US20140059762A1

US20140059762A1 - Baby Safe Enclosure

Info

Publication number: US20140059762A1
Application number: US13/972,859
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward Bonczek
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-08-21
Filing date: 2013-08-21
Publication date: 2014-03-06

Abstract

The invention provides an enclosed play space with outward support that keeps infants nestled safely while being entertained. The structure is an oval structure having a cushioned floor, wherein the wall and floor are attached with spaced apart hook and loop closures. The wall incorporates spaced apart flexible plastic rods encased between two thick material or fabric layers. The external surface comprises storage compartments which can be attached by hook and loop fasteners. The interior walls of the Baby Safe contain an assortment of entertaining items for an infant.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/691,785 filed Aug. 21, 2012, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Baby Safe.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of baby accessories, and more specifically to the field of baby play and nap spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for baby play and nap spaces. Among these are:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,065 to Barry J. Sullivan describes an infant's crib construction is described which is collapsible to a compact bundle. The crib includes a baby enclosure of a pliant material and a frame of elongate substantially parallel side rods held in a spaced apart, erected position by beyond-center locking toggle spiders at the frame ends.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,318 to John R. Cirillo describes a portable foldable playpen having rectangular upper and lower frames to which a flexible enclosure is affixed and which folds along its end members when released by folding vertical members to form a compact arrangement.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,731 to Chris D. Jakubowski, Scott S. Jakubowski and Todd M. Jakubowski describes an infant activity device includes a base, a support member and an upper member. The support member extends from the base to the upper member to support the upper member above the base. An infant activity panel is attachable between the upper member and the base. An infant activity fastener also is attachable to the infant activity device to secure, for example, a toy.
None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a structure to provide a portable play and nap space enclosure confining an infant within a safe and stable structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective top down diagonal view showing the present invention with a bunny toy and a mirror.

FIG. 2 is a perspective top down diagonal view showing the present invention with an Elmo toy and ABC blocks.

FIG. 3 is two perspective bottom views showing diaper pockets, a wipes pocket, miscellaneous pockets, and hook and loop attachments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view showing a safe enclosed area where the baby plays and naps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Infants and toddlers are prone to rolling off beds or couches and falling out of high chairs, strollers, car seats or swings. Children are getting bumps and bruises constantly from all kinds of mishaps. The first thing to do when a child falls is to relax. Kids are very resilient. Most falls seem worse than they really are, and usually it is unnecessary to call a doctor or make a trip to the Emergency Room. The most common falls are babies rolling off the bed or couch or falling out of an infant seat or stroller. These falls are usually only one to two feet high and almost rarely result in significant injury even if on a hard floor. Falls from a height greater than three feet such as a counter top, high chair, changing table or table can result in injury especially if on a hard floor. When an infant does suffer a fall, a parent or caregiver often starts to doubt their own abilities to care for the baby. Experts advise parents and caregivers to always consider the fragility of an infant's brain and the need to support the head and neck. Parents and caregivers feel tremendous guilt when their child falls or has an accident. A parent may become overly cautious when it comes to all other matters concerning the child. Children depend on adults for security, and it is every caregiver's duty to provide a safe environment in which an innocent infant is secure and is unable to unwittingly harm themselves.
The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Baby Safe Enclosure, or Baby Safe, is an enclosed play space structure with outward support that keeps infants nestled safely while being entertained. Baby Safe allows children to nap or be entertained within the safe confines of a stable structure. The present invention prevents sleeping or playing infants from falling off beds and couches. The
Baby Safe allows parent and caregivers the freedom and mobility to leave infants unattended for short respites. The Baby Safe is an oval structure 10 measuring approximately thirty nine inches in length, thirteen inches in width and twelve inches in height. The floor 12 is cushioned and measures approximately thirty inches in length and thirteen inches in width. The walls 14 and floor 12 are comprised of BPA free, microbe resistant plastics. These modern polymers stave off the growth of bacteria and can be wiped clean. The wall 14 and floor 12 are attached with strategically placed spaced apart hook and loop closures. The wall 12 incorporates strategically placed spaced apart flexible plastic rods 16 encased between two thick material or fabric layers.
The interior walls of the Baby Safe contain an assortment of entertaining items including soft plush toys, rings and toys for teething, flexible alphabet blocks and shatterproof plastic mirrors. Newborns can see from birth, just less clearly than an older child or adult. Until about six months of age, a child responds best to bold contrasting colors and graphics. It is critical to provide babies with toys that have the visual extremes of black, white and red. These highly contrasting colors captivate and hold a baby's attention, encouraging visual development as well as physical activity like wiggling, kicking and arm waving. The use of black and white geometric shapes is another aesthetic option that helps a baby with visual development. Externally, the Baby Safe contains compartments having hook and loop fastened enclosures 18 that house diapers, wipes, pacifiers, ointments and other necessary infant accoutrements. The Baby Safe is lightweight and detachable which makes maintaining a hygienic environment easier.
The Baby Safe is easily assembled in a short amount of time. The bottom portion lies flat on a floor while the PVC support rods 16 snap together to create a safe enclosure. The compartments then are attached and movable with hook and loop attachments. The bottom portion 12 is removable and washable to be washed on a regular basis. The entire unit neatly compartmentalizes for easy transporting and storage. Once the unit is no longer being used, it is folded or rolled back Up and stored away in an included lightweight nylon carrying bag, not shown.
The Baby Safe enables a caregiver to leave a child safely nestled in a cozy breathable enclosure that serves as a resting place as well as a visual entertainment center for budding senses. Using the Baby Safe encourages an infant to balance on their tummy time and explore in their safe and entertaining environment. Trips to friends and relatives homes are simplified as parents can easily transport the Baby Safe and set it up anywhere.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable play and nap space structure confining an infant within a safe and stable structure, comprising:

an oval structure measuring approximately thirty nine inches in length, thirteen inches in width and walls twelve inches in height, further comprising a cushioned floor, wherein the floor is cushioned and measures approximately thirty inches in length and thirteen inches in width, wherein the walls and floor are comprised of BPA free, microbe resistant plastics.

2. The portable play and nap space structure of claim 1 wherein the wall is attached to the floor by means of spaced apart hook and loop closures, and wherein, structural integrity is provided by means of spaced apart flexible plastic support rods.

3. The portable play and nap space structure of claim 1 wherein the flexible plastic support rods are encased between two thick material or fabric layers.

4. The portable play and nap space structure of claim 2 further comprising compartments on the outside of the structure for receiving any items such as diapers, wipes, pacifiers, ointments and other necessary infant accoutrements.

5. The portable play and nap space structure of claim 4 wherein the compartments on the outside of the structure are secured by means of hook and loop fasteners.

6. The portable play and nap space structure of claim 2 wherein interior walls of the structure contain entertaining items including soft plush toys, rings and toys for teething, flexible alphabet blocks and shatterproof plastic mirrors.

7. The portable play and nap space structure of claim 1 wherein the flexible plastic support rods are comprised of PVC.