Bed guard

Abstract

Provided is a bed guard with which the occurrence of a gap between a mattress and a partition member can be suppressed even when an infant comes into contact with the bed guard and regardless of the thickness of the mattress.　A bed guard 11 comprises: four support posts 12, 13, 14, 15; an upper frame 16 and a lower frame 17 connected to the support posts; and a partition member 18. The bed guard is attached to a mattress M of a bed body B. The four support posts 12-15 have upper engagement parts 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a which are engaged with an upper surface of the mattress M so that the lower frame 17 and a side surface of the mattress M overlap when viewed from the side surface of the mattress M. The four supports are connected to the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17 so as to be positioned at the respective corner parts of the mattress M. The lower frame 17 is configured in an annular shape via the four supports 12-15, and contacts the side surface of the mattress M.

Description

Bed guard

[0001] The present invention relates to a bed guard.

[0002] When an infant is lying on a bed or the like, in order to disperse the body weight applied to the contact surface with bedding, regulate body temperature, and develop muscles and motor functions, the infant may frequently toss and turn and change the body posture. When an infant is laid on an adult bed, a bed guard is provided on the bed to restrict the range of the infant's turning over and movement, and to prevent the bedding from slipping off.

[0003] The bed guard has a guard part that rises vertically and an insertion part that is connected to the guard part. The bed guard is held against the mattress by inserting the insertion part between the bed body and the mattress placed on the bed body. However, since the bed guard is only sandwiched between the bed body and the mattress, there may be a displacement when a turning-over infant contacts the guard part. Therefore, a bed guard that prevents displacement with respect to the mattress is known.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a bedding displacement preventer for a bed provided with an engagement protrusion that protrudes upward at the tip of the insertion part. In addition to the engagement protrusion part located under the mattress being wedged into the lower surface of the mattress, the bedding displacement preventer for the bed is fixed to the bed body by a fixing belt that passes through the lower part of the mattress and catches on the bed body, making it difficult to move with respect to the mattress. Thereby, the bedding displacement preventer for the bed can prevent displacement with respect to the mattress even when an infant contacts it due to turning over or the like.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012 - 217676

[0006] The bed cover slip prevention device described in Patent Document 1 has a guard frame that rises upward from the underside of the mattress. An insertion part is connected to the lower end of the guard frame. A mesh guard cover is stretched over the guard frame. In such a bed cover slip prevention device, if an infant comes into contact with the guard cover due to turning over in sleep, the position of the guard part relative to the mattress is maintained, so only the fabric guard cover elastically deforms. Therefore, even if the bed cover slip prevention device prevents the cover from slipping relative to the mattress, as the mattress becomes thicker, a gap may form between the guard cover, which is the partition member of the bed cover slip prevention device, and the mattress, potentially causing the body to get trapped between the guard cover and the mattress or the bedding to fall in. In addition, the fixing belt of the bed cover slip prevention device may loosen during use, potentially creating a gap between the guard cover and the mattress.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a bed guard that suppresses the occurrence of gaps between the mattress and the partition member even if a part of the partition member undergoes elastic deformation, regardless of the thickness of the mattress.

[0008] The inventors of the present invention investigated a bed guard that would suppress the formation of gaps between the mattress and the partition member, regardless of the thickness of the mattress, even when an infant comes into contact with it. After diligent investigation, the inventors came up with the following configuration.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention is a bed guard that is attached to a bed mattress and comprises at least four vertically extending support columns, at least four upper frames connected to the upper ends of adjacent support columns, at least four lower frames connected to the lower ends of adjacent support columns, and a partition member supported by the upper and lower frames. The four support columns each have an upper engaging portion that engages with the upper surface of the mattress such that, when viewed from the side of the mattress, the lower frame and the side of the mattress overlap, and are connected to at least four of the upper frames and at least four of the lower frames so as to be located at the corners of the mattress. The at least four lower frames are configured in an annular shape via the at least four support columns and contact the four sides of the mattress, respectively.

[0010] In the above configuration, the four support columns, which are connected to each other by the upper frame and the lower frame, are positioned at the four corners of the mattress. The four support columns are also engaged with the upper surface of the mattress by the upper engaging portion. In this case, the bed guard is positioned so that the lower frame contacts at least three sides of the mattress, thereby suppressing movement in two directions perpendicular to the sides of the mattress.

[0011] The depth of the gap between the mattress and the partition member is proportional to the vertical width of the partition member that overlaps with the side of the mattress, as viewed from the side of the mattress. Since the bed guard engages with the upper surface of the mattress, the lower frame can be positioned near the upper surface of the mattress regardless of the thickness of the mattress. In this way, by positioning the lower frame near the upper surface of the mattress and engaging the lower frame with the side of the mattress, the bed guard suppresses movement of the mattress in the left-right and front-back directions, thereby reducing the depth of the gap between the mattress and the partition member. As a result, regardless of the thickness of the mattress, the formation of a gap between the mattress and the partition member can be suppressed even if an infant comes into contact with it.

[0012] From another perspective, the bed guard of the present invention may also include the following configuration: a lower engaging portion that engages with the lower surface of the mattress, and a support column connecting member that connects the lower end of the support column to the lower engaging portion and moves the lower engaging portion vertically relative to the support column. The support column connecting member adjusts the distance between the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion so that the mattress is sandwiched between the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion.

[0013] In the above configuration, the position of the lower engaging portion relative to the support column is adjusted by the support column connecting member, thereby allowing the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion, which are provided at the lower end of the support column, to engage with the mattress, respectively. In other words, the bed guard can clamp a mattress of any thickness between the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion. By clamping the mattress from above and below, the bed guard can suppress the vertical movement of the support column relative to the mattress. As a result, regardless of the thickness of the mattress, it is possible to suppress the formation of gaps between the mattress and the partition member even if an infant comes into contact with it.

[0014] From another perspective, the bed guard of the present invention may include the following configuration: The support column connecting member is configured to be separable from the support column.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the bed guard can be removed from the mattress by separating the support column connecting member from the support column, while the lower engaging portion is engaged with the underside of the mattress, along with the four support columns, the upper frame and lower frame connected to the four support columns, and the partition member. The bed guard can be removed from the mattress without disassembling it. As a result, the bed guard, which is installed on the mattress, can be moved to the floor or elsewhere while maintaining its shape and used as a playpen.

[0016] From another perspective, the bed guard of the present invention may include the following configuration: It has a lower engaging portion connecting member that connects the lower engaging portions together. The lower engaging portion connecting member connects the lower engaging portions located diagonally opposite each other on the mattress, engaging with the lower surface of the mattress.

[0017] In the above configuration, the position of the lower engaging parts relative to the mattress and the relative positions of the lower engaging parts are fixed by connecting the lower engaging parts located diagonally on the underside of the mattress. This prevents the bed guard from moving in the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions relative to the mattress. As a result, regardless of the thickness of the mattress, it is possible to prevent gaps from forming between the mattress and the partition member even if an infant comes into contact with it.

[0018] From another perspective, the bed guard of the present invention may include the following configuration: Of the four support columns, the upper frame, lower frame, and a portion of the partition member located between adjacent support columns are configured as a door.

[0019] In the above configuration, even if the bed guard is configured as an enclosure without an opening when viewed from the side of the mattress, it is possible to easily enter the inside of the enclosure by having an openable and closable door. Furthermore, the bed guard has the door between the upper frame and lower frame connected to one of the two support posts and the upper frame and lower frame connected to the other support post. In this case, the two support posts are prevented from wobbling relative to the mattress by the upper frame and lower frame connected to them. With this configuration, the bed guard can prevent the occurrence of gaps between the mattress and the partition member even with a door.

[0020] From another perspective, the bed guard of the present invention may include the following configuration: The bed guard further comprises a raising member connected to the lower surface of the upper engaging portion. The raising member is configured such that the difference between the lower surface of the raising member connected to the lower surface of the upper engaging portion and the lower end of the lower frame is within a predetermined range.

[0021] In the above configuration, by attaching the raising member to the lower surface of the upper engaging portion, the difference between the lower surface of the four support columns (which is the lower surface of the raising member) and the lower end of the lower frame falls within a predetermined range. Therefore, when the bed guard is installed on the floor or the like as a playpen, the raising member can stabilize the posture of the four support columns.

[0022] The technical terms used herein are used only to define specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0023] In this specification, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof, identifies the presence of described features, processes, operations, elements, components, and / or equivalents thereof, but may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0024] In this specification, “attached,” “connected,” “joined,” and / or their equivalents are used in a broad sense and include both “direct and indirect” attachments, connections, and combinations. Furthermore, “connected” and “joined” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or combinations, but may include direct or indirect electrical connections or combinations. Also in this specification, “rotation” means rotating in one direction or in at least one of the other directions within a given angular range.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bed guard is placed on the top surface of the mattress such that the lower frame is near the top surface of the mattress and overlaps the four sides of the mattress when viewed from the side of the mattress. This makes it possible to suppress the formation of gaps between the mattress and the partition member even when an infant comes into contact with it, regardless of the thickness of the mattress.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bed guard according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of the lower engaging portion of the bed guard according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a side view of a bed guard showing the procedure for placing the bed guard on a mattress according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a side view showing the procedure for fixing the bed guard to the mattress according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a side view showing the bed guard attached to the mattress according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a side view of a bed guard with a door according to Modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the support column of the bed guard according to Modification 2 of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a bed guard according to Modification 3 of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Below, a bed guard 11, which is an embodiment of the bed guard according to the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. The dimensions of the components in each figure do not faithfully represent the dimensions of the actual components or the dimensional ratios of each component.

[0029] <Embodiment> <Overall Configuration> The bed guard 11, which is an embodiment 1 of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bed guard 11 in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of the lower engaging portions 23, 24, 25, and 26 of the bed guard 11.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the bed guard 11 is a partition that restricts the range of movement and turning of infants. The bed guard 11 is installed on the mattress M which is placed on the mounting surface of the bed body B. The bed guard 11 has a first support column 12, a second support column 13, a third support column 14, a fourth support column 15, four upper frames 16, four lower frames 17, a partition member 18, a first support column connecting member 19, a second support column connecting member 20, a third support column connecting member 21, a fourth support column connecting member 22, a first lower engaging portion 23, a second lower engaging portion 24, a third lower engaging portion 25, a fourth lower engaging portion 26, a first lower engaging portion connecting member 27, and a second lower engaging portion connecting member 28. The bed guard 11 is configured so that the first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15 can be positioned at the corners of the mattress M.

[0031] The first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15 support the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17. The first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15 are all of the same height. When viewed in the axial direction, the first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15 have a shape in which a plate-like member is bent approximately vertically. The first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15 are made of, for example, resin.

[0032] The first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15 are positioned in a manner that allows them to be attached to the corners of the mattress M. The first support column 12 is positioned adjacent to the second support column 13 and the fourth support column 15. The third support column 14 is positioned adjacent to the second support column 13 and the fourth support column 15. The bed guard 11 is arranged in a rectangular shape, for example, with the first support column 12 as the reference point, in the order of the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15 in a clockwise direction. The first support column 12 and the third support column 14 are located on the diagonal of the rectangle. The second support column 13 and the fourth support column 15 are located on the diagonal of the rectangle.

[0033] The four upper frames 16 connect the first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15, respectively. The ends of one upper frame 16 are connected to the upper ends of the first support column 12 and the second support column 13, respectively. The ends of one upper frame 16 are connected to the upper ends of the second support column 13 and the third support column 14, respectively. The ends of one upper frame 16 are connected to the upper ends of the third support column 14 and the fourth support column 15, respectively. The ends of one upper frame 16 are connected to the upper ends of the fourth support column 15 and the first support column 12, respectively. The upper frames 16 are made of, for example, resin or an aluminum alloy. The upper ends of the partition members 18 are attached to each of the four upper frames 16. Thus, the four upper frames 16 are arranged in a ring shape via the four support columns.

[0034] The four lower frames 17 connect the first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15, respectively. The ends of one lower frame 17 are connected to the lower ends of the first support column 12 and the second support column 13, respectively. The ends of one lower frame 17 are connected to the lower ends of the second support column 13 and the third support column 14, respectively. The ends of one lower frame 17 are connected to the lower ends of the third support column 14 and the fourth support column 15, respectively. The ends of one lower frame 17 are connected to the lower ends of the fourth support column 15 and the first support column 12, respectively. The lower frames 17 are made of, for example, resin or aluminum alloy. The lower ends of the partition members 18 are attached to each of the four lower frames 17. Thus, the four lower frames 17 are arranged in a ring shape via the four support columns.

[0035] The partition member 18 divides the space between the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17, between the first support column 12 and the second support column 13, between the second support column 13 and the third support column 14, between the third support column 14 and the fourth support column 15, and between the fourth support column 15 and the first support column 12. The upper end of the partition member 18 is attached to the upper frame 16. The lower end of the partition member 18 is attached to the lower frame 17.

[0036] The lower end of the first support column 12 is provided with a first upper engaging portion 12a that engages with the upper surface of the mattress M. The lower end of the second support column 13 is provided with a second upper engaging portion 13a that engages with the upper surface of the mattress M. The lower end of the third support column 14 is provided with a third upper engaging portion 14a that engages with the upper surface of the mattress M. The lower end of the fourth support column 15 is provided with a fourth upper engaging portion 15a that engages with the upper surface of the mattress M. The first upper engaging portion 12a, the second upper engaging portion 13a, the third upper engaging portion 14a, and the fourth upper engaging portion 15a are, for example, plate-shaped members that extend in a direction perpendicular to the corresponding support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15 and in the direction of the mattress M. Each of the support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15 has a recess formed by the lower surfaces of the first upper engaging portion 12a, the second upper engaging portion 13a, the third upper engaging portion 14a, and the fourth upper engaging portion 15a, and the side surfaces of each support column 12, 13, 14, and 15, into which the corners of the mattress M fit. Each support column 12, 13, 14, and 15 is positioned relative to the mattress M by fitting the corners of the mattress M into the recess.

[0037] The first upper engaging portion 12a, the second upper engaging portion 13a, the third upper engaging portion 14a, and the fourth upper engaging portion 15a are positioned on each of the support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15 such that, when viewed from the side of the mattress M, the lower frames 17 connected to each support column 12, 13, 14, and 15 overlap with the side of the mattress M. In this embodiment, the first upper engaging portion 12a, the second upper engaging portion 13a, the third upper engaging portion 14a, and the fourth upper engaging portion 15a are positioned on each of the support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15 such that the upper ends of each lower frame 17 are at the same height (vertical position) as the top surface of the mattress M.

[0038] The first support column connecting member 19 is a member that connects the first support column 12 and the first lower engaging portion 23. The second support column connecting member 20 is a member that connects the second support column 13 and the second lower engaging portion 24. The third support column connecting member 21 is a member that connects the third support column 14 and the third lower engaging portion 25. The fourth support column connecting member 22 is a member that connects the fourth support column 15 and the fourth lower engaging portion 26. The first support column connecting member 19, the second support column connecting member 20, the third support column connecting member 21 and the fourth support column connecting member 22 are, for example, made of a belt member whose length can be adjusted. The first support column connecting member 19, the second support column connecting member 20, the third support column connecting member 21 and the fourth support column connecting member 22 are configured to allow adjustment of the vertical position of each lower engaging portion 23, 24, 25, 26 relative to each support column 12, 13, 14, 15. Furthermore, the first support column connecting member 19, the second support column connecting member 20, the third support column connecting member 21, and the fourth support column connecting member 22 are configured to be directly connectable to the lower ends of each support column 12, 13, 14, and 15.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the first lower engaging portion 23, the second lower engaging portion 24, the third lower engaging portion 25, and the fourth lower engaging portion 26 are members that engage with the lower surface of the mattress M. The first lower engaging portion 23, the second lower engaging portion 24, the third lower engaging portion 25, and the fourth lower engaging portion 26 are, for example, plate-shaped members. Each of the lower engaging portions 23, 24, 25, and 26 has a lower engaging surface 23a, 24a, 25a, and 26a that contacts the lower surface of the mattress M, a first lateral engaging surface 23b, 24b, 25b, and 26b that contacts one side surface constituting a corner of the mattress M, and a second lateral engaging surface 23c, 24c, 25c, and 26c that contacts the other side surface constituting a corner of the mattress M. The first lateral engagement surfaces 23b, 24b, 25b, 26b and the second lateral engagement surfaces 23c, 24c, 25c, 26c extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower engagement surfaces 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a. Furthermore, each lower engagement surface 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a is configured to be connectable to the support column connecting members 19, 20, 21, 22 and the first lower engagement connecting member 27 or the second lower engagement connecting member 28.

[0040] The first lower engaging portion 23 is positioned vertically relative to the first upper engaging portion 12a by the first support connecting member 19. The second lower engaging portion 24 is positioned vertically relative to the second upper engaging portion 13a by the second support connecting member 20. The third lower engaging portion 25 is positioned vertically relative to the third upper engaging portion 14a by the third support connecting member 21. The fourth lower engaging portion 26 is positioned vertically relative to the fourth upper engaging portion 15a by the fourth support connecting member 22.

[0041] <Attaching to the Bed> Next, the method of attaching the bed guard 11 to the mattress M will be explained using Figures 1 to 6. Figure 2 is a side view of the bed guard 11 showing the procedure for placing the bed guard 11 on the mattress M. Figure 3 is a side view showing the procedure for fixing the bed guard 11 to the mattress M. Figure 4 is a side view showing the state in which the bed guard 11 has been attached to the mattress M. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 4. The mattress M is placed on the mounting surface of the bed body B. The thickness of the mattress M is denoted as thickness t.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, in the bed guard 11, the vertical positions of the first lower engaging portion 23, the second lower engaging portion 24, the third lower engaging portion 25, and the fourth lower engaging portion 26 are adjusted before attachment to the mattress M. The first support connecting member 19 is adjusted so that the distance between the first lower engaging portion 23 and the first upper engaging portion 12a is greater than the thickness t of the mattress M (length t1). The second support connecting member 20 is adjusted so that the distance between the second lower engaging portion 24 and the second upper engaging portion 13a is greater than the thickness t of the mattress M (length t1). The third support connecting member 21 is adjusted so that the distance between the third lower engaging portion 25 and the third upper engaging portion 14a is greater than the thickness t of the mattress M (length t1). The fourth support connecting member 22 is adjusted so that the distance between the fourth lower engaging portion 26 and the fourth upper engaging portion 15a is greater than the thickness t of the mattress M (length t1).

[0043] Next, the first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15 are respectively arranged at the corner portions of the mattress M. The first support column 12 engages the first upper engaging portion 12a with the upper surface of one corner portion of the mattress M. The second support column 13 engages the second upper engaging portion 13a with the upper surface of one corner portion of the mattress M. The third support column 14 engages the third upper engaging portion 14a with the upper surface of one corner portion of the mattress M. The fourth support column 15 engages the fourth upper engaging portion 15a with the upper surface of one corner portion of the mattress M (see FIG. 1). Further, the first lower engaging portion 23, the second lower engaging portion 24, the third lower engaging portion 25, and the fourth lower engaging portion 26 are inserted between the lower surface of each corner portion of the mattress M and the placement surface of the bed body B.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, in the bed guard 11 in which the first support column 12, the second support column 13, the third support column 14, and the fourth support column 15 are arranged at the corner portions of the mattress M, four annular lower frames 17 come into contact with the four side surfaces of the mattress M respectively. That is, the bed guard 11 sandwiches the mattress M from the left - right direction and the front - rear direction by the four lower frames 17. Thereby, the four lower frames 17 restrict the movement of the bed guard 11 with respect to the mattress M in the left - right direction and the front - rear direction.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the first support column connecting member 19 is adjusted so that the distance between the first lower engaging portion 23 and the first upper engaging portion 12a is less than the thickness t of the mattress M. The second support column connecting member 20 is adjusted so that the distance between the second lower engaging portion 24 and the second upper engaging portion 13a is less than the thickness t of the mattress M. The third support column connecting member 21 is adjusted so that the distance between the third lower engaging portion 25 and the third upper engaging portion 14a is less than the thickness t of the mattress M. The fourth support column connecting member 22 is adjusted so that the distance between the fourth lower engaging portion 26 and the fourth upper engaging portion 15a is less than the thickness t of the mattress M.

[0046] The bed guard 11, positioned on the top surface of the mattress M, has four upper engaging portions 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a and four lower engaging portions 23, 24, 25, and 26 that contact the upper and lower surfaces of the four corners of the mattress M. In other words, the bed guard 11 clamps the mattress M from above and below with its four upper engaging portions 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a and four lower engaging portions 23, 24, 25, and 26. The recesses of each upper engaging portion 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a engage with the top surface of the mattress M and the two sides that make up the corners of the mattress M. Furthermore, the lower engaging surfaces 23a, 24a, 25a, and 26a of each lower engaging portion 23, 24, 25, and 26 engage with the lower surface of the mattress M, while the first lateral engaging surfaces 23b, 24b, 25b, and 26b and the second lateral engaging surfaces 23c, 24c, 25c, and 26c engage with the two sides that constitute the corners of the mattress M. As a result, the four upper engaging portions 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a and the four lower engaging portions restrict the movement of the bed guard 11 relative to the mattress M in the left-right, front-back, and up-down directions.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, the first lower engaging portion 23 and the third lower engaging portion 25 may be connected between the lower surface of the mattress M and the mounting surface of the bed body B by a first lower engaging portion connecting member 27. Also, the second lower engaging portion 24 and the fourth lower engaging portion 26 may be connected between the lower surface of the mattress M and the mounting surface of the bed body B by a second lower engaging portion connecting member 28. As a result, the relative movement of the first lower engaging portion 23 and the third lower engaging portion 25, and their vertical movement relative to the mattress M, are restricted by the first lower engaging portion connecting member 27. The relative movement of the second lower engaging portion 24 and the fourth lower engaging portion 26, and their vertical movement relative to the mattress M, are restricted by the second lower engaging portion connecting member 28.

[0048] The bed guard 11 has its position relative to the upper surface of the mattress M determined by the first support connecting member 19, the second support connecting member 20, the third support connecting member 21, and the fourth support connecting member 22 engaged with the upper engaging portions 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a on the upper surface of the mattress M. The lower frame 17 is positioned near the upper surface of the mattress M. In the present embodiment, the bed guard 11 is provided on the mattress M such that, when viewed from the side of the mattress M, the upper end of the lower frame 17 and the upper surface of the mattress M overlap each other.

[0049] Thus, by placing the respective supports 12, 13, 14, and 15 on the upper surface of the mattress M, the bed guard 11 can dispose the lower frame 17 near the upper surface of the mattress M and on the side surface of the mattress M with reference to the upper surface of the mattress M regardless of the thickness t of the mattress M. That is, the bed guard 11 can engage the lower frame 17 with the mattress M so as to minimize the overlap between the partition member 18 as viewed from the side of the mattress M and the side surface of the mattress M. Therefore, the bed guard 11 can be attached to the mattress M such that the depth of the gap between the mattress M and the partition member 18 becomes shallow. Further, the four lower frames 17 positioned in the four directions of the bed guard 11 are respectively engaged with the four side surfaces positioned in the four directions of the mattress M. Therefore, the bed guard 11 restricts the movement of the mattress M in the left - right direction and the front - rear direction, which are the four directions with respect to the mattress M, by the four lower frames 17. That is, the four lower frames 17 of the bed guard 11 do not separate from the mattress M.

[0050] Furthermore, the bed guard 11 can hold a mattress M of any thickness between its upper engaging portions 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a and lower engaging portions 23, 24, 25, 26. Thus, the bed guard 11 restricts vertical movement relative to the mattress M with respect to its upper engaging portions 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a and lower engaging portions 23, 24, 25, 26. Moreover, when the lower engaging portions 23, 24, 25, 26 are connected by the first lower engaging portion connecting member 27 and the second lower engaging portion connecting member 28, vertical movement relative to the mattress M is restricted. Therefore, the bed guard 11 is difficult to move in the vertical, front-back, and left-right directions relative to the mattress M.

[0051] Furthermore, the partition member 18 is supported by the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17. Therefore, when an infant comes into contact with the partition member 18, it elastically deforms between the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17. However, even if the partition member 18 elastically deforms due to the infant turning over in their sleep, the lower end of the partition member 18 is held near the upper surface of the mattress M where the lower frame 17 is located. As a result, regardless of the thickness of the mattress M, even if a part of the partition member 18 elastically deforms, the formation of a gap between the mattress M and the partition member 18 can be suppressed.

[0052] <Modification 1 of the Embodiment> A modified bed guard 11A, which is a modified bed guard 11, will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a side view of a bed guard 11A having a door 29 in Modification 1 of the Embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the bed guard 11A has a door 29. The door 29 is provided in at least one of the following locations: between the first support column 12 and the second support column 13, between the second support column 13 and the third support column 14, between the third support column 14 and the fourth support column 15, or between the fourth support column 15 and the first support column 12. In this embodiment, the door 29 is provided between the first support column 12 and the second support column 13. The door 29 is composed of a frame 29a and a door partition member 29b. The door 29 has a frame 29a with a door partition member 29b provided on it.

[0054] The upper frame 16, connected to the first support column 12 and the second support column 13, is divided into an upper frame 16a connected to the first support column 12 and an upper frame 16b connected to the second support column 13. Partition members 18 are provided on each of the upper frame 16 and lower frame 17. A door 29 is located between the upper frame 16a connected to the first support column 12 and the upper frame 16b connected to the second support column 13. The door 29 is supported by hinges 29c on the upper frame 16b connected to the second support column 13 and the lower frame 17. The door 29 is configured to open and close between the first support column 12 and the second support column 13.

[0055] Even if the bed guard 11A is configured as an enclosure without an opening when viewed from the side of the mattress M, it is possible to easily enter the inside of the enclosure by the openable door 29. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be improved. In addition, the upper frame 16a and the lower frame 17 are connected to the first support column 12, and the upper frame 16b and the lower frame 17 are connected to the second support column 13. Therefore, the wobbling of the mattress M is suppressed by the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17 connected to the first support column 12 and the second support column 13, respectively. With this configuration, even if a door 29 is provided, the bed guard 11A can suppress the occurrence of gaps between the mattress M and the partition member 18.

[0056] <Modification 2 of the Embodiment> A modified bed guard 11B, which is a modified bed guard 11, will be described using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the support column of the bed guard 11B in Modification 2 of the Embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The bed guard 11B can be used as a playpen to surround a play area for infants and toddlers. The bed guard 11B further has raising members 30 connected to the lower surfaces of each upper engaging portion 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a.

[0058] The raising members 30 are members that stabilize each of the support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15. The raising members 30 are configured to overlap with each of the upper engaging portions 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a when viewed in the axial direction of each of the support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15. The raising members 30 are configured to be attachable to recesses in each of the support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15 that are surrounded by the lower surfaces of each of the upper engaging portions 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a and the sides of each of the support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15. For example, the raising members 30 are shaped to fit into the recesses. When the raising members 30 are attached to the lower surfaces of each of the upper engaging portions 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a, the height difference between the lower surface of the raising members 30 and the lower end of the lower frame 17 is configured to be within a predetermined range. Therefore, the raising member 30 can stabilize the posture of each support column 12, 13, 14, and 15. The raising member 30 may also have an anti-slip surface on its underside.

[0059] <Modification 3 of the Embodiment> A modified bed guard 11C, which is a modified bed guard 11, will be described using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the bed guard 11C in Modification 3 of the Embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] The bed guard 11C is constructed by connecting four support posts 12, 13, 14, and 15 positioned at the four corners of the mattress M with three upper frames 16 and four lower frames 17. The bed guard 11C surrounds three sides of the mattress M with partition members 18. In this embodiment, the bed guard 11C does not have upper frames 16 and partition members 18 on one side in the longitudinal direction of the mattress M. In other words, the bed guard 11C has an opening when viewed from the side of the mattress M. Furthermore, the bed guard 11C engages the four lower frames 17 with the four sides of the mattress M. Therefore, the bed guard 11C restricts movement of the mattress M in the left-right, front-back, and up-down directions.

[0061] <Other Embodiments> In each of the embodiments described above, the bed guards 11, 11A, and 11B are provided with a mesh fabric partition member 18 between the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17. However, the partition member can be made of any flexible fabric.

[0062] In each of the embodiments described above, the bed guards 11, 11A, and 11B are connected to the respective support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15 by the first support column connecting member 19, the second support column connecting member 20, the third support column connecting member 21, and the fourth support column connecting member 22, respectively, with the first lower engaging portion 23, the second lower engaging portion 24, the third lower engaging portion 25, and the fourth lower engaging portion 26. However, the first support column connecting member 19, the second support column connecting member 20, the third support column connecting member 21, and the fourth support column connecting member 22 may be configured to be separable from the respective support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15. This allows the bed guards 11, 11A, and 11B to be removed from the mattress M while the first lower engaging portion 23, the second lower engaging portion 24, the third lower engaging portion 25, and the fourth lower engaging portion 26 are engaged with the underside of the mattress M.

[0063] In each of the embodiments described above, the bed guards 11, 11A, and 11B have a first lower engaging portion 23, a second lower engaging portion 24, a third lower engaging portion 25, and a fourth lower engaging portion 26 that are inserted between the mounting surface of the bed body B and the mattress M. Each of the lower engaging portions 23, 24, 25, and 26 may have a groove or other surface that increases the frictional force against the mattress M.

[0064] In the modified embodiment 2 described above, the door 29 is configured to be openable and closable at any time. However, the door may have a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may consist of, for example, a button type, a sliding type, or a bolt type. In a bed guard, the locking mechanism can prevent an infant from opening the door.

[0065] In the bed guards 11, 11A, and 11B of the above-described embodiments, the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17 are configured to be assembled to the respective support columns 12, 13, 14, and 15 by the user. The partition member 18 is also configured to be assembled to the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17 by the user. Furthermore, the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 17 may be configured to be interchangeable in length to match the size of the mattress M.

[0066] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention by appropriately modifying the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0067] 11, 11A, 11B, 11C Bed guard 12 First support 12a First upper engagement part 13 Second support 13a Second upper engagement part 14 Third support 14a Third upper engagement part 15 Fourth support 15a Fourth upper engagement part 16, 16a, 16b Upper frame 17 Lower frame 18 Partition member 19 First support connecting member 20 Second support connecting member 21 Third support connecting member 22 Fourth support connecting member 23 First lower engagement part 24 Second lower engagement part 25 Third lower engagement part 26 Fourth lower engagement part 27 First lower engagement connecting member 28 Second lower engagement connecting member 29 Door 29a Frame 29b Door partition member 29c Hinge B Bed body M Mattress

Claims

1. A bed guard that is attached to a bed mattress, comprising: at least four vertically extending support columns; at least four upper frames connected to the upper ends of adjacent support columns; at least four lower frames connected to the lower ends of adjacent support columns; and partition members supported by the upper and lower frames, wherein the four support columns each have an upper engaging portion that engages with the upper surface of the mattress such that, when viewed from the side of the mattress, the lower frame and the side of the mattress overlap; the at least four upper frames and at least four lower frames are connected so as to be located at the corners of the mattress; and the at least four lower frames are arranged in an annular shape via the at least four support columns and contact the four sides of the mattress, respectively.

2. A bed guard according to claim 1, further comprising: a lower engaging portion that engages with the lower surface of the mattress; and a support column connecting member that connects the lower end of the support column to the lower engaging portion and moves the lower engaging portion vertically relative to the support column, wherein the support column connecting member adjusts the distance between the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion so as to sandwich the mattress between the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion.

3. A bed guard according to claim 2, wherein the support column connecting member is configured to be separated from the support column.

4. A bed guard according to claim 2, comprising a lower engaging portion connecting member for connecting the lower engaging portions, wherein the lower engaging portion connecting member connects the lower engaging portions located diagonally opposite each other on the mattress in a state where they are engaged with the lower surface of the mattress.

5. A bed guard according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the upper frame, lower frame, and partition member located between adjacent support columns among the four support columns are configured as a door.

6. The bed guard according to claim 1, further comprising a raising member connected to the lower surface of the upper engaging portion, wherein the raising member is configured such that the difference between the lower surface of the raising member connected to the lower surface of the upper engaging portion and the lower end of the lower frame is within a predetermined range.

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