US20220386788A1

US20220386788A1 - System, apparatus, and method for a breathable child product

Info

Publication number: US20220386788A1
Application number: US17/805,646
Authority: US
Inventors: Skye Ann Baling BLEVINS; David Thomas HOTARD; Ellen Yea-Yi Brown; Alexis J. Schaffer
Original assignee: Graco Childrens Products Inc
Current assignee: Graco Childrens Products Inc
Priority date: 2021-06-07
Filing date: 2022-06-06
Publication date: 2022-12-08
Also published as: CN217743751U

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant may include a compressible structure configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure, and a cover removably coupled to the compressible structure and overlaying at least a portion of the compressible structure. The cover may include a foldover portion. The foldover portion may include a zipper along an edge of the foldover portion, and may be secured about a portion of the compressible structure. A method of assembling the apparatus may include inserting the cover through a compressible structure, and wrapping the foldover portion around an outer rim of the compressible structure. The method may further include manipulating the zipper along the foldover portion to secure the foldover portion about the compressible structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/197,865, filed on Jun. 7, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to children's products, and more particularly to systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing a product that is breathable.

BACKGROUND

Certain children's products are well-known in the art. For example, a product can be designed to provide an infant, toddler, or child with comfort through cushioning and/or bolstering. In certain instances, comfort for an occupant can be increased through cushions, pillows, bolsters, and/or other similar devices.
More specifically, children's beds are well-known in the art. The typical children's bed is designed to provide an infant, toddler, or child with a comfortable bed that is more size-appropriate for a child when compared to conventional beds. Typically, the children's bed includes cushions, pillows, bolsters, and/or other similar devices to increase comfortability for the child.
A need remains for products that are breathable, flat, and/or have an adequate height for supporting an occupant, for example, an infant or a child.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes systems, apparatuses, and methods for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant, for example, an infant or a child.
In embodiments, the present disclosure describes an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant. The apparatus may include a compressible structure configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure. The apparatus may further include a cover removably coupled to the compressible structure and overlaying at least a portion of the compressible structure.
In embodiments, the present disclosure describes an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant. The apparatus may include a cover including a foldover portion. The foldover portion may include a zipper along an edge of the foldover portion. The apparatus may further include a compressible structure configured to removably receive the cover by securing the foldover portion about at least a portion of the compressible structure. The compressible structure is configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure.
In embodiments, the present disclosure describes a method of assembling an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant. The method may include inserting a cover through a compressible structure. The cover may include a foldover portion including a zipper. The compressible structure is configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure. The method further includes wrapping the foldover portion around an outer rim of the compressible structure. The method further includes manipulating the zipper along the foldover portion to secure the foldover portion about the compressible structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual top view of an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant, the apparatus including a cover and a compressible structure in a partially assembled configuration.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 3A is a conceptual exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of a cover of the apparatus of FIG. 3A.

FIGS. 4A to 4C show stages of assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4A is conceptual top view of an initial stage of assembly with a cover including a pad adjacent a compressible structure.

FIG. 4B is a conceptual top view of an intermediate stage of assembly with the cover partially drawn through the compressible structure.

FIG. 4C is a conceptual top view of a final stage of assembly with the cover secured about the compressible structure, with the pad accessible through an opening of the compressible structure.

FIG. 5A is a conceptual top view of a compressible structure including a compressible portion.

FIG. 5B is a conceptual bottom view of the compressible structure showing a rigid base secured to the compressible portion.

FIG. 6A is a conceptual top view of the rigid base of FIG. 5B in a disassembled configuration.

FIG. 6B is a conceptual partial top view of adjacent base portions of the rigid base of FIG. 6A in an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 6C is a conceptual partial top view of adjacent base portions of the rigid base of FIG. 6A in a coupled configuration.

FIG. 6D is a conceptual top view of the rigid base of FIG. 6A in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 6E is a conceptual bottom view of the rigid base of FIG. 6A in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual top view of a partially assembled compressible structure including a compressible portion partially secured to a rigid base.

FIG. 8A is a conceptual top view of an unassembled compressible structure including a plurality of compressible sections adjacent a rigid base.

FIG. 8B is a conceptual top view of a partially assembled compressible structure including a compressible section coupled to a rigid base.

FIG. 9A is a conceptual top view of a partially assembled compressible structure including slots of a compressible section engaged with pins of a rigid base in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 9B is a conceptual top view of the partially assembled compressible structure of FIG. 9A including slots of the compressible section engaged with pins of the rigid base in a locked configuration.

FIG. 9C is a conceptual top view of the partially assembled compressible structure of FIG. 9B including an opening of the compressible section engaged with a mushroom pin of the rigid base.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual top view of an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant, the apparatus including a cover disposed about a compressible structure.

FIGS. 11A to 11H show assembly of an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant in an infant sleeping product.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an assembly including the infant sleeping product ready to receive the apparatus.

FIG. 11B is a partial view of the assembly of FIG. 11A, with a cover of the apparatus partially secured to the infant sleeping product.

FIG. 11C is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 11A, with the cover substantially secured within the infant sleeping product.

FIG. 11D is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 11A, with a compressible structure positioned within the infant sleeping product with the cover drawn through the compressible structure.

FIG. 11E is a partial perspective view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 11A with a cover secured about a portion of the compressible structure with a strap ready to be secured to the infant sleeping product.

FIG. 11F is a top view showing the assembly of FIG. 11A with the cover in an intermediate assembled stage secured about the compressible structure.

FIG. 11G is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 11A with the cover in a final assembled stage completely secured about the compressible structure.

FIG. 11H is a bottom view of the assembly of FIG. 11A with the cover in the final assembled stage with a plurality of straps of the cover secured about a base of the infant sleeping product.

This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The concepts disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the concepts to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like, but not necessarily the same or identical elements throughout.
Certain relationships between features of the children's product are described herein using the term “substantially” or “substantially equal.” As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantially equal” indicate that the equal relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the term “substantially” or “substantially equal” in connection with two or more described dimensions indicates that the equal relationship between the dimensions includes variation that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit of the dimensions. As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” indicates that the parallel relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. As used herein, the term “substantially orthogonal” or “substantially perpendicular” indicates that the orthogonal relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom.
The present disclosure relates to, among other things, systems, apparatuses, and methods for an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant, for example, an infant or a child. The apparatus may be a breathable children's product.
In embodiments, the present disclosure describes an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant. The apparatus may include a compressible structure configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure. The apparatus may further include a cover removably coupled to the compressible structure and overlaying at least a portion of the compressible structure.
In embodiments, the present disclosure describes an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant. The apparatus may include a cover including a foldover portion. The foldover portion may include a zipper along an edge of the foldover portion. The apparatus may further include a compressible structure configured to removably receive the cover by securing the foldover portion about at least a portion of the compressible structure. The compressible structure is configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure.
In embodiments, the present disclosure describes a method of assembling an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant. The method may include inserting a cover through a compressible structure. The cover may include a foldover portion including a zipper. The compressible structure is configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure. The method further includes wrapping the foldover portion around an outer rim of the compressible structure. The method further includes manipulating the zipper along the foldover portion to secure the foldover portion about the compressible structure.
In embodiments, a mattress pad can be disposed on a base portion of the cover. The cover may include a foldover portion that extends vertically upwards from the base portion. The cover may then be inserted through, for example, a ring-shaped compressible structure.
In embodiments, the cover may further comprise a zipper along an edge of the foldover portion, for example, an upper edge or a lower edge. During assembly, the foldover portion may be folded over and about the compressible structure, with the zipper closed to secure the foldover portion to the compressible portion.
In embodiments, a mattress pad may be disposed on a base portion of an infant sleep product, for example, a crib or a bassinet. The cover may include a foldover portion inserted through, for example, a ring-shaped compressible structure.
In embodiments, the cover may further include a zipper along the edge of the foldover portion. During assembly, the zipper may secured to the infant sleep product, and the foldover portion may be folded over and about the compressible structure, such that straps may attach to an underside of the infant sleep product. The straps may include hook and loop fasteners securable to complementary regions on the underside of the infant sleep product.
In embodiments, one or more components of the apparatus may include one or more breathable materials, which may be same or different. For example, the mattress pad may include a breathable material. In embodiments, the cover may include a breathable material. In embodiments, the compressible structure may include a rigid material. In some such embodiments, the compressible structure may include of a rigid material having perforations in order to allow air to pass through the compressible structure. Thus, the apparatus as a whole may permit or promote airflow to be substantially breathable, or without substantially restricting or reducing airflow, or without substantially impeding breathability.
In embodiments, the compressible structure may be capable of being bent or rolled up, such that the compressible structure can be bent or rolled up into the shape of a bolster or cushion. In some such embodiments, the apparatus may be assembled while the compressible structure is bent or rolled up, and the fully-assembled apparatus may form a bolster or a cushion.
In embodiments, the apparatus may form a portion of, or be secured to or placed on, a bed, an infant sleep product, a stroller, a seat, a car seat, a cushion, and a product used to support a child above a surface or the ground. In other embodiments, the apparatus may be used as a standalone apparatus to support a resting or sleeping occupant.
Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a conceptual top view of an apparatus 100 for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant, the apparatus including a cover and a compressible structure in a partially assembled configuration. The apparatus 100 may include a children's product. As shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 100 may include a mattress pad 102. In some embodiments, the mattress pad 102 may be of an oval shape, a rectangular shape with rounded or non-rounded edges, or any other shape. In embodiments, the mattress pad 102 may include, consist of, or be formed of a breathable material. The breathable material may include a foam material, a mesh material, a fiberfill material, a material with laminated foam, or any other breathable material. In some embodiments, the material may be made breathable through perforations in the material. In other embodiments, the mattress pad 102 may not be made of a breathable material.
As shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 100 may further include a cover 104. In some embodiments, the cover 104 includes, consists of, or is made of a breathable material. The breathable material may include a material described with reference to the mattress pad 102. In some embodiments, the material may be made breathable through perforations in the material. In other embodiments, the cover 104 may not be made of a breathable material.
In some embodiments, the cover 104 includes a base portion 106 and a foldover portion 108. In some embodiments, the base portion 106 may be absent. In some embodiments, the base portion 106 may be of an oval shape, a rectangular shape with rounded or non-rounded edges, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the base portion 106 is substantially similar to the shape of the mattress pad 102.
In embodiments in which the base portion 106 is present, the base portion is coupled to the foldover portion 108. For example, the foldover portion 108 may extend vertically upward from the base portion 106. In some embodiments, the foldover portion 108 is connected to the outer rim of the base portion 106. In other embodiments, the foldover portion 108 is connected to a substantial portion of the outer rim of the base portion 106.
In some embodiments, the uppermost portion of the foldover portion 108 contains a zipper or other device for connecting one aspect of the uppermost portion of the foldover portion 108 to another aspect of the uppermost portion of the foldover portion 108. Instead of, or in addition to a zipper for securing portions of the foldover portion 108 to each other, the apparatus may include a zipper for securing the foldover portion 108 (or otherwise the cover 104) to an infant sleep product, for example, a crib or a bassinet.
As shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 100 can additionally include a compressible structure 110. The compressible structure 110 may be ring-shaped, such that non-edge portions of the compressible structure 110 may be hollowed out. In embodiments, the compressible structure 110 may be of an oval shape, a rectangular shape with rounded or non-rounded edges, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the compressible structure 110 is substantially similar to the shape of the mattress pad 102. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the hollowed-out portion of the compressible structure 110 may be substantially similar to the dimensions of the mattress pad 102. In some embodiments, the compressible structure 110 may include, consist of, or be made of a rigid material. For example, the compressible structure 110 may be made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the material used for the compressible structure 110 may be perforated to create a plurality of holes throughout the compressible structure 110 to enable air to pass through the compressible structure 110. In some embodiments, the compressible structure 110 may be additionally wrapped in another breathable material.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual top view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration 100 a. In the fully assembled configuration, the base portion 106 and the compressible structure 110 are not visible in FIG. 2 .
FIG. 3A is a conceptual exploded view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 , showing the cover 104 including the base portion 106 and the foldover portion 108, separated from the pad 102 and the compressible structure 110. FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of a cover 104 of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 3A, showing an upper mesh layer and a base layer, with a batting between the mesh layer and the base layer.
FIGS. 4A to 4C show stages of assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4A is conceptual top view of an initial stage of assembly with a cover including a pad adjacent a compressible structure. FIG. 4B is a conceptual top view of an intermediate stage of assembly with the cover partially drawn through the compressible structure. FIG. 4C is a conceptual top view of a final stage of assembly with the cover secured about the compressible structure, with the pad accessible through an opening of the compressible structure.
In the initial stage of FIG. 4A, a mattress pad 102 is inserted into a cover 104. When the mattress pad 102 has been inserted into the cover 104, the mattress pad 102 is disposed above the base portion 106. At the intermediate stage of FIG. 4B, the cover 104, containing the mattress pad 102, is inserted through a bottom opening of the compressible structure 110. After the cover 104 is completely secured about the compressible structure 110, as shown in FIG. 4C, the foldover portion 108 of the cover 104 is folded over and about the compressible structure 110. An inside surface of the foldover portion 108 may thus be exposed in a top view of the infant sleep product 100. In order to secure the foldover portion 108 when it is folded, a zipper may be used to connect one aspect of the uppermost portion of the foldover portion 108 to another aspect of the uppermost portion of the foldover portion 108, such that the zipper, when zipped, is disposed on a bottom surface of the cover 104. At this point, the infant sleep product 100 is fully assembled. A child may be set down in the infant sleep product 100, such that the child is lying down on the mattress pad 102, and the child is surrounded by the cover 104.
Although not depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4C, in some embodiments, the compressible structure 110 may be structured such that the compressible structure 110 is capable of being bent or rolled up. In such an embodiment, when the mattress pad 102 is disposed inside the cover 104, and the infant sleep product 100 is assembled while the compressible structure 110 has been bent or rolled up, the infant sleep product 100 may form a structure similar to a bolster or cushion, instead of a conventional bed.
In some embodiments, the compressible structure 200 may be formed as a single piece, for example, as a unitary or integral structure. In other embodiments, the compressible structure 200 may be formed in multiple components that are assembled or coupled together. The components may be assembled or coupled by a manufacturer. In some embodiments, the components may be suitable for assembly by an end user. Further, the components may be substantially flat in an unassembled configuration, yet assume a three-dimensional compressible shape upon assembly. Thus, the compressible structure 200 may be initially unassembled with a substantially low profile, facilitating storage and shipping, and later assembled by a retailer or end user.
FIG. 5A is a conceptual top view of a compressible structure 200 including a compressible portion 202. The compressible portion 202 may include one or more sections or sheets curved from an initially flat profile into a contoured profile. The sections may include, consist of, or be formed of a plastic. The compressible portion 202 may be partially deflectable, and biased to return to the initial undeflected configuration by the curvature or contouring. The compressible portion 202 may define a plurality of holes, windows, or passages, for promoting airflow therethrough.
FIG. 5B is a conceptual bottom view of the compressible structure 200 showing a rigid base 204 secured to the compressible portion 202. The rigid base 204 may be formed as a unitary or integral structure, or formed from multiple components secured to each other. The components of the rigid base 204 may be assembled or coupled by a manufacturer. In some embodiments, the components may be suitable for assembly by an end user. Thus, the rigid base 204 may be initially unassembled, facilitating storage and shipping, and later assembled by a retailer or end user.
FIG. 6A is a conceptual top view of the rigid base 204 of FIG. 5B in a disassembled configuration 204 a. Rigid base 204 may include first and second base portions 206 a and 206 b (of a plurality of base portions 206).
FIG. 6B is a conceptual partial top view of adjacent base portions 206 a and 206 b of the rigid base 204 of FIG. 6A in an intermediate configuration 204 b. One of the base portions 206 a and 206 b may define a tab 208, and the other of the base portions 206 a and 206 b may define a slot 210, with the tab 208 being receivable and removably securable to the slot 210. In this way, multiple base portions 206 may be coupled or secured to each other via respective tabs and slots to ultimately form the assembled configuration of the rigid base 204. FIG. 6C is a conceptual partial top view of adjacent base portions of the rigid base 204 of FIG. 6A in the assembled configuration 204.
FIG. 6D is a conceptual top view of the rigid base 204 of FIG. 6A in the assembled configuration.
FIG. 6E is a conceptual bottom view of the rigid base 204 of FIG. 6A in the assembled configuration.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual top view of a compressible structure 200 in a partially assembled configuration 200 a including a compressible portion 202 partially secured to a rigid base 204. The compressible portion 202 includes a plurality of compressible sections 212. The plurality of compressible sections 212 may include first and second compressible sections 212 a and 212 b. One or more of the compressible sections 212 may differ in size, length, width, shape, periphery, or thickness, from other of the compressible sections 212. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the compressible sections are arranged in an A-A-A-B-A-A-A-B arrangement, with “A” denoting shorter first compressible sections 212 a, and “B” denoting longer second compressible sections 212 b. In the partially assembled configuration 200 a of FIG. 7 , one respective edge of each section 212 has been coupled to an outer peripheral section of the rigid base 204, with the inner peripheral section of the rigid base 204 ready to receive and secure the other respective edge of each section. Thus, while the sections 212 are flat in the configuration 200 a, after final assembly, the sections 212 will eventually be curved into a compressible configuration across the peripheral edges of the rigid base 204.
Assembly of the sections 212 to the rigid base to form the compressible structure 200 is described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 9C.
FIG. 8A is a conceptual top view of the compressible structure 200 in an unassembled configuration 200 b including the plurality of compressible sections 212 adjacent the rigid base 204.
FIG. 8B is a conceptual top view of the compressible structure 200 in a partially assembly configuration 200 c including a compressible section 212 b coupled to the rigid base 204.
FIG. 9A is a conceptual top view of the compressible structure 200 in the partially assembled configuration 200 c, including slots 214 of one of the compressible sections 212 engaged with pins 216 of the rigid base 204 in an unlocked configuration. The slots 214 may be keyhole slots, or slots having any other suitable shape.
FIG. 9B is a conceptual top view of the compressible structure 200 of FIG. 9A including the slots 214 of the compressible section 212 engaged with the pins 216 of the rigid base 204 in a locked configuration 200 d. The section 212 is slid relative to the rigid base 204 to convert between the unlocked configuration 200 c and the locked configuration 200 d.
FIG. 9C is a conceptual top view of the compressible structure 200 of FIG. 9B including an opening 220 of the compressible section 212 engaged with a mushroom pin 218 of the rigid base 204. The mushroom pin 218 may be pressed through or pulled through the opening 220 to engage or disengage the mushroom pin 218 from the opening 220. The mushroom pin 218 may provide a further securement of the section 212 to the rigid base 204, for example, preventing unintentional sliding and removal of the pins 216 from the slots 214. Any suitable number and arrangement of the pins 216, the slots 214, the mushroom pin 218, and the opening 220 may be used.
In this way, the compressible structure 200 may be assembled or disassembled by securing the sections 212 to or removing the sections 212 from the rigid base 204.
After assembly, the compressible structure 200 may be used as the compressible structure 110 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C.
While an apparatus may include a cover including a base portion, in other embodiments, a base portion may not be present. Some such embodiments are described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 11H.
FIG. 10 is a conceptual top view of an apparatus 300 for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant, the apparatus 300 including a cover 304 disposed about a compressible structure 310. The cover 304 is substantially similar to the cover 104 described with reference to FIG. 1 , however, with the base portion being absent.
Thus, the apparatus 300 may include the compressible structure 310 configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure 310, and the cover 304 removably coupled to the compressible structure 310 and overlaying at least a portion of the compressible structure 310. The cover 304 includes a foldover portion (similar to the foldover portion 106).
Compressible structure 310 may be similar to the compressible structures 110 or 200 described herein. The cover 304 may include a zipper 320 along a length or periphery of the cover 304, for securing the cover 304 to an infant sleeping product. In embodiments, the foldover portion of the cover 304 includes the zipper 320 along an edge of the foldover portion. The cover 304 may thus be inserted through the compressible structure 310 with the foldover portion being wrapped around the compressible structure 310, and the zipper 320 being disposed below the compressible structure 310. The cover 304 may further include straps 322 for removably coupling or securing the cover 304 of the apparatus 300 about the support structure 310 to a separate infant sleeping product.
FIGS. 11A to 11H show assembly of an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant in an infant sleeping product.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an assembly 400 including an infant sleeping product 410 ready to receive the apparatus 300. The infant sleeping product 410 may include a crib, a bassinet, a bed, or any other suitable infant sleeping product.
FIG. 11B is a partial view of the assembly 400 of FIG. 11A, in a first intermediate configuration 400 a, with the cover 304 of the apparatus 300 partially secured to the infant sleeping product 410 by the zipper 320.
FIG. 11C is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 11A, in a second intermediate configuration 400 b, with the cover 304 substantially secured within the infant sleeping product 410, with the zipper 320 substantially closed around the cover 304.
FIG. 11D is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 11A, in a third intermediate configuration 400 c, with the compressible structure 310 positioned within the infant sleeping product 410 with the cover 304 drawn through the compressible structure 310. The cover 304 is now ready to be wrapped about the ring of the compressible structure 310.
FIG. 11E is a partial perspective view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 11A, in a fourth intermediate configuration 400 d, with the cover 304 secured about a portion of the compressible structure 310 with the strap 322 ready to be secured to the infant sleeping product 410.
FIG. 11F is a top view showing the assembly of FIG. 11A, in a fifth intermediate configuration 400 e, with the cover 304 in an intermediate assembled stage secured about the compressible structure 310.
FIG. 11G is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 11A, in an assembled configuration 400 f with the cover 304 in a final assembled stage completely secured about the compressible structure 310. FIG. 11H is a bottom view of the assembly 400 of FIG. 11A, in the final configuration 400 f, with the cover 304 in the final assembled stage with a plurality of straps 322 of the cover 304 secured about a base of the infant sleeping product 410.
The assembly 400 f is ready to be occupied for resting or sleeping. The steps from FIGS. 11A through 11G can be reversed to remove the apparatus 300 from the assembly to return to the initial configuration 400.
Though the disclosed examples include particular arrangements of a number of parts, components, features, and aspects, the disclosure is not limited to only those examples or arrangements shown. Any one or more of the parts, components, features, and aspects of the disclosure can be employed alone or in other arrangements of any two or more of the same.
Although certain product features, functions, components, and parts have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.
Unless otherwise noted, the terms used herein are to be understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. In addition to the definitions of terms provided below, it is to be understood that as used in the specification and in the claims, “a” or “an” can mean one or more, depending upon the context in which it is used.
Throughout this application, the term “include,” “include(s)” or “including” means “including but not limited to.” Note that certain embodiments may be described relating to a single glass, but the corresponding description should be read to include embodiments of two or more glasses. Different features, variations, and multiple different embodiments are shown and described herein with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.
Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain implementations could include, while other implementations do not include, certain features, elements, and/or operations. Thus, such conditional language generally is not intended to imply that features, elements, and/or operations are in any way required for one or more implementations or that one or more implementations necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or operations are included or are to be performed in any particular implementation.
What has been described herein in the present specification and annexed drawings includes examples of systems, apparatuses, methods, devices, and techniques that, individually and in combination, provide for a breathable children's product. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methods for purposes of describing the various elements of the disclosure, but it can be recognized that many further combinations and permutations of the disclosed elements are possible. Accordingly, it may be apparent that various modifications can be made to the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the disclosure may be apparent from consideration of the specification and annexed drawings, and practice of the disclosure as presented herein. It is intended that the examples put forth in the specification and annexed drawings be considered, in all respects, as illustrative and not limiting. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant, the apparatus comprising:

a compressible structure configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure; and

a cover removably coupled to the compressible structure and overlaying at least a portion of the compressible structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a foldover portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cover further comprises a base portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a mattress pad removably disposed on the base portion of the cover.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mattress pad comprises a breathable material.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the foldover portion further comprises a zipper along an edge of the foldover portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cover is inserted through the compressible structure with the foldover portion being wrapped around the compressible structure, and wherein the zipper is disposed below the compressible structure.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compressible structure comprises a rigid material defining a plurality of perforations.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compressible structure is ring-shaped.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a breathable material.

11. An apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant, the apparatus comprising:

a cover comprising a foldover portion, and wherein the foldover portion comprises a zipper along an edge of the foldover portion; and

a compressible structure configured to removably receive the cover by securing the foldover portion about a portion of the compressible structure, wherein the compressible structure is configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cover further comprises a base portion coupled to the foldover portion.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the compressible structure comprises a rigid material defining a plurality of perforations.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a mattress pad comprising a breathable material.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cover comprises a breathable material.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cover is coupled to the compressible structure with the foldable portion of the cover being secured about the compressible structure by the zipper.

17. A method of assembling an apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant, the method comprising:

inserting a cover through a compressible structure, wherein the cover comprises a foldover portion comprising a zipper, wherein the compressible structure is configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure;

wrapping the foldover portion around an outer rim of the compressible structure; and

manipulating the zipper along the foldover portion to secure the foldover portion about the compressible structure.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cover further comprises a base portion surrounded by the foldover portion.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the compressible structure comprises a rigid material having a plurality of perforations.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the cover comprises a breathable material.