GB2518140A - A self-erecting infant device - Google Patents

Abstract

A self erecting play pen for an infant comprising at least three sides 1 joined by at least three corners 2 defining a central base 3 wherein the sides 1 and the base 3 comprise of panels of material, and the corners 2 comprise tubes with internal wires that bias the sides to be upstanding from the base 3. Preferably each panel has a tube (6, fig 2) around its periphery that encompasses a wire which forms a loop (7, fig 2), where said wires bias the sides 1 to be upstanding from the base 3. The play pen can be collapsed for transport or storage by deforming the tubes (7, fig 2) by twisting the wire hoops along its axis to form a figure of 8. Preferably the material may be at perforated or transparent at least in part, although the base material may be opaque and harder wearing than the sides. Preferably a mattress may be detachable attached to the base or sides of the play pen. In addition a play gym may be attached to the play pen or the mattress, the play gym comprises a plurality of arms from which toys and play things may be attached.

Description

A SELF-ERECTING INFANT DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a self-erecting infant device, a self-erecting infant device for safe containment of an infant, more particularly but not exclusively a play pen for use by young children aged from newborn to nine months.

Backoround Young children or infants are encouraged to move around and play, however in some environments this can be impractical or dangerous as there may be obstacles or delicate items from which the infants should be separated. In such situations a parent, carer or user may be able to observe the infant to ensure the infant stays away from dangerous areas, however this may be difficult if the infant is moving quickly or if the user is not able to supervise.

To limit the area in which the child can play the child may be placed in a playpen or pen so as to be kept in a contained area away from dangers. However often such pens require constructing which can be timely, and/or are often heavy and bulky.

Therefore the pen may not be suitable for use in some areas, in particular if not permanently set-up.

In addition or the alternative even in a pen the user may not be enabled to monitor the infant located in a pen as they may not be easily visible due to walls, and also the infant may not be able to see out of the pen leading to agitation or distress.

PriorArt Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted European patent EP 1 228 283 (GAYTON) discloses a structure comprising a frame formed of a flexible endless band in the shape of an arched figure eight, the band including four upright sections, at least two of the upright sections each including a roof section extending a first length from the cross-over point and a wall section extending a second length from the roof section, and two foot sections each extending between two of the upright sections, respectively, the band having a permanent deformation to redirect the band at each position between the roof sections and the wall sections; sheet material extending at least across a portion of each of the loops of the figure eight frame.

Granted United States patent US 7 140 376 (ZHENG) discloses a collapsible structure includes a plurality of foldable frame members each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material is provided for covering portions of the frame members to form a side panel for each frame member. The structure can have a removable roof. The structure may be folded and stored by folding the side panels and their corresponding frame members on top of each other about the hinge portions to have the side panels and frame members overlying each other. The overlaying side panels and frame members are then collapsed by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric frame members and side panels to substantially reduce the size of the shade structure.

United States patent application US 4 493 120 (WATTS) discloses a portable and collapsible playpen or the like comprising a web-like flexible floor a pair of opposed side walls formed of web-like fabric held under tension by means of two segmented flexed poles, front and back walls secured to the ends of the side walls and held under tension by means of two horizontal cross members, said walls defining a substantially rectangular free standing enclosure, and hub means at either end of said enclosure for receiving and releasably retaining at least two segments of each of said poles.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a self-erecting infant device comprising at least three sides joined by at least three corners defining a central base, wherein the sides and the base comprise panels of material, and the corners comprise tubes with internal wires wherein said wires bias the sides to be upstanding from the base.

In preferred embodiments said material is perforated or transparent at least in part, and the device can be collapsed for transport or storage.

In preferred embodiments each corner is formed from two adjacent tubes, wherein the tubes comprise corner portions and at least a base portion, for example to form a U shape with upstanding corner portions adjacent and attached or attachable to one another to form the corners.

In preferred embodiments however the tubes and wires are continuous or substantially entire hoops or loops peripheral to and integral with the material, maintaining the material taut to form the sides and base in a relationship maintained by tension in the material and wires. Said hoops are biased to monoplanar so as to form planar sides and a planar base.

Ideally the hoops or tubes are capable of collapsing down the device, wherein tension on the material is released and the hoops or tubes folded upon themselves.

In this way there is provided a self erecting play pen for children comprising: a plurality of separate flexible hoops forming a frame, which hoops are joined and covered by material such as fabric so as to define, in use, a contained area, said pen capable of being collapsed to a substantially flat arrangement when not in use.

In this way a child can be placed in a protected area in which they are separated from potential hazards such as pets, stairs or sharp objects.

In preferred embodiments the self erecting playpen, or pen, includes a base and sides, having an open top for access. Therefore the sides serve as barriers to prevent the child or children from escaping the contained area.

Ideally each hoop defines a face of the pen wherein the pen is multi-faced and only the sides are defined by hoops, with the base not including a dedicated hoop, merely the a periphery formed from the base portions of each side.

Preferably the pen includes a substantially square or rectangular base and four sides so as to provide a square or rectangular contained area. In some embodiments a multi-angled base such as octagonal base may be provided with corresponding sides.

Typically one hoop is provided for the base and one hoop for each side. It may be envisaged that the hoops are not themselves square or rectangular, having rounded edges or being ovaloid when not collapsed, and are arranged in or by the material so as to provide substantially square or rectangular sides and base. In this way the frame has no sharp corners that may cause injury to the child, but is held rigidly upstanding by interelation of the hoops at the corners, and the wires pulling against the material.

Typically each hoop is biased to circular when not restrained in any way, wherein the wire is resiliently capable of deformation into various shapes, retuming to original shape when not restrained.

In preferred embodiments the material restrains the hoops to define the base and sides, wherein for example the hoop has an oval shape or rounded rectangular when restrained.

In preferred embodiments the restrained hoops have surrounding material or webbing to define a series of conjoined rectangular or square faces.

In this way the pen is self erects as the hoops bias to be circular and when unfolded or unrestrained the hoops pufi the material into shape, although the hoops may be subsequently bent, coiled, flexed or twisted in to various other arrangements when collapsed for storage.

In preferred embodiments the wires internally held within the tubes are discontinuous and/or joined by a grommet connector permitting mutual rotation so as to permit the hoop to be collapsed and the wire twisted against itself or along its axis, for folding down or twisting into a lemniscate.

Preferably each hoop is formed from a tube of material of constant diameter and an internal wire formed from a strong, durable, resiliently deformable material such as an plastic, for example the hoop may be formed from a pultrusion of a composite material such as polyurethane or the hoop may be formed from a metal wire such as sprung steel or alloy.

In some embodiments the wire may be coated, for example painted, powdercoated or otherwise having a protective external layer, and/or for example a cellular structure layer such as foam providing a soft finish to protect the child from injury if accidently knocking the frame. The coating may also serve to protect the hoops from damage, or from becoming tarnished or worn. In other embodiments the tube may contain padding.

In preferred embodiments each separate hoop is joined to its adjacent by means of webbing or braces of the material. Said braces may be elastic to allow flexure between the hoops, without damage to the wires, but so as to allow the infant to explore sides of the pen.

Preferably the hoop centre is also covered over by material so as to provide a barrier through which the child cannot pass. Typically this is enabled by a sheet of material being stretched around/over the hoop wherein the material is secured about the hoops so the base or one of the sides.

Ideally the material may be secured to the hoop by means of a full or partial sleeve of material which serves to position the hoop within the material. Typically a sleeve may be stitched into the material through which the hoop is situated. In this way the hoop is fixed to the material.

In some embodiments the wire may be displaceable so as to allow the material to be washed. For example the tube may comprise an end attached by a press stud or button or hook and loop sections may allow the hoop to be removably attached to the sides or base.

It may be envisaged that the tube may be formed from the same material as the material. Although in some embodiments the material around the hoops may be reinforced or of a different stronger material so as to limit wear caused by hoops and material rubbing during use.

Preferably the material used to connect and cover the hoops or form the faces of the sides in particular allows visibility through the material into the pen at least in central window sections. In this way the child is able to view out of the pen and a parent or carer is easily able to see the child.

Ideally the material is thin, strong, soft and durable so as to be suitable for repeated use and delicate against the child's skin. The material may be made from cotton or manmade fibres Preferably the material is a finely perforated mesh so as to prevent the child pushing their fingers through the mesh. For example the mesh may have perforations of less than 5mm and preferably less than 3mm.

In preferred embodiments the base may be formed from a different material, better suited for being repeatedly walked or crawled upon. It may be envisaged n addition or the alternative that the material used for the base is harder wearing than material used on the sides and does not include any window.

Ideally the base may be formed from waterproof materials so as to prevent absorption of water to the pen, in particular through to the surface upon which the child may be standing, knelt or seated. For example the base may be formed from a synthetic woven fabric such as nylon or Gore-Tex (RIM).

Advantageously the pen may be capable of receiving or providing a mattress. In this way the child is secured within the pen upon a soft surface protecting them from the ground which may be hard or uneven.

Ideally the mattress is breathable and may be padded so as to provide cushioning.

Alternatively or additionally the mattress may be sprung. Ideally the mattress is washable.

In some embodiments the mattress or padding providing a mattress, is integral in the base.

In preferred embodiments the mattress is separably fixed to the base or pen in use so as to prevent/limit movement. It may be envisaged that the mattress is attached to the base of the pen by means of press studs, clips or hook and hoop means such as Velcro (RIM). Therefore the mattress can be quickly and easily added and removed. For example the mattress may be secured at each comer.

In some embodiments in addition or the alternative the pen may be capable of receiving a play mat so that the child is able to play with their toys within the confined area, for example being kept separate from pets or other children. It may be envisaged that the play mat is adapted to be fitted to the pen in a similar manner as the mattress, either as an alternative to or in addition to the mattress.

Preferably the pen is provided with a case so as to enable the pen to be stowed in its collapsed orientation and to be readily transported.

In some embodiments the pen may include hooks, loops or clips, either detachable or integrated with the pen, for securing the hoops in a collapsed position when appropriate, so as to prevent the pen popping up. For example when collapsed the sides may be twisted into a series of lemniscate or figure of eight arrangements and then folded in half, held in this arrangement by a clip that holds the hoop together.

Preferably the pen is lightweight and portable, easy to move from place to place and suitable for transporting long distances, for example if going away on holiday.

In some embodiments the pen may include attachment portions for toys so as to allow toys to be hung or displayed from the pen. For example the sides may include attachment means for hanging a mobile.

In such embodiments for example the pen may include plural tubes or limbs reaching from the corners to meet at an elevated position above the base, for example centrally, wherein said limbs are biased to upstanding parallel, but restrained by a central connector, and/or corner connections, wherein said connector or connections are made in use, according to fastening to the base, side and/or other limbs.

Typically therefore said limbs push out the sides at the corners to aid in producing a flat and taut base. Said limbs are typically used for hanging toys or playthings and may be additional or integrated into the corners or sides.

Said limbs may comprise a separate arrangement fit into the pen as and when desired. In some embodiments the limbs fasten to a mat, inserted into the pen, while in other embodiments the limbs may fasten to the corners, sides or base.

In some other embodiments the pen may be adapted for use by older children, for example toddlers that are walking. It may be envisaged that the pen dimensions are increased for example so that the sides are slightly higher, in this way the child is not able to lean over a side which may cause the pen to topple.

In addition an object of the invention is to provide a safe environment for the infant with no hard sides or edges, but which still forms a fixed space with relatively immovable sides that discourage the infant from attempting to exit the pen.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a sketch of an assembled embodiment of the pen; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a sketch of a collapsed embodiment of the pen as shown in Figure 1; And Figures 4 show sketches of the limbs and mat as used with some embodiments of the pen.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the preferred embodiment comprises four sides 1, joined at four corners 2, and upstanding from a base 3.

The sides comprise panels and peripheral hoops, comprised of tubes 6 with internal wires 7.

The material forming the panels between the peripheral hoops to form the sides is mesh or perforated.

The hoops are joined by the base and braces 4 of relatively more robust material,

B

S

In a preferred embodiment the pen is 900mm x 900mm x 450mm.

Ideally the pen is designed for children from newborn to nine months. Children of this age are typically crawling and therefore side height is preferably at least 400mm and ideally at least 450mm so as to be high enough to prevent escape. In this way the parent or cater seated along side of the pen can easily see and communicate with their child.

Furthermore the child of this age not likely to be walking and therefore will not apply significant pressure to the sides of the pen therefore rigid supports are not required.

Instead the hoops are flexible defining a contained area with no sharp corners but capable of being collapsed.

In Figures 4 plural limbs 5 are secured centrally above a mattress 6, to be inserted into the pen and cover the base, and secured to the mat as shown in Figure 4a.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. Claims 1. A self-erecting infant device comprising at least three sides joined by at least three corners defining a central base, wherein the sides and the base comprise panels of material, and the corners comprise tubes with internal wires wherein said wires bias the sides to be upstanding from the base.
2. 2. A self-erecting infant device according to claim I wherein the material is perforated or transparent at least in part.
3. 3. A self-erecting infant device according to claim I or 2 wherein the device can be collapsed for transport or storage by deforming the tubes.
4. 4. A self-erecting infant device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each corner is formed from two adjacent tubes.
5. 5. A self-erecting infant device according to any preceding claim wherein the device includes a substantially square or rectangular base and four upstanding sides so as to provide a square or rectangular contained pen.
6. 6. A self-erecting infant device according to any preceding claim wherein the base is opaque or harder wearing than material used on the sides.
7. 7. A self-erecting infant device according to any preceding claim wherein wires internally held within the tubes are discontinuous.
8. 8. A self-erecting infant device according to claim 7 wherein the wire is joined by a grommet connector permitting mutual rotation.
9. 9. A self-erecting infant device according wherein the wires permit the tubes to be collapsed and the wire twisted against itself or along its axis, for twisting into a lemniscate.
10. 10. A self-erecting infant device according to any preceding claim wherein a mattress is separably fixed to the base or sides in use.
11. 11. A self-erecting infant device according to any preceding claim wherein extending limbs are fastened to the device to extend from the corners.
12. 12. A self-erecting infant device according to according to any preceding daim wherein the tubes and wires are continuous or substantially entire hoops, peripheral to and integral with the material
13. 13. A self-erecting infant device according to any preceding daim wherein the material restrains the hoops to define the base and sides, wherein the hoop has an oval shape or rounded rectangular when restrained.
14. 14. A self-erecting infant device with reference to figures 1 to 3 and substantially as described herein.