CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from US Provisional Application Serial Number 61/097,601 filed on September 17. 2008. the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Bed accessories are generally discussed herein, with particular discussions extended to cushion members configured to form a padded enclosure, advantageously for use with a crib or a regular bed.

[0003] An infant's crib typically comprises a headboard and a footboard connected by a mattress support element and a pair of sides. Each of the sides typically comprises top and bottom horizontal bars interconnected by a plurality of vertical spindles or slats. To reduce the chances of a baby or infant hitting his or her head on the hard headboard and footboard, and of having the head or a limb entrapped between the spaced slats of the crib, crib bumpers are typically used.

[0004] A typical crib bumper comprises four flexible and resilient cushioning pads of generally rectangular configuration connected end-to-end. A typical bumper pad may be. for example, approximately 1.3 to 2.5 cm thick and approximately 25 cm high. The pads are enveloped in an attractive cover that keeps the pads connected. The pads are secured to the crib by a plurality of strings or ribbons sewn on the pad cover and tied to the crib sides and/or the footboard and headboard.

[0005] Conventional crib bumpers lack stable positioning within the crib. Indeed, even though tied to the crib, they can move up the sides of the crib and thus create an uncovered gap in the sides. Furthermore, being floppy, the bumper pads do not fit snuggly, and the strings or ribbons used to secure the bumpers to the crib can become unfastened, leaving the sides exposed.

[0006] Thus, there remains a need for a crib or bed cushioning device or assembh that minimizes the aforementioned shortcomings of conventional crib bumpers. SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an arrangement of cushion members defining a substantially rectangular surface having first and secoαd opposed ends and first and second opposed sides is provided. The arrangement comprises first and second longitudinal cushion members configured to be arranged along the first and second sides of the area, respectively. Each of the longitudinal cushion members comprises a body section defining an axis and having first and second end surfaces, each of the first and second end surfaces defining a first angle relative to the axis of the body section. The arrangement further comprises first and second lateral cushion members configured to be positioned along the first and second ends of the area, respectively. The first lateral cushion member has an angled planar major surface configured to abut flush against the first end surfaces of the first and second longitudinal cushion members: and the second lateral cushion member has an angled planar major surface configured to abut flush against the second end surfaces of the first and second longitudinal cushion members. In a preferred embodiment, the first angle, defined by each of the first and second end surfaces relative to the axis of the body section, and a second angle, defined by the angled planar major surface of each of the lateral cushion member relative to the axis of the body section of the longitudinal members, are supplementary.

[0008] In another example, an arrangement of cushion members having first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed sides defining a rectangular perimeter is The arrangement comprising first and second longitudinal cushion members configured to be arranged along the first and second sides of the perimeter, respectively. Each of the longitudinal cushion members comprising a body section defining an axis and having first and second end surfaces, the first end surface defining a first angle relative to the axis of the body section and the second end surface defining a second angle relative to the axis of the body section. The first and second lateral cushion members configured to be positioned along the first and second ends of the perimeter. The first lateral cushion member having an angled planar major surface configured to abut flush against the first end surfaces of the first and second longitudinal cushion members, and the second lateral cushion member having an angled planar major surface configured to abut flush against the second end surfaces of the first and second longitudinal cushion members. [0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an arrangement of cushion members is provided for use with a crib having left and right sides, a head end. and a foot end. The arrangement comprises first and second longitudinal cushion members configured to be positioned along the left and right sides, respectively. Each of the longitudinal cushion members comprises a body section defining an axis and having first and second end surfaces, the first and second end surfaces each defining a first angle relative to the axis of the body section. The arrangement further comprises first and second lateral cushion members configured to be positioned along the head end and the foot end, respectively. The first lateral cushion member has an angled planar major surface configured to abut flush against the first end surfaces of the first and second longitudinal cushion members, and the second lateral cushion member has an angled planar major surface configured to abut flush against the second end surfaces of the first and second longitudinal cushion members. The arrangement further comprises a plurality of securing members arranged on the longitudinal cushion members so as to be removably securable to the first and second sides of the crib. In a preferred embodiment, the first angle, defined by each of the first and second end surfaces relative to the axis of the body section, and a second angle, defined by the angled planar major surface of each of the lateral cushion member relative to the axis of the body section of the longitudinal members, are supplementary,

[0010] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for arranging cushion members to define a substantially rectangular surface area having first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed sides. The method comprises: (a) providing first and second lateral cushion members, each of the lateral cushion members having an angled planar major surface; (b) placing the first lateral cushion member along the first end with the angled planar major surface thereof facing upward and away from the first end; (c) placing the second lateral cushion member along the second end with the angled planar major surface thereof facing upward and away from the second end; (d) providing first and second longitudinal cushion members, each of the longitudinal cushion members comprising a body section defining an axis and having first and second end surfaces, each of the end surfaces defining a first angle relathe to the axis of the body section: (e) placing the first longitudinal cushion member along the first side so that the first and second end surfaces thereof are in surface-to-surface abutment with the angled planar major surfaces of the first and second lateral cushion members, respectively; and (f) placing the second longitudinal cushion member along the second side so that the first and second end surfaces thereof are in surface-to-surface abutment with the angled planar major surfaces of the first and second lateral cushion members, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the first angle, defined by each of the first and second end surfaces relative to the axis of the body section, and a second angle, defined by the angled planar major surface of each of the lateral cushion member relative to the axis of the body section of the longitudinal members, are supplementary.

[0011] Other aspects and variations of the arrangements and methods summarized abo\e are also contemplated and will be more fully understood when considered with respect to the following disclosure,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become appreciated as the same become better understood with reference to the specification, claims and appended drawings wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crib shown with part of an assembled arrangement of exemplary cushion members in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective \iew of an assembled arrangement of exemplar) cushion members provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lateral cushion member of the arrangement shown in FIG. 2;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a longitudinal cushion member of the arrangement shown in FIG. 2;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the longitudinal cushion member shown in FIG. 4;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the lateral cushion member of the arrangement shown in FIG. 3; and

[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the longitudinal cushion member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the arrangement of cushion members provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the arrangement of the present disclosure mas be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and the steps for constructing and using the arrangement of the present disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

[0021] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of an exemplary assembled arrangement of cushion members or cushion assembly 10 for use with a bed. such as, for example, a crib 12, The crib 12 comprises a first end wall or headboard 14, a second end wall or footboard 16, and opposite sides 18 and 20. Each of the opposite sides 18 and 20 comprises an upper side rail 22 and a lower side rail 24 connected by a plurality of vertical slats 26. At least one or both sides 18 and 20 may be selectively raised and lowered for easy access to a supporting pad or mattress 28 positioned within the interior of the crib 12. In Fig. 1, the end walls 14 and 16 are shown as solid surfaces; however, alternative end walls comprising horizontal end rails connected vertical slats are also suitable. The arrangement of cushion members 10 comprises first and second longitudinal cushion members 30. 32 and first and second lateral cushion members 34. 36 (Fig. 2). The first and second lateral cushion members 34. 36 are placed along the first and second end walls 14, 16, respectively, and the first and second longitudinal cushion members 30. 32 are respectively placed along the opposite sidewalls 18 and 20. The two longitudinal cushion members 30. 32 and the two lateral cushion members 34. 36 form a cushioned or padded perimeter around the mattress or pad 28 within the crib 12. Alternatively, the arrangement 10 can be assembled on a floor surface 38. as shown in Fig. 2. to provide a cushioned or padded perimeter around a defined area of the floor.

[0022] As best shown in Fig. 2, in one embodiment, the first and second longitudinal cushion members 30. 32 are advantageous!} substantially similar in shape and size. Specifically. each of the longitudinal cushion members 30. 32 comprises a substantially cylindrical bod} section 50, which defines a longitudinal axis A and comprises a first end surface 56 and a second end surface 58 (Fig. 4). Each of the first and second end surfaces 56, 58 defines an obtuse angle β with respect to the axis A, Each of the longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32 further advantageously comprises a plurality of securing members 90 that may be used to secure the first and second longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32 to the sidewalls 18 and 20 of the crib 12. The securing members 90 ma> include, but are not limited to, ribbons, chords, strings, hook-and- loop fasteners, etc. The securing members 90 may be fixed to the longitudinal cushion members 30, 32 at predefined locations, as shown, or they may be provided separately or at different locations. When assembled on a floor surface 38, as shown in Fig. 2, the first and second longitudinal members 30 and 32 are unsecured. Even without attachment to an)' sidewalls, the cushion members of the arrangement 10 still provide a freestanding cushioned perimeter around a defined area 38 of the floor, as shown in Figure 2.

[0023] Likewise, in one embodiment, the first and second lateral cushion members 34, 36 are advantageously of similar size and shape. Specifically, each of the lateral cushion members 34, 36 defines a right triangle in cross-section (see Figure 6), having an angled planar major surface 76, a first triangular end surface 78. and a second triangular end surface 80. The angled planar major surface 76 forms an acute angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the longitudinal cushion members 30, 32. As best shown in Fig. 2, in the assembled state, the angled planar major surface 76 abuts one of the end surfaces 56 or 58 of each of the first and second longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32.

[0024] In one example, the angles α and β are supplementary and together add io 180 degrees. Preferably, the angle α is about 45 degrees, and the angle β is about 135 degrees with variance of about ± 15-20 degrees from these preferred values contemplated. For example, α may be about 65 degrees, and the angle β may be about 125 degrees. Furthermore, the two end surfaces may have different angles (such as β and β') and the angles of the two end cushions may differ (such as supplementary α and of). Still furthermore, since the angles are measured in different directions (such as clockwise and clockwise), the angles are said to be equal in absolute value when one is 45 degrees and the other is negative 45 degrees.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective of one of the lateral cushion members 34« 36 of the arrangement 10 according to aspects of the present invention. As mentioned each of the lateral cushion members 34. 26 defines a right triangle in cross-section, as shown in Fig. 6, wherein the angled planar major surface 76 forms a hypotenuse, and a first planar surface 72 and a second planar surface 74, which are perpendicular to each other, define the sides, In alternathe embodiments, instead of a triangular body section, the lateral cushion members 34 and 36 ma) include a body section that is rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or is irregular in shape,

[0026] In one embodiment, the dimensions of the first and second lateral cushion members 34 and 36 are configured to fit a standard crib. When assembled for use in the crib 12, as best shown in FIG. 1, the first planar surface 72 is placed along the end wall 14 or 16 and the second planar surface 74 contacts the supporting pad or mattress 28. The angled major surface 76, as set forth above, abuts one of the end surfaces 56, 58 of both of the first and second longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32. In one specific embodiment, the first planar surface 72 and the second planar surface 74, in addition to being perpendicular to each other, also the same width. As best shown in Fig. 2. in this embodiment, the first triangular end surface 78 and the second triangular end surface 80 are right isosceles triangles, with two equal sides and one right angle. In other embodiments, the first and second planar surfaces 72 and 74 may have different widths.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the first and second longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32. The first end surface 56 and the second end surface 58, each defining the angle β relative to the longitudinal axis A. protrude away from each other. In one embodiment. the angle β is an obtuse angle and supplementary to the angle α, defined by the major planar surface 76 of the lateral cushion members 34 and 36 relative to the axis A. As the first and second end surfaces 56 and 58 are angled relative to the longitudinal axis A, the cylindrical body section 50 comprises an upper side 52 and a lower side 54 of unequal lengths; the upper side 52 being longer than the lower side 54. In alternative embodiments, instead of a cylindrical body section, the longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32 may comprise a rectangular, hexagonal. octagonal or other shape body sections. As set forth above, the securing members 90 attached to the cylindrical body section 50 may be used to secure the first and second longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32 to the sidewalk 18 and 20 of the crib 12, When the arrangement of cushion members 10 is placed on a non-confined surface area such as on a regular bed or on the floor, the unsecured securing members 90. such as ribbons or ties, may contribute to the esthetic appeal of the longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32. [0028] Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the longitudinal cushion member 30, 32 of Fig.4. Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the lateral cushion member 34, 36 of Fig 3, In one embodiment, the first and second longitudinal members 30, 32 (Fig. 5) and the first and second lateral cushion members 34. 36 (Fig. 6) each comprises a resilientl) firm and cushioning core 40, covered by a water resistant cover 42, enveloped in a removable slipcover 44, In one embodiment, the core 40 is made of polymeric foam, preferably a fairly high density foam (such as polyurethane. for example) to provide the desired balance of firmness and softness. In one specific embodiment, the core 40 is made from polyurethane foam with a density of 1.2 pounds per cubic foot. In alternative embodiments, suitable materials typically used in making pillows and cushions may be used

[0029] The water-resistant cover 42 may be made from natural or synthetic waterproof fabrics such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). polyurethaiie, silicone elastomers and/or combinations thereof. The water-resistant cxn er 42 protects the core 40 from undesirable contamination. In one embodiment, the core 40 is permanently enclosed within the water resistant cover 42. In alternative embodiments, the water resistant cover 42 may be removable.

[0030] The removable slipcover 44 enveloping the water resistant cover 42 and the core 40 may be made from a soft, pliable fabric material, such as cotton, polyester, silk and the like. For aesthetical appeal, the slipcover 44 may be made from decorative and colorful fabric The color and pattern of the removable slipcover 44 are a matter of choice. In one embodiment, serene and soothing colors and patterns are used to provide a peaceful and relaxing em ironment for an infant. In other embodiments, busy patterns and loud colors may be used to pro\ ide sensory stimulation to the infant. The removable slipcover 44 may comprise a closure member 46 to allow easy removal of the slipcover 44 from the core 40 and water resistant co\er 42. In one specific embodiment, as illustrated, the closure member 46 is a zipper. In other embodiments, hooks, loop, adhesives, ties, ribbons and other types of fasteners, and'or a combination thereof may be suitable.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 3 and 6, in one embodiment, the closure member 46 is placed along the lower side 54 of the cylindrical body section 50. where it is hidden from and least likely to come into contact with the infant in the crib 12 However, it may also be placed on the upper side 52 if desired. [0032] On the first and second lateral cushion members 34 and 36, in one embodiment, the closure member 46 is placed along the first planar surface 72, where it is hidden from sight and also least likely to come into contact with an infant in the crib 12. In other embodiments, the closure member 46 may be placed along the second planar surface 74 or at the interface between the angled planar major surface 76 and second planar surface 74, or between the angled major surface 76 and the first planar surface 72. as desired.

[0033] Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment having longitudinal cushion members 130, 132 each of which comprises an inflatable bladder 140 covered in a removable slipcover 144 secured by a closure member 146. such as hook-and-loop fastener (as shown), or alternatively, a zipper (as in the previously-described embodiment), or any suitable functional equivalent. The bladder 140 may be made of any suitable polymeric film, and it may be inflated through an inflation valve (not shown), of the type commonly used, for example, in inflatable pillows and air mattresses. An advantage of this embodiment is that there is no need for a separate water-resistant cover, because the bladder material is itself impervious to liquids. Another advantage is that the degree of firmness may be adjusted by adjusting the inflation pressure. It will be understood that this inflatable bladder construction may also be used for the lateral cushion members.

[0034] The cushion members provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention fit snuggly and firmly relative to each other, even free standing such as when used on a non confined area. When assembled within a crib, their snug and firm assembly prevents any cushion member from moving and/or becoming disassembled. In addition to being easy to assemble, they provide a firm, secure and comfortable environment for the infant. The water- resistant cover 42 keeps the core 40 clean and prevents undesirable contamination. The removable slipcover 44 facilitates the washing and changing process. In addition to be part of an arrangement as disclosed above, the first and second lateral cushion members 34 and 36 may also be used separately to divide the crib in cozy and smaller enclosures. Furthermore, each cushion member may be used individually as pla} props, reading and bed wedges, motor enhancement tools, etc.

[0035] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples, and that the embodiments should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. The following claims are, therefore, to be read to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent elements for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. The claims are thus to be understood to include those that have been illustrated and described above, those that are conceptually equivalent, and those that incorporate the ideas of the invention.