Convertible infant care apparatus
An infant care apparatus convertible between a bassinet and changing table, including a carrier removable from a support frame for transporting an infant. The carrier is placed upon the frame for use as a bassinet. The frame also supports a changing table surface exposed for use with the carrier removed. The base of the frame includes retractable wheels and rockers. The frame is releasably securable to an adult bed for co-sleeping.
This invention relates to an infant care apparatus, particularly to an infant carrier supportable on a frame for use as a bassinet.
BACKGROUNDMany ideas have been advanced for how to reduce the sheer number of pieces of equipment needed to care for infants. Many parents purchase several items that are not used simultaneously but that nevertheless occupy a significant amount of space in a nursery.
SUMMARYVarious aspects of the present invention feature an infant care apparatus having an infant carrier that can be placed on a supporting frame for use as an elevated bassinet, or used separately to transport an infant.
According to one aspect of the invention, an infant care apparatus includes a structural frame defining spaced-apart rails at an upper end of the structural frame, and a carrier configured to be laterally constrained when placed between the rails. The carrier defines a compartment sized to accommodate an infant sleeping in the carrier while supported by the frame. The carrier is removable from the frame to expose a changing table surface between the rails. The changing table surface is secured to the structural frame and disposed below the carrier when the carrier is resting between the rails, with the rails extending above the changing table surface to form at least part of a safety rim above the changing table surface.
The apparatus preferably also includes a restraint secured to the frame and extending above the changing table surface for holding an infant during changing.
In some embodiments, the carrier includes a carrier frame having wall members extending from an infant support member to an upper rim of the carrier to define a receptacle for holding an infant, and a handle attached to the carrier frame. The handle is preferably pivotable between a carrying position in which the handle extends relatively perpendicularly from the rim, and a stowed position in which the handle approaches the rim.
In some cases the removable carrier also includes a battery-powered device, with the handle carrying a button electrically connected to the battery-powered device for activation thereof. The battery-powered device may be a light mounted on the removable carrier, or an audio speaker, as examples.
The carrier preferably includes a restraint disposed within the compartment to secure an infant within the compartment while carrying.
In some configurations, the frame has a lower end configured for rocking the apparatus upon a supporting floor. Preferably, the frame is also supported on wheels mounted on caster pivots. In some cases, the frame has retractable wheels selectively extendable for rolling of the apparatus upon a supporting floor. The wheels may be retractable to enable rocking of the apparatus upon the floor, for example.
In some instances, the frame is formed generally as a framework of connected, tubular steel members. Preferably, the frame is adjustable in height.
In some cases, the carrier has an infant support surface with a head end selectively tiltable with respect to a foot end of the infant support surface, for inclining a torso of an infant placed on the supporting surface.
Some versions of the apparatus also include means to releasably secure the apparatus adjacent a bed. For example, in some cases, the apparatus includes an anchor insertable between a mattress and mattress support of an adult bed, and at least one strap extending from the anchor. The strap preferably carries a releasable fastener for releasably securing the apparatus to the adult bed. In some cases, multiple straps are included, each separately securable to or about respective portions of the apparatus. In some cases, the anchor comprises a restraint cushion of sufficient thickness that the mattress conforms about a contour of the cushion to hold the cushion in place. In some instances, the anchor comprises a flat, flexible sheet of material insertable between the mattress and mattress support and the flat pad and having a surface that generates sufficient frictional resistance against the mattress to resist a pull-out force of at least 10 pounds.
In some embodiments, the spaced-apart rails of the frame are each elevated above opposite sides of the safety rim. In some cases, the spaced-apart rails of the frame are disposed at opposite ends of the apparatus. Preferably, the spaced-apart rails define pockets at either end of the frame to receive and laterally restrain the carrier when the carrier is placed between the rails. The spaced-apart rails may comprise tubular steel members, for example, and may be curved.
According to another aspect of the invention, an infant care apparatus includes a changing table portion and a removable carrier. The changing table portion includes a changing table frame with a receiving portion defining an aperture in an upper region of the changing table frame, and a charging table surface of a size to accommodate an infant. The changing table surface is supported by the changing table frame and arranged within the aperture, sidewalls of the receiving portion rising above an upper surface of the changing table surface. The removable carrier is of an interior size to accommodate an infant and an exterior size to fit through the aperture so as to rest in an engaged position on the receiving portion, such that placing the removable carrier in the engaged position configures the infant care apparatus as a bassinet and removing the removable carrier from the engaged position exposes the changing table surface for use as a changing table.
In some embodiments, the changing table frame includes a base having a plurality of rocking members oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the changing table frame, and a plurality of longitudinal members extending between the rocking members. The rocking members each have a lower surface together defining an arc for engagement with a floor supporting the infant care apparatus for rocking. In some cases, the rocking members each include a plurality of wheels movable between a recessed position, in which the wheels are withdrawn within the arc, and an extended position in which the wheels are exposed beyond the arc for engagement against the floor. Preferably, the rocking members each further comprise a lock engagable to secure the wheels against movement between the recessed and extended positions.
In some cases, the changing table frame is adjustable to change a height of the changing table surface with respect to the floor.
Preferably, the changing table surface includes a rigid planar member supported by the changing table frame in a substantially horizontal position. The changing table surface further may also include a pad with a non-absorbent upper surface overlying the planar member. Preferably, such a pad is detachable from the planar member for washing.
In some cases, the changing table surface is provides as part of a sling suspended from and spanning a top portion of the changing table frame. Preferably, the sling has a non-absorbent upper surface and is removable for washing.
In some embodiments, the removable carrier is collapsible between an expanded position, in which the frame forms an upper rim spanning an open receptacle for receiving an infant, and a collapsed position in which opposite sides of the rim are pivoted toward one another. Preferably, the carrier includes a lock operable to maintain the carrier in its expanded position, and releasable to fold the carrier to its collapsed position.
Another aspect of the invention features a method of securing an infant bed to an adult bed. The method includes placing an anchor mat between a mattress of the adult bed and a supporting surface on which the mattress rests, the anchor mat comprising a flexible sheet of material with an upper surface exposed for engagement against the mattress. The upper surface of the mat is configured to generate frictional resistance against the mattress to resist relative sliding of the mat against the mattress, with the anchor mat being otherwise unsecured to the mattress. The method also includes releasably connecting the infant bed to the anchor mat.
In some embodiments the infant bed is releasably connected to the anchor mat by releasable buckles secured to straps attached to the anchor mat.
In some cases the anchor mat is padded, the mattress conforming about a thickness of the anchor mat.
In some other cases the anchor mat consists essentially of a flexible sheet of material and two releasable straps secured to and extending from an edge of the sheet of material.
Preferably, the anchor mat is sized to fit completely within an area of a standard adult twin mattress, and is constructed to generate sufficient frictional resistance against the mattress to resist a pull-out force of at least 10 pounds with the mattress unloaded.
Another aspect of the invention features an infant care apparatus having an infant carrier defining therein a compartment sized to accommodate a sleeping infant, and a structural frame configured to receive and support the infant carrier to form a bassinet, and to rock upon a supporting surface while supporting the carrier. The carrier includes a restraint securable about an infant within the compartment to retain the infant as the carrier is carried, and a handle selectively retractable from a deployed position extending above and spanning a rim of the carrier for carrying the carrier with an infant therein, to a retracted position folded toward the carrier rim.
In some cases, the carrier includes a backrest selectively movable between an inclined position and a prone position.
In some embodiments, the frame includes an upper planar surface exposed for use as a changing table surface with the carrier removed, the frame forming a rim extending above and about the planar surface.
The handle, in some configurations, is secured to opposite sides of the carrier rim at respective pivots. Preferably, the pivots are located near centers of the opposite sides of the carrier rim, such that the handle extends across a central region of the carrier in its deployed position, for carrying of the carrier solely by the handle.
In some cases, the frame includes spaced-apart carrier restraints at its upper end, the carrier being configured to engage the restraints to resist lateral movement when placed on the frame. Preferably, the carrier restraints define pockets at either end of the frame, the pockets being sized to receive lower frame members of the carrier with the carrier placed on the frame.
The infant care apparatus described below can provide many of the functions needed in the care of infants within the home, and is readily and rapidly convertible between functional uses. Space is minimized by overlapping the spatial volume needed for diaper changing (i.e., the space above the changing table surface and between the safety rails) and the spatial volume employed for containing the infant during sleeping (i.e., the space within the receptacle of the carrier), while maintaining the sleeping surface separate and distinct from the changing surface. The frame enables both functions (changing and sleeping) to be performed at a comfortable height and can be configured to both enable rocking while sleeping and stability during changing. Furthermore, the carrier can be constructed for comfortably transporting and containing infants far from the frame, the centrally-located handle enabling one-handed carrying by an adult.
The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to
Changing table frame 12 has a base 28 with two rocking members 32 connected by two longitudinal members 36 that fix the relative location of the two rocking members 32. The two rocking members are oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the changing table frame. Each of the rocking members 32 has a lower surface 40 defining an arc for engagement with a floor supporting the infant care apparatus upon which an adult user can induce the frame to rock.
Although the rocking members 32 are primarily constructed of molded plastic, the remainder of the changing table frame 12 is primarily constructed of tubular steel. The rocking members 32 include receiving sockets 50 and define leg holes 51. Leg members 52 are inserted through leg holes 51 from the bottom so that the lower portions (not shown) of leg members 52 are received within rocking members 32 while the remainders of the leg members 52 extend upward from rocking members 32 as shown. The leg members 52 and the rocking members are then riveted together and lower surface 40 is attached to the rocking members 32. Base 28 is assembled by inserting the two longitudinal members 36 into the receiving sockets 50 thus providing a rectangular support structure for the changing table fame 12. Changing table frame 12 is completed by inserting the upper ends of leg members 52 into the lower ends of side frame members 54. The outer diameter of leg members 52 is chosen to be smaller than the inner diameter of side frame members 54 so that this can be accomplished. A bushing 58 is mounted on the both lower ends of each side frame member 54 in order to help protect leg members 52. Leg members 52 are positioned transversely with side frame members 54 positioned longitudinally so as to connect the two leg members 52.
Securing straps 240 and securing loops 244 are attached to the bottom of changing table cover 15 along the edges of planar member 256 to provide additional support for planar member 256. During initial construction, securing straps 240 are extended over and around sidewalls 24, inserted through securing loops 244, and male and female snaps 272 are mated so as to attach securing straps 240 to securing loops 244.
In another embodiment (not shown), changing table cover 15 is provided with sewn loops attached to the bottom of changing table cover 15 along the edges of planar member 256 rather than the strap-loop combination described above. The steel tubing of receiving portion 20 is inserted through these sewn loops before being mounted on changing table frame 12 with screws or rivets. In this embodiment, upper section 232 does not include fabric channels but rather is fitted to receiving portion 20.
In another embodiment (not shown), changing table surface 16 is directly mounted to changing table frame 12. All of these embodiments would preferably include a securable restraint (such as the releasable strap 158 shown in
The rocking members 32 each have two wheels 44. These wheels are movable between a recessed position in which the wheels 44 are withdrawn within the arc defined by the lower surface 40 of the rockers (as shown
In another example, regular wheel casters (see
Referring back to
Spring-pin latches are notoriously difficult to release manually, particularly when multiple spring-pins must be depressed simultaneously.
Referring back to
The removable carrier 8 is constructed with an interior size large enough to accommodate an infant and an exterior size small enough to fit through the aperture at the upper end of the receiving portion of the changing table frame, so as to rest in an engaged position on the changing table surface. The infant care apparatus is configured as a bassinet by placing the removable carrier in the engaged position shown in
Upper rim 86 comprises two U-shaped tubular steel rim halves 86a and 86b that are pivotably attached to hubs 92 at their open ends, at pins 202. Lower tubular frame members 82, which form a stable footing upon which the carrier may be placed, also pivotably and separately connect to hubs 92 at pins 204. Support struts 84 are pivotably connected to lower frame members 82 and to rim 86. As shown in
As shown in
As discussed above, the infant care apparatus is configured as a bassinet by placing the removable carrier 8 in the engaged position shown in
When it is desired to use the infant care apparatus as a co-sleeper, the height of the supporting frame may be adjusted to match the height of an adjacent adult bed. As shown in
Referring back to
Referring back to
As shown in
A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. An infant care apparatus comprising:
- a structural frame having spaced-apart rails at an upper end thereof; and
- a carrier configured to be laterally constrained when placed on the frame between the rails, the carrier defining a compartment sized to accommodate an infant sleeping in the carrier while supported by the frame;
- wherein the carrier is removable from the frame to expose a changing table surface between the rails, the changing table surface secured to the structural frame and disposed below the carrier when the carrier is resting between the rails, the rails extending above the changing table surface to form at least part of a safety rim above the changing table surface.
2. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a restraint secured to the frame and extending above the changing table surface for holding an infant during changing.
3. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the carrier comprises a carrier frame having wall members extending from an infant support member to an upper rim of the carrier to define a receptacle for holding an infant; and
- a handle attached to the carrier frame, the handle pivotable between a carrying position in which the handle extends relatively perpendicularly from the rim and a stowed position in which the handle approaches the rim.
4. The infant care apparatus of claim 3 wherein the removable carrier further comprises a battery-powered device and the handle comprises a button electrically connected to the battery-powered device for activation thereof.
5. The infant care apparatus of claim 4 wherein the battery-powered device comprises a light mounted on the removable carrier.
6. The infant care apparatus of claim 4 wherein the battery-powered device comprises an audio speaker.
7. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the carrier comprises a restraint disposed within the compartment to secure an infant within the compartment.
8. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame has a lower end configured for rocking the apparatus upon a supporting floor.
9. The infant care apparatus of claim 8 wherein the frame is supported on wheels mounted on caster pivots.
10. The infant care apparatus of claim 8 wherein the frame has retractable wheels selectively extendable for rolling of the apparatus upon a supporting floor.
11. The infant care apparatus of claim 10 wherein the wheels are retractable to enable rocking of the apparatus upon the floor.
12. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a framework of connected, tubular steel members.
13. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame is adjustable in height.
14. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the carrier comprises an infant support surface with a head end selectively tiltable with respect to a foot end of the infant support surface, for inclining a torso of an infant placed on the supporting surface.
15. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means to releasably secure the apparatus adjacent a bed.
16. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 further comprising
- an anchor insertable between a mattress and mattress support of an adult bed; and
- at least one strap extending from the anchor, the strap carrying a releasable fastener for releasably securing the apparatus to the adult bed.
17. The infant care apparatus of claim 16 comprising multiple straps each separately securable to or about respective portions of the apparatus.
18. The infant care apparatus of claim 16 wherein the anchor comprises a restraint cushion of sufficient thickness that the mattress conforms about a contour of the cushion to hold the cushion in place.
19. The infant care apparatus of claim 16 wherein the anchor comprises a flat, flexible sheet of material insertable between the mattress and mattress support and the flat pad and having a surface that generates sufficient frictional resistance against the mattress to resist a pull-out force of at least 10 pounds.
20. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spaced-apart rails of the frame are each elevated above opposite sides of the safety rim.
21. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spaced-apart rails of the frame are disposed at opposite ends of the apparatus.
22. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spaced-apart rails define pockets at either end of the frame to receive and laterally restrain the carrier when the carrier is placed between the rails.
23. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spaced-apart rails comprise tubular steel members.
24. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spaced-apart rails are curved.
25. An infant care apparatus including:
- a changing table portion comprising:
- a changing table frame including a receiving portion defining an aperture in an upper region of the changing table frame;
- a changing table surface of a size to accommodate an infant, the changing table surface supported by the changing table frame and arranged within the aperture, sidewalls of the receiving portion rising above an upper surface of the changing table surface; and
- a removable carrier of an interior size to accommodate an infant and an exterior size to fit through the aperture so as to rest in an engaged position on the receiving portion, such that placing the removable carrier in the engaged position configures the infant care apparatus as a bassinet and removing the removable carrier from the engaged position exposes the changing table surface for use as a changing table.
26. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 wherein the changing table frame comprises a base having a plurality of rocking members oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the changing table frame, and a plurality of longitudinal members extending between the rocking members, the rocking members each having a lower surface together defining an arc for engagement with a floor supporting the infant care apparatus for rocking.
27. The infant care apparatus of claim 26 wherein the rocking members each include a plurality of wheels movable between a recessed position, in which the wheels are withdrawn within the arc, and an extended position in which the wheels are exposed beyond the arc for engagement against the floor.
28. The infant care apparatus of claim 27 wherein the rocking members each further comprise a lock engagable to secure the wheels against movement between the recessed and extended positions.
29. The infant care apparatus of claim 26 wherein the changing table frame is adjustable to change a height of the changing table surface with respect to the floor.
30. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 wherein the changing table surface comprises a rigid planar member supported by the changing table frame in a substantially horizontal position.
31. The infant care apparatus of claim 30 wherein the changing table surface further comprises a pad with a non-absorbent upper surface overlying the planar member.
32. The infant care apparatus of claim 31 wherein the pad is detachable from the planar member for washing.
33. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 wherein the changing table surface comprises a sling suspended from and spanning a top portion of the changing table frame.
34. The infant care apparatus of claim 33 wherein the sling has a non-absorbent upper surface.
35. The infant care apparatus of claim 33 wherein the sling is removable for washing.
36. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 further including an infant restraint mounted to the changing table portion and securable to keep an infant on the changing table surface.
37. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 wherein the removable carrier comprises a carrier frame supporting an upper rim from which an infant receptacle depends.
38. The infant care apparatus of claim 37 wherein the removable carrier further comprises a handle attached to the carrier frame, the handle pivotable between a carrying position in which the handle extends relatively perpendicular to the rim, and a stowed position in which the handle is disposed adjacent the rim.
39. The infant care apparatus of claim 38 wherein the removable carrier further comprises a battery-powered device and the handle comprises a button electrically connected to the battery-powered device for activation thereof.
40. The infant care apparatus of claim 39 wherein the battery-powered device comprises a light mounted on the removable carrier.
41. The infant care apparatus of claim 39 wherein the battery-powered device comprises an audio speaker.
42. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 wherein the removable carrier is collapsible between an expanded position, in which the frame forms an upper rim spanning an open receptacle for receiving an infant, and a collapsed position in which opposite sides of the rim are pivoted toward one another.
43. The infant care apparatus of claim 42 further comprising a lock operable to maintain the carrier in its expanded position, and releasable to fold the carrier to its collapsed position.
44. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 wherein the removable carrier comprises an infant restraint securable to retain an infant in the removable carrier.
45. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 further comprising
- an anchor insertable between a mattress and mattress support of an adult bed; and
- at least one strap extending from the anchor, the strap carrying a releasable fastener for releasably securing the apparatus to the adult bed.
46. The infant care apparatus of claim 45 comprising multiple straps each separately securable to or about respective portions of the apparatus.
47. The infant care apparatus of claim 45 wherein the anchor comprises a restraint cushion of sufficient thickness that the mattress conforms about a contour of the cushion to hold the cushion in place.
48. The infant care apparatus of claim 45 wherein the anchor comprises a flat, flexible sheet of material insertable between the mattress and mattress support and the flat pad and having a surface that generates sufficient frictional resistance against the mattress to resist a pull-out force of at least 10 pounds with the mattress unloaded.
49. A method of securing an infant bed to an adult bed, the method comprising
- placing an anchor mat between a mattress of the adult bed and a supporting surface on which the mattress rests, the anchor mat comprising a flexible sheet of material with an upper surface exposed for engagement against the mattress, the upper surface configured to generate frictional resistance against the mattress to resist relative sliding of the mat against the mattress, the anchor mat being otherwise unsecured to the mattress; and then
- releasably connecting the infant bed to the anchor mat.
50. The method of claim 49 wherein the infant bed is releasably connected to the anchor mat by releasable buckles secured to straps attached to the anchor mat.
51. The method of claim 49 wherein the anchor mat is padded, the mattress conforming about a thickness of the anchor mat.
52. The method of claim 49 wherein the anchor mat consists essentially of a flexible sheet of material and two releasable straps secured to and extending from an edge of the sheet of material.
53. The method of claim 49 wherein the anchor mat is sized to fit completely within an area of a standard adult twin mattress.
54. The method of claim 49 wherein the anchor generates sufficient frictional resistance against the mattress to resist a pull-out force of at least 10 pounds with the mattress unloaded.
55. An infant care apparatus comprising:
- an infant carrier defining therein a compartment sized to accommodate a sleeping infant; and
- a structural frame configured to receive and support the infant carrier to form a bassinet, and to rock upon a supporting surface while supporting the carrier;
- wherein the carrier includes a restraint securable about an infant within the compartment to retain the infant as the carrier is carried; and a handle selectively retractable from a deployed position extending above and spanning a rim of the carrier for carrying the carrier with an infant therein, to a retracted position folded toward the carrier rim.
56. The infant care apparatus of claim 55 wherein the carrier includes a backrest selectively movable between an inclined position and a prone position.
57. The infant care apparatus of claim 55 wherein the frame includes an upper planar surface exposed for use as a changing table surface with the carrier removed, the frame forming a rim extending above and about the planar surface.
58. The infant care apparatus of claim 55 wherein the handle is secured to opposite sides of the carrier rim at respective pivots.
59. The infant care apparatus of claim 58 wherein the pivots are located near centers of the opposite sides of the carrier rim, such that the handle extends across a central region of the carrier in its deployed position, for carrying of the carrier solely by the handle.
60. The infant care apparatus of claim 55 wherein the frame includes spaced-apart carrier restraints at an upper end thereof, and wherein the carrier is configured to engage the restraints to resist lateral movement when placed on the frame.
61. The infant care apparatus of claim 60 wherein the carrier restraints define pockets at either end of the frame, the pockets being sized to receive lower frame members of the carrier with the carrier placed on the frame.
62. An infant care apparatus comprising:
- a structural frame adjustable in height and comprising a framework of connected, tubular steel members, the frame including curved tubular steel members forming spaced-apart rails at an upper end of the frame, the spaced-apart rails disposed at opposite ends of the apparatus and defining pockets at either end of the frame, the frame having a lower end configured for rocking the apparatus upon a supporting floor and having retractable wheels selectively extendable for rolling of the apparatus upon the supporting floor; and
- a carrier configured to be laterally constrained when placed within the pockets defined by the rails, the carrier defining a compartment sized to accommodate an infant sleeping in the carrier while supported by the frame, and including a restraint disposed within the compartment to secure an infant within the compartment;
- wherein the carrier is removable from the supports to expose a changing table surface between the rails, the changing table surface secured to the structural frame and disposed below the carrier when the carrier is resting between the rails, the rails extending above the changing table surface to form at least part of a safety rim above the changing table surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 30, 2004
Publication Date: Nov 3, 2005
Inventors: Paula Lopes (Boston, MA), Bryan Hotaling (Arlington, MA), James Varney (Medford, MA)
Application Number: 10/837,368