apart side support elements 116 of
the side
rails 110, 120 and the support elements 136 of the headboard and footboard
140, 130 are used
to define the interior boundary extending proximate and around the periphery
of the mattress
160 disposed within the crib 100.
In accordance with the present invention, a crib liner or crib shield 200 is
provided for
use with crib 100 and more particularly, the crib liner 200 is attached to the
crib 100 along at
least some portions of the interior boundary of the crib 100 defined by the
side rails 110, 120,
headboard 140 and footboard 130.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-5, the crib liner 200 comes as a set
of liners or
panel sections for attachment to the crib 100. For example, the crib liner set
can include two
or more crib liners 200 that are used for covering portions of the crib 100.
For example, one
crib liner 200 can be attached to the crib 100 such that it extends along at
least a length of the
side rail 110 and optionally along one or both of the headboard 140 and the
footboard 130
and another crib liner 200 can be attached to the crib 100 such that it
extends along the other
side rail 120 and optionally along one or both of the headboard 140 and the
footboard 130.
In the illustrated embodiment, the crib 100 includes four separate liners 200
that are
attached about the periphery of the crib 100 and in particular, a first liner
200 is attached to
one side rail 110; a second liner 200 is attached to another side rail 120; a
third liner 200 is
attached to the headboard 140 and a fourth liner 200 is attached to the
footboard 130.
However, as described above, this is merely one embodiment and other crib
liner systems can
include less than four (4) panels, e.g., one or two crib liners attached to
one or more sections
of the crib.
According to one embodiment, the crib liner 200 can be thought of as being a
multi-
layer structure when attached to the crib 100 that includes a number of
integral or separate
sections. As shown in the figures, the crib liner 200 can be broadly thought
of as having an
inner section 210 that faces the infant and an opposing outer section 250 that
faces away from
the infant. The portion of the crib 100 to which the crib liner 200 is
attached is at least
partially disposed between the inner section 210 and the outer section 250.
For example,
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vertical support elements 116, 136 can be disposed between the inner section
210 and the
outer section 250 and as shown in Figs. 3-5, the vertical support elements
116, 136 are at
least partially captured between the inner section 210 and the outer section
250 as a result of
the inner and outer sections 210, 250 being attached to the crib. In other
words, the crib liner
200 is designed such that a first portion (inner section 210) of the crib
liner 200 extends along
the interior of the crib (i.e., along the inside of support elements of the
crib) and a different
second portion (outer section 250) extends along the exterior of the crib
(i.e., along the
outside of support elements of the crib) and more particularly, the first and
second portions
extend along a substantial length of one or more of the side rails 110, 120,
headboard 140,
and footboard 130. As described herein, the first portion (inner section 210)
provides a safety
feature that utilizes the presence of the support elements between the first
and second
portions to provide improved breathability, while the second portion (second
section 250) can
provide a decorative component to the crib liner 200.
As described in detail below, in one embodiment, the inner section 210 has
different
material properties compared to the outer section 250 and in particular, the
inner section 210
is formed of a material that has increased breathability compared to the outer
section 250 and
the outer section 250 preferably is formed of a material which is more
suitable for the
provision of decorative features, such as printed indicia, formed at least
along an exterior
surface of the outer section 250.
The decorative indicia can be applied using any number of conventional
techniques,
including printing, embroidery, stitching, etc.
The crib liner 200 has the following dimensions: height (H); length (L), as
well as a
thickness (T).
The inner section 210 of the crib liner 200 can be defined by a plurality of
panels that
are adjacent one another and interface one another at one or more select
locations to form an
elongated panel structure (Fig. 12). Alternatively, the inner section 210 can
be formed of a
single panel structure and the first seam 219 is eliminated.
In addition, the permanent seam 219 can be eliminated and the inner section
210 and
the outer section 250 can have no permanent attachment points but instead be
two separate
panel structures that are joined at their ends about the crib frame so as to
position the inner
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section 210 (first panel) within the crib interior and the outer section 250
(second panel)
along the exterior of the crib. The attachment at the ends and optionally at
intermediate
points results from using fastening elements of the type described herein and
of a detachable
type.
In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figs. 3-5, the inner section 210 of the
crib
liner 200 includes a first panel 220 and a second panel 230 that are defined
and separated by a
first seam 219 or the like. The first and second panels 220, 230 can be
uniform or they can be
different from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and
second panels 220,
230 are at least substantially uniform and are generally square or rectangular
shaped.
However, it will be understood that the panels can be formed to have other
shapes so long as
they perform the intended function. For example, one or more of the panels of
the crib liner
200 can have a decorative look, such as having a decorative shape. It will
therefore be
appreciated that the first and second panels 220, 230 are defined (formed) as
a result of the
inclusion of the seam 219 and in fact, the inner section 210 is preferably
formed as a single
continuous elongated structure with no discernable panels prior to joining the
inner section
210 with the outer section 250 along the first seam 219.
Each panel 220, 230 is defined by a main body 225 and trim 215 or the like can
extend about a boundary of the inner section 210 such that the trim 215
surrounds the main
body 225. It will be appreciated that the trim 215 can be formed of a material
that is different
than the material that forms the main body 225. In the illustrated embodiment,
the trim 215
can be in the form of a pair of horizontal strips of material that extend
along top and bottom
edges of the main body 225 and a pair of vertical strips of material that
along to end edges of
the main body 225.
In accordance with the present invention, the inner section 210 is formed of a
material
that has enhanced breathability and in particular, the inner section 210 is
formed of a mesh
material. The mesh material used to construct at least a portion of the inner
section 210 can
include any suitable mesh-type material that provides breathable
functionality. Breathable
functionality refers to the ability of the material to allow air to
substantially move effectively
therethrough. As used herein, when air is indicated as substantially 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
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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'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, etc.
In one embodiment, the first section 210 is formed of a mesh material that is
formed
of openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe
therethrough. It will also be
appreciated that when mesh material is discussed herein with reference to
other crib liners,
.. one exemplary type of mesh is thus one in which the mesh material that is
formed of
openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough.
In one embodiment, the inner section is formed of a single layer mesh material
that
has suitable sized openings for the intended application. Alternatively, the
mesh-type
material can be a breathable integrated padded mesh material (e.g., a padded
spacer mesh)
.. 190, such as that shown generally in Figs. 6A-6D. The breathable integrated
padded mesh
material 190 includes openings 191 on a front substructure thereof 192, as
shown in top view
of the material of Fig. 6A. As shown in the cross-section of the breathable
integrated padded
mesh material 190 in Fig. 6D, the material further includes a back
substructure 193 and a pile
substructure 194 is integrated with and extends between the front and back
substructures 192,
.. 193. Each of the substructures 192, 193 (e.g., the front, back, and pile
substructures) allows
air to substantially move effectively therethrough.
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.
The padded mesh material can also be collapsible. As such, when installed or
.. uninstalled, should a child stand on it, the material will collapse. This
reduces the risk of the
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mesh material being used as a means for an infant to climb upwardly in the
crib and
potentially fall out of the crib 100.
As described in more detail herein, it will be appreciated that at least a
portion of the
inner section 210 is formed of the mesh material and preferably, a majority of
the inner
section 210 is formed of mesh material. It will be appreciated that the inner
section 210 can
include material other than mesh, such as material used for decorative or
other trimming
purposes. However, such other material is kept to portions that are smaller
than those which
may potentially block breathing of child (e.g., through the mouth and nose of
a child) and/or
the other material is located at a position that is not exposed to the
breathing child during
normal use of the crib 100. For example and as shown in Fig. 8, one or more
panels 220, 230
of the inner section 210 can include a first lower section 237 that is formed
of a mesh
material and a second upper section 239 that is formed of a non-mesh material.
The relative
heights of the sections 237, 239 are selected such that during normal use of
the crib, the
child's nose and mouth are positioned adjacent to the lower section 237 which
is formed of
the mesh material. The non-mesh section (upper section 239) is thus located
above the
child's nose and mouth when the child lies on the mattress 160.
For example, the panel can be constructed such that at least half of the panel
is made
up of the first lower section 237 (thus the mesh material occupies at least
half the panel as
measured along its height). In another embodiment, a portion of the inner
section 210 is
formed of a mesh material. As described herein, a pre-selected portion, less
than the entire
portion, of the inner section is formed of a mesh material. In yet another
embodiment, the
entire main body portion 225 is formed of mesh material with only the trim or
the like being
formed of a different material. Fig. 2 shows this embodiment in which the
entire body
portion 225 is formed of a mesh material.
It is also within the scope of the present invention that the inner section
210 can be
formed of at least two different types of mesh material. For example, the
first lower section
237 can be formed of one type of mesh material (e.g., breathable integrated
padded mesh
material) and the second upper section 239 can be formed of another type of
mesh material
(e.g., a simple mesh as opposed to an integrated padded mesh material).
The outer section 250 of the crib liner 200 can be defined by a plurality of
panels that
are adjacent one another and interface one another at one or more select
locations (e.g., along
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seam 219) to form an elongated panel structure. Alternatively, the outer
section 250 can be
formed of a single panel structure and the first seam 219 is eliminated. In
the illustrated
embodiment shown in Figs. 3-5 and similar to the construction of the inner
section 210, the
outer section 250 of the crib liner 200 includes a first panel 260 and a
second panel 270 that
are divided along the first seam 219 or the like.
As shown in Figs. 3-5, the crib liner 200 can be thought of as having an X-
shape with
the seam 219 representing the connection between the legs of the X.
The dimensions of the outer section 250 can be the same or different than the
dimensions of the inner section 210. For example, the length of the outer
section 250 can be
greater than the inner section 210 to permit the outer section 250 be folded
around the crib
and into intimate engagement with the inner section 210 as described herein.
The first and second panels 260, 270 can be uniform or they can be different
from one
another. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second panels 260, 270
are at least
substantially uniform and are generally square or rectangular shaped. However,
it will be
understood that the panels can be formed to have other shapes so long as they
perform the
intended function. For example, one or more of the panels of the crib liner
200 can have a
decorative look, such as having a decorative shape.
It will therefore be appreciated that the first and second panels 260, 270 are
defined
(formed) as a result of the inclusion of the seam 219 and in fact, the outer
section 250 is
preferably formed as a single continuous elongated structure with no
discernable panels prior
to joining the inner section 210 with the outer section 250 along the first
seam 219.
Each panel 260, 270 is defined by a main body 275 and trim 277 or the like can
extend about a boundary of the outer section 250 such that the trim 277
surrounds the main
body 275. It will be appreciated that the trim 277 can be formed of a material
that is different
than the material that forms the main body 275. In the illustrated embodiment,
the trim 277
can be in the form of a pair of horizontal strips of material that extend
along top and bottom
edges of the main body 275 and can include a pair of vertical strips of
material that along to
end edges of the main body 275.
In accordance with the present invention, the outer section 250 can and
preferably is
formed of a material that is different than the enhanced breathable material
that forms the
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inner section 210. For example, the outer section 250 can be formed of a non-
mesh type
material.
It will be appreciated that the outer section 250 can be a single layer
structure or it can
be a multi-layer structure. For ease of simplicity, the outer section 250
illustrated in Figs. 3-5
is formed of a single layer of material; however, as described herein and as
shown in the
cross-sectional view of Fig. 7, the outer section 250 can be a multi-layer
structure. In Fig. 7,
the outer section 250 includes a first layer 253, a second layer 255 and a
third layer 257. The
first and third layers 253, 257 are exposed layers, while the second layer 255
is an
intermediate layer between the other layers 253, 257. The first layer 253
represents an inner
face of the outer section 250 in that the first layer 253 faces the crib 100
and thus faces the
child within the crib 100. Conversely, the third layer 257 represents an outer
face of the outer
section 250 in that the third layer 257 faces away from the crib 100.
It will also be understood that the second layer 255 can be eliminated leaving
a two
layer 253, 257 structure that can be attached along its peripheral edges as by
using trim 277
or the like.
In one embodiment, the first layer 253 and third layer 257 are formed of the
same
material and can be formed of a natural or synthetic material or even a blend
thereof.
However, in another embodiment, the first layer 253 and third layer 257 are
formed of
different materials. For example, suitable materials for forming one or more
of the first layer
253 and the third layer 257 include but are not limited to the following:
natural or synthetic
non-woven materials (or a blend thereof); natural or synthetic woven materials
(or a blend
thereof); knitted materials, formed materials (e.g., extruded materials (e.g.,
plastics/polymers), etc. Suitable natural materials include cotton and
suitable synthetic
materials include polyester and a suitable blend can be in the form of a blend
of cotton and
polyester. However, other materials, such as bamboo based materials and other
synthetic
materials can equally be used.
The second layer 255 can be in the form of padding or cushioning and
therefore, can
be formed of any number of different materials that serve this purpose. The
second layer 255
can be formed of a natural material or synthetic material or a blend thereof.
For example, the
second layer 255 can be formed of spun polyester fibers or it can be formed of
a foam
material or other conventional padding material. In addition, the second layer
255 can be an
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air chamber or a bladder member, such as an inflatable air bladder that
provide form and
support and/or cushioning to the second layer 255.
As shown in Fig. 3, the inner and outer sections 210, 250 each of which can be
in the
form of a single elongated structure having opposing ends and a top edge and a
bottom edge
and are attached to one another at one or more locations using conventional
techniques, such
as by sewing along seam 219 or by some other means by which the two sections
210, 250 are
attached to one another. For example, one or more fasteners can be used to
attaching the
sections 210, 250 together. It will also be understood that the inner and
second sections 210,
250 do not have to be centrally attached as along seam 219 but instead can be
attached to one
another at one or more other locations, such as at the ends thereof (thereby
allowing
elimination of the permanent attachment point 219). When seam 219 is employed,
it
represents a type of permanent attachment between the inner section 210 and
the outer
section 250.
The crib liner 200 includes means for attaching the liner 200 to the crib and
more
specifically, includes means for attaching both the inner section 210 to the
crib 100 and the
outer section 250 to the crib 100. For example, the inner section 210 has a
first end 211 and
an opposing second end 213. Similarly, the outer section 250 has a first end
251 and an
opposing second end 253. The first end 211 of the inner section 210 includes a
first fastening
element 300 and the second end 213 includes a second fastening element 310.
Similarly, the
first end 251 of the outer section 250 includes a third fastening element 320
and the second
end 253 includes a fourth fastening element 330.
It will also be understood that more than one fastening element can be
included at
each of the ends 211, 213, 251, 253. For example, at each of ends 211, 213,
251, 253, a pair
of fastening elements can be provided such as one being located at or
proximate the top edge
thereof and the other being located at or proximate the bottom edge thereof.
In additional,
each individual fastening element 300, 310, 320, 330 can be formed of several
parts that mate
together.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention and as shown in Figs. 3-
5 and
described in detail below, the first and second fastening elements 300, 310
are intended to
attach the inner section 210 to the frame of the crib 100 (e.g., along a side
rail), while the
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third and fourth fastening elements 320, 330 are intended to attach the outer
section 250 to
the first section 210 and further attach the crib liner 200 to the crib 100.
Alternatively, the first and third fastening elements 300, 320 can be
complementary to
one another and configured to intimately mate together for securing the first
section 210 to
the outer section 250 at one end of the crib liner 200. Similarly, the second
and fourth
fastening elements 310, 330 can be complementary to one another and configured
to
intimately mate together for securing the first section 210 to the outer
section 250 at another
end of the crib liner 200. In this embodiment, the inner section 210 is not
attached to itself as
shown in Figs. 3-5 but instead is only directly attached to the outer section
250. For example,
the fastening elements 300, 310, 320, 330 can be strips of hook and loop
material and each
end of the liner is attached by mating the complementary hook and loop
material that is
associated with the inner and outer sections 210, 250.
It will be appreciated that the fastening elements 300, 310, 320, 330 can be
the same
structures or they can be different from one another. Various fastening
apparatus can be used
to attach the inner section 210 and outer section 250 to a portion of the crib
100. For
example, various types of fastening apparatus may include hook and loop
closures (e.g.,
Velcro), snaps, buttons/buttonholes, ties, straps, buckles, zippers, magnets,
etc. In the
exemplary embodiment of Figs. 3-5, the first and second fastening elements
300, 310 are in
the form of buttons or snaps and the third and fourth fastening elements 320,
330 are in the
form of hook and loop closures. However, the first and second fastening
elements 300, 310
can be in the form of hook and loop closures or any other suitable fastener.
As a result, although hook and loop fasteners are preferable in some products,
any
other closure or fastener apparatus suitable for attaching crib liners or
other crib accessories
to the crib 100 can be used.
Fig. 12 shows yet another embodiment of a crib liner 285 that is similar to
the liner
200 but is formed a single continuous structure. The liner 285 has a first end
287 and an
opposing second end 289. The liner 285 also includes the inner section 210 and
the outer
section 250 (as described hereinbefore); however, in this embodiment, these
sections 210,
250 are adjacent one another and joined or are integral to one another to form
a single
elongated continuous panel. The first section 210 has the properties discussed
herein in that
it is formed of a mesh material and the outer section 250 has the properties
discussed herein
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in that it is formed of a different material, such as a non-mesh material. At
the first end 287,
a first fastening element 291 is provided and at the second end 289, a second
fastening
element 293 is provided. The fastening elements 291, 293 are complementary to
one another
and configured to mate together for attaching the liner to the crib 100. The
fastening
elements 291, 293 can be any of the fastening elements described herein.
To attach the liner 285 to the crib 100, the inner section 210 is positioned
along the
interior of at least one portion (e.g., a side rail) of the crib 100 and then
the first end 287 is
fed through the crib frame (e.g., between two vertical supports) to the
exterior thereof and the
outer section 250 is then run along the exterior of the at least one portion
of the crib 100. The
two ends 287, 289 are brought together and the fastening elements 291, 293
mate together
about the crib frame (e.g. about a vertical support), thereby securely
attaching the liner 285 to
the crib 100. As in the previous embodiment, the inner section 210 formed of
mesh is located
within the interior, while the outer section 250 formed of a non-mesh material
is located
along the crib exterior. Intermediate fastening elements, similar to those
described herein,
can be used to attach the inner section 210 to the outer section 250 at select
locations.
Figs. 13 and 14 show a liner 295 that can be identical to liner 285 or similar
thereto.
In the embodiment of Figs. 13 and 14, the liner can have an enlarged trim
around a periphery
of the first section 210. However, in one embodiment, the majority of the
first section 210 is
formed of mesh material. An intermediate portion 297 of the liner 295
represents a fold
portion that extends about a support element to which the liner 295 is
attached. The outer
section 250 is preferably formed of a non¨mesh material to provide as in the
other
embodiments, a crib liner that has a more conventionally looking outer section
250 (which
can include a decorative surface ¨e.g., the outer surface of the outer section
250).
The embodiment of Figs. 13 and 14 show fastening elements in the form of ties;
however, as discussed herein, the fastening elements can be any number of
different fastening
elements as described herein.
As shown, when attached to the crib 100, the liner 295 is folded about the
intermediate portion 297 and is attached only at the free ends of the liner
295. In other
words, the liner 295 is folded on top of itself and its free ends are joined
using fasteners 299.
The fasteners 299 shown in Figs. 13 and 14 are ties; however, any of the
fastening elements
described herein can be used.
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When four separate crib liners 200 are used, the length of each "side rail"
crib liner
200 is sized for allowing attachment to the crib 100 such that the crib liner
200 extends along
at least a substantial length of the side rail of crib 100 and the length of
each "headboard and
footboard" crib liner 200 is sized for allowing attachment to the crib 100
such that the crib
liner extends along at least a substantial length of the headboard and
footboard. For example,
the crib liner 200 can be wrapped about the side support elements of the side
rail or about the
corner posts of the crib frame and fastened thereto using the fastening
elements 300, 310,
320, 330, as is further described below. In addition, the crib liner 200 can
be wrapped about
the side support elements of the headboard or footboard or about the corner
posts of the crib
frame and fastened thereto using the fastening elements 300, 310, 320, 330, as
is further
described below.
Fig. 2 shows another aspect of the present invention in that one or more
sections of
the crib liner 200 can include a grip element 400 that has non-skid material
properties and is
designed to restrict the free movement of the crib liner 200 about the crib
support element to
which the crib liner 200 is attached. In Fig. 2, the fastening element 310 is
shown at the
second end of the inner section 210 and is in the form of a pair of snaps or
button. Between
the two parts of the fastening element 310 that form the pair, one or more
grip element 400
can be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a single grip element
400 in the form
of an elongated non-skid grip strip that extends along a length of the inner
section 210 (i.e., it
is horizontally oriented). The grip element 400 is disposed between the two
parts of the
fastening element 310 such that when the second end of the inner section 210
is wrapped
about one or more support elements (vertical support elements), the grip
element 400 is
placed into intimate contact with the support elements. The non-skid surface
of the grip
element 400 thus restricts the free movement of the inner section 210 relative
to the support
element(s) to which it is attached.
It will be appreciated that the grip element 400 can also be oriented
vertically and is
not limited to being provided along the trim portion of the inner section 210.
Thus, the grip
element 400 can be disposed along the body portion (mesh portion) of the inner
section 210.
Any number of different materials can be used to form the grip element 400 so
long as
they provide a non-skid surface. In other words, the grip element 400 has an
exposed friction
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surface. For example, the grip element 400 can be formed of rubber or a
synthetic material,
such as a silicon material, having the desired properties.
Figs. 3-5 show one exemplary method for attaching the crib liner 200 to at
least one
portion of the crib frame. For example, the Figs. 3-5 show the crib liner 200
being attached
to vertical supports (either supports 116 or supports 136). When the crib
liner 200 includes
integral seam 219 the crib liner 200 is first placed between two vertical
supports 116, 136 and
then the panels 220, 230 are disposed along the interior of the crib along the
interior surfaces
of the crib frame (vertical supports) and then the panels 260, 270 are
disposed along the
exterior of the crib along the exterior surfaces of the crib frame (vertical
supports).
Next, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the inner section 210 of the crib liner 200
is attached
to the crib frame by wrapping the ends 211, 213 about one or more of the
vertical supports
116, 136 and attaching the inner section 210 to itself. For example, the first
end 211 is
laterally pulled and then folded outwardly and wrapped about one or more
vertical supports
116, 136 and then attached to itself by means of the first fastening element
300. When the
first fastening element 300 is a snap or button, the two parts thereof are
intimately mated.
When the first fastening element 300 is a hook and loop structure, the hook
and loop material
is intimately mated together. Similarly, the second end 213 is laterally
pulled and folded
outwardly and wrapped about one or more vertical supports 116, 136 and then
attached to
itself by means of the second fastening element 310. When the second fastening
element 310
is a snap or button, the two parts thereof are intimately mated. When the
second fastening
element 310 is a hook and loop structure, the hook and loop material is
intimately mated
together. This results in the inner section 210 being attached to the crib
100.
As shown in Figs. 4-5, the outer section 250 is then attached to the inner
section 210
by laterally pulling the end 251 and wrapping it around the already attached
inner section 210
and then effectuating an attachment between the ends 251, 253 of the outer
section 250 to the
inner section 210 so as to produce a secure attachment of the crib liner 200
to the crib 100.
Since the outer section 250 is attached to the inner section 210, the third
and fourth
fastening elements 320, 330 are constructed to intimately mate with and attach
to the inner
section 210. For example, either the inner surface of the inner section 210
can include a
complementary element that mates with the corresponding third and fourth
fastening
elements 320, 330 to accomplish attachment between the outer section 250 and
the inner
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section 210. A piece of hook and loop material can be provided along the inner
surface of the
first section to mate with the corresponding third or fourth fastening element
320, 330.
Optionally, intermediate fastening elements 350 can be provided at select
points along
the length of the inner section 210 and outer section 250. The intermediate
fastening
elements 350 can have the same fastening structures as the other fastening
elements 300-330
or they can be different. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, two
intermediate
fastening elements 350 can be provided for attaching select regions or points
of the outer
section 250 to the inner section 210 between adjacent vertical supports 116,
136. While,
Figs. 3-5 show the fastening elements 350 as being snaps or buttons, the
fastening elements
350 can be in the form of strips of hook and loop material. The intermediate
fastening
elements 350 provide additional points of attachment between the inner section
210 and the
outer section 250.
It will be understood that the crib liner 200 and the other liners described
herein are
designed so that it utilizes the natural construction of the crib 100 to
provide air flow
passages to provide improved breathability. More specifically, the inner
section 210 that is
formed of mesh material is along the interior of the crib and therefore, in
contact with the
infant, while the outer section 250 is disposed along the exterior of the crib
away from direct
contact with the infant. The frame of the crib is disposed between the inner
section 210 and
the outer section 250 and the spaces between the vertical supports 116, 136
provide air flow
passages that are in direct contact with the mesh material of the inner
section. Air can thus
flow into the spaces between the vertical supports 116, 136 and through the
mesh material of
the inner section 210.
At the same time, the outer section 250 provides a decorative surface that has
different material properties and thus a different feel and is spaced from
direct contact with
the child.
Now referring to Figs. 9-10 and according to yet another embodiment of the
present
invention, the crib liner 200 can include a means for spacing at least a
portion of the crib liner
200 from the frame of the crib 100. In particular, the inner section 210 can
include at least
one spacer element 400 that is disposed along the inner section 210 such that
the spacer
element 400 is coupled to the body portion of the inner section 210 and is
configured to seat
against the frame of the crib 100 such that the inner section 210 is spaced
therefrom.
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Fig. 10 shows the inner section 210 including one spacer element 400 along the
top
edge of the inner section 210 and another spacer element 400 along the bottom
edge for
spacing the inner section 210 from the vertical supports 116, 136. The outer
section 250 is
shown in more intimate contact with the exterior surfaces of the vertical
supports 116, 136.
As illustrated with arrows, improved air flow is provided since the mesh
material of the inner
section 210 is spaced from the vertical supports 116, 136 (and thus not in
direct contact
therewith). Unlike in conventional designs even those formed entirely of mesh
material, the
present invention provides a space/air gap between the exterior face of the
first section 210
and the inner surfaces of the vertical supports 116, 136,
For example, the spacer element 400 can be formed of an open cell foam or a
closed
cell foam and can be an elongated structure that extends along a portion of
the inner section
210. Other materials can be used so long as the materials have sufficient
rigidity to space the
body of the inner section 210 from the frame of the crib 100 (e.g., the
vertical support
elements of the crib) when the inner section 210 is disposed along the inner
face of the frame.
The spacer element 400 is coupled to the inner section 210 using conventional
techniques. For example, the spacer element 400 can be bonded to the material
of the inner
section 210 using an adhesive, etc. Alternatively, the spacer element 400 can
be attached
using a mechanical attachment or a fastening element. In addition, the spacer
element 400
can be at least partially disposed within one or more pockets or loops that
are formed as part
of the inner section 210. The pockets and loops capture the spacer element 400
but permit
removal thereof if necessary.
It will be understood that the spacer element 400 is not limited to being a
tubular
shaped structure and can have any number of different shapes, including but
not limited to
square shaped, rectangular shaped, etc. In addition, the spacer element 400
can be an at least
partially hollow structure or it can be a solid structure or can be an air-
filled structure.
The spacer element 400 can be formed as a single integral structure as shown
in Fig. 9
or it can be formed of a plurality of parts that are coupled together or
spaced apart along the
inner section 210. In this case, each part is separately attached/coupled to
the inner section
210.
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The spacer element 400 can include an intermediate spacer element 410. In the
illustrated embodiment, the intermediate spacer element 410 is vertically
oriented between
two horizontal spacer elements 400.
Fig. 9 shows the inner section 210 having hook and loop type fastener elements
300,
310 and the outer section 250 likewise includes hook and loop type fastening
elements 320,
330,
It will be appreciated that at least one spacer element 400 can be disposed
longitudinally along a length of the inner section 210 and/or at least one
spacer element 400
can be disposed vertically along a height of the inner section 210. For
example, the spacer
element 400 can be formed along at least one of a top edge of the inner
section 210 and a
bottom edge of the inner section 210 and/or the spacer element 400 can be
formed along one
or more ends of the inner section 210.
It will be appreciated that the spacer element 400 can be a longitudinal
spaced
element that is spaced from the top and bottom edges of the inner section 210
and in
particular, at least one spacer element 400 can be centrally located between
the top and
bottom edges. Similarly, the vertical spaced element can be spaced from the
ends of the inner
section 210 (e.g., the vertical spaced element can be centrally located).
The spacer element 400 can and preferably has a thickness that is greater than
a
thickness of the inner section 210 so as to space the inner section 210 from
the crib frame.
For example, the thickness of the spacer element 400 can be at least twice as
great as the
thickness of the inner section 210 or it can be at least three times as great
as the thickness of
the inner section 210. The thickness and/or position of the spacer element 400
is selected
such that the spacer element 400 spaces the inner section 210 away from crib
frame.
The spacer element 400 is formed of a different material compared to the inner
section (including the trim of the inner section which may be a non-mesh
material).
While the drawings show the spacer element 400 disposed along and coupled to
the
top and bottom edges of the inner section 210, it will be understood that the
spacer element
400 can be disposed along the inner surface (face) of the inner section 210
(e.g. along a lower
section of the inner surface near or at the bottom edge).
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It will be understood that a crib liner that include a spacer element 400
(such as liner
of Fig. 9) can be at least partially disposed against a solid wall of the crib
100. For example,
some cribs include one solid side wall and others include a solid headboard,
and the crib liner
with spacer element 400 can be disposed thereagainst so as to space the liner
from the solid
wall.
Fig. 11 shows another embodiment in which a crib liner 500 according to
another
embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the crib liner 500 is formed as a
single
continuous structure that has two free ends 502, 504. The ends 502, 504
represent and define
the attachment point. In this product, the crib liner 500 is only formed of
the inner panel
section 510 that is formed of a mesh material (as described earlier with
reference to inner
section 210). At least some portions of the inner panel section 510 include
spacer elements
400. The inner panel section 510 can be formed so that the mesh material makes
up a
majority of the inner panel section 510.
Fig. 11 shows the attachment of the continuous crib liner 500 in which the
liner 500 is
substantially disposed along the interior of the crib but wraps around the
corner posts 105 (on
exterior surfaces thereof) as by being disposed between the vertical support
116, 136 and
corner post 105. The crib liner 500 attaches along one location at the ends
502, 504. Any
number of fastening elements can be used to attach the ends 502, 504, such as
those described
herein (e.g., hook and loop material).
As with the embodiment shown in Figs. 9-10, the product of Fig. 11 utilizes
spacer
elements 400 to space the inner panel section 510 from the crib frame
(vertical supports 116,
136) and therefore, improved air flow passages are provided as discussed with
reference to
Figs. 9-10.
Figs. 15 and 16 provide additional embodiments that are similar to the
embodiments
described herein. In particular, Fig. 15 shows a crib liner 600 that includes
a single
continuous inner panel structure 610 that is similar to the inner section 210
shown in Figs. 3-
5. The inner panel structure 610 is disposed along the interior of the crib
frame and is formed
of mesh material. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner panel structure 610
includes mesh
panels 615 with trim 617 surrounding the peripheries of the mesh panels 615.
The trim 617
can have different dimensions so as to be more pronounced as in Figs. 13-14 or
less
pronounced as in the other figures and can be formed of any number of
different materials,
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including materials described herein as being suitable for use in forming the
outer section
250.
The inner panel structure 610 is attached at or proximate its free ends using
fasteners
of a type described herein. It will further be appreciated that the inner
panel structure 610 can
be formed of more than one separate panel structure in which case the ends of
the separate
panel structures are attached to the crib with fastening elements.
The liner 600 also includes an outer panel structure 620 that is disposed
along the
exterior of the crib frame. Similar to the inner panel structure 610, the
outer panel structure
620 is a single continuous panel structure that is similar to the outer
section 250 shown in
Figs. 3-5. The outer panel structure 620 is disposed along the exterior of the
crib frame and is
formed of a material that is different than the mesh-material of the first
panel structure 610
(e.g. non-mesh material). The outer panel structure 620 can also include a
mesh section as
well. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer panel structure 620 is attached
at or proximate
its free ends 622, 624 using fasteners 630 of a type described herein. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the fasteners 630 are ties; however, other fasteners can be used.
The outer panel
structure 620 can thus be attached to one corner post of the crib frame.
The outer panel structure 620 can include decorative indicia, such as a
decorative
print along an outer surface thereof
Both the inner panel structure 610 and outer panel structure 620 are attached
and
maintained in place by interweaving the panels between various support
elements that form
the crib frame.
Fig. 16 is similar to Fig. 15 with the difference being that the outer panel
structure 620
is not formed of a single continuous panel but instead is formed of a
plurality of panel
structures. Fig. 16 shows four separate outer panel structures 620; however,
two or more
panel structure 620 can be used and be attached the crib frame, Each panel
structure 620 is
attached to the crib and/or the inner panel structure 610 at its two opposing
free ends by
means of fastening elements 630. Once again, the illustrated fastening
elements 630 are ties;
however, other fastening elements can be used.
The present invention provides an attractive decorative product while
providing
enhanced safety and breathability along the section of the product that is
facing and in contact
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with the infant. It will be appreciated that the decorative surface is not
limited to being the
exterior face (surface) of the outer section 250 and other faces (surfaces) of
the product can
be a decorative surface. For example, the inner face of the inner section 210
can be a
decorative surface and include indicia, etc. In addition, the outer face of
the inner section 210
can be a decorative surface. It will therefore be understand that in any of
the liners disclosed
herein, a decorative surface can be provided on either or both of the inner
section 210 and
outer section 250 (any surfaces thereof).
It will also be understood that the crib liner 200 shown in Figs. 1-5 can
extend along
more than one portion of the crib frame and in particular, one crib liner can
extend along one
side rail 110, 120 and along at least a portion of one of the headboard 140
and the footboard
130.
As used herein, the term "substantial length" of at least one of the side
rails,
headboard and footboard is a length that is at least 2/3 of the length of the
respective crib
frame structure. However, while in some embodiments, the liner extends a
substantial length
of a respective portion of the crib, the liners of the present invention can
be attached to a crib
such that they extend less than a substantial length of the respective portion
of the crib (e.g.,
extending half the length; extending less than half the length, etc.).
Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional top view of one corner of a conventional crib
showing a
crib liner 700 according to another embodiment attached thereto. The crib is
of a traditional
type that has four corner posts 707 and cribs slats 709 extend along at least
one side or one
end of the crib. The crib slats 709 are spaced apart from another and extend
between
horizontal frame members. Between the crib slats 709, there are open air
spaces as discussed
previously. In the illustrated embodiment, the crib is shown to have crib
slats 709 along one
side and one end of the crib with the corner post 707 being in the corner. In
accordance with
the present invention, the crib liner 700 can include a number of separate
pieces that are
joined together about the corner post 707 in a detachable manner and in a
manner that
advantageously permits the attachment of the liner 700 to the corner post 707
to be adjusted
to account for different sized and different shaped cribs, thereby allowing an
optimal
attachment to be realized. In today's market, there are a vast number of
different crib designs
and more particularly, there are different sized cribs and different shaped
cribs. Some cribs
have a much larger corner post 707 construction compared to others (or vice
versa) and this
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poses difficulties for conventional liner products that are provided in one
size. The result can
be liners that are attached in a less than ideal manner with some liners
sagging, etc. The liner
700 of the present invention overcomes these deficiencies and is designed to
be used with the
vast number of cribs on the market and is designed to provide optimal fit due
to the
adjustment mechanism/feature that is incorporated into the liner 700.
In the illustrated embodiment, the liner 700 includes a plurality of panels
710 that are
attached to at least some of the sides and ends of the crib. For purpose of
illustration only,
the crib is discussed as having two short sides (e.g., ends) and two long
sides that have crib
slats 709 that extend along each side. However, it will be appreciated that a
number of crib
products on the market do not include crib slats 709 along four sides but
instead can includes
crib slats along only two or three of the sides. As will be appreciated
herein, the liner 700 is
designed to be installed in these types of cribs that have crib slats 709 on
only two or three
sides,
The illustrated liner 700 is constructed such that each panel 710 that extends
along
one side is formed of two sections that can be entirely separate from one
another or can be
joined to one another at select locations. For example, the two sections can
be in the form of
an inner panel section 720 that extends along inner surfaces of the crib slats
709 and an outer
panel section 730 that extends along outer surfaces of the crib slats 709. The
inner panel
section 720 thus faces the infant that is in the crib, while the outer panel
section 730 faces
away from the infant. The inner panel section 720 includes two opposing ends
722 and the
outer panel section 730 includes two opposing ends 732. The inner panel
section 720 and the
outer panel section 730 are preferably sized to have a length to allow the
ends 722, 732 of the
two sections 720, 730, respectively, to travel to the corner posts 707 that
lie along and at the
ends of the side.
In accordance with the present invention, each of the inner panel section 720
and the
outer panel section 730 is constructed at least partially of a mesh material,
including all types
of mesh materials discussed herein. More specifically, each panel section 720,
730 includes a
mesh section 750 that is formed of the mesh material and a non-mesh section
760. The mesh
section 750 is located in areas which may potentially block breathing of child
(e.g., through
the mouth and nose of a child) and the non-mesh section 760 is located at a
position that is
not exposed to the breathing child during normal use of the crib. The mesh
section 750 is a
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lower section of the panel and the non-mesh section 760 is an upper section of
the panel. The
relative heights of the sections 750, 760 are selected such that during normal
use of the crib,
the child's nose and mouth are position adjacent the mesh section 750. The non-
mesh section
760 is thus located above the child's nose and mouth when the child lies on
the mattress in
the crib. In one embodiment, the mesh section 750 occupies less than a
majority of the
surface area of the panel. For example, the mesh section 750 can occupy
between about 20%
to about 40% of the panel surface area. However, in other embodiments, the
mesh section
750 can occupy a majority of the panel's surface area (e.g., between about 50%
and 65%. In
addition, the mesh section 750 can occupy a surface area between 40% and 50%.
It will also
be appreciated that the mesh section 750 does not have to extend completely to
the bottom of
the panel but instead some decorative material (e.g., a small band) can be
formed thereat.
The heights of the inner panel section 720 and the outer panel section 730 are
preferably
identical or similar to one another.
At each of the ends 722 of the inner panel section 720 and the ends 732 of the
outer
panel section 730 includes a fastener 770. For example, various types of
fasteners can
include hook and loop closures (e.g., Velcro), snaps, buttons/buttonholes,
ties, straps,
buckles, zippers, magnets, etc. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 17, the
fastener 770
comprises one mating part of a zipper.
Along the length of either one or both of the inner panel section 720 and
outer panel
section 730, one or more secondary fasteners 780 can be provided and
constructed to provide
a further attachment between the panel section and the crib and in particular,
the crib slats
709. The secondary fasteners 780 can be of the same types mentioned above
relative to the
fasteners 770. For example, the illustrated secondary fasteners 780 are in the
form of straps
that include hook and loop material that mates together so as to attach the
panel to and around
one crib slat 709.
In accordance with the present invention, the liner 700 includes a corner post
attachment member 800 that securely attaches the panels 720, 730 to the corner
post 707 in
an adjustable manner. The corner post attachment member 800 is preferably a
unitary
structure that includes a first means 810 for attaching the member 800 to the
panels 720, 730
that extend along one side of the crib and a second means 820 for attaching
the member 800
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to the panels 720, 730 that extend along another side of the crib that
terminates at the same
corner post 707.
The member 800 is in the form of a body that extends about the corner post 707
and is
substantially continuous in structure and the first means 810 is in the form a
pair of flaps 812
that extends outwardly from the body and each includes a fastener 814 formed
at the end
thereof. The fasteners 814 are complementary to the fasteners 770 disposed at
the ends of the
inner panel section 720 and outer panel section 730 along one side of the
crib. The fasteners
814 can have any form discussed herein with respect to suitable types of
fasteners used in any
embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the
fasteners 814 are in
the form of a mating part of the zipper that is completed by fastener 770
which is thus in the
form of the other mating part of the zipper. Thus, each set of fastener 770
and fastener 814
mates and zips together to form an attached seam therebetween. In this manner
one portion
of the body of the member 800 is attached to panels 720, 730 that extend along
one side of
the crib.
Similarly, the second means 820 is in the form of a pair of second flaps 822
that
extends outwardly from the body and each includes a fastener 824 formed at an
end thereof.
The fasteners 824 are complementary to the fasteners 770 disposed at the ends
of the inner
panel section 720 and outer panel section 730 along the other side of the
crib. The fasteners
824 can have any form discussed herein with respect to suitable types of
fasteners used in any
embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the
fasteners 824 are in
the form of a mating part of the zipper that is completed by fastener 770
which is thus in the
form of the other mating part of the zipper. Thus, each set of fasteners 770
and fasteners 824
mate and zip together to form an attached seam therebetween. In this manner
one portion of
the body of the member 800 is attached to panels 720, 730 that extend along
the other side of
the crib.
As shown in the figure, the pair of flaps 812 and pair of flaps 822 are
located about 90
degrees apart from one another since the panels 720, 730 of one side intersect
the corner post
707 generally perpendicular to the panels 720, 730 of the other side.
When all of the fasteners associated with the corner post attachment member
800 and
the panels 720, 730 are mated together, the panels of two sides of the crib
are thus joined to
one another about the corner post.
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To complete the attachment of the member 800 to the corner post 707, the body
of the
device 800 is formed of two sections 815, 817 that are selectively joined one
another to form
a continuous body and thereby completely enclose the post 707 within the
member 800. The
section 815 includes the first pair of flaps 812 and the section 817 includes
the second pair of
flaps 814. At free edges of the sections 815, 817, fasteners 819 are provided
and the fasteners
819 can be of the same types mentioned above relative to the fasteners 770.
For example, the
illustrated fasteners 819 are in the form of two mating parts of a zipper.
When the fasteners
819 are attached, the body of the member 800 forms a continuous structure that
extends about
the corner post 707 with the fasteners 819 disposed along an accessible face
of the corner
post 707.
By incorporating multiple fasteners into the member 800, the member 800 is
both
easily attached to the panels 720, 730 and also is easily attached to the
corner post 707. As
mentioned above, the member 800 also includes a means for adjusting 850 the
fit of the
member 800 about the corner post 707 and in particular, the means 850 includes
a cinching
type device which allows the member 800 to be tightened about the corner post
707 to
effectuate a more optimal attachment. It will be appreciated that other means
besides a
cinching mechanism can be used to provide a member 800 that has a variable
dimension to fit
the corner post. For example, an elastic member, such as an elongated elastic
band or the like
can be incorporated into a section of the member 800 to cause a more optimal
fit to be
realized due the elastic properties. The elastic thus draws the member 800
into a snug fit with
the corner post.
The means 850 includes a cinch cord 852 that is attached at one end to an
inner
portion of the member 800 and can be fed through a channel formed in the
device to allow
attachment to the inner portion of the member 800. The cinch cord 852 extends
outwardly
from the member 800 and has an opposite free end 854 that can be grasped by
the user to
tighten the device 800 about the corner post 707. The free end 854 can include
a stop 855 in
the form of a knot that prevents the free end 854 from freely traveling within
the channel of
the member 800. Along the cinch cord 852 a friction device with a release 860
can be
provided. Once the cinch cord 852 is pulled and the member 800 tightens about
the corner
post 707 to effectuate a secure attachment, the friction device 860 is moved
along the cinch
cord in a direction away from the free end to effectively, lock the cinch cord
in place. To
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move the friction device 860 along the cinch cord 852, the release (which can
be a button or
the like) is pressed and then it is released to lock the friction device 860
in place.
The cinch cord 852 extends from the flap 815 of the body of the proximate the
first
means for attaching the body to the panels 720, 730 that extend along one side
of the crib.
The means 850 also includes a tie 870 that extends from the flap 817 of the
body and
is attached to the body at one end and has a free end 872. More specifically,
the tie 870 is
attached to an extended flap section 871 that extends from the main flap 817
of the member
800 proximate the fastener 819. The length of the extended flap 871 is such
that when it is
folded back over the body of the member 800, the extended flap 871 covers the
fasteners 819.
The elements 870 are not limited to being ties but also can be in the form of
hook and
loop strips and mate with the cinch cord 852 to provide a clean fastened
product.
At the free end 872, a stop 874, such as a knot, can be formed. The cinch cord
852
and tie 870 are thus on opposite sides of the fasteners 819 that complete the
body. The tie
870 is fixed to the extended flap 871 of the member 800, while the cinch cord
852 travels
within an inner channel formed within the member 800 and is fixed to the body
at a location
that is further from the point where the cinch cord 852 intersects the body
and further from
the point where the tie 870 intersects the body. This arrangement is due to
the fact that the
cinch cord 852 is designed to pull or gather an inner section of the body of
the member 800
and draw it together so as to effectuate a cinching action. The cinching
action causes the
corner post attachment member 800 to tighten therearound resulting in a more
optimal, secure
fit. As previously mentioned the cinching mechanism that is incorporated into
the corner
post design allows the device of the present invention to be used with any
number of different
types of cribs. In other words, the corner post 707 design varies from crib to
crib and since
the corner posts represent the principle means for attaching the liner to the
crib, the liner of
the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the conventional designs
and provides a
liner that can be used with a substantially more number of cribs currently be
marketed due to
the adjustment means incorporated into the corner post attachment.
Figs. 17-19 show the steps involved in attaching the liner to the crib. In
Fig. 18, the
cinch cord 852 is pulled in a direction (1) away from the crib so as to draw
the body (main
flaps 815, 817) of the comer post attachment member 800 into a tighter
engagement with the
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corner post 707. This action reduces the slack in the corner post attachment
member 800. In
other words, the cinching action of the corner post attachment member 800
causes the body
of the member 800 to be drawn in towards the corner post resulting in a more
tighter, snug fit.
Fig. 18 also shows the friction device 860 being moved in a direction (2)
toward the corner
post 707 to act as a stop and hold the extended length of the cinch cord 852.
This likely
requires release of the release button of the friction device 860. The
movement of the friction
device 860 locks the cinch cord 852 in the desired location. It will be
appreciated that when
slack is pulled from the two different sections of the corner post attachment
member 800 (as
shown by arrows (3) in the figure), the diameter of the corner post attachment
member 800 is
reduced. The result pulls slack from the inner panel 720 that lies along one
side and the outer
panel 730 that lies along an adjacent side of the crib and meets the inner
panel from the one
side in the same corner.
Fig. 19 shows the tying of the tie 870 and the cinch cord 852 and folding over
the flap
871 which provides a pleasing appearance and covers the functional fasteners
819. The result
is a pleasing, polished product.
It will be appreciated that each member 800 preferably includes a pair of
cinch cords
852 and a pair of ties 870. For example, for each member 800, one cinch cord
852 and one
tie 870 can be provided at an upper end of the corner post attachment member
800 and one
cinch cord 852 and one tie 870 can be provided at a lower end of the corner
post attachment
member 800. In this manner, both the upper section and the lower section of
the member 800
are securely attached about the corner post 707.
Figs. 20-23 are perspective views of a liner 900 that is similar to the liner
700. As a
result, like elements are numbered alike. One difference between the liner 900
and the liner
700 is that the liner 900 does not include two sections for each panel that
extends along one
side of the crib. Instead, each panel is only formed of one panel section,
such as inner panel
720 as shown. Ends 722 of the inner panel 720 include fasteners 770 as
discussed herein.
For purpose of illustration, the fasteners 770 are in the form of zippers;
however, as discussed
herein, any number of different fasteners can be used.
The corner post attachment member 801 is also modified for attachment only to
a
single panel section 720 along each side of the crib. The member 801 thus
still includes first
means 810 for attaching the member 801 to the panel 720 that extends along one
side of the
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crib and second means 820 for attaching the member 801 to the panel 720 that
extends along
another side of the crib that terminates at the same corner post 707. The
first means can be in
the form of a first flap 812 that extend outwardly from the body (section 815)
and the second
means can be in the form of a second flap 822 that extends outwardly from the
body (section
817). The fasteners 814 at ends of the flaps 812, 822 are used to attach the
member 801 to
the respective panels 720 that extend along the inner surfaces/faces of the
crib sides. In the
illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 814 are zippers; however, they can be
any of the
fasteners disclosed herein.
The member 801 includes the sections 815, 817 that include free ends that each
includes fastener 819. The sections 815, 817 can thus be opened relative to
one another to
allow reception of the corner post 707 within the member 800.
It will also be appreciated that while the corner post attachment member 801
can be a
separate member relative to the panels 720, it can be an integral component in
that that there
is a single elongated, continuous panel that has a plurality of corner post
attachment members
801 formed therealong at spaced intervals. For a four sided crib, there will
be four members
801 to attach the continuous panel to four corner posts of the crib. The
corner post
attachment members 801 can thus include integral sections 815, 817 that extend
outwardly
from the rest of the panel structure and create a pocket that receives the
corner post when the
member 801 is in an open position as discussed herein. In the open position,
the integral
sections 815, 817 are not attached to one another and the fasteners 819 are
used to attach the
sections 815, 817 to form a continuous pocket structure that surrounds the
corner post 707.
The section 815 still includes at least one and preferably a pair of cinch
cords 852 (upper and
lower cinch cords) that are constructed as described hereinbefore. The section
815 includes
at least one and preferably a pair of ties 870 that mates with the cinch cords
852 as described
herein.
Fig. 20 shows the sections 815, 817 being wrapped around the crib corner post
707
and the fasteners 819 are mated together to securely attach the member 801 to
the corner post
707. Fig. 21 shows further the securing of the member 801 by means of the
fasteners 819, in
this ease a zipper. As in the previous embodiment, Fig. 22 shows pulling on
the cinch cord
852 and pushing the friction device 860 to remove excess slack from the corner
post
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attachment member 801. Fig. 23 shows the extended flap being folded over to
conceal the
fasteners 819 and the ties 870 and the cinch cords 852 are tied to one
another.
It will thus be appreciated that in this embodiment, the single panel product
is fed
along the inner faces/surface of the crib frame and the liner is attached
primarily by
attachment to the corner posts and secondarily, panel to crib attachment is
possible as
described herein.
The product can be provided so that it is a continuous uninterrupted liner
that is
disposed in place along the inner faces of the crib slats along the sides of
the crib by simply
lowering the liner into the crib above the mattress and then generally placing
the
corresponding side panels 720 of the liner next to respective sides of the
crib. In some
designs, the liner may or may not fit between the mattress and the sides, and
it may extend
below the top of the mattress, extending down to the platform the mattress
rests on. The liner
is then attached to the crib by attaching the corner post attachment members
to the respective
corner posts and then using the adjustment (cinching) mechanism described
herein for
removing excess slack in the corners. This is contrast to conventional liners
that are not
continuous structures but have at least two free ends that are attached.
In another embodiment, the liner can have two free ends that are attached with
fasteners to form a completely attached structure. The corner post attachment
members are
formed integrally along the liner's body and are spaced at set intervals that
are intended to
position each corner post attachment member proximate to one corner post of
the crib for
attachment thereto.
It will be apparent from Figs. 20-23 that the panels 720, 730 shown in Figs.
17-19 can
include a mesh portion and a non-mesh portion as described herein. In addition
the panels
shown in Figs. 17-23 can be formed, at least in part, of mesh in some
embodiments.
In addition, while Figs. 20-23 show the placement of one panel along the inner
surface of the crib side, an alternative liner is one in which the panel is
disposed along the
outer surfaces of the crib. Thus, the one panel can extend along the outer
surfaces of the crib
support elements 709 (without a panel section along the inner surfaces of the
crib support
elements 709). The member(s) 800 still serves to attach the panel to the
corner post(s). Thus,
one or more panels extend along the outside of the crib (and preferably
includes a mesh
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section and non-mesh section) and the member 800 receives the corner post
within the pocket
defined therein and then is attached as discussed herein. The member 800 is
disposed along
the inner surfaces of the corner post 707 since it surrounds the corner post
(while the panels
are limited to the outside of the crib in this one embodiment). This
arrangement is also true
for multiple panels that are used on one crib (i.e., four panels with four
members 800).
In yet another embodiment, the liner 700 can attach to a mattress panel
section that
the mattress rests on. This provides further means for securely attaching the
liner 700 to the
crib. The means for releasably attaching the liner to the crib can be any of
the fastener types
described herein. The liner can be permanently sewn to the mattress panel
section or can be
releasably attached. The mattress panel section can be formed of any number of
different
materials including different materials relative to the panel (since the
infant does not come
into contact with this portion).
The advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent in that
excess slack is
removed in the liner due to the adjustable corner portions of the liner and as
a result, the
present liners can be used on a vast number of crib designs. Conventional
liners are much
more rigid and unforgiving in their constructions and if an optimal fit did
not result, the liner
may sag due to the slack therein. This is less than an ideal fit.
The present invention thus broadly encompasses a corner post crib liner
attachment
mechanism that allows the liner to be securely and properly attached to a
number of different
crib designs without requiring the product to be modified or retrofitted. This
is due to the
integral cinching mechanism that causes the corner post attachment member to
be drawn
inward toward the corner post and then locked in place when a snug fit results
between the
corner post attachment member and the corner post.
Figs. 24-30 illustrate a liner 1000 according to another embodiment. The liner
1000
can be in the form of a continuous liner structure that is constructed, as
discussed below, to
be disposed along the inside of the crib (i.e., the liner 1000 seats against
the inner surfaces of
the slats of the crib frame). When the liner 1000 has this construction, the
liner 1000 can be
removed from the product packaging and then inserted into the crib and placed
in contact
with the inner surface of the crib's frame. While not shown, the liner 1000
can be formed as
an elongated structure that has two opposite ends that are joined together in
one corner to
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form a continuous liner structure that is disposed along the inside of the
crib (i.e., the liner
1000 seats against the inner surfaces of the slats of the crib frame).
Despite having the above construction, the liner 1000 has a plurality of
distinct
integral sections that seat against different corresponding sections of the
frame of the crib.
More particularly, the liner 1000 has a pair of opposing side sections 1100
and a pair of
opposing end sections 1200, with the end sections 1200 typically having
shorter lengths
compared to the lengths of the side sections 1100. However, the present
invention also
covers a liner that is formed of four sections that are substantially the same
and are intended
for placement along four corresponding sides of the crib (e.g., two side rail
sections and two
end rail sections, etc.) (in this case, the sections 1100, 1200 can be the
same). When the two
free ends of the liner 1000 are attached to one another, the liner 1000 has a
generally
rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 24. As mentioned above, in the assembled
state shown in
the figures, there are no free liner ends and to the user, the liner appears
to be a continuous
structure that includes different sections that are joined together along
seams or the like.
In accordance with the present invention, each of the sections 1100, 1200 can
be
formed so as to include a mesh section and more particularly, each of the
illustrated sections
1100, 1200 can be formed of an upper material portion 1300, a middle material
portion 1310
and a bottom material portion 1320. The upper and lower portions 1300, 1320
can be formed
of a non-mesh material such as a (cloth) fabric layer that can have a layer of
padding
incorporated therein. It will also be appreciated that any or all of the
portions 1300, 1310,
1320 can have decorative indicia associated therewith.
As described herein with reference to other previous embodiments, the mesh
section
(e.g., the middle material portion 1310) can be formed of any number of
different mesh
materials that are commercially available. The mesh material readily allows
airflow into and
out of the crib when the liner 1000 is attached to the crib.
In accordance with one embodiment, the surface area of the middle portion 1310
is
less than 66% of the total surface area of each panel and more particularly,
the surface area of
the middle portion 1310 can be less than 55%; less than 50%; less than 40%,
etc. The
portions 1310, 1320, 1330 are constructed such that the relative heights of
each is such that
the middle portion 1310 is positioned generally adjacent to the top surface of
the crib
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mattress so as to allow airflow into and out of the crib. The lower portion
1320 can be
disposed along and even below the side of the mattress.
For purposes of the present application, the sections 1100, 1200 can also be
thought of
as being a panel of the liner 1000. Each panel is intended to cover one side
(end) of the crib.
However, the panel can be formed of a plurality of sections that are joined
together to form a
continuous structure. The panel can also be thought of as being formed of
several separate
panel sections that are joined together (e.g., as by stitching).
A panel can also be thought of, in one embodiment, as being a structure that
is
disposed between two corner posts of the crib and as described herein, when
the liner
includes defined corner sections, one panel section is disposed between two
corner sections.
In accordance with the present invention, the liner 1000 can be provided to
have
gusseted corner sections 1350. The gusseted corner sections 1350 are designed
to be
disposed in the corners of the crib when the liner 1000 is attached to the
crib along the
interior thereof. The gusseted corner sections 1350 are thus formed between
adjacent
sections 1100, 1200 of the liner 1000. It will be appreciated that in one
embodiment, the
gusseted corner sections 1350 thus serve as joining pieces that join together
the sections
(panels) 1100, 1200. The panels 1100, 1200 can thus be formed separate from
the corner
sections 1350 and then attached to the corner sections 1350 to form the
continuous liner
1000. The panels 1100, 1200 and corner sections 1350 can be attached using
conventional
techniques, including stitching, etc.
As shown in Figs. 24-26, the gusseted corner sections and the constructions of
the
sections (panels) 1100, 1200 cause each panel 1100, 1200 to have unequal
lengths along the
top and bottom edges thereof. In other words, the top edge of each panel 1100,
1200 (as
measured between the corner sections 1350) is different than a length of the
bottom edge of
the panel 1100, 1200. In one embodiment, each panel 1100, 1200 has a
trapezoidal shape in
that a top edge 1375 of each panel has a length that is different (e.g.,
greater) than the
corresponding bottom edge 1377 of the panel. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment,
the top edge of the section 1100 (side panel) has a length of about 49 inches,
while the
bottom edge has a length of about 52 inches; and similarly, the top edge of
the section 1200
(end panel) has a length of about 23 inches, while the bottom edge has a
length of about 29
inches, It will be understood that these dimensions are merely exemplary and
not limiting.
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The difference in length between the top and bottom edges is due to the
construction (shape)
of the panel itself and the construction of the corner sections 1350.
As shown in Fig. 24, the gusseted section 1350 includes a top portion 1352
which is
defined by a pair of sides (edges) 1353 that are substantially parallel to one
another, while a
bottom portion 1354 of the gusseted section 1350 has an inwardly tapered
construction and is
defined by a pair of inwardly tapered edges 1355 that meet at a point that is
defined along the
bottom edge of the panel.
As also shown in Fig. 24, the gusseted sections 1350 can be coupled to the
adjacent
panels (sections 1100, 1200) such that the gusseted sections 1350 are formed
at an angle to
the adjacent panels which are generally located along planes that are
generally perpendicular
to one another.
As shown in Fig. 24, the section 1100, 1200 (panel) can be constructed such
that the
upper (top) portion 1300 has parallel ends that are perpendicular, while the
middle and
bottom portions 1310, 1320 have ends that are not parallel to the ends of the
upper portion
1300. The ends of the middle and bottom portions 1310, 1320 can be axially
aligned and can
be parallel to one another. The ends of the middle and bottom portions 1310,
1320 of
adjacent panels 1100, 1200 intersect one another at the bottom edge in one
corner. This
construction of the ends of the middle and bottom portions 1310, 1320 is
complementary and
mirrors the shape of the gusseted section 1350 which is attached between the
ends of the
adjacent panels 1100, 1200.
The trapezoidal shape of the liner 1000 as a result of the gusseted sections
1350
provides a number of advantages including but not limited to the fact that the
construction
allows for the standard size mattress to fit freely into the lower portion of
the liner 1000 as a
result of the bottom portion of (each panel of) the liner 1000 having a
greater dimensions
(length) compared to the top portion thereof One reason for the top edge of
the liner 1000 to
be a smaller dimension is that to attach the liner 1000 to the crib, the user
preferably pulls the
slack for the configuration and makes the finished assembly taut.
In accordance with one embodiment, the corners of the liner 1000 have an
attachment
means for attaching the liner 1000 to the frame of the crib. The attachment
means is in the
form a first fastener element 1400 associated with one section 1100 and a
second fastener
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element 1410 associated with the adjacent section 1200. The first and second
fastener
elements 1400, 1410 extend outwardly from the liner so as to allow the
elements 1400, 1410
to be inserted through an opening (e.g., a slot) formed in the crib frame
proximate the corner
(e.g., corner post). The elements 1400, 1410 are thus wrapped around and
secured to the
corner post of the crib frame, thereby securely attaching the liner 1000 to
the crib in a
releasable manner.
Even when the top edge of the liner includes the lengths of the top edges of
the corner
sections and the bottom edge of the liner includes the lengths of the bottom
edges of the
corner sections, the top edge of the liner has an overall length that is
different than a length of
the bottom edge. For example, the overall length of the top edge can be less
than the overall
length of the bottom edge of the liner (e.g., trapezoidal shape).
In one embodiment, the fastener elements 1400, 1410 can be integral to the
corner
section 1350 in that the corner section 1350 can include the fastener elements
1400, 1410. In
this embodiment, the corner section 1350 with fastener elements 1400, 1410 can
be a separate
integral part that is then attached to ends of the adjacent panels 1100, 1200
to form the
continuous liner 1000. As set forth herein, the fastener elements 1400, 1410
can be separate
from the corner section 1350 and can instead be attached to the adjacent
panels 1100, 1200.
The first fastener element 1400 has a first length and the second fastener
element
1410 has a second length such that when the liner 1000 is placed within the
inside of the crib,
the elements 1400, 1410 are of sufficient length to extend around the exterior
of the corner
post of the crib and engage one another as described herein. In particular,
each of the
fastener elements 1400, 1410 has a feature that allows the elements to mate
and be pulled taut
with respect to one another, thereby securely attaching the liner to the
crib's frame.
The fastener elements 1400, 1410 when joined (mated) define a looped structure
that
surrounds the corner post of the crib and is adjustable along at least one
dimension so as to
attach the liner 1000 to the crib.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first element 1400 can be formed of a
flexible
material and is shorter in length than the second element 1410 and includes a
slit 1405
formed at or near the distal end 1402 thereof. The slit 1405 can be integrally
formed within
the flexible material (natural or synthetic material) or can be defined
between the distal end
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of the flexible material and another element (such as a buckle) that is
attached to the distal
end such that a small vertical slit is provided. The second element 1410 is
likewise formed of
a flexible material (of greater length than the first element 1400) and
includes a first surface
or face 1402 and an opposing second surface or face 1404. The first surface
1402 carries at
least one fastener 1425 that is configured such that the second element 1410
can be securely
attached to either itself or to a portion of the section (panel) 1200 by means
of
complementary fastener 1427 associated with the section (panel) 1200 (or when
it is attached
to itself, the fastener 1427 is part of the second element 1410). In other
words, when a length
of the second element 1410 is folded over and the fastener 1425 mates with the
fastener 1427,
the folded length is securely attached to another length of the second element
1410 or is
attached to second panel 1200.
For example, the fastener 1425 can be in the form of an elongated strip of
hook and
loop material and the fastener 1427 can likewise be an elongated complementary
strip of
hook and loop material. As shown in Fig. 25, the fasteners 1425, 1427 can be a
single
elongated piece of hook and loop material that extends not only along the
first surface 1402
of the element 1410 but along extends along a length of the exterior surface
of the upper
portion 1300 of the end section (panel) 1200. In this way, the second element
1410 can be
folded into contact with the exterior surface of the upper portion 1300 and is
attached thereto.
Alternatively, the fastener elements 1425, 1427 can be located on the same
fastener
element 1410 and thus, when folded over the free end of the fastener element
1410 can be
attached to another section of the fastener element 1410. It will also be
appreciated that the
fastener element 1427 can be only located along the panel 1200 and does not
extend onto the
fastener element 1410 that extends outwardly from the liner 1000 (e.g.,
extends outwardly
from the corner section 1350).
While the illustrated fastener 1425 is in the form of one or more elongated
strips of
hook and loop material, it will be appreciated that other fasteners 1425 can
equally be used
including but not limited to hooks, buttons, snaps, ties, or other types of
mechanical fasteners.
Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, the fastener elements 1400, 1410
are configured
such that they form a looped structure that surrounds the corner post of the
crib. The fastener
elements 1400, 1410 are also configured such that at least one dimension
(e.g., the
circumference) of the looped structure can be varied by adjustment of at least
one of the
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fastener elements 1400, 1410. In the illustrated buckle configuration, the
circumference of
the looped structure is reduced by continued pulling of the second fastener
element 1410
though the first fastener element 1400. The second fastener element 1410 is
continuously
pulled until a taut looped structure is formed.
Figs. 25 and 26 show the elements 1400, 1410.
Figs. 27-30 show the steps for attaching the liner 1000 to a crib frame (i.e.,
to corner
posts thereof). Fig. 27 shows the first and second elements 1400, 1410 pulled
outwardly
from the sections 1100, 1200 to allow the elements 1400, 1410 to be wrapped
around the
corner post. Fig. 28 shows the insertion of a distal end 1411 of the second
element 1410
through the slit 1405 (of the buckle) after the second element 1410 is wrapped
around the
corner post of the crib frame. The size of the slit 1405 accommodates the
distal end 1411 and
allows the second element 1410 to be pulled through the slit 1405. As shown in
Figs. 28 and
29, the second element 1410 is pulled through the slit 1405 and folded over
such that the first
surface 1402 faces the second section 1200 and more particularly, the fastener
1425 faces and
is brought into contact with the fastener 1427 that is part of the section
(panel) 1200 so as to
securely attach the second element 1410 to the second section 1200. It will be
appreciated
that the degree to which the second element 1410 extends through the slit 1405
depends upon
the dimensions and shape of the corner post. As a result, the second element
1410 is looped
around the corner post of the crib and because of the adjustability of the
second element
1410, the loop around the corner post can be made very taut so as to securely
attach the liner
to the corner post.
Figs. 31-36 show a liner 1500 that is similar to the liner 1000 and therefore
like
elements are numbered alike. One difference is that in this embodiment, the
comer sections
1350 have a slightly different attachment means in that there are a pair of
first fastener
elements 1510 (as opposed to the single element 1410) and a pair of second
fastener elements
1520 (as opposed to the single second fastener element 1420). One element 1510
mates with
one element 1520.
The first and second fastener elements 1510, 1520 extend outwardly from the
liner
with the element 1510 being associated with the side section (panel) 1100 and
the elements
1520 being associated with the end section (panel) 1200. As in the previous
embodiment, the
elements 1400, 1410 are thus wrapped around and secured to the corner post of
the crib
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frame, thereby securely attaching the liner 1500 to the crib in a releasable
manner. Each of
the elements 1520 includes a fastener 1525 on the first face 1521. The
fastener 1525 can be
any number of different types of fasteners including the ones described
herein. In the
illustrated embodiment, the fastener 1525 is a piece of hook and loop
material. A fastener
1527 which is complementary to the fastener 1525 (e.g., hook and loop
material) is disposed
along the second section (panel) 1200. As shown, the fastener 1527 can be
formed along the
first face 1521 of the element 1520 and/or can be disposed along the exterior
surface of the
second section 1200.
Figs. 33-36 show the steps of attaching the corner section 1350 of the liner
1500 to a
corner post 1501 of a crib frame. Similar to the liner 1000, the distal ends
of the two
elements 1520 are inserted through the slits1405 formed in the corresponding
first elements
1510 as shown in the top plan views of Figs. 33 and 34. The elements 1520 are
then looped
back and pulled toward the second section (panel) 1200 of the liner 1500 as
shown in Figs. 34
and 35 so to draw the first elements 1510 snug against the corner post 1501.
As shown in
Fig. 35, the distal ends of the second elements 1520 can then be routed along
the inside of
vertical slats 1503 (vertical supports of the crib end) so as to come into
contact with the
fasteners 1527. The fasteners 1527 have appropriate dimensions to allow the
second
elements 1520 to be pulled taut against the corner post 1501 as shown in Fig.
36, thereby
resulting in the liner 1500 being securely attached to the crib.
Figs. 37-39 show a liner 1600 according to another embodiment. The liner 1600
is
similar to the previous liners 1000, 1500 and therefore, like elements are
numbered alike.
The main difference between the liner 1600 and the liner 1000 is that the
liner 1600 does not
include tapered gusseted corner sections, such as the corner sections 350 that
are part of the
liner 1000.
The liner 1600 also shows additional attachment means formed along the lengths
of
the sections 1100, 1200. For example, secondary attachments 1605 can be
provided along
the upper regions (at or proximate the top edge) of each of the sections 1100,
1200 to provide
additional attachment points between the liner 1600 and the crib frame. The
secondary
attachments 1605 can be in the form of any number of different types of
fasteners that serve
to attach the liner to a section of the crib. In the illustrated embodiment,
each attachment
1605 is in the form of an elongated strip of hook and loop material 1607 that
mates with
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another section of hook and loop material 1609 that is formed along the
respective section
1100, 1200. For example, the material 1607 can be an elongated flexible strip
of material
that is attached to and extends outwardly from the respective side of the
section 1100, 1200.
The material 1607 is designed to wrap around a portion of the crib, such as
one or more
vertical support members (slats) 1503 of the crib and be attached to the
material 1609 in a
taut manner. When the strip 1607 attaches to the material (patch) 1609, an
additional
attachment point between the liner 1600 and the crib is established.
In the illustrated embodiment, each end section 1200 includes one secondary
attachment 1605 and each side section 1100 includes a pair of secondary
attachments 1605.
It will be appreciated that the secondary attachments 1605 can also be
included as part
of the liners 1000 and 1500.
The liner 1600 can incorporate first and second fasteners 1400, 1410 for
attaching the
liner 1600 to corner posts of the crib. Similar to the constructions described
with reference to
liner 1000, the fasteners 1400, 1410 can either be attached to the panels
1100, 1200
themselves or they can be part of a corner section that is attached to the
ends of the panels
1100, 1200 as described previously.
In the illustrated embodiment, the elements 1400, 1410 are an integral part of
the liner
material in that they are integral to the fabric material sections thereof and
can be in the form
of integral extensions that extend outwardly from the liner and fastener
elements 1425, 1427
are used to define a looped structure around the corner post of the crib.
Figs. 24-39 thus broadly show a means for attaching a crib liner that is
installed
(disposed) along the inside of the crib (i.e., along the inner walls of the
crib frame) by using
corner attachment means that extend around the exterior of a corresponding
corner post. The
attachments means accommodates different sized corner posts and allows a
secure, taut fit
between the liner and crib frame. By disposing the attachment means on the
exterior face
(surface) of the liner, the attachment means is spaced and removed from an
infant that is
within the crib.
It will also be appreciated that the elements 1400, 1410 and 1510, 1520 can be
reversed in terms of which element is attached to which panel. For example,
while the
illustrated drawings show the shorter elements 1400, 1510 attached to the side
panels and the
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longer elements 1410, 1520 attached to the end panels, the opposite can be
equally true in
that the shorter elements 1400, 1510 can be attached to the end panels and the
longer
elements 1410, 1520 can be attached to the side panels.
It will be understood that all dimensions, such as lengths, mentioned herein
and set
forth in any drawings attached hereto are merely exemplary in nature and are
not limiting of
the present invention since the dimensions of the liner of the present
invention will vary
depending upon different parameters, such as the size of the crib, etc.
While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments
thereof, the invention is capable of being practiced in other forms and using
other materials
and structures. Accordingly, the invention is defined by the recitations in
the claims
appended hereto and equivalents thereof.
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