Adjustable height bed side guard device

Abstract

The present invention is an adjustable height bed side guard device and method to reduce the risk of a child from falling out of bed while sleeping and to help wean or transition a child away from needing a bed side guard. The bed side guard height can be reduced or raised in set intervals, providing a simple, step-by-step process to help a child become accustomed to and confident about being in a bed without a bed rail. The device comprises at least one elongated bolster with two or more connected layers that are assembled on top of a conventional mattress and secured in operative position along one side of the mattress by a conventional mattress pad or fitted bed sheet covering the mattress and the bolster and tucked under the mattress. Multiple devices may be used to provide further security on all sides of a bed.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A bed side guard device to reduce the risk of falling out of bed that provides two or more operable safety barrier height settings when measured from mattress surface to the top of the safety barrier. 
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1  comprised of two or more Layers that when connected together form a functioning bolster of various thickness that operates as said bed side guard. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1  that is placed in operable position between a fitted bed sheet and a mattress or mattress pad, which does not need a secondary means of securing itself to the bed or mattress to remain in operable position. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1  comprised of two or more Layers with interconnection or surface adhesion features that enable secure connection, easy separation and secure reconnection to other Layers in order to form a bolster that operates as said bed side guard. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1  comprised entirely of a single material. 
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 1  comprised of foam material. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 1  comprised of inflatable material. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 1  with a top side outer edge that utilizes a convex downward sloping curve to minimize appearance under a fitted bed sheet.