With Safe Or Hiding Place Patents (Class 5/931)
  • Patent number: 7971299
    Abstract: A mattress has at least one cavity that is covered by a flap formed by the top quilt or covering of the mattress. The cavity is formed by eliminating one or more foam layers corresponding to the size, shape and depth of the desired cavity. In a preferred embodiment, two or more cavities are provided, each at a corner of the mattress. The top quilt, forming the flap, is secured with the use of releasable fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, to completely conceal the pocket when closed. The releasable fasteners allow the flap to be conveniently opened and closed so that jewelry, currency or other valuables and items can be placed within or removed from the one or more hidden cavities. The manner of creating the hidden cavity allows for ease in manufacturing without additional cost, labor or materials other than the releasable fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Oscar Soifer
  • Patent number: 7917977
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a storage area within a box spring is disclosed. The system uses a storage box having a storage compartment and a locking door that provides access to the storage compartment. Attached to the storage box is a base plate that is attached to the storage compartment, the base plate includes an engagement hook. The box spring includes a stringer, and is used to support a mattress. The engagement hook of the base plate of the storage box engages the stringer of the box spring while the storage box is in use, so that the storage box is retained within the box spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Remis
  • Patent number: 6684432
    Abstract: A bed mattress system including a bed mattress apparatus, a security container having an interior portion, means for accessing the interior portion of the security container, and a moveable flap operable for covering the means for accessing the interior portion of the security container. The security container is operable for holding items disposed within the interior portion of the security container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Don E. Owens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6611973
    Abstract: A bedding assembly having a storage area integrated therewith. In one aspect, the assembly comprises one or more platforms having a recessed storage area and a deck pivotably mounted to the platform. The deck may be pivoted generally over the platform between a horizontal position where a use can lie upon the deck, such as for sleeping, and a non-horizontal position to allow access to the storage area of the platform. In another aspect, the bedding assembly provides a storage solution for a bunk bed type arrangement. The assembly comprises upper and lower platforms, a deck pivotably mounted at least one of the platforms, a pair of end frames extending between the upper and lower platforms, and a pair of base supports. The upper and lower platforms have sleeves formed therethrough, and at least one of the platforms has a recessed storage area with a pivotably mounted deck thereon to allow access to the storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Michelle D. Connell
  • Patent number: 6292960
    Abstract: An improved concealed safe is disclosed for concealment of firearms and other valuables therein, the safe being sized and shaped to replace a bed box-springs. The safe includes a top surface to support a mattress of a bed, a bottom surface to engage a supporting floor, a plurality of exterior side walls and corners being sized and shaped to support a mattress bed. The safe includes an internal storage cavity bounded by interior walls a lower floor. The safe includes side wall openings through at least one of the exterior side walls and through respective interior walls, into which one or more drawers can be inserted into the storage cavity. Each drawer is lockable and concealed from view when inserted into the safe in a concealed position, and each drawer is extendable outwards from the storage cavity into an exposed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Larry D. Bowling
  • Patent number: 6148455
    Abstract: A method for converting a canopy crib to a standard crib. The canopy assembly has a number of canopy legs whose bottom portion removably fits inside respective hollows of the crib assembly. The canopy assembly is removed by pulling the canopy legs from the crib assembly to expose the hollows and then separately covering the hollows with plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Jean Kasem
  • Patent number: 6134726
    Abstract: A retrofitting system designed to convert an adult-size bed into an infant/toddler bed is disclosed. The retrofitting system comprises first a template is being placed on a twin, full, queen, king-or larger size bed with an underside of the template fitted to an underside of a mattress. The system further comprises a number of interconnecting geometrical shape structures connected to the template on the bed. A plate/channel system is used to connect the geometrical shape structures to the template. The template and geometrical shape structures can be disassembled and assembled for storage, cabinet, diaper change table, chair, table etc., as the child grows up. The system can further be converted into children's toys, such as a car, slide, activity center, snake etc. with accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Doris Man-yee Lau
  • Patent number: 6131218
    Abstract: A playpen having a rectangular frame with four upper support bars, and four positioning brackets each secured between two of the four upper support bars. An upper mattress support device for the playpen having a flexible support received in the frame and an upper periphery enclosing each of the upper support bars, a plurality of support members each secured on the flexible support, an upper mattress received in the flexible support and supported on each of the support members, and four fasteners each secured to one of the positioning brackets and each secured to the periphery of the flexible support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 6131216
    Abstract: An infant container which may be in the form of a crib mattress and crib bumper assembly having means defining one or more gas flow channels which permit any concentration of heavy gases to drain by gravity from the upper surface of the crib mattress and be replaced by the environmental air of the room in which the crib is located. The gas flow channels may be defined by the crib mattress, the crib bumper or the structure of the infant container or may be defined by a structural element that elevates a conventional crib bumper above the upper surface of a conventional crib mattress and which defines at least one and preferably a multiplicity of gas drain channels. The heavy gases may be dissipated from the infant container by gravity induced gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: MacDonald Pine
  • Patent number: 6131217
    Abstract: A method of converting a canopy crib to a standard crib, particularly useful for cribs made of wood. A canopy assembly is removably connected on top of a crib assembly. The canopy assembly has a number of canopy legs that removably fit over and cover respective supports on the crib assembly. The canopy assembly may be removed by pulling the canopy legs off the supports to expose the supports and then separately covering the supports with caps. In a particular embodiment, the canopy crib has a pair of movable side members opposite each other, a pair of angled rods extending vertically through on either side of each one of the movable side members is used to secure a respective pair of caps to their respective supports. Each rod has an end portion which is fastened to an adjacent cap and support to secure the cap, in a rotation free manner, to the support. The same mechanism may also be used to secure the canopy leg to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Jean Kasem
  • Patent number: 6125483
    Abstract: A playyard system having an upper rail assembly with two parallel upper long side rails and two parallel upper short end rails. Each of the upper rails has a hinge with horizontal pivot pins adjacent to the midpoint thereof. The upper rail assembly also includes four upper corner brackets with hinges coupling the remote exterior ends of the four upper rails for rotation thereabout. In association with the upper rail assembly is a lower rail assembly with two parallel lower long side rails. Each of the lower rails has a hinge with vertical pivot pins adjacent to the midpoint thereof. The lower rail assembly also includes four lower corner brackets with pivot pins coupling the exterior remote ends of the lower rails to the lower corner brackets for oscillation of the lower rails about their axes and for pivoting with respect to the corner brackets. A pair of lower cross bars is included as part of the lower rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Stroud, Eric Chen
  • Patent number: 6123091
    Abstract: A combination playyard and canopy assembly is provided. The playyard includes a top frame having first and second side rails and first and second end rails that define an opening. The canopy includes a mounting clip, frame members, and a cover. The frame members are pivotably coupled to the mounting clip for movement about a common pivot axis and the cover is attached to the frame members. The frame members are pivotable relative to the mounting clip between a first position in which the cover extends over the opening and a second position in which the cover is moved away from the opening to allow access to the interior region of the playyard. The mounting clip includes deformable members snapped onto the top frame to mount the canopy to the top frame. The bottom perimetral edge of the cover is attached to the top frame so that the cover encompasses the entire top frame when the frame members are in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Flynn, Yi M. Wang, Richard Glover
  • Patent number: 6112347
    Abstract: A bedside crib (hereinafter "co-sleeper") that attaches to the parental bed that may be easily converted for use as a child's easel, couch, bassinet or toy display/storage device. The co-sleeper provides a rigid enclosure formed of a pair of sides, front and rear leg portions, a removable back, a mattress base with front retaining lip, and at least one removable shelf. The mattress base is hingedly attached to the front leg portion to tilt upwardly at an acute angle to a ground surface to serve as a child's easel. When the mattress base is tilted at a right angle to the ground surface and the back of the co-sleeper is removed, the latter may serve as a toy storage/display device. A removable front allows the enclosure to function as a bassinet. Height-adjustable leg extensions attach to the sides to adjust the co-sleeper to different heights for use with various beds and to raise or lower the co-sleeper for use in alternative modes (bassinet, couch, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventors: Douglas Tharalson, Diana M. Tharalson
  • Patent number: 6098217
    Abstract: A modular playpen for infants and young children comprising five basic parts including a plurality of substantially rectangular side panels; a plurality of vertical uprights slidably affixed to each end of a side panel via a longitudinal groove running the length of each vertical upright, thereby forming an enclosure; floor pads positioned within the enclosure; a series of horizontal cross bars removably engaged to the lower portion of each vertical upright thereby providing support to the playpen; and a central post positioned beneath the floor pads to provide additional support to the floor pads. The modular playpen can be reconfigured in a variety of shapes to conform to space constraints, and can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled again quickly without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Mark A. Hammil
  • Patent number: 6088851
    Abstract: A crib dropside assembly is provided which includes a pair of end fittings that eliminate the gaps which ordinarily are found between the top rail of the crib dropside and the corner posts of the crib. Each end fitting includes a base portion which is secured to the bottom side of the top rail of the crib dropside and a shield which is coupled to the base portion. The shield engages the inner surface of a corner post in such a manner that there is substantially no gap between the end fitting and the corner post. The shield also defines an enclosure which contains all or part of a track engagement member. The track engagement member is coupled to a track located on the corner post. By eliminating the gaps between the top rail and corner posts as described above, the possibility of clothing or bedding materials being caught between these elements is greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Simmons Juvenile Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey J. Draheim
  • Patent number: 6058528
    Abstract: A playpen includes a looped upper frame disposed above and spaced apart from a looped lower frame in a vertical direction. A plurality of vertical posts bridge the upper and lower frames. A cot has a bottom wall and a surrounding wall that is connected to a periphery of the bottom wall and that extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The surrounding wall has a length in the vertical direction which is shorter than a distance between the upper and lower frames in the vertical direction. The surrounding wall further has a distal top portion that engages removably the upper frame for suspending the cot thereon such that the bottom wall is disposed above the lower frame. A releasable fastening unit is provided on the distal top portion of the surrounding wall and the vertical posts for fastening releasably the cot on the vertical posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Chih-Huang Yang
  • Patent number: 6055690
    Abstract: Rebreathing carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant are contributing causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and asphyxiation. The characteristics of conventional crib mattresses, beddings and bumper pads contribute to rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant and may be contributing environmental causes of SIDS, asphyxiation, apnea syndromes and hypoventilation. The present invention consists of improved sleeping pads, beddings and bumper pads which reduce rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating and provide increased crib ventilation to stimulate breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: J. Frank Koenig
  • Patent number: 6052853
    Abstract: A mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; nonporous top cover covering the mattress inner core, the nonporous top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Halo Sleep Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Schmid
  • Patent number: 6035466
    Abstract: A collapsible baby bed includes a fabric cover which covers a collapsible tubular frame. The frame may include a plurality of links which are coupled by a resilient cord such that when in use, the bed may take a conventional crib or playpen shape and when the links are decoupled, the bed may be folded into a collapsed shape for storage or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Shelley M. Homeyer
  • Patent number: 6026524
    Abstract: A playyard system adapted to be used in a conventional fixed mode or as a rocker including a playyard in a generally rectilinear configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Barger
  • Patent number: 5991944
    Abstract: A coupling assembly to removably join a bassinet to a playyard including two rectangular playyard blocks locatable on interior faces of each upper corner bracket of a playyard and spaced from the apex thereof and with vertically extending undercut regions on the edge of each playyard block facing the apex an a cooperable bassinet block removably receivable within each playyard block, each bassinet block having outwardly facing cylindrical apertures at right angles with respect to each other for the receipt of adjacent bassinet rails during operation and use and with a vertically extending projection positionable from above to within the undercut regions of the playyard blocks and with an abutment surface thereabove to limit downward motion of the bassinet blocks when located within the playyard blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Yang
  • Patent number: 5991943
    Abstract: A crib to be positioned in the corner of a room and which has a crib canopy appearing to be freely floating in the room corner above the crib. The crib includes a storage area with shelves and drawers for maintaining baby necessities close at hand, as well as a receptacle for including a cassette player carried in a position to permit music from the cassette to be directed from the crib. A series of picture holders are positioned along the two side walls of the crib which engage or are supported adjacent the walls of the room, to enable such things as photographs and drawings to be removably displayed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: JoAnna Morris
  • Patent number: 5978987
    Abstract: A playpen includes at least one pivot bracket including a first sidewall having two ends each defining a first through hole. At least one release bracket includes a first sidewall having two ends each defining a second through hole. A pressing member movably received in the release bracket includes two pressing legs. Two retaining legs are each formed on the second sidewall of the release bracket, and each is formed with a retaining hook. At least two armrails each has one end pivotally mounted in the pivot bracket and defining a third through hole. At least two V-shaped biasing members are each mounted in a respective armrail and each has its distal end abutting the pressing leg, and a stub extending through the third through hole, the first through hole and the second through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 5963996
    Abstract: A supporting structure for play yard includes a top frame, a bottom frame and at least three support posts mounted between the top frame and the bottom frame to define an interior cavity. Each of the support posts includes a frame post having an adjustment base axially affixed to a bottom end of the frame post. Each of the adjustment bases has a threaded upper shank and an enlarged base turner. To assemble the supporting structure, penetrate each of the support posts through a threaded adjusting hole of a respective holding joint of the bottom frame until a top end of the support post rotatably inserts into a head sleeve of the top frame through its bottom opening. Therefore, the distance between the top frame and the bottom frame can be adjusted by screwing the threaded upper shank in or out of the threaded adjusting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Ben Ming Hsia
  • Patent number: 5926870
    Abstract: A crib-like twin-size bed for disabled children with special needs having unusually high end and side panels, the one, or both, side panels being a combination fold-down plus slide-down side panel hinged together for permitting servicing of the bedding and the child by folding down the top panel while allowing convenient egress and ingress of the child into and out-of a wheelchair as necessary by sliding down the bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: Patti Ann Branca-Barnes, David George Stramiello
  • Patent number: 5926873
    Abstract: A railing guard is provided for alleviating previous deficiencies with crib protectants. The crib railing guard disclosed protects infants from injury and discomfort resulting from impact against and contact with side railing on baby cribs. Furthermore, the crib railing guard provides a self-supportive, comfortable enclosure for care of infants on surfaces with or without side railing. The crib railing guard is composed of a base, a cushiony wall and fasteners. The base is sized and shaped to correspond to an infant mattress. The base, when used in conjunction with an infant bed, is placed on top of the mattress support structure and beneath the mattress. The cushiony wall is connected to the perimeter of the base and projects upward. The lower portion of the cushiony wall is designed to compress when a mattress is placed on top of the base in order to fit the crib railing guard between the crib railing and the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Irene Fountain
  • Patent number: 5918329
    Abstract: A foldable bed which can be detachably mounted onto a crib has a foldable main frame and a foldable secondary frame pivotally connected with the main frame. The main frame is able to be detachably mounted onto the crib and the secondary frame is able to be detachably and pivotally mounted on top of the main frame. The secondary frame has a fabric mat fitted thereto, onto which a baby can be placed at a height convenient for changing of a diaper. When the folded bed in not in use, it is convenient for the user to dismount the foldable bed from the crib and fold it for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Discover International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Chu Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 5918332
    Abstract: A recreation pillow includes a resilient foam rubber pillow having an elliptical shape. A slit is formed in the pillow, and the slit extends inwardly from the surface. The slit defines opposed walls that are normally juxtaposed, with the pillow being deformable such that the walls are distanced from each other and small items such as room keys can be placed between the walls. When the pillow is released, the items are held between the walls. The pillow is enclosed in a waterproof sleeve, and is ideal for beach use for both lying on and for carrying small items. Alternatively, the pillow can be hollow and can be made of relatively hard plastic or rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Kent L. Dees
  • Patent number: 5911653
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable playpen which comprises a main frame constructed of top articulated bars and upright bars, which is provided with a covering to form an enclosure so that a baby can be left to play therewithin. The primary feature of the present invention resides in that the main frame includes a bottom sub-frame structure pivotably mounted at the bottom of the main frame. The bottom sub-frame structure includes at least first, second, third and fourth bottom side-bars, and a folding mechanism. The first, second, third and fourth bottom side-bars are arranged in a pivotingly foldable relationship with the folding mechanism, whereby the present invention can be conveniently folded into a compact package when it is not in use or extended to an erect enclosure for allowing a baby to play therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Ching-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 5906013
    Abstract: A pivotal device for a playpen includes a connecting member which pivotally connects two siderails of the playpen. Each of the siderails has a spring received therein which has a protrusion extending through the siderail and the connecting member and a pushing end being accessed via a hole of the connecting member. An operation plate mounted to the connecting member with a slidable member biasedly disposed therebetween. The operation plate has flexible plate and a head with a tapered surface extends laterally from the flexible plate, the slidable member having one end thereof slidably located below the head so that when the slidable member is shifted, the head is pushed to push the pushing ends of the springs to withdraw the protrusions from the connecting member to allow the siderails to be pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 5884348
    Abstract: A crib selectively serving as a baby bed and also as a playpen includes a bed floor member and respective panels enclosing the periphery of the bed floor member (13). At least one panel (12) is height-controllably supported by a base support (20) that also supports the bed floor member. In case of using the crib as a baby bed, the panel (12) is brought to a low position for enabling a mother or the like to readily care for the baby. In case of using the crib as a playpen, the panel is brought to a high position for safety reasons. The height of the bed floor member is also adjustable between high and low positions by adjusting the base support, which for example includes pivotable, tiltable or removable leg frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Ichiro Onishi, Kenzou Kassai
  • Patent number: 5867851
    Abstract: A multi-sided play yard having a collapsible top assembly and a collapsible bottom assembly, each assembly connected to at least three spaced vertical posts. The bottom assembly includes a collapsible assembly with collapsible legs. The collapsible legs each include leg portions pivotally connected to a respective vertical post and to a multiple pivot joint member. Stabilizer feet are pivotally connected to each collapsible leg by a multiple pivot joint member. The vertical posts, leg members, and stabilizer feet serve to support and stabilize the play yard when it is in an erected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Mariol, Thomas J. Welsh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5862548
    Abstract: A playyard system includes a playyard structure and a canopy. The playyard structure is partially covered by the canopy which channels heat outward to provide improve shading and ventilation. Sides of the playyard structure have mesh panels with removable covers to further control shading and ventilation. Accordingly, the playyard system has improved thermal characteristics. Furthermore, the canopy allows visibility and easy access to the interior of the playyard structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Glenn Gerhart
  • Patent number: 5855031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infant hammock comprising a substantially rectangular mesh type panel having a substantially rectangular frame member integral with the panel's peripheral edges. Perpendicularly extending from each corner of the frame member is a support leg for contacting the upper surface of a baby crib and for supporting the fabric panel a predetermined distance thereabove. Disposed on the peripheral edges of the fabric panel is one or more digital micro-chips for selectively emitting soothing tones such as lullabies or similar songs. The frame member components and support legs are detachable allowing the device to be easily disassembled for transport or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Wade Swift, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5845349
    Abstract: A first playpen enclosure that converts easily to a bassinet, a changing table or a bed-side crib (hereinafter referred to as a "co-sleeper") that attaches securely to the parents' bed. A described second enclosure support system maintains a padded enclosure and rigid floor panel at a predetermined level below the top of the playpen to form the bassinet. The second enclosure has a back, two sides, a bottom and a front flap that overhangs the front horizontal rail. The upper front corners are segmented into a removable section and a fixed section to facilitate the removal and unseating of the front horizontal rail to a second position at a first predetermined distance from the top position. Cooperating junctures affixed to the front vertical rails accept the removable sections and securely seat the rail in this second position. The supports, padded enclosure and rigid floor panel complete the changing table with the front flap hanging down in front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Arms Reach Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Tharalson, Diana M. Tharalson
  • Patent number: 5826285
    Abstract: A play yard having a collapsible top assembly and a collapsible bottom assembly, each assembly connected to at least three spaced vertical posts. The bottom assembly includes a collapsible subassembly. Pairs of post connecting members pivotally connect each vertical post to the subassembly forming truss segments. The truss segments and subassembly form a truss. Stabilizer feet are connected to the subassembly. The truss vertical posts and stabilizer feet serve to support and stabilize the play yard when it is in an erected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Mariol, Thomas J. Welsh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5819340
    Abstract: A crib for newborns and infants is easily placed in close proximity to the parents' bed without being physically attached thereto. An otherwise conventional crib mattress is retained in a bassinet or similar structure. The bassinet is supported in a frame that partially slides under the parents' bed, thereby allowing the bassinet to extend partially over the top surface of the parents' mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Jim E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5813558
    Abstract: A baby supplies case and bag/bassinet combination with an openable front flap. Unzipping the flap reveals a shelved case holding diapers and baby supplies. Attached to the lowest shelf by a hinge is a hollow wedge shaped baby wipes container of sufficient length to extend to a cutout in the above shelf where the wide end of the wedge-shaped container rests. The wide end has raised ridges at either end thereof which retain a protective lid in position. In the middle of the wide end is an oval opening which provides access to baby wipes. When this wedge shaped container is rotated downward and the protective lid is slid open, a baby wipe can be retrieved. Due to the wedge shape of the container, it will not impede the removal of objects from the shelf behind. Resting on the middle shelf of the case is a holder for a container of baby powder. When this holder is rotated downwardly, it hangs from supports attached to the shelf on which it was resting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Linda M. Burke
  • Patent number: 5806113
    Abstract: A motion controlled cradle including a rocking assembly adapted to rock the cradle upon the receipt of an activation signal. Further provided is an motion sensor adapted to transmit a motion signal upon the detection of motion of the small child within the cradle. Next provided is a mechanism for transmitting an activation signal to the rocking assembly upon the receipt of the motion signal. Finally, a tape player is connected to the means. The tape player is adapted to play a tape upon the receipt of the activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Michael McMahan, Nancy McMahan
  • Patent number: 5806112
    Abstract: A crib liner for lining a baby crib including a flexible base member for being located beneath a mattress of the crib, and a side guard attached to the periphery of the base member for lining the side walls of the crib so as to keep a baby's arms and legs inside the crib while the baby is lying down therein. The side guard is preferably attached to the base member continuously along the periphery thereof. A plurality of fasteners are attached to the side guard for attaching the crib liner to the posts and bars of the crib. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base member is formed from a fabric material, and the side guard is sewn onto, or otherwise attached to the base member, preferably continuously therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignees: Antionette Harms, Barbara LaFave, Donald Hurst
    Inventor: Antionette A. Harms
  • Patent number: 5802634
    Abstract: An adjustable bed, suitable for use from infancy to adulthood includes a bed frame body having pivoting end panels and a height adjustable base. In one adjusted position, with the end panels pivoted to near vertical and the height adjustable base fully raised, the bed is swingable like a cradle, with the bed frame body swingably suspended from the height adjustable base. By lowering the height adjustable base, the near vertical end panels contact the floor, and the bed is useful as a playpen for an infant or a chair for an adult. By pivoting the end panels to intermediate or horizontal positions, the bed becomes useful as a lounge chair or as a bed for a child. With the height adjustable base at its lowest, and the end panels pivoted to horizontal positions, the bed may be used as a rigid support for an adult mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Ichiro Onishi, Kenzou Kassai
  • Patent number: 5787524
    Abstract: A crib for more than one infant has multiple sleeping areas. In a first embodiment, there are two sleeping areas separated by a clear plexiglass divider. In another embodiment, there are three sleeping areas separated by clear plexiglass dividers. Front panels of the sleeping areas are adjustable to two different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Robert A. Butnik
  • Patent number: 5778465
    Abstract: A bassinet for an infant having a foldable floor and flexible side walls that are suspended above a playard floor with extruded plastic hooks engaged to the playard for a safe and secure connection. The hooks are shaped to easily be installed and removed for quick change over from bassinet to playard and back again. The bassinet is easily installed and removed by one person and, due to its construction, may be folded with the playard for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Jonathan Myers
  • Patent number: 5768723
    Abstract: An audiometric crib for infants includes a housing having a floor and walls upstanding from the floor, and a door connected to the housing and adapted to move between an open position for moving an infant into and out of the housing and a closed position for isolating the infant from ambient noise and for conducting auditory tests on the infant. Ventilators are provided for directing air into the housing and exhausting air from the housing. Means are provided in one or more of the walls for accommodating in an air-tight manner a transmission line for introducing controlled acoustic signals from outside the crib to the infant in the crib, and for carrying signals from a sensor on the infant in the crib to instrumentation outside of the crib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Alan Eckel
  • Patent number: 5747129
    Abstract: Playpen and crib construction which utilizes in the frame a high modulus fiber-reinforced plastic matrix solid composite sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Piccolino, LLC
    Inventors: Adam G. Malofsky, Bernard M. Malofsky, Paul R. Glassberg
  • Patent number: 5742959
    Abstract: A medical bed having a pair of spaced ends and a pair of opposed sides connecting the ends. At least one of the sides has a top rail, a bottom rail and a plurality of spaced vertical bars extending therebetween to form a plurality of unobstructed vertical spaces. A part of the top rail extending over one or more of the unobstructed vertical spaces is movable to form an opening at the top through which tubes and wires connected between a person in the bed and medical devices outside of the bed may be moved without disconnecting them from the person when the person is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Staci J. Froelich
  • Patent number: 5727265
    Abstract: A collapsible playyard for an infant includes a pair of frame subassemblies and a plurality of collapsible connecting members which normally maintain the frame subassemblies in spaced substantially parallel relation. The frame subassemblies include knuckle joints which cooperate to maintain the frame assembly in an erected position, but at least a portion of which are reoriented as the connecting members are collapsed to allow the frame subassemblies to also be collapsed. The width of one of the frame subassemblies is smaller than the width of the other frame subassembly to allow the two frame subassemblies to be at least partially nested together and then folded in half to form a compact collapsed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Scott Ziegler, Kevin Maloney
  • Patent number: 5706533
    Abstract: A foldable quadrantal corner baby crib including five wheeled posts, a crib floor and top interconnecting frame pieces. The quadrantal crib has the versatility to be placed in a corner of the baby room and is safe in use. Another attribute is the facility of multiple cribs being grouped in a bedroom for multiple births while minimizing the space occupied by the cribs. Only nine fasteners are required for assemblage and disassemblage of the canopy framed crib. When folded, the crib can be stored under a bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventors: Don G. Opheim, Sue R. Opheim
  • Patent number: 5697111
    Abstract: A foldable playyard that can stay in an erected state at all times regardless how the playyard is positioned comprises a hub which has a locking member. The playyard comprises a lower frame assembly, an upper frame assembly and corner legs. The lower frame assembly comprises a hub and a plurality of hub legs. One end portion of each of the hub legs is pivotally coupled to the hub. The upper frame assembly comprises a plurality of side rail units, each comprising a pair of rails and a medial rail connecting member pivotally connecting one end portions of the pair of rails. The medial rail connecting member enables the pair of rails to be collapsed from a substantially in-line configuration to a substantially V-shaped configuration. The corner legs interconnect the upper and lower frame assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: James Dillner, Nathaniel Saint
  • Patent number: 5678260
    Abstract: Protrusions are provided in the upper rim of a guard rail of a children's bed or crib, to improve motor development. The protrusions can be provided on an attachment to be attached to the normal upper rim or can be integral with the upper rim. The device can be scented and colored, as well, and differently shaped protrusions can be provided in different sections of the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Amir Belson