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[0001] This application claims priority from provisional patent application Serial No. 60/173,455, filed Dec. 29, 1999.
[0002] This invention relates generally to bed coverings for infants and in particular to a system for anchoring infant crib sheets to a crib mattress.
[0003] Devices adapted for securing a sheet to a mattress are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,830 discloses a holding appliance for use on a blanket, mattress pad, or coverlet of a bed. The device includes a band for fixing the blanket or coverlet to a bed in such a manner that the blanket or coverlet can be freely movable relative to the bed, without disturbing a person's sleep.
[0004] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,617, a bedding attachment device is disclosed that includes a strip of hook fastening material which is attachable to a bed frame and a strip of loop fastening material which is selectively attachable to the bedding. Garter-like fastening straps are fixedly secured to the loop strip, and these straps are attached to the bedding at selected positions. The bedding may then be stretched over the mattress until the hook and loop fastening strips are engaged.
[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,560, a device for keeping fitted sheets in place on a mattress is provided. The device includes a central sheet with substantially the same shape as the mattress but with smaller dimensions. Elastic members are attached to the periphery of the central sheet pulling inwardly on a fitted sheet. The elastic members are permanently affixed to the central sheet on one end and removably grab the edges of the fitted sheet keeping it in place.
[0006] Properly securing an infant crib sheet to the crib mattress can often be difficult. Even a very young infant is capable of pulling the corners of a crib sheet loose, even if the sheet is “fitted”. Once free from the mattress, the loose sheet poses a very real threat to the infant inasmuch as the infant may become entrapped in a portion of the sheet and be suffocated. What is needed is a simple, yet highly effective system for securing the corners and sides of an infant crib sheet to standard full size crib mattress.
[0007] The present invention provides a crib sheet anchor comprising an octagonal harness pad having at least four corner edges, with at least two of the four corner edges being parallel to one another and arranged at about thirty-five degrees to at least two parallel side edges. In this way, outwardly directed forces applied to the octagonal harness pad are evenly distributed so as to prevent bunching or wrinkling of the crib sheet. Six elastic strips each having two ends with one of the ends fastened to one each of the side edges and the corner edges of the harness pad. Four of the six elastic straps are relatively longer than two of the elastic straps. Six clasps are fastened one each to the free ends of the six elastic straps. The clasps include a crib sheet engagement portion that can be locked in place on a crib sheet and which increases its grip as tension is applied to the crib sheet and the clasp.
[0008] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein:
[0009]
[0010]
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[0012]
[0013] This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.
[0014] Referring to
[0015] Harness pad
[0016] There are six elastic straps
[0017] Referring to
[0018] Crib sheet anchor
[0019] Advantages of the Invention
[0020] Numerous advantages are obtained by employing the present invention.
[0021] More specifically, a crib sheet anchor is provided which avoids many problems associated with prior art devices.
[0022] In addition, a crib sheet anchor is provided which distributes tensile forces across a central harness pad so as to better prevent wrinkling of a crib sheet.
[0023] Furthermore, a crib sheet anchor is provided which will secure an infant fitted or flat crib sheet to a crib mattress so as to be resistant to the normal movements and motions of an infant in a standard, full size crib.
[0024] Also, a crib sheet anchor is provided which is safe to use and will not cause, itself, cause injury to infants sleeping in a crib.
[0025] In addition, a crib sheet anchor is provided which is simple to operate and easy to use.
[0026] Furthermore, a crib sheet anchor is provided which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
[0027] It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims.