ReadyBed set to debut

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/11/2002 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

U.K. juvenile product maker Worlds Apart Inc. is looking to enter the U.S. home market with the introduction of the ReadyBed, an indoor slumber bag with a built-in, inflatable air mattress.

ReadyBeds for the U.S. market are licensed for Barbie, Bob the Builder, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Winnie the Pooh. U.S. placements thus far have been in leading toy specialty retailers, said company co-founder John Stewart, whose title is director of fun.

"We feel they have a place in juvenile bedding departments as well," he said. "Slumber parties are a huge American phenomenon. The concept requires no introduction here."

The ReadyBed mattress is made of 100 percent PVC. The removable slumber bag is machine-washable, with a polyester fleece top, poly fill and cotton lining made of 65 percent poly/35 percent cotton. A pair of Velcro straps are sewn onto the back of the bag for easy roll up, and the kit includes a carrying bag with shoulder strap, as well as a pocket for the foot pump used to inflate the bag.

Worlds Apart was founded in 1983 to design and manufacture kites. Today its lines include the ReadyBed as well as pop-up tents, inflatable play gyms and inflatable pools. In addition to New York, the company has offices in London, Hong Kong and Cornwall, England.