GB2348130A

GB2348130A - Baby accommodation device

Info

Publication number: GB2348130A
Application number: GB9906906A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Diana Hall
Original assignee: James Galt and Co Ltd
Current assignee: James Galt and Co Ltd
Priority date: 1999-03-26
Filing date: 1999-03-26
Publication date: 2000-09-27
Also published as: GB9906906D0

Abstract

An assembly having a cushioning region 8 defining a resting place for a baby, first and second inflatable side walls 12 and 14 extending along opposite sides of the region 8, and preferably third and fourth walls 16 and 18 also extending along opposite sides of the region 8. A cover means (6, fig's 4-8) covers the side walls 12, 14, 16 and 18 and a surface of the cushioning region 8 which faces outwardly in use. The assembly may be constructed from PVC, it may also be used as a changing mat, and when deflated defines a compact arrangement that may be stored in a bag.

Description

BABY ACCOMMODATION DEVICE This invention relates to an accommodation device for accommodating a baby, from the age of 0-6 months. A method of accommodating a baby, a kit, a method of assembling an accommodation device and a method of transforming a device are also described.

It is often desirable for a baby of 0-6 months to be placed in a safe, pleasant environment in which they may be allowed to rest. One known device intended to provide such an environment comprises a chair which is supported on a metal framework using springs which are such that the chair can be caused to rock back and forth for soothing the baby. Disadvantageously, however, the device described is relatively heavy and cumbersome and cannot easily be transported from one location to another.

Another approach simply utilises a"car seat"which is primarily arranged to be secured using a seat belt within a vehicle. Such seats usually have a handle whereby they can be carried. Often, a mother will place the seat on the floor indoors to provide a safe environment for the baby. However, the seat is still relatively bulky and cumbersome.

A further alternative is for the baby to be placed directly on a floor or onto cushions placed on the floor.

However, this tends not to provide an environment which is especially safe and there is often a tendency for the baby to try to turn over and/or move away from the environment.

Thus, it appears that a baby is not particularly content in the environment.

It is an object of the present invention to address the abovedescribed problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for accommodating a baby comprising an assembly which includes a cushioning region defining a resting place for a baby, a first inflatable upwardly extending side wall extending along one longitudinally extending side of the region and a second inflatable upwardly extending side wall extending along an opposite longitudinally extending side of the region, wherein a cover means covers said first and second side walls and a surface of the cushioning region which faces outwardly in use.

Said cushioning region preferably is padded. It may incorporate a foamed material. It is preferably not inflatable. It is preferably substantially planar. It preferably includes an integral, fixed (i. e. nonremovable) protective cover which is preferably substantially non-water absorbent. PVC is a preferred material for said protective cover. Said cushioning region may have a thickness of at least 5mm, preferably at least 7mm, more preferably at least 9mm, especially at least 11 mm and less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably less than 15 mm.

Said cushioning region suitably has a length of at least 600 mm, preferably at least 650 mm, more preferably at least 700 mm, especially at least 730 mm. Said length is suitably less than 900 mm, preferably less than 850 mm, especially less than 800 mm.

Said cushioning region suitably has a width of at least 200 mm, preferably at least 250 mm, more preferably at least 275 mm, especially at least 300 mm. The width is suitably less than 400 mm, preferably less than 375 mm, more preferably less than 350 mm, especially less than 325 mm.

Said first side wall suitably extends at least 50 mm, preferably at least 70 mm, more preferably at least 90 mm, especially at least 100 mm above said surface of said cushioning region. Said first side wall may extend less than 200 mm, preferably less than 180 mm, more preferably less than 160 mm, especially less than 140 mm above said surface of said cushioning region.

The width of said first side wall may be at least 50 mm, preferably at least 70 mm, more preferably at least 85 mm, especially at least 95 mm. The width may be less than 170 mm, suitably less than 155 mm, preferably less than 145 mm, especially less than 135 mm.

Said first side wall suitably includes a first filling orifice for inflating it. Advantageously, the volume of the first side wall may be relatively low, thereby allowing it to be relatively easily inflated without the need to use a pump. The volume may be less than 10,000 cm3, especially less than 9,000 cm3. The volume may be at least 5000 cm3.

Said first side wall is preferably attached, preferably substantially permanently, to said cushioning region, for example by welding. A region about which said side wall (when deflated) may be pivoted relative to said cushioning region is preferably defined so that said first side wall may be folded back upon itself to make face-toface contact with said cushioning region.

Said second side wall may have any feature of the first side wall described above. Preferably, said second side wall is a mirror image of said first side wall.

Said assembly preferably includes a third inflatable upwardly extending side wall extending along a transversely extending side of said cushioning region.

Said third side wall preferably extends above said surface of said region and has a width as described above for said first side wall. It preferably includes a filling orifice for inflating it. It is preferably attached, preferably substantially permanently, to said cushioning region and preferably to said first and/or second side walls, for example by welding. Said third side wall may be curved, when inflated.

A fourth side wall preferably extends along a transversely extending side of said cushioning region, opposite said third side wall. Said fourth side wall may have any feature of said third side wall described herein.

It is preferably a mirror image of said third side wall.

Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth side walls are arranged, when inflated, to define a substantially endless wall around said cushioning region.

Said cover means preferably includes a part which substantially corresponds in shape to that of said cushioning region. It is preferably arranged to cover said assembly so that none of said assembly is directly visible when the device is in use.

Said cover means is preferably made out of a fabric, for example a woven fabric and it may be printed with an attractive design. Said cover means is preferably washable.

Said cover means preferably includes securement means for releasably securing it to the assembly. Said securement means is preferably resilient. It preferably includes an elastically deformable component. Said securement means is preferably provided at or towards, preferably around, a periphery, or free edge, of the cover means. Said securement means may be substantially endlessly arranged at or towards said periphery. Said securement means may be movable between a first condition in which it is in a relaxed condition and defines an opening which is smaller than the size of the largest diameter of said assembly, and a second condition wherein it is under tension and can be arranged to be larger than said largest diameter so that said assembly can be moved through said opening and engaged with said cover means.

A periphery of said cover means is preferably arranged directly underneath said first and second side walls and preferably said third and/or fourth side walls, when provided. Preferably, the periphery of said cover means is not arranged directly underneath said cushioning region. A gap of at least 300 mm, preferably at least 350 mm, especially at least 400 mm is suitably defined between opposing peripheral regions of said cover means, in use.

The invention extends to a method of accommodating a baby, the method comprising positioning a baby in a device according to said first aspect.

The invention extends to a kit comprising a receptacle, for example a bag, with which an assembly and cover means of a device as described herein are arranged.

The receptacle may have a maximum volume of at least 6000 cm3, preferably 7000 cm3, more preferably 8000 cm3, especially 9000 cm3. The receptacle may have a maximum volume of less than 20,000 cm3, suitably less than 17,000 cm3, preferably less than 14,000 cm3, more preferably less than 12,000 cm3, especially less than 10,000 cm3.

The invention extends to a method of assembling a device according to said first aspect which comprises inflating said first and second members (and said third and fourth members if provided) and applying said cover.

The invention extends to a method of transforming a device according to said first aspect to a changing mat, the method comprising removing said cover means from said assembly.

Any feature of any aspect of any invention or embodiment described herein may be combined with any feature of any aspect of any other invention or embodiment described herein.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a support assembly; Figure 2 and 3 are respective cross-sections along lines II and III; Figure 4 is a plan view of the support assembly with a cover in position ; Figures 5 and 6 are respective cross-sections along lines V and VI; Figure 7 is an underneath plan view of the arrangement of figure 4; and Figure 8 shows a baby in position.

A device 2 for accommodating a baby comprises a support assembly 4 and a removable cover 6 therefor.

The assembly 4 comprises a PVC covered thin foam mat 8 which is generally oval-shaped and has a width x of about 300 mm and a length y of about 750 mm. The thickness may be about 13 mm. The mat 8 is bounded on all sides by individually inflatable PVC members. Thus, longitudinally extending inflatable members 12,14 are arranged along opposing longitudinally extending sides of the mat 8 and transversely extending inflatable members 16,18 and provided at opposing ends of the mat. The total length w of the assembly is about 1010 mm and the width z is about 560 mm. The height q of the members is about 120 mm.

Each of the inflatable members 12,14,16,18 is an individually inflatable unit with a respective filling orifice 19 via which a user may blow to inject air into the members. Because of the relatively low volume of the members, they may be easily blown up and it is not necessary for any non-return valve (or the like) to be associated with the filling orifice. This tends to make deflation of the members relatively easy (as well as inflation).

The members 12,14,17,18 may be separated by heat welds 20 so that there are substantially no gaps between the members which are held, in any event, in position relative to one another. Thus, the members define, when inflated, a substantially endless, unbroken enclosure wall around the mat 8.

The cover 6 is in one part. It includes an inner padded area 30 (what corresponds in shape to that of the mat 8), bounded by regions which are arranged to cover members 12,14,16,18. The cover is made out of fabric and it includes corner seams 32 to help define its shape.

The cover is elasticated about its periphery 36 so that it can be eased over the assembly 4 and resiliently engaged therewith, with the elasticated periphery being positioned underneath the members 12,14,16,18 of the assembly.

It has been found that babies are relatively content when placed within the device as shown in figure 8. This is believed to be due to the comfortable nature of the mat 8 and cover 6 together with the surrounding walls defined by the member 12,14,16,18 which seem to make the baby feel safe in its environment.

The device 2 may also have a second function. If the cover 6 is removed (which it quickly can be) then the assembly 4 can be used as a changing mat which, because it is made from PVC, can readily be cleaned, if soiled.

Furthermore, it is noted that the size and shape of the assembly is such that the end members 16,18 do not substantially interfere with or prevent easy changing of a baby's diaper.

The assembly 4 can easily be deflated and folded to define a very compact arrangement which can be stored in a small bag (of 40 cm by 30 cm by 8 cm), together with the cover 6.

The rader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 A device for accommodating a baby comprising an assembly which includes a cushioning region defining a resting place for a baby, a first inflatable upwardly extending side wall extending along one longitudinally extending side of the region and a second inflatable upwardly extending side wall extending along an opposite longitudinally extending side of the region, wherein a cover means covers said first and second side walls and a surface of the cushioning region which faces outwardly in use.
2 A device according to claim 1, wherein said cushioning region is padded.
3 A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said cushioning region is inflatable.
4 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cushioning region has a thickness of at least 5mm and less than 30mm.
5 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cushioning region has a length of at least 600mm and less than 900mm.
6 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cushioning region has a width of at least 200mm and less than 400mm.
7 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first side wall extends at least 50mm and less than 200mm above said surface of said cushioning region.
8 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the width of said first side wall is at least 50mm and less than 170mm.
9 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first side wall includes a first filling orifice for inflating it.
10 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the volume of the first side wall is less than 10,000cm3.
11 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first side wall is permanently attached to said cushioning region.
12 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein a region about which said side wall (when deflated) may be pivoted relative to said cushioning region is defined so that said first side wall may be folded back upon itself to make face-to-face contact with said cushioning region.
13 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said assembly includes a third inflatable upwardly extending side wall extending along a transversely extending side of said cushioning region.
14 A device according to claim 13, wherein said third side wall extends above said surface of said region and includes a filling orifice for inflating it.
15 A device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein said third side wall is attached to said cushioning region and to said first and second side walls.
16 A device according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein a fourth side wall extends along a transversely extending side of said cushioning region, opposite said third side wall.
17 A device according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein said fourth side wall is a mirror image of said third side wall and said second side wall is a mirror image of said first side wall.
18 A device according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the first, second, third and fourth side walls are arranged, when inflated, to define a substantially endless wall around said cushioning region.
19 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cover means includes a part which substantially corresponds in shape to that of said cushioning region.
20 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cover means is arranged to cover said assembly so that none of said assembly is directly visible when the device is in use.
21 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cover means is made out of a fabric.
22 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cover means includes securement means for releasably securing it to the assembly.
23 A device according to claim 22, wherein said securement means is resilient.
24 A device according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein said securement means is moveable between a first condition in which it is in a relaxed condition and defines an opening which is smaller than the size of the largest diameter of said assembly, and a second condition wherein it is under tension and can be arranged to be larger than said largest diameter so that said assembly can be moved through said opening and engaged with said cover means.
25 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein a periphery of said cover means is arranged directly underneath said first and second side walls.
26 A device according to claim 25, wherein the periphery of said cover means is not arranged directly underneath said cushioning region.
27 A method of accommodating a baby, the method comprising positioning a baby in a device according to any of claims 1 to 26.
28 A kit comprising a receptacle with which an assembly and a cover means according to any of claims 1 to 26 are arranged.
29 A kit according to claim 28, wherein said receptacle has a maximum volume of at least 6,000cm3 and less than 20,000cm3.
30 A method of assembling a device according to any of claims 1 to 26 which comprises inflating said first and second members and applying said cover.
31 A method of transforming a device according to any of claims 1 to 26 into a changing mat, the method comprising removing said cover means from said assembly.
32 A device, a method and a kit, each being independently substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.