Portable infant bed

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sleeping structures for human infants, and more specifically to a new portable infant bed having an integral headboard and partial sidewalls that may be placed on any flat surface, particularly on an adult bed next to the parent(s) of the infant.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is well known that newborn human infants require a great deal of sleep. The most common sleeping place for newborns and small infants during the first few months of life is in a bassinet. Then, as the infant grows, it eventually becomes too large for the bassinet and is typically moved to a crib.

Most newborn infants are unable to raise their heads for a number of days or weeks after birth, and most are unable to roll themselves over for several weeks or months. Because of the limited mobility of most newborns, the bassinet where they sleep is typically provided with a firm and flat mattress pad and no pillow in order to help prevent inadvertent suffocation of the infant. A tall peripheral wall around the bassinet prevents the infant from falling out. Unfortunately, these features make the bassinet bulky and difficult to transport.

It is typical for the adult parents of newborn infants to keep the bassinet in the adult bedroom at night. This facilitates easy access to the infant during the night for feeding, changing or other needs that the infant may have. However, the unpredictable and sometimes irrational demands of newborn infants can take their toll on the new parents and deprive them of much needed night sleep. Often, the warm and soothing touch of the parents is all that is necessary to help the infant fall asleep. Unfortunately, it can be both awkward and uncomfortable to lean over or reach into the bassinet in order to comfort the infant, especially when the tired parent would much rather be lying down. It is therefore desirable to provide an infant bed that can be easily accessed by the parent while lying down.

The only known apparatus for allowing an infant to sleep on the same bed as the parent is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,090. The apparatus of this patent is a dome shaped frame which extends over the baby to prevent the baby from being smothered by the parent inadvertently rolling on top of the baby while the parent is sleeping. This frame is easily moved around in the bed, especially when farther away the parent. In addition, it makes it difficult to access the baby. Finally, it may be unsafe in that it is possible for the baby's head to become entangled in the frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention makes it possible to allow an infant to sleep in the same bed as the parent by providing a rectangular flat support surface for holding a firm infant mattress pad, the surface having a rigid headboard perpendicularly attached at one end thereof and rigid perpendicular partial side walls attached to both the support surface and to the headboard. A manufactured or fabric hinge is provided midway down the longitudinal length of the support surface allowing said surface to be closed against itself to facilitate easy transport. The support surface, headboard and side walls may all be integrated into a single unit. Alternatively, the headboard and side walls may be removably attached to the support surface so that the unit takes up less space during storage or transport. A soft fabric cover is provided to cover the surface, headboard and side walls. A firm waterproof mattress pad having the same dimensions as the support surface is also provided. An envelope sheet for the mattress may be provided which completely encloses the mattress like a pillow sham. A pair of handles may also be provided at either end of the support surface for carrying the unit when folded together. The fabric cover may be quilted and flame retardant.

The rigid headboard and side walls prevent the infant from exiting the bed, prevent the adults from rolling over onto the infant while they are sleeping, and protect the infant from the suffocation dangers posed by adult pillows. The placement of the unit also lifts the infant above the level of the adult bodies and potentially hazardous sheets, blankets and bedding. The partial side walls allow the adults to reach into the bed from the foot region allowing access to the infant without going over the walls. The envelope sheet for the mattress helps prevent suffocation.

The present invention allows an infant to sleep with the adults in the adult bed. It also provides a place for the infant to nap on an adult bed during the day. In day use situations, the unit may be placed between pillows on the adult bed, with the open end of the unit placed against the headboard of the adult bed to arrest backward movement of the infant. The present invention is portable, and is especially useful while traveling (in hotels, airports, while visiting friends or relatives, day care, at the park, etc.) to provide a familiar place for the infant to sleep. The unit can be moved from room to room so that the parents can keep the baby near them in the house during the day.

The present invention is particularly useful to new mothers who have undergone Caesarian section operations during delivery. During the several weeks of recovery after delivery, the present invention allows the newborn to be near the new mother thereby helping her to avoid some uncomfortable and painful bending and stooping. Infants, especially premature ones, may benefit from the closeness and added security of sleeping next to their parents. Parental bonding may be improved. Parents can monitor the infant during the night and attend to every whimper. Parents can soothe the infant without getting out of bed. Breast feeding can be more convenient.

In one embodiment, one of the side walls extends the entire length of the infant bed, and a footboard is provided which attaches to this side wall. This leaves only one opening on the other side, between the partial side wall and the footboard. This embodiment is particularly useful in hospital situations, and may include Velcro straps on the elongated side wall for secure attachment of the unit to the rails of the hospital bed.

The unit is portable and washable. It should be made from flame retardant material. The mattress should be waterproof.

A variety of additional features may be incorporated into the unit including any or all of the following:

Zippers may be provided to close the unit against itself during transport. When closed, the unit may act as a storage area for other items, such as blankets, diapers and clothes. In lieu of zippers, the unit may be provided with a separate carrying bag.

A plurality of pockets may be provided on the outside of the headboard and side walls of the unit for storing medicine, pacifiers, diaper pins, etc.

Openings may be provided on the bottom of the support surface for engagement with suction cups. A pair of slots may also be provided in the headboard for attaching a restraining belt. By removing the fabric cover from this embodiment, the unit may be used as a bath seat, with the suction cups attaching to the bathtub, and the belt holding the baby onto the unit. Removing the suction cups from this embodiment allows the unit to be attached to an adult cushion or chair. Additional slots and belts may be employed for this purpose.

A night light may be built into the back of the headboard that can be touched on and off, for checking the condition of the infant at night.

A plurality of clear pockets may be provided on the inside walls of the unit into which any number of different cards may be placed. The cards may include black, red, geometric or other designs for visual stimulation of the infant.

A removable wedge may be provided that is inserted between the mattress and the flat lower support surface of the unit to elevate the infant's head, especially when congested, in order to aid in healthy breathing.

A multitude of combinations of the various features listed above may be incorporated into a given embodiment of the unit, depending on the needs and desires of the user.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a bed for an infant that may be used on an adult bed without fear of suffocation, overheating or rollover injury to the infant.

It is a further important object of the present invention to provide a portable, collapsible infant bed that may be moved from place to place.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transportable unit for holding a reclining infant that may be used in a bed, bathtub, sofa, chair or other appropriate flat surface.

Additional objects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed descriptions and the claims herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an isometric view of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is an isometric view of the interior support piece of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is an exploded view of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> showing the detachable panels of said support piece.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a top plan view of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a side elevational view of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. <b>5</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a top plan view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a side perspective view of the present invention showing it partially folded against itself.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is an environmental view showing the invention in use on an adult bed.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is an environmental view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in use on a hospital bed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referring particularly to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, it is seen that the invention includes an interior support base <b>21</b> having a flat bottom surface <b>22</b>, an end panel (head board) <b>25</b> attached perpendicularly at the proximal end of surface <b>22</b>, and side panels <b>23</b>, <b>24</b> attached perpendicularly along either side of surface <b>22</b>. The proximal end of each side panel <b>23</b> and <b>24</b> is attached to end panel <b>25</b> to form a right angle with end panel <b>25</b>. The distal ends of side panels <b>23</b> and <b>24</b> form an arcuate curve which intersects the distal end of surface <b>22</b>.

Panels <b>23</b>, <b>24</b>, and <b>25</b> may be integrally formed or attached with surface <b>22</b> to form a single rigid piece. Alternatively, panels <b>23</b>, <b>24</b> and <b>25</b> may be detachably attachable to surface <b>22</b>, in order to allow the invention to be disassembled for easier storage and transport.

A soft fabric cover or quilt <b>26</b> is provided which fits over surface <b>22</b>, side panels <b>23</b> and <b>24</b>, and end panel <b>25</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, and <b>8</b>-<b>12</b>. This cover also includes an extended fabric section <b>32</b> which extends out from the open end of support base <b>21</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1. A</figref> fabric or other hinge <b>33</b> is provided on cover section <b>32</b> where it meets base <b>21</b>, thereby allowing the extended section <b>32</b> to fold into base <b>21</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8. A</figref> mattress pad <b>29</b> is provided, the proximal end of which fits snugly against panels <b>23</b>, <b>24</b> and <b>25</b> of support base <b>21</b>. The distal end of pad <b>29</b> extends out over extended section <b>32</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 4</figref>. Pad <b>29</b> may either be removed or folded inside when the invention is folded as shown in FIG. <b>8</b>. Handles <b>34</b> and <b>35</b> are provided at either end of the cover to assist in transporting the invention when it is folded together along hinge <b>33</b>. Zippers, Velcro or other attachment means <b>39</b> may be provided in order to hold section <b>32</b> against panels <b>23</b> and <b>24</b>.

In the preferred embodiment, the fabric cover should be made of washable fire retardant material. The mattress pad should be firm, washable and waterproof.

In an alternative embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-7</figref>, a set of openings <b>41</b> are provided on the back of base <b>21</b> to receive suction cups <b>42</b>. The suction cups <b>42</b> allow base <b>21</b> to be attached to a smooth surface such as a bathtub or counter. While four openings and suction cups are illustrated, any suitable number of openings and suction cups may be employed. A pair of slots <b>43</b> and <b>44</b> are also provided in the base of this embodiment to receive belt <b>45</b> which may be used to secure an infant in the device during use.

In another alternative embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, a plurality of pockets <b>46</b> are provided on the cover on the outsides of any of panels <b>23</b>, <b>24</b> and/or <b>25</b>. These pockets are useful for storing such things as thermometers, tissues, pins, medicine, and the like.

In another alternative embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, a plurality of clear pockets <b>49</b> are provided on the cover on the inside surfaces of panels <b>23</b>, <b>24</b> and/or <b>25</b> of the unit into which any number of different cards <b>48</b> may be placed to provide visual stimulation of the infant.

In another alternative embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, a night light <b>50</b> is provided on the back of headboard panel <b>25</b>.

In another alternative embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, side panels <b>23</b> and <b>24</b> may be extended the entire length of pad <b>29</b> to provide a more secure environment for the infant.

In another alternative embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, side panel <b>23</b> or <b>24</b> is extended the entire length of the unit, and a footboard panel <b>28</b> is provided at the bottom. Panels <b>23</b>, <b>24</b>, <b>25</b> and <b>28</b> may be detachable from base panel <b>22</b> to facilitate easy storage, or they may be integrated into a single unit. The fabric cover <b>26</b> fits over the base panel <b>22</b> and all of side/end panels <b>23</b>, <b>24</b>, <b>25</b> and <b>28</b>. A plurality of pockets may be provided on cover <b>26</b> of this embodiment on either the inside or outside surfaces of any of panels <b>23</b>, <b>24</b> and/or <b>25</b>. This unit is particularly useful in a hospital bed where the rails may be used to hold the unit in the bed. One or more straps <b>55</b> may be attached to the extended side panel <b>23</b> or <b>24</b> (in the illustration of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, panel <b>24</b> is the extended one; however, panel <b>23</b> could alternatively be extended). Velcro hooks <b>54</b> and loops <b>56</b>, elastic, buckles, or other suitable attachment means may be employed on the straps to secure them to the bed rails.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but only in accordance with the appended claims when read in light of the foregoing specification.