Method for limiting the movement of an infant in a particular direction

Abstract

A method for limiting the movement of a toddler which comprises the placement of a barrier upon flooring. The barrier comprises a plurality of studs having upward extending sections. The barrier can be stepped over by adults while preventing further movement in that direction by the toddler.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0001] Infants are curious about their surroundings. From the time they are able to crawl, a baby will move, driven by curiosity from place to place. Infants will open drawers or grab items within their reach. Some items can be dangerous to the child; for example, sharp items such as kitchen knives or forks. Other items like glass or keepsakes can be broken or damaged if mishandled by the child. [0002] Existing in the prior art are a myriad of devices developed for an infant's protection around the home. Child-proof locks prevent a child from opening drawers and gaining access to the contents within. Infant play-pens limit movement; however, the problem with play-pens is that they typically provide a very short term remedy as the infant does not enjoy the confined space and voices his displeasure by crying. Also used are fences and gates to prevent an infant's movement from one room to another. [0003] Usually, these devices detract from a home's overall asthe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] An example for use with carpets, each horizontal unit can be adhesively attached but the length of the pile may substantially reduce the proper orientation and thus the effectiveness of each stud. Therefore, preferably, the studs or horizontal units can be attached to the top side of a sheeting material such as a plastic sheet or wood panel, or some other sheeting material which would provide acceptable positioning of a plurality of low-profile upward extending sections (second barrier type). The sheeting would then be sized to conform to the intended use. The sheeting can then be appropriately positioned for use such as either in a doorway, or in front of a cabinet or shelf, etc. The sheeting material can be designed to have adhesive material over a portion of the bottom side so that it can be adhesively attached to the carpet pile, or some other means to affix the sheeting into position can be used. This can provide some resistance to an infant who attempts to slide or lift the sheeting material away from the desired position.

[0013] The upward extending section design has a low profile so that it is difficult for an infant to grab and detach or to cause injury if fallen upon. Therefore, the substantially upward extending section is of a very short length. The low profile and barrier configuration permits adults to walk over the barrier with no difficulty.

[0015] The low profie barrier design can take many forms. Placement of the studs or the like does not have to abut next to studs or the like on either side. Positioning can be spaced but should not so spaced so that an infant's foot can step into the barrier without contacting a surface area which will provide discomfort or uncomfortableness to the infant.

[0016] As mentioned above, infants are curious. It is to be understood that the infant, not knowing the purpose of the barrier, will attempt to crawl or walk over the barrier. My method relies on the infant's inherent learning mechanism. Initially, the infant will not know the purpose of the barrier and will attempt to cross, thereby encountering a surface area which will cause temporary discomfort upon contact. The infant may cry for a short time.

[0020] My method provides many advantages. Creating a barrier across the entrance to a room allows the infant to move about the room rather than being limited to the confined space of a play-pen. No unsightly fences or gates are required. Older children and adults would have no difficulty walking across the barrier. Besides keeping the infant within the room, additional barriers can be positioned within the room and used to prevent the infant from reaching into a drawer, stereo cabinet or cd / dvd cabinet. Also, barriers can be positioned at the base and / or top of a stairway, preventing the infant from potentially falling and causing serious injury.

Problems solved by technology

Some items can be dangerous to the child; for example, sharp items such as kitchen knives or forks.

Other items like glass or keepsakes can be broken or damaged if mishandled by the child.

Infant play-pens limit movement; however, the problem with play-pens is that they typically provide a very short term remedy as the infant does not enjoy the confined space and voices his displeasure by crying.

Usually, these devices detract from a home's overall asthetic design.

Further, they themselves typically become a nuisance to parents who are forced to open and close a gate when moving from room to room.

New parents are thus faced with the dilemma of either: a) limiting the child's movement to a very confined space like a play-pen and suffer through the child's crying; or, b) not using a play-pen and constantly having to watch the infant as it moves around the home.

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