Portable cushion and bumper device

Abstract

A portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device is described. The invention includes a flexible padded base and a plurality of padded wall sections integrally attached to each other. The wall sections may be raised and fastened together such that an interior cavity is formed. The bumper device may be used alone or inserted in part or all of a sleeping apparatus. When the wall sections are raised and fastened together, the playpen is in an erected configuration, and when the walls are unfastened, the playpen is in a collapsed and thus easily transported configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 60 / 926,258.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that has sides which may be raised to discourage the baby or pet from rolling off the pad. The sides of the pad may also be lowered to roll up the pad to make it easier to transport. The pad may be used alone or may be inserted into a baby bed, bassinet, crib, playpen or pet carrier.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Playpens, baby tents and other enclosed structures in which a baby could be kept within a restrained area to play, have been known and used for some time. Traditional playpens include a square base and square walls, the base having a soft cushion for the baby's comfort and the walls typically designed to keep the child inside. Traditional playpens may, however, utilize add-on bumper systems which must be tied in to place. These add-on bumper systems ma...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that is easily collapsible and portable.

[0012]It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device whose component parts are integral to the pad and not easily lost or separated.

[0013]It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that protects babies from rolling or crawling off the pad.

[0015]It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that can be collapsed, rolled up and constrained with a strap for convenient storage and carrying.

[0016]It is another object of the invention to provide a water-proof skid-proof and washable portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device to allow versatile usage both indoors and outdoors.

[0017]The above and other objects are achieved by the invention, which is a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device for newborns, infants and young children or pets. The invention includes a flexible padded base and a plurality of padded wall sections integrally attached to each other. The wall sections may be raised and fastened together such that an interior cavity is formed. When the wall sections are raised and fastened together, the playpen is in an erected configuration, and when the walls are unfastened, the playpen is in a collapsed and thus easily transported configuration. The wall sections may be which may be selectively raised or lowered may be fastened together by any conventional attaching means, such as micro-hook fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), a zipper, a tie, laces, a snap, a buckle, a magnet, adhesive, and / or a hook. In the preferred embodiment, the four wall sections are secured together by tying them to each other with attached straps.

Problems solved by technology

These add-on bumper systems may result in choking hazards of loose fitting sheets and bumpers inside of a baby bed, bassinet, crib, playpen or pet carrier.

Also, traditional playpens may be difficult to set up and collapse, and may be heavy, thereby limiting their portability.

This patent attempts to limit the movements of the child or infant by introducing a cavity maintained either by variable pressure, a belt or foam rubber, however, this solution does not lend itself to portability.

This patent describes a pad that is easily collapsed and is very portable; however, there is nothing to prevent the baby from rolling or crawling off the pad.

Additionally, there is a danger from the collapsible rods breaking or splintering and injuring the child.

Furthermore, because the collapsible rods are removable, in order to collapse the pad, they may become lost or misplaced.

This patent is an improvement in portability, however, not only is it both complicated to set up and dismantle, but is also made of many different pieces which may be lost or accidentally discarded during multiple uses.

Images