CA2637014A1 - Safety bedding system - Google Patents
Safety bedding system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2637014A1 CA2637014A1 CA 2637014 CA2637014A CA2637014A1 CA 2637014 A1 CA2637014 A1 CA 2637014A1 CA 2637014 CA2637014 CA 2637014 CA 2637014 A CA2637014 A CA 2637014A CA 2637014 A1 CA2637014 A1 CA 2637014A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bedding system
- lower layer
- cover layer
- mattress
- individual
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
A safety bedding system for use on a bed with a mattress is provided. The bedding system comprises a lower layer, for covering at least a portion of the mattress, which includes a body retaining means, and a cover layer having first fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the bed and second fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the lower layer. The bedding system is advantageously used with infants to maintain safety and comfort when placed in a crib.
Description
SAFETY BEDDING SYSTEM
Field of the Invention [0001]The present invention generally relates to bedding, and in particular, relates to bedding which incorporates safety features that are advantageous for use with infants or other at risk individuals.
Background of the Invention [0002]The incidence of Sudden Infant Death syndrome (SIDs) and its apparent link to infant sleeping positions has resulted in the development of various crib positioning devices and bedding articles.
Field of the Invention [0001]The present invention generally relates to bedding, and in particular, relates to bedding which incorporates safety features that are advantageous for use with infants or other at risk individuals.
Background of the Invention [0002]The incidence of Sudden Infant Death syndrome (SIDs) and its apparent link to infant sleeping positions has resulted in the development of various crib positioning devices and bedding articles.
[0003]U.S. Patent No. 5,746,219, for example, describes an infant sleep positioning device for maintaining an infant in a back sleeping position. The device comprises a longitudinal belt member which includes fastener straps at either end thereof for fastening the belt to crib rails. Centrally located on the belt member is attachment means which can be releasably attached to attachment means on a diaper member for placement on an infant. With the diaper member in place on an infant, the infant can be attached to the belt member which is in turn fastened at either end to the crib to maintain the infant in the desired position during sleep.
[0004]A number of similar devices and modified sheets are also described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,208,925, 5,400,803 and 6,708,356.
[0005]Other positioning devices have also been developed such as the crib blanket described in U.S. Patent No. 2,677,834 which comprises a number of straps to fasten the blanket to rails of a crib, as well as a strap fixed to one end of the blanket that is adapted for fastening around the body of a baby to maintain the blanket's position relative to the baby during sleeping.
[0006]Despite the foregoing, a need exists for safety bedding, for use with infants or other at risk individuals, that maintains safety and comfort and provides one or more features not provided by the previously developed sheets, blankets and related devices.
Summary of the Invention [0007]A novel safety bedding system has now been developed for use with a crib or other bed which includes a lower layer having a body retaining means and a cover layer having means to fasten the cover layer to the bed. The cover layer is also detachably fastened to the lower layer to allow easy separation of the lower layer and cover layer for washing purposes, as well as for seasonal changing of the cover layer to a more appropriate weight.
Summary of the Invention [0007]A novel safety bedding system has now been developed for use with a crib or other bed which includes a lower layer having a body retaining means and a cover layer having means to fasten the cover layer to the bed. The cover layer is also detachably fastened to the lower layer to allow easy separation of the lower layer and cover layer for washing purposes, as well as for seasonal changing of the cover layer to a more appropriate weight.
[0008]Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, a bedding system is provided, for use on a bed with a mattress, comprising:
a lower layer for covering at least a portion of a mattress, said lower layer comprising body retaining means; and a cover layer comprising first fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the bed and second fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the lower layer.
a lower layer for covering at least a portion of a mattress, said lower layer comprising body retaining means; and a cover layer comprising first fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the bed and second fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the lower layer.
[0009]This and other aspects of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description that follows and the accompanying drawings in which:
Brief Description of the Drawings [0010]Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a bedding system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0011 ]Figure 2 illustrates a top view of an infant retained in a bedding system uncovered by the cover layer; and [0012]Figure 3 illustrates a top view of an infant retained in a bedding system covered by the covered layer.
Detailed Description of the Invention [0013]A bedding system 10 is provided, as shown in Figure 1, for use on a bed having a mattress. The system 10 comprises a lower layer 12 and a cover layer 22.
[0014]The lower layer 12 is a sheet-like layer that generally covers at least a portion of a mattress on which it is laid, and will generally cover an area on which an individual will lie. As shown, the lower layer 12 includes means to retain the lower layer 12 in position on the mattress. The retaining means 14 are not particularly restricted and may include a peripheral edging adapted to fit around the edges of the mattress, for example an elasticized edging around the periphery or parts thereof such as at the corners of the lower layer 12 as shown. Alternatively, the retaining means 14 may be longitudinal straps located about the periphery of the lower layer 12, and generally at the corners thereof, which are connected by first and second ends to the periphery of lower layer 12 in spaced relation. The straps, thus, are used to hook under the corners of the mattress to retain the lower layer 12 in position covering the mattress. Other retaining means 14 may also be utilized including, for example, Velcro patches applied to the underside of the lower layer 12 for connection to corresponding patches applied to the mattress or mattress cover.
[0015]The lower layer 12 is sheet-like and adapted to cover a mattress onto which it is laid. It may be generally rectangular in shape, but may also be otherwise shaped such as square, oval, etc. It need not cover the entire mattress. The lower layer 12 includes top and bottom ends 13a and sides 13b joining the top and bottom ends 13a. The lower layer 12 may be made of a variety of fabrics preferably including cotton, flannel and other fabrics or blends thereof which are compatible with the skin, soft to touch, and which provide comfort to lie on. The lower layer 12 may itself comprise multiple layers, for example a padded layer to provide increased comfort or a waterproof layer for mattress protection.
[0016]The lower layer 12 comprises a body retaining means 16 which functions to engage a portion of an individual, such as an infant, lying on the lower layer 12 when in place on a mattress to maintain the position of the individual on the mattress. Preferably, the body retaining means 16 engages the lower abdomen of an individual as shown.
Although the body retaining means 16 may engage either the upper or lower body of an individual, an abdominal core retaining means 16 advantageously provides an individual with upper body mobility, as well as mobility for both arms and legs as shown in Fig. 2, that may be less constraining on the individual and, thus, more comfortable.
In this regard, the body retaining means 16 is made out of any material that comfortably engages the individual and is compatible with skin. Thus, body retaining means 16 may comprise fabrics such as cotton, flannel, fabric blends and other materials conventionally used to make bedding. The body retaining means 16 may additionally comprise a material that is flexible in nature, such a elastic or other similar material, for example an elastic band edging, to provide a snug yet comfortable fitting body retaining means 16.
[0017]In one embodiment, the body retaining means 16 comprises a diaper-like conformation including a back panel 18 from which first and second side flaps 18a, 18b extend and a corresponding front panel 20. The back panel 18 is fixed by stitching or by other appropriate means to the lower layer 12 while the first and second side flaps 18a, 18b are fixed at one end to the back panel 18 and are free at the other end for attachment to the front panel 20. As will be appreciated, the body retaining means may simply include the side flaps 18a, 18b and front panel 20, both of which may be fixed directly to the lower layer 12. The front panel 20 covers the crotch and tummy area of an individual, while the first and second side flaps 18a, 18b fold over the tummy of the individual and join by selected joining means 21 to the front panel 20 to retain the individual therein. Joining means 21 such as straps, ties, buttons, clips, Velcro and the like are suitable to connect the side flaps to the front panel 20 to form the body retaining means 16. The body retaining means 16 may also be a unitary structure into which the individual's abdomen is placed including means to tighten or fasten the unitary structure onto the individual to retain the individual therein. Such tightening or fastening means may include ties, belts, clips, fastening means such as Velcro and the like.
[0018]The bedding system 10 additionally includes a cover layer 22 shaped to cover an individual having top and bottom ends 23a and sides 23b joining the top and bottom ends 23a. The cover layer 22 includes first fastening means 24 to connect the cover layer 22 to the bed to maintain it in position covering an individual and to prevent it from covering the face of the individual and to prevent it from not properly covering the individual. The first fastening means 24 are generally located at one or more positions along each side 23b of the cover layer 22 and are sufficient to detachably connect the cover layer 22 to the bed. The term "bed" is used herein to encompass a conventional bed essentially including a frame and a mattress as well as a crib, playpen or child's bed which generally additionally includes side rails. Thus, examples of suitable fastening means 24 include ties, straps adapted to loop around part of the bed frame or crib side rail and fasten to itself or the cover layer by clip, button or material fastener such as Velcro.
It is preferred to fasten the cover layer 22 to the bed rails or other structures which extend above the level of the mattress to allow circulation of air around a covered individual while sleeping which helps to prevent overheating and to avoid undue restraint of the individual.
[0019]The cover layer 22 is made out of a material suitable to cover an individual while sleeping or resting, and may be the same as or different from the lower layer 12, such as cotton, flannel, fleece and other suitable fabrics and fabric blends. A
preferred cover layer 22 is a bed cover or blanket. Particularly preferred is a cover layer 22 which is lightweight to reduce the likelihood of SIDS.
[0020]The cover layer 22 is advantageously detachably connected at its bottom end 23a to the bottom end 13a of the lower layer 12 by a second fastening means 26.
Examples of appropriate second fastening means include buttons, clips, zippers, ties and the like.
This detachable feature permits ready separation of the cover layer 22 from the lower layer 12 for washing purposes as well as to permit changing of the cover layer 22 during seasonal temperature change to allow use of a warmer cover layer 22 in the winter and a cooler cover layer 22 in the summer.
[0021 ]In use, the lower layer 12 of the bedding system 10 is connected to the mattress of the bed by retaining means 14. The individual/infant is placed in the body retaining means 16 and fastened therein preventing significant movement of the individual which may lead to the limbs or head of the individual getting stuck between bed or crib rails, and to prevent the individual from rolling over. The cover layer 22, which is fastened at its bottom end 23a to the bottom end 13a of the lower layer 12 by the second fastening means 26, is pulled up to appropriately cover the individual, e.g. cover the individual up to about the chest or neck region of the individual as shown in Fig. 3. The cover layer 22 is then fastened to the bed, for example at bed or crib rails, by the first fastening means 24 to maintain the cover layer in a desired position relative to the individual. In addition, placement in the body retaining means 16 maintains the position of the individual relative to the bed as well as relative to the cover layer 22. Thus, use of the safety bedding system 10 maintains both the safety and comfort of an individual.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0010]Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a bedding system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0011 ]Figure 2 illustrates a top view of an infant retained in a bedding system uncovered by the cover layer; and [0012]Figure 3 illustrates a top view of an infant retained in a bedding system covered by the covered layer.
Detailed Description of the Invention [0013]A bedding system 10 is provided, as shown in Figure 1, for use on a bed having a mattress. The system 10 comprises a lower layer 12 and a cover layer 22.
[0014]The lower layer 12 is a sheet-like layer that generally covers at least a portion of a mattress on which it is laid, and will generally cover an area on which an individual will lie. As shown, the lower layer 12 includes means to retain the lower layer 12 in position on the mattress. The retaining means 14 are not particularly restricted and may include a peripheral edging adapted to fit around the edges of the mattress, for example an elasticized edging around the periphery or parts thereof such as at the corners of the lower layer 12 as shown. Alternatively, the retaining means 14 may be longitudinal straps located about the periphery of the lower layer 12, and generally at the corners thereof, which are connected by first and second ends to the periphery of lower layer 12 in spaced relation. The straps, thus, are used to hook under the corners of the mattress to retain the lower layer 12 in position covering the mattress. Other retaining means 14 may also be utilized including, for example, Velcro patches applied to the underside of the lower layer 12 for connection to corresponding patches applied to the mattress or mattress cover.
[0015]The lower layer 12 is sheet-like and adapted to cover a mattress onto which it is laid. It may be generally rectangular in shape, but may also be otherwise shaped such as square, oval, etc. It need not cover the entire mattress. The lower layer 12 includes top and bottom ends 13a and sides 13b joining the top and bottom ends 13a. The lower layer 12 may be made of a variety of fabrics preferably including cotton, flannel and other fabrics or blends thereof which are compatible with the skin, soft to touch, and which provide comfort to lie on. The lower layer 12 may itself comprise multiple layers, for example a padded layer to provide increased comfort or a waterproof layer for mattress protection.
[0016]The lower layer 12 comprises a body retaining means 16 which functions to engage a portion of an individual, such as an infant, lying on the lower layer 12 when in place on a mattress to maintain the position of the individual on the mattress. Preferably, the body retaining means 16 engages the lower abdomen of an individual as shown.
Although the body retaining means 16 may engage either the upper or lower body of an individual, an abdominal core retaining means 16 advantageously provides an individual with upper body mobility, as well as mobility for both arms and legs as shown in Fig. 2, that may be less constraining on the individual and, thus, more comfortable.
In this regard, the body retaining means 16 is made out of any material that comfortably engages the individual and is compatible with skin. Thus, body retaining means 16 may comprise fabrics such as cotton, flannel, fabric blends and other materials conventionally used to make bedding. The body retaining means 16 may additionally comprise a material that is flexible in nature, such a elastic or other similar material, for example an elastic band edging, to provide a snug yet comfortable fitting body retaining means 16.
[0017]In one embodiment, the body retaining means 16 comprises a diaper-like conformation including a back panel 18 from which first and second side flaps 18a, 18b extend and a corresponding front panel 20. The back panel 18 is fixed by stitching or by other appropriate means to the lower layer 12 while the first and second side flaps 18a, 18b are fixed at one end to the back panel 18 and are free at the other end for attachment to the front panel 20. As will be appreciated, the body retaining means may simply include the side flaps 18a, 18b and front panel 20, both of which may be fixed directly to the lower layer 12. The front panel 20 covers the crotch and tummy area of an individual, while the first and second side flaps 18a, 18b fold over the tummy of the individual and join by selected joining means 21 to the front panel 20 to retain the individual therein. Joining means 21 such as straps, ties, buttons, clips, Velcro and the like are suitable to connect the side flaps to the front panel 20 to form the body retaining means 16. The body retaining means 16 may also be a unitary structure into which the individual's abdomen is placed including means to tighten or fasten the unitary structure onto the individual to retain the individual therein. Such tightening or fastening means may include ties, belts, clips, fastening means such as Velcro and the like.
[0018]The bedding system 10 additionally includes a cover layer 22 shaped to cover an individual having top and bottom ends 23a and sides 23b joining the top and bottom ends 23a. The cover layer 22 includes first fastening means 24 to connect the cover layer 22 to the bed to maintain it in position covering an individual and to prevent it from covering the face of the individual and to prevent it from not properly covering the individual. The first fastening means 24 are generally located at one or more positions along each side 23b of the cover layer 22 and are sufficient to detachably connect the cover layer 22 to the bed. The term "bed" is used herein to encompass a conventional bed essentially including a frame and a mattress as well as a crib, playpen or child's bed which generally additionally includes side rails. Thus, examples of suitable fastening means 24 include ties, straps adapted to loop around part of the bed frame or crib side rail and fasten to itself or the cover layer by clip, button or material fastener such as Velcro.
It is preferred to fasten the cover layer 22 to the bed rails or other structures which extend above the level of the mattress to allow circulation of air around a covered individual while sleeping which helps to prevent overheating and to avoid undue restraint of the individual.
[0019]The cover layer 22 is made out of a material suitable to cover an individual while sleeping or resting, and may be the same as or different from the lower layer 12, such as cotton, flannel, fleece and other suitable fabrics and fabric blends. A
preferred cover layer 22 is a bed cover or blanket. Particularly preferred is a cover layer 22 which is lightweight to reduce the likelihood of SIDS.
[0020]The cover layer 22 is advantageously detachably connected at its bottom end 23a to the bottom end 13a of the lower layer 12 by a second fastening means 26.
Examples of appropriate second fastening means include buttons, clips, zippers, ties and the like.
This detachable feature permits ready separation of the cover layer 22 from the lower layer 12 for washing purposes as well as to permit changing of the cover layer 22 during seasonal temperature change to allow use of a warmer cover layer 22 in the winter and a cooler cover layer 22 in the summer.
[0021 ]In use, the lower layer 12 of the bedding system 10 is connected to the mattress of the bed by retaining means 14. The individual/infant is placed in the body retaining means 16 and fastened therein preventing significant movement of the individual which may lead to the limbs or head of the individual getting stuck between bed or crib rails, and to prevent the individual from rolling over. The cover layer 22, which is fastened at its bottom end 23a to the bottom end 13a of the lower layer 12 by the second fastening means 26, is pulled up to appropriately cover the individual, e.g. cover the individual up to about the chest or neck region of the individual as shown in Fig. 3. The cover layer 22 is then fastened to the bed, for example at bed or crib rails, by the first fastening means 24 to maintain the cover layer in a desired position relative to the individual. In addition, placement in the body retaining means 16 maintains the position of the individual relative to the bed as well as relative to the cover layer 22. Thus, use of the safety bedding system 10 maintains both the safety and comfort of an individual.
Claims (12)
1. A bedding system, for use on a bed with a mattress, comprising:
a lower layer for covering at least a portion of the mattress, said lower layer comprising body retaining means; and a cover layer, said cover layer comprising first fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the bed and second fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the lower layer.
a lower layer for covering at least a portion of the mattress, said lower layer comprising body retaining means; and a cover layer, said cover layer comprising first fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the bed and second fastening means to detachably connect the cover layer to the lower layer.
2. A bedding system as defined in claim 1, wherein the body retaining means is adapted to retain the lower abdomen of an individual.
3. A bedding system as defined in claim 2, wherein the body retaining means comprises a diaper-like conformation.
4. A bedding system as defined in claim 1, wherein the lower layer comprises mattress attachment means.
5. A bedding system as defined in claim 4, wherein the lower layer comprises a peripheral edge adapted to fit around the edges of the mattress.
6. A bedding system as defined in claim 5, wherein the peripheral edge is at least partially elasticized.
7. A bedding system as defined in claim 1, wherein the lower layer is a sheet.
8. A bedding system as defined in claim 1, wherein the lower layer comprises padding.
9. A bedding system as defined in claim 1, wherein the lower layer comprises a waterproof layer.
10. A bedding system as defined in claim 1, wherein the cover layer is a blanket.
11. A bedding system as defined in claim 1, wherein the first fastening means are selected from the group consisting of straps or ties.
12. A bedding system as defined in claim 1, wherein the second fastening means is selected from the group consisting of clips, buttons, Velcro and a zipper.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US92964207P | 2007-07-06 | 2007-07-06 | |
| US60/929,642 | 2007-07-06 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2637014A1 true CA2637014A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 |
Family
ID=40224445
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2637014 Abandoned CA2637014A1 (en) | 2007-07-06 | 2008-07-04 | Safety bedding system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2637014A1 (en) |
-
2008
- 2008-07-04 CA CA 2637014 patent/CA2637014A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |