INFANT BED

Abstract

 Infant bed (1) comprising
an egg-shaped base (3) and a circumferential sidewall (5) extending essentially upright from the egg-shaped base (3), wherein the circumferential sidewall (5) comprises at least at a head end (11) of the infant bed (1) a compressible foam (14), wherein the circumferential sidewall (5) at the head end (11) is curved in a plane parallel to the egg-shaped base (3) at a first radius (8) that corresponds to the skull of an infant (2), and
a foot rest (13) comprising a compressible material releasably connectable to the circumferential sidewall (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an infant bed and in particular to an infant bed comprising an egg-shaped base and a circumferential sidewall extending essentially upright from the egg-shaped base. The circumferential sidewall comprises at least at a head end of the infant bed a compressible foam, wherein the circumferential sidewall at the head end is curved in a plane parallel to the egg-shaped base at a first radius that corresponds to the skull of an infant, further comprising, and a foot rest comprising a compressible material releasably connectable to the circumferential sidewall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] After birth newborns are exposed to a plurality of stimuli that they did not experience at all or in the intenseness while inside a mother's body. For example, temperature and smell are stimuli, that are nearly totally new for a newborn. Sound and the experience of mobility are experienced much more intense once the infant is born. During the first days and weeks after birth some infants feel uncomfortable and personal distress, which can be caused by environmental stimuli.

[0003] Conventional infant or baby beds are designed for comforting and soothing the baby or infant lying therein. Typically, this is achieved by providing an environment appropriate for the infant, which at the same time complies with certain safety standards. It has been found that at least some infants calm down and sleep preferably in a condition simulating a human womb. Particularly infants at the age of 0 to 3 months enjoy a physical condition that limits the mobility of the infant. Therefore, infants can be swaddled, i.e. the body can be wrapped by a soft cloth.

[0004] US 9,743,780 B2 describes an infant enclosure. Therein, the infant can be enclosed by a sidewall and a foot insert.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] 

Fig. 1

depicts a first top view of an infant bed with an infant.

Fig. 2

depicts a second top view of the infant bed of fig. 1 without the infant.

Fig. 3

depicts a side view of a first embodiment of an infant bed that corresponds to the infant bed of fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4

depicts a first side view of a second embodiment of an infant bed that corresponds to the infant bed of fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 5

depicts a second side view of the infant bed of fig. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The embodiments described below relate to an infant bed, in particular for infants from 0 to 3 months, or until the infant starts turning over on its stomach. Before using the infant bed, it is preferred that the infant is placed in an infant swaddle or infant blanket. It is not suggested that the described infant bed should replace a crib or an alternative sleeping method. The practicality of the described infant bed creates a simplified transition of a newborn from the mother's womb into the world by creating a loving and secure place.

[0007] Fig. 1 shows the described infant bed 1 with an infant 2. The infant bed 1 comprises an egg-shaped base 3. This can be configured as a bottom plate of the infant bed 1. That is, the infant 2 can be placed onto the egg-shaped base 3, wherein optionally a mattress or cushion can be placed between the infant 2 and the egg-shaped base 3 to provide for a soft padding. For instance, in a preferred embodiment the infant bed 1 comprises an egg-shaped pad 4 of a compressible foam, wherein the egg-shaped pad 4 is configured to be placed onto the egg-shaped base 3. For example, the egg-shaped pad 4 can be a 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) foam pad that is cut in an egg-shaped pattern, smaller than the egg-shaped base 3, such that the egg-shaped pad 4 can rest on the egg-shaped base 3 inside the infant bed 1. The foam grade for the egg-shaped pad 4 is preferably a particularly soft, generic C20155WT. The egg-shaped pad 4 is preferably not glued or securely fastened to anything and may be removed from the infant bed 1. Also, the egg-shaped base 3 can be made of a compressible foam material such that the infant 2 can lie comfortably directly on the egg-shaped base 3.

[0008] The materials used for the infant bed 1, in particular the compressible foam that is used for the egg-shaped base 3 or any other component of the infant bed 1, are preferably materials that are certified according to the Intertek® certificate CertiPurUS®. Alternatively, materials certified according to equivalent certificates can be used. Components of the infant bed 1, in particular the egg-shaped pad 4, are preferably lined with a fabric material 17. The fabric material 17 is preferably a material that is certified by Intertek®, in particular bottom grip fabric free of phthalates. The fabric material is further preferably waterproof and/or washable. Preferably the egg-shaped pad 4 is removable from the infant bed 1 such that the egg-shaped pad 4 and/or the fabric material 17 can be cleaned and/or washed. By using certified materials for the egg-shaped base 3, and preferably for all other components of the infant bed 1 as well, it can be ensured that the infant 2 is not exposed to unhealthy materials. Preferably, all materials that are used for the infant bed 1 are certified and/or lined in the discussed manner. This also applies to those components and materials for which this fact is not expressly mentioned.

[0009] Further, the infant bed 1 comprises a circumferential sidewall 5. By the circumferential sidewall 5 the infant 2 can be kept within the infant bed 1, i.e. sidewall 5 prevents the infant 2 from falling out of the infant bed 1. More important, the sidewall 5 attenuates environmental stimuli such as sound and natural draft, thus providing a less stressful environment.

[0010] The circumferential sidewall 5 is preferably arranged around the egg-shaped base 3. Thereby, the circumferential sidewall 5 preferably follows the contour of the egg-shaped base 3. That is, the circumferential sidewall 5 is preferably egg-shaped in the same way as is the egg-shaped base 3. The circumferential sidewall 5 extends essentially upright from the egg-shaped base 3. That means that the circumferential sidewall 5 extends form the egg-shaped base 3 such that the circumferential sidewall 5 and the egg-shaped base 3 enclose an angle of about 90°. It is not necessary that this angle is exactly 90° in a mathematical sense since the purpose of the circumferential sidewall 5 is to keep the infant within the infant bed 1. Any arrangement of the circumferential sidewall 5 that fulfills this purpose is suitable and thus considered to be comprised within the expression that the circumferential sidewall 5 extends essentially upright from the egg-shaped base 3. The fact that the base 3 is egg-shaped or that the entire infant bed 1 is egg-shaped merely refers to the respective two-dimensional shapes and does not mean that the circumferential sidewall 5 is curved such as would be the case with a bed that was egg-shaped in three dimensions.

[0011] It is preferred that the circumferential sidewall 5 extends upright from the egg-shaped base 3. It is further preferred that the circumferential sidewall 5 extends upright from the egg-shaped base 3 such that the circumferential sidewall 5 and the egg-shaped base 3 enclose an angle of exactly 80° to 100°, in particular exactly 90°.

[0012] For example, the egg-shaped base 3 can be a 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) thick foam base to which is glued vertically a 1 ½ inch (about 4 cm) thick circumferential sidewall 5 made of foam. The circumferential sidewall 5 is preferably glued along the edge of the egg-shaped base 3. Simalfa water-based non-toxic glue is preferably used therefore.

[0013] The circumferential sidewall 5 is preferably made of plastic material. Further, it is preferred that the circumferential sidewall 5 is covered with a compressible foam at least at the side of the circumferential sidewall that faces towards a center of the infant bed 1 and thus towards the infant 2. It is also possible that the entire circumferential sidewall 5 is made of the compressible foam. The compressible foam is preferably a material that is certified according to the Intertek® certificate CertiPurUS® or according to an equivalent certificate. Further, the compressible foam is preferably covered with a fabric material. The fabric material is preferably Intertek® or equivalently certified, waterproof and/or washable. The circumferential sidewall 5 can comprise detachable elements that can be detached for washing. For example, the circumferential sidewall 5 can be made of a plastic material, wherein a compressible foam can be attached as a detachable element to that side of the circumferential sidewall 5 that faces towards the center of the infant bed 1.

[0014] The infant bed 1 has a head end 11 and a foot end 12. The infant 2 is supposed to be placed into the infant bed 1 with the head of the infant 2 being placed at the head end 11 and the feet of the infant 2 facing toward the foot end 12. The feet of the infant 2 do not have to reach the foot end 12. In particular, if the infant is smaller than the distance between the head end 11 and the foot end 12, it is preferred that the infant 2 is placed in the infant bed 1 such that the head of the infant 2 touches the circumferential sidewall 5 at the head end 11.

[0015] At least at the head end 11 a compressible foam 14 is provided. Thus, in particular the head of the infant 2 can be brought into contact with the compressible foam 14. The compressible foam 14 at the head end 11 of the infant bed 1 can be the same or a different compressible foam the remaining part of the circumferential sidewall 5 is made of or is covered by. Preferably, the compressible foam 14 at the head end 11 is particularly soft. This can be particularly comfortable for the infant 2. Also the compressible foam 14 is preferably a material that is certified according to the Intertek® certificate CertiPurUS® or to an equivalent certificate and/or that is lined with a material that is certified by Intertek® or by an equivalent.

[0016] Further, the infant bed 1 comprises a foot rest 13. The foot rest 13 comprises a compressible material releasably connectable to the circumferential sidewall 5. The foot rest 13 preferably comprises a strap 18 the feet of the infant 2 can abut. That is, the infant 2 can be placed into the infant bed 1 such that the head of the infant 2 abuts the circumferential sidewall 5 at the head end 11, in particular the compressible foam 14, and that the feet of the infant 2 can abut the feet rest 13. The strap 18 can be preferably attached to the circumferential side wall 5, in particular by hook and loop connections 19 at both ends of the strap 18. The circumferential sidewall 5 has preferably counterparts for the hook and loop connections 19 at least in those areas where attachment of the strap 18 can be expected. Also, the circumferential sidewall 5 can have a surface such as a fabric that allows direct attachment of the hook and loop connections 19. Such a hook and loop connection is a preferred embodiment of a releasable connection between the foot rest 13 and the circumferential sidewall 5. For example, the inside of the infant bed 1 can have three 2 inch (about 5 cm) strips of hook 65 fabric that are spray glued (in particular using Simalfa) to the inside of the circumferential sidewall 5. The foam grade is preferably a generic FB18075 and Simalfa a water-based non-toxic glue. The strip 18 is preferably a 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) thick foam pad that is cut in a rectangular shape with a respective bevel on both of its ends. The foam grade is preferably a generic FB18075. The foot rest 13 is preferably not glued or securely fastened to anything and may be removed from the infant bed 1. Also for the foot rest 13 preferably a compressible foam is used that is certified according to the Intertek® certificate CertiPurUS® or to an equivalent certificate and/or that is lined with a material that is certified by Intertek® or by an equivalent.

[0017] With the foot rest 13, the infant bed 1 can be adjusted to the size of the infant 2. With the infant 2 growing, the foot rest 13 can be moved toward the foot end 12 of the infant bed 1 such that the distance between the head end 11 and the foot rest 13 is increased. Further, the foot rest 13 can exert a gentle pressure onto the infant 2. This may increase the comfort of the infant 2. Also, this can contribute to the head of the infant 2 being pressed gently against the compressible foam 14 of the circumferential sidewall 5 at the head end 11. The foot rest 13 and in particular the strap 18 can exert such a force since the foot rest 13 and preferably in particular the strap 18 are made of a compressible material.

[0018] The foot rest 13 inside the infant bed 1 can be placed according to the needed size, creating a womb-like experience for the infant 2. The foot rest 13 is preferably removable, but secured, for example, with a 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) hook fabric while in use. The foot rest 13 is preferably secured by a diagonally cut 4-inch strip of hook fabric at both sides. The size of the foot rest 13 can be determined by the size of the infant 2 once the infant 2 is completely swaddled and/or placed into the infant bed 1. It is preferred that the infant 2 feels their head lightly touch the soft compressible foam 14 at the head end 11 of the circumferential sidewall 5, as well as their feet touching the foot rest 13. Ultimately, this foot rest 13 can be sized to the size of the swaddled infant 2; creating a sense of protection and womb-like feel. This idea has been tested by the inventors and the feedback has been one suggesting that the infant 2 experiences a high sense of security which promotes less fear and better quiet times between feedings, as well as an easy and loving transition into the world.

[0019] With the described infant bed 1 an enclosure for an infant 2 is provided that reminds the infant 1 of its mom's belly by limiting the mobility of the infant 2. Also, the infant 2 is preferably swaddled when placed into the infant bed 1. The technical purpose of the described egg-shape can be considered to provide a shape of the infant bed 1 that makes the infant 2 feel particularly protected from any external conditions such as external noise and air draft that might annoy the infant and in addition provides a big contact area to the head of the infant.

[0020] The infant bed 1 can be used while doing errands around the house; it can be set on a desk while one works right beside the infant 2. It can also be set on the floor next to an adult or on the couch while watching TV or checking emails. The infant bed 1 can keep the infant 2 feeling safe while they experience their new world, which is filled with new external noises and emotions.

[0021] Further, the head end 11 of the infant bed 1 can be preferably but still optionally designed such that the circumferential sidewall 5 of the infant bed 1 at the head end 11 is not exactly vertical, but follows the - basically spherical - shape of the head of the infant 2. Therefore, the basically vertical circumferential sidewall 5 preferably exhibits a molding adapted to the shape of the head of the infant 2. Therefore, in general, the infant bed 1 and in particular the circumferential sidewall 5 preferably comprise a protrusion 6, in particular at least at the head end 11. The protrusion 6 is preferably arranged opposite to the egg-shaped base 3 such that the protrusion 6 protrudes towards the center of the infant bed 1. This way, the protrusion 6 is like a roof that covers a part of the head of the infant 2. Also, the protrusion may be referred to as a shoulder that sticks out from the vertical circumferential sidewall 5 and that gently touches the top side of the head of the infant 2, for example the forehead or, if the head is turned to one side, the top-sided ear.

[0022] For example, the protrusion 6 can be realized by an element made of plastic and/or compressible foam that is attached to the circumferential sidewall 5. Also, the protrusion can be formed integrally with the circumferential sidewall 5. A protrusion 6 within the meaning used herein is any part of the circumferential sidewall or any element attached thereto that forms a recess into which at least a part of the head of the infant can be placed. Also the protrusion is preferably made of a compressible foam that is certified according to the Intertek® certificate CertiPurUS® or to an equivalent certificate and/or that is lined with a material that is certified by Intertek® or by an equivalent.

[0023] Placing the head of the infant 2 into such a cavity can decrease heat loss of the head of the infant 2. Further, the contact area between the head and the circumferential sidewall 5 can be increased thereby. Also, noises may be attenuated by the protrusion 6. All these effects can increase the comfort of the infant 2.

[0024] Preferably, the protrusion 6 is configured such that an amount by which the protrusion 6 protrudes toward the center of the infant bed 1 is adjustable. That is in particular the amount by which the protrusion 6 extends downwards in the view of fig. 1. If this amount is adjustable, the protrusion can be adapted to the size of the infant 2. The adjustability might be realized, for example, by providing multiple protrusion elements of different sizes that can be attached to the circumferential sidewall 5. Also, such elements could be omitted if the protrusion 6 is temporarily not desired. Further, the protrusion 6 can be realized as an element of a fabric. In that case, a cord can be provided within the fabric such that by adjusting the length of the cord the shape of the fabric protrusion can be adjusted.

[0025] The protrusion is included in fig. 1 but shown in more detail in the side views of fig. 3 to 5. The protrusion 6 is shown in fig. 1 merely schematically. Thus, the part of the head of the infant 2 under the protrusion 6 is visible.

[0026] The fact that the egg-shaped base 3, the circumferential sidewall 5 and thus the infant bed 1 as a whole are egg-shaped is explained in view of fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows the infant bed 1 without the infant 2. In particular, the circumferential sidewall 5 and the egg-shaped base 3 with the egg-shaped pad 4 that is lined with a fabric material 17 are shown in fig. 2.

[0027] The term 'egg-shape' as used herein is supposed to be understood as a round two-dimensional shape that has a varying curving radius. Thereby, the egg-shape deviates from a symmetric oval shape. In contrast to an oval shape, the egg-shape is point-asymmetric in such a way that for each pair of two points on opposite sides of the contour of the egg-shape the curving radius at the respective points is different. However, the egg-shape can be axisymmetric to one axis through the center of the egg-shape. This is the case with the infant bed 1 shown in fig. 2, which has an egg-shape that is symmetric to an axis 20. An egg-shape can be axisymmetric to only one axis, whereas an oval shape is axisymmetric to two axes that are perpendicular to each other. For a shape to be considered an egg-shape within the meaning used herein, however, the shape does not have to be axisymmetric.

[0028] As can be seen from fig. 2, at the head end 11 the circumferential sidewall 5 is curved in a plane parallel to the egg-shaped base 3 at a first radius 8. The drawing plane of fig. 2 is an example of a plane that is parallel to the egg-shaped base 3. That is, the curvature of the circumferential sidewall 5 - and thus also of the contour of the egg-shaped base 3 - in a plane parallel to the egg-shaped base 3 is the curvature that can be seen in fig. 2. The curving radius is different for different points of the circumferential sidewall 5. In fig. 2 the curving radius is indicated for the head end 11 and for the foot end 12 as the first radius 8 and as a second radius 9, respectively. In order to clarify the definition of the first radius 8 and the second radius 9 dotted semicircles are included that have the respective radius and that pass through the respective end 11, 12. Also, the centers of these semicircles are included in fig. 2.

[0029] The first radius 8 essentially corresponds to the skull of the infant 2. In this way the head of the infant 2 can be in contact with the circumferential sidewall 5 at the head end 11 with a particularly large contact surface. Such a particularly large contact surface can increase the comfort of the infant 2 as touching the circumferential sidewall 5 may be perceived as cozy by the infant 2. Preferably, the first radius 8 is in the range of 8 cm to 20 cm, in particular in the range of 10 cm to 15 cm. In one preferred embodiment, the first radius 8 is adapted to the size of the head of the infant 2 when the head is straight up, that is when the eyes are facing upward. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, the first radius 8 is adapted to the size of the head of the infant 2 when in a side position, that is when the eyes face left or right. This might be reasonable as infants usually sleep with their head turned to one side by up to 90°.

[0030] The first radius 8 is preferably adjustable. That way the infant bed 1 can be adapted to the infant 2 in a particularly effective way such that the contact area between the head of the infant 2 and the circumferential sidewall 5 is particularly large. The first radius 8 can be adjusted, for example, by providing different elements that can be releasably attached to the circumferential sidewall 5.

[0031] The egg-shape of the infant bed 1 can increase the comfort of the infant 2. This is due to the fact that the curving radius at the head end 11 is adapted to the skull of the infant 2. That is, the curving radius at the head end 11 is particularly small. Apart from the head end 11 the curving radius and thus the space available for the infant 2 can be larger. Thus, with the egg-shape the circumferential sidewall 5 can be formed such that the head of the infant 2 can abut the circumferential sidewall 5 with a particularly large contact area, wherein there is still sufficient space for the infant 2.

[0032] Also, it has been discovered that the egg-shape allows the infant 2 to move the feet from left to right until the feet touch the circumferential sidewall 5. The infant 2 thus has a small degree of freedom and - although feeling comfortably enclosed in all positions - does not have the feeling to be confined entirely. According to the experience of the inventors, such a degree of freedom for moving the feet can increase the comfort of the infant 2. Even during a movement of the feet from left to right the head of the infant 2 remains in place at the head end 11 due to the particularly small curving radius at the head end 11. Further, the infant 2 can turn the head toward the side such that one ear faces down towards the egg-shaped base 3 and the other ear faces upwards. Also in this case the head of the infant 2 can be kept in place due to the egg-shape. The fact that the head of the infant 2 can be kept in place is advantageous as the head of the infant 2 thus maintains contact with the circumferential sidewall 5 at the head end 11, that is at the position of the circumferential sidewall 5 with the smallest curving radius and thus with the largest contact area. Hence, despite the infant 2 moving or turning the head, the head of the infant 2 always remains in contact with the circumferential sidewall 5 at maximum contact area and thus at maximum comfort. It has been discovered that the described effect can be achieved with an egg-shaped infant bed 1 in a more pronounced way than with any other shape, in particular than with an oval shape.

[0033] As is the case with the example of fig. 2, the circumferential sidewall 5 is preferably curved in a plane parallel to the egg-shaped base 3 at a radius of which the first radius 8 at the head end 11 is a minimum value. That means that the head end 11 is located at that side of the egg-shape where the curving radius is the smallest. Thus, the infant bed 1 is configured such that the head of the infant 2 is supposed to be placed at what could be referred to as the top of the egg-shape.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that the second radius 9 is larger than the first radius 8 at least by a factor of two, in particular even by a factor of three. With such configurations, the described advantages were found to be particularly pronounced.

[0035] Fig. 3 depicts a side view of a first embodiment of an infant bed 1 that corresponds to the infant bed 1 of fig. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 and 5 depict side views of a second embodiment of an infant bed 1 that also corresponds to the infant bed of fig. 1 and 2. That is, fig. 1 and 2 correspond to both the first and second embodiment. Differences between the first and second embodiment can only be seen in the side views of fig. 3 to 5.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows the infant bed 1 with an infant 2. In particular, the egg-shaped base 3, the egg-shaped pad 4 that is lined with the fabric material 17, the circumferential sidewall 5, the compressible foam 14 and the foot rest 13 with the strap 18 are shown. Further, the head end 11 and the foot end 12 are indicated.

[0037] The infant bed 1 comprises an elevated portion 15 at the head end 11 for receiving the head of the infant 2 such that the head of the infant 2 can be held in an elevated position by the elevated portion 15. Such an elevated portion 15 can have the advantage that a reflux of liquids through the food pipe of the infant 2 can be inhibited.

[0038] In the example shown in fig. 3 the elevated portion 15 is realized by a wedge cushion 7 that is formed integrally with the egg-shaped pad 4. That is, the egg-shaped pad 4 is thicker at the head end 11. Alternatively, it is possible that the elevated portion 15 is realized by a wedge, for example made of plastic or of compressible foam, that can be placed underneath the egg-shaped pad 4. Also, the elevated portion 15 can be realized by the egg-shaped base 3 being elevated at the head end 11. For example, the wedge pillow 7 can be a 2 1/8 inch (about 5.5 cm) thick foam pad cut in a wedge shape that follows the contour of the inside top of the infant bed 1. The foam grade for the wedge pillow 7 is preferably a particularly soft, generic C20155WT. The wedge pillow 7 is preferably not glued or securely fastened to anything and may be removed from the infant bed 1. Also, the wedge cushion 7 is preferably made with a compressible foam that is certified according to the Intertek® certificate CertiPurUS® or to an equivalent certificate and/or that is lined with a material that is certified by Intertek® or by an equivalent.

[0039] Preferably, the amount by which the elevated portion 15 is elevated is adjustable. This might be realized in case of a wedge that is placed underneath the egg-shaped pad 4 in such a way that different wedges or even no wedge can be used. Similarly, different wedge cushions 7 or different egg-shaped pads 4 with integrated wedge cushion 7 may be provided. Also, the egg-shaped base 3 can have an adjustable part that can be raised and lowered.

[0040] Further, the protrusion 6 is shown in fig. 3. In this example, the protrusion 6 is an element attached to the top of the circumferential sidewall 5 at the head end 11. As can be seen from fig. 3, the protrusion 6 is spaced apart from the egg-shaped base 3 by a distance 16. It is preferred that the protrusion 6 is configured such that the distance 16 between the egg-shaped base 3 and the protrusion 6 is adjustable. Thereby, in particular the distance between the top of the egg-shaped pad 4 and the bottom side of the protrusion 6 can be adjusted according to the skull of the infant 2. Thus, the contact area with which the head of the infant 2 touches the circumferential sidewall 5 can be increased.

[0041] The distance 16 can be adjusted, for example, by providing different protrusions and/or by different positions in which a protrusion can be attached releasably to the circumferential sidewall 5. Also, it is possible to provide replaceable elements of the circumferential sidewall 5.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows a first side of a second embodiment of the infant bed 1 as shown in fig. 1 and 2. In the following merely the differences of the second embodiment compared to the first embodiments are described. These differences are related to the protrusion 6. According to the second embodiment, the protrusion 6 is formed as a mold within the circumferential sidewall 5. With such a configuration of the protrusion 6 the contact area between the head of the infant 2 and the circumferential sidewall 5 can be particularly large. Also, heat loss from the head of the infant 2 can be reduced in a particularly effective manner.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows the infant bed 1 of fig. 4 without the infant 2. As can be seen in fig. 5, it is preferred that at the head end 11 the circumferential sidewall 5 is curved in a direction perpendicular to the egg-shaped base 3 at a third radius 10 that corresponds to the skull of the infant 2. The curvature of the circumferential sidewall 5 in a direction perpendicular to the egg-shaped base 3 is a curvature in the drawing plane of fig. 5. Thus, the curvature addressed here is what can be seen as the circular curvature in fig. 5. In order to clarify the definition of the third radius 10 a dotted semicircle is included that has the third radius. Also, the center of this semicircle is included in fig. 5.

[0044] The third radius 10 is preferably adjustable. That way the infant bed 1 can be adapted to the infant 2 in a particularly effective way such that the contact area between the head of the infant 2 and the circumferential sidewall 5 is particularly large. The third radius 10 can be adjusted, for example, by providing different elements that can be releasably attached to the circumferential sidewall 5.

[0045] It should be noted that the first radius 8 and the second radius 9 refer to the curvature within a plane parallel to the egg-shaped base 3, whereas the third radius 10 refers to a curvature perpendicular to the egg-shaped base 3. Thus, the first radius 8 and the second radius 9 refer to a different kind of curvature than the third radius 10.

List of reference numerals

[0046] 

1

infant bed

2

infant

3

egg-shaped base

4

egg-shaped pad

5

circumferential sidewall

6

protrusion

7

wedge cushion

8

first radius

9

second radius

10

third radius

11

head end

12

foot end

13

foot rest

14

compressible foam

15

elevated portion

16

distance

17

fabric material

18

strap

19

hook and loop connection

20

axis

Claims

1. Infant bed (1) comprising
an egg-shaped base (3) and a circumferential sidewall (5) extending essentially upright from the egg-shaped base (3), wherein the circumferential sidewall (5) comprises at least at a head end (11) of the infant bed (1) a compressible foam (14), wherein the circumferential sidewall (5) at the head end (11) is curved in a plane parallel to the egg-shaped base (3) at a first radius (8) that corresponds to the skull of an infant (2), and
a foot rest (13) comprising a compressible material releasably connectable to the circumferential sidewall (5).

2. The infant bed (1) of claim 1, wherein the circumferential sidewall (5) is curved in a plane parallel to the egg-shaped base (3) at a radius of which the first radius (8) at the head end (11) is a minimum value.

3. The infant bed (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein at a foot end (12) of the infant bed (1) the circumferential sidewall (5) is curved in a plane parallel to the egg-shaped base (3) at a second radius (9), and wherein the second radius (9) is larger than the first radius (8) at least by a factor of two.

4. The infant bed (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first radius (8) is in the range of 8 cm to 20 cm.

5. The infant bed (1) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an elevated portion (15) at the head end (11) for receiving the head of the infant (2) such that the head of the infant (2) can be held in an elevated position by the elevated portion (15).

6. The infant bed (1) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an egg-shaped pad (4) of a compressible foam (14), wherein the egg-shaped pad (4) is configured to be placed onto the egg-shaped base (3).

7. The infant bed (1) of claim 6, wherein the egg-shaped pad (4) is lined with a fabric material (17).

8. The infant bed (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the foot rest (13) comprises a strap (18) that is connectable to the circumferential sidewall (5) by at least one hook and loop connection (19).

9. The infant bed (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential sidewall (5) comprises at the head end (11) at least one protrusion (6) that is arranged opposite to the egg-shaped base (3) such that the protrusion (6) protrudes towards a center of the infant bed (1).

10. The infant bed (1) according to claim 9, wherein the protrusion (6) is configured such that an amount by which the protrusion (6) protrudes toward the center of the infant bed (1) is adjustable.

11. The infant bed (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the protrusion (6) is configured such that a distance (16) between the egg-shaped base (3) and the protrusion (6) is adjustable.

12. The infant (1) bed of any of the preceding claims, wherein at the head end (11) the circumferential sidewall (5) is curved in a direction perpendicular to the egg-shaped base (3) at a third radius (10) that corresponds to the skull of the infant (2).

13. The infant bed (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein at the head end (11) the circumferential sidewall (5) is curved in a direction perpendicular to the egg-shaped base (3) at a third radius (10) that is adjustable.

Drawing