Infant evacuation crib

Abstract

An infant evacuation crib is provided including a crib frame, a mattress support, and a visual identifier generating a locating signal visible to humans for locating the crib in a diminished light environment. The mattress support connects with the crib frame and is adapted to support an associated mattress relative to the crib frame. Wheels are selectively provided as desired for adapting the frame for rolling along an associated support surface. The crib may be of a wood or steel construction or of a fabric and mesh construction. The visual identifier is formed of a photoluminescent material or a highly reflective material applied to a first portion of the crib frame. The photoluminescent material glows in the dark to enable rescuers to quickly locate the crib in an emergency situation. The reflective material reflects light directed onto the crib from rescue searchlights or the like. In one aspect, the visual identifier includes printed indicia including instructions and other useful information.

1 . An infant evacuation crib comprising: 
 a portable crib frame;    a mattress support connected with said crib frame and adapted to support an associated mattress relative to said crib frame; and,    a visual identifier on said portable crib frame, the identifier generating a locating signal visible to humans for locating the crib in a diminished light environment.    
   
   
       2 . The crib according to  claim 1 , wherein the visual identifier includes a one of a photoluminescent material and a reflective material applied to a first selected portion of the crib frame.  
   
   
       3 . The crib according to  claim 2 , wherein the photoluminescent material includes a one of a visibly phosphorescent material and a visibly fluorescent material applied to said first selected portion of said crib frame.  
   
   
       4 . The crib according to  claim 2 , wherein: 
 said portable crib frame includes fabric and mesh materials supported by a set of substantially rigid outer frame members; and,    said visual identifier further includes a panel affixed to the fabric and mesh materials of the portable crib frame, the panel carrying said one of said reflective material and said photoluminescent material.    
   
   
       5 . The crib according to  claim 2 , wherein: 
 said portable crib frame includes fabric and mesh materials supported by a set of substantially rigid outer frame members; and,    said visual identifier further includes a one of said reflective material and said photoluminescent material painted directly onto said first selected portion of the fabric and mesh materials.    
   
   
       6 . The crib according to  claim 1 , wherein the visual identifier includes: 
 a panel carried on the crib frame; and,    a one of a photoluminescent material and a reflective material applied to said panel.    
   
   
       7 . The crib according to  claim 6 , wherein said crib frame defines a recess and said panel is disposed in said recess.  
   
   
       8 . The crib according to  claim 6 , wherein the photoluminescent material or the reflective material is arranged on said panel to form symbols intelligible to humans to communicate information.  
   
   
       9 . The crib according to  claim 8 , wherein said symbols formed by said photoluminescent material or the reflective material communicate information relating to an evacuation instruction of said crib.  
   
   
       10 . The crib according to  claim 8 , wherein said symbols formed by said photoluminescent material or the reflective material communicate information relating to one or more occupants of said crib.  
   
   
       11 . The crib according to  claim 1 , wherein the visual identifier includes a plastic panel impregnated with a one of a photoluminescent material and a reflective material.  
   
   
       12 . The crib according to  claim 1 , wherein the visual identifier includes: 
 a first sheet of a substrate material;    a second sheet of an overlay material; and,    at least a one of a visibly phosphorescent material and a visibly fluorescent material disposed between said first and second sheets.