Crib accessory

Abstract

A pop up cover for a crib is provided for providing a safe, comfortable and isolated environment for a child in a crib. The pop-up cover may be made of breathable fabric panels having an integrated frame, for example a flexible frame, which can be folded (collapsed) on itself, for example when folded in specific ways if appropriate force is applied and which keeps the fabric in a taught, open position when unfolded (preventing the panels form falling inwards onto each other). The pop up cover can be lightweight and compact, quick and easy to set up, dark inside and breathable.

1 . A crib enclosure, comprising:
 a self-supporting pod comprising:
 a fabric pavilion comprising two pairs of opposing fabric sides, wherein:
 a first side of an opposing pair is similar in size and shape to a second side of the opposing pair; 
 each side has a base end and a top end with the base end being wider than the top end such that the joined sides form an open rectangular base sized to fit over a crib thereby enclosing it and meet at or near an apex to form a cover having a height that permits a size-appropriate occupant to stand in the enclosed crib at least at the apex; 
 
 a flexible frame constructed to keep the fabric pavillion taut when in an open, use position and to permit folding the pod into a compact size when collapsed; and 
 an access panel sized to permit loading and unloading of a size-appropriate occupant into the crib when the pod is deployed over the crib. 
   
     
     
         2 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the frame is shaped in a figure-eight pattern comprising a first loop, a second loop and a cross-over;   the first loop has a top in a distal position relative the cross-over and the second loop also has a top in an opposing distal position relative the cross-over; and   the cross-over aligns with the apex of the fabric pavilion and the top of the first loop aligns at about the midpoint of the base of a first side of the fabric pavilion, and the top of the second loop aligns at about the midpoint of the base of a third side opposite the first side of the fabric pavilion.   
     
     
         3 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more stabilizing struts, wherein the one or more stabilizing struts comprise a first, a second, a third and a fourth retractable stability leg, wherein:
 the first leg is rotatably connected to a first corner of the base of the fabric pavilion at one end and reversibly connects to a first side of the first loop at an opposite end;   the second leg is rotatably connected to a second corner of the base of the fabric pavilion at one end and reversibly connects to a second side of the first loop at an opposite end;   the third leg is rotatably connected to a third corner of the base of the fabric pavilion at one end and reversibly connects to a first side of the second loop at an opposite end; and   the fourth leg is rotatably connected to a fourth corner of the base of the fabric pavilion at one end and reversibly connects to a second side of the second loop at an opposite end.   
     
     
         4 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 3 , further comprising a first pocket extending along a bottom portion of the first side and a second pocket extending along a bottom portion of the second side, wherein the pockets are sized to hold the first, second, third and fourth retractable legs when in a disconnected position. 
     
     
         5 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 4 , wherein the pockets are large enough to obscure the top of the loops. 
     
     
         6 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , wherein the top of each of the four sides of the fabric pavilion meet at the apex to form a closed cover. 
     
     
         7 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , wherein the first loop is curve-shaped at least along the top and the second loop is curve-shaped at least along the top. 
     
     
         8 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , wherein the first loop has a flattened top extending at least along a portion of the base of the first side of the fabric pavilion and the second loop has a flattened top extending at least along a portion of the base of the third side of the fabric pavilion. 
     
     
         9 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , wherein the pod folds down into a portable pouch dimensioned to permit the pod to be carried onto a plane or gate-checked onto a plane. 
     
     
         10 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 9 , wherein the pavilion folds into an approximately circular shape having a diameter permitting the pod to be carried onto a plane. 
     
     
         11 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 9 , wherein the pod itself forms the pouch when folded and collapsed. 
     
     
         12 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 9 , wherein the crib enclosure further comprises a separate pouch for receiving and carrying the collapsed, folded pod. 
     
     
         13 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , wherein the first pair of fabric panels is wider at the base than the second pair of fabric panels, and the access panel is positioned in either of the panels comprising the first pair of panels. 
     
     
         14 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 13 , wherein the access panel extends from the apex ending approximately 24″ above the base of the pavilion. 
     
     
         15 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the fabric sides comprises meshed portions positioned to facilitate airflow through the pavilion. 
     
     
         16 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 15 , wherein the meshed portion is at least a first meshed portion located toward the base of the pavilion and a second meshed portion located toward the top of the pavilion. 
     
     
         17 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 16 , wherein each of the meshed portions is optionally fitted with an openable flap sized to cover the meshed portion. 
     
     
         18 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , wherein the fabric is breathable, light-limiting material. 
     
     
         19 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , further comprising an exterior pocket with a clear vinyl panel configured to hold a baby monitor while also permitting use of the baby monitor. 
     
     
         20 . The crib enclosure according to  claim 1 , wherein the pavilion has an exterior and an interior and the flexible frame is positioned on the exterior of the pavilion forming an exoskeleton.