GB2480332A

GB2480332A - Inflatable modular baby barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2480332A
Application number: GB201008147A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Milner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-15
Filing date: 2010-05-15
Publication date: 2011-11-16
Also published as: GB201008147D0

Abstract

An inflatable modular barrier or mat system comprises a plurality of inflatable cushions. Each inflatable cushion can be attached to an adjacent cushion using Velcro(RTM) fastenings (fig 3) located on material flaps (fig 2) extending from each side edge of the cushions. Once connected the flaps act as hinges such that the cushions can be arranged in various barrier/mat configurations. The cushions may include a pocket for the placement of a heavy gel to stabilize the barrier/mat (see figures 9 and 10). Each cushion may include an inflation and deflation valve (fig 4 and 5). Deflated cushions may be stored in packs of twelve (see figure 7).

Description

Inflatable Modular Baby Barrier (IMBB) This invention relates to a device for providing a safe play environment for very young children in any kind of room.

When children reach crawling age the only safe area they can be given is a playpen, which is a very restrictive area to place your child. The child cannot be left to crawl around the room unattended as they may pull chairs and or room decorations on to them selves causing injury.

The Inflatable Modular Baby Barrier creates a safe environment that can be shaped around any room and provide a safe crawl and play area. Typically, existing systems (playpens) are manufactured in metal or wood and form a small constrictively shaped cage to contain a child.

These systems rely heavily on toys and other additional extras to be added into an already confined space.

The IMBB creates a much larger adaptable and safer play area than existing playpens where parents or minders have the room to get in the area and play with the child.

The IMBB is a modular barrier system, which is made up of individual 16" square inflatable cushions, which have an air tight valve for easy inflation and a screw valve for quick deflation for easy assembly and neat storage. The cushions each have Velcro hinges on each side of the square shape, which allows for walls and floors to be created. These squares attached together create a safe barrier in any shape of room to protect against dangers in any room like, tables, chairs, cupboards as well as power sockets and any movable objects.

It can also make a soft cushioned floor as a soft play area. The stability of the units when joined to form a wall is assured by a pocket of free flowing heavy gel which by the displacement of weight makes the edge that connects to the floor the heaviest part. This is secured inside by the sealed bag being attached to seams all round the cushion. The gel used is a non toxic water based gel.

IMBB comes in packs of twelve squares and others will be able to be purchased singularly to extend its coverage.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a single 16"cushion, Figure 2 shows the material hinge, Figure 3 shows the Velcro that joins the squares together, Figure 4 shows the airtight inflate valve, Figure 5 shows a screw valve for air release Figure 6 shows a pack joined together to for a barrier, Figure 7 the carry pack in which twelve square are sold and can be stored in when not in use, Figure 8 shows another use for the IMBB in creating padded floor covering to play on, Figure 9 shows the gel weighting system that gives the units stability.

In figure 1 we see the amalgamation of all parts of one square utilising figures 2 and 3 joined together multiples of figure one can be linked together to form figure five or seven. The packs of figure 1 come in multiples of 12 and are stored as shown in figure 6. The inflatable nature of each square is serviced by figure 4 and 5. Figure 4 provides a quick way of inflating and fig for deflating. Figure 8 shows the inner sleeve that houses the heavy weight gel that provides a heavy liquid that goes to which ever edge is the base and provides the weight needed to anchor the unit. This provides security against the child lifting the wall or it falling when climbed upon.

The Figure key is attached to the back of this document.