Free-Standing Hanging Infant Baskette

Abstract

The invention is directed to a baskette assembly. The basket assembly includes a frame having a base member, an upright member extending upwardly from the base member, and a support member extending away from the upright member, where the support member is positioned substantially centrally above the base member, a baskette for suspending spatially between the base member and the support member of the frame, where the baskette includes at least one fabric unit, such that the at least one fabric unit forms two sidewalls and a sleeping area when the baskette is suspended from the support member of the frame, and a suspension mechanism for suspending the baskette from the support member. The baskette sidewalls each have a front edge and a rear edge, the front edges and the rear edges each having a length. The front or rear edge can be adjustable in length.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/843,795, filed Sep. 11, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant support structure, and, more particularly, to a hanging baskette suspended from a support such as a free-standing frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As much of an infant's first year of life is spent sleeping, many devices have been designed to accommodate the needs of parents for providing a convenient and comfortable place for their infant to rest. For example, these devices may include cribs, or bassinet style cradles, having a flat base and sleeping section with surrounding walls. While there is value in devices having flat or horizontal sleeping positions, these traditional sleeping areas have their drawbacks. For example, it is debatable whether flat, horizontal sleeping is at all comfortable for infants. As many parents would attest, several inserts are typically used to improve the comfort of the infant, or to configure the infant into a specifically desired sleeping position. Additionally, horizontal sleeping positions, if left unassisted, may possibly increase the chance of sudden infant death, or SIDS. A need exists to provide an improved infant resting position in a device that allows for simple assembly, disassembly and portability.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hanging baskette assembly. The baskette assembly can be suspended from a variety of supporting structures. In the examples below, the baskette assembly includes a frame having a base member, an upright member extending upwardly from the base member, and a support member extending away from the upright member, where the support member is positioned substantially centrally above the base member, and a baskette suspended spatially between the base member and the support member of the frame, where the baskette includes at least one fabric unit, such that the at least one fabric unit forms two sidewalls and a sleeping area when the baskette is suspended from the support member of the frame, and a suspension mechanism for suspending the baskette from the support member.

The sidewalls may have front edges and rear edges, with the front edges and rear edges connected to the sleeping area at first ends and to the suspension point at second ends. Accordingly, adjusting the length of the front edges or rear edges allows the angle of the sleeping portion to be varied as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings, while the scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the baskette portion of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a back view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a back view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with a central adjustment tie for adjusting the length of the rear edges of the baskette;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternate configuration of the baskette portion of the present invention;

FIG. 5a shows the a hangar bar in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 5b shows the a hangar bar installed in an exemplary baskette in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in typical infant support structures. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein.

The present invention provides a hanging baskette for supporting a child placed within it. Referring now to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. Hanging baskette assembly 5 may generally include a frame 100, suspension mechanism 200 and baskette 300. While the present invention may be used and scaled for any sort of living creature, such as people and pets of any size, it may be preferably designed for supporting infants under the care of an adult. The overall construction of the hanging baskette may be such that it can be readily assembled or disassembled, and thus easily transportable. It is understood that the baskette can be suspended from a variety of fixed or free standing supporting structures.

In this example, frame 100 is free standing and suitable for evenly distributing the weight of the present invention, such that the present invention may sit on a level surface without tipping or sliding when a child is positioned in baskette 300, or during the process of a child being placed in, or removed from, baskette 300. For example, frame 100 may include a base member 12, upright member 14, and support member 16. Base member 12 may comprise a tubular crosspiece 13 having end pieces 15 that may be turned approximately 90° with respect to crosspiece 13. Crosspiece 13 and end pieces 15 may be separate components, or alternatively, crosspiece 13 may have turned ends providing the same structural effect as the combination of crosspiece 13 and end pieces 15. Base member 12 may also include a pair of tubular side members 19 attached at one end to end pieces 15, and attached to the opposite end, an end piece 21 angled upwardly for attachment to upright member 14. In this embodiment, base member 12 may form a substantially U-shaped support base. Base member 12 may alternatively be rectangular, triangular or any other shape suitable for supporting the remaining portions of frame 100, suspension mechanism 200 and baskette 300.

Upright member 14 may comprise a pair of tubular shafts 23 that attach to base member 12 by engaging upright ends 21 of side members 19. Upright member 14 may further be angled inward, such that the angle between base member 12 and upright member 14 may be less than 90°, to aid in the positioning of support member 16 generally and centrally above base member 12. The length of tubular shafts 23 and the angle between them and base member 12 may vary, such that the height and position of support member 16 may be adjustable.

Similar to the basic shape of base member 12, support member 16 may be substantially U-shaped, having downwardly angled ends 25, where ends 25 engage the ends of tubes 23. Support member 16 may also have a crosspiece 27 having end pieces 29 that may be turned approximately 90° with respect to crosspiece 27, and where end pieces 29 may engage downwardly angled ends 25 opposite that of ends 25 engaging the ends of tubes 23. In alternative embodiments, any turned end pieces, or elbow pieces, such as end pieces 15, 21, and 29, may be either separate components, or simply turned extensions of the tubular shaft to which they would theoretically require attachment to.

The ends of each tubular component of frame 100 may have aligning holes and fasteners to secure the joints formed (e.g., threaded fasteners, clips and the like). The ends of any particular tubular component of frame 100 may also be tapered, such that a component having a tapered end may snugly engage a receiving, non-tapered component. Additionally, a spring loaded detent, or any other interlocking mechanism as may be understood by those skilled in the art may be used, provided such interlocking mechanism allows for simple assembly and disassembly of the tubular components of frame 100, or for that matter, any component of hanging baskette assembly 5.

Frame 100 may be composed of metal, and preferably a light weight metal typically used for constructing hollow, tubular shafts. Frame 100 may alternatively be composed of any other sort of material that may be desirable as understood by those skilled in the art, provided that such material is relatively light weight and maintains the required amount of rigidity or sturdiness for supporting the weight of an infant or object placed within baskette 300.

Suspension mechanism or system 200 may include an elastic unit such as a spring 31, an upper attachment eyelet 33 (optional) and lower hook 35. Spring 31 may be constructed as understood by those skilled in the art, such as from stainless steel, and having a stiffness such that the weight of baskette 300 and any infant or object placed within it would cause only a slight extension of spring 12. Springs may be covered by various forms of protectors (e.g., fabric sleeves) to minimize the risk of pinching as generally shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A. Upper eyelet 33 may be secured to crosspiece 27 in any manner understood by those skilled in the art, such as by a threaded end of eyelet 33 engaging a drilled hole in crosspiece 27, with a nut placed on the threaded end. Upper eyelet 33 and spring 31 may be separable, for example, with spring 31 having a separate hooking mechanism to attach and detach from upper eyelet 33, or they may be manufactured so as to be inseparable. Lower hook 35 may be separably or inseparably attached to the lower end of spring 31, opposite upper eyelet 33, such that lower hook 35 may be suitable for engaging and securing baskette 300 in a suspended position. It is understood that the suspension mechanism in it simplest form may include only coupling or hook that joins the baskette to a support member.

Suspension mechanism 200 may include any number of spring, eyelet and hook units. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, two units may be employed, where each unit is hung on opposite ends of crosspiece 27. The number and positioning of the units of suspension system 200 will depend largely on the type of baskette 300 used, and the general shape of support member 16.

Baskette 300 may typically be formed of a flexible material such as a woven cloth, and may be constructed from either a single piece of material, or from separate pieces stitched or otherwise attached together to form the final baskette structure. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of baskette 300. In this embodiment, baskette 300 may contain a hole 310 for attachment to lower hook 35 of suspension system 200. Hole 310 may be reinforced within baskette 300, such as with a reinforcing grommet or ring 301 (see e.g., FIG. 5b). As noted above, suspension system 200 may include a spring 31, upper attachment eyelet 33 and lower hook 35. In the alternative, suspension system 200 can include a hangar bar 500 as shown in FIG. 5a. At least a portion of the hangar bar 500 is load carrying. However, the load on hangar bar is primarily vertically disposed (as opposed to horizontal or compression loading). The hangar bar can be made from a variety of materials suitable for such loading such as metal, plastic and the like. The hangar bar includes a generally horizontal portion 501 and two ends 503, 505. Each end 503, 505 is formed with an upper portion 507, 509 having an opening 511, 513 for receiving the lower end of the spring 31. Each end 503, 505 can also be formed with a lower portion 515, 517 that joins with the horizontal load carrying portion 501. In this example, the lower portion 503, 505 is generally S shaped so as to provide a retaining well 519, 521 for receiving corresponding holes 310 of baskette 300. It is understood that the horizontal portion 501 and/or the retaining wells 519, 521 of hangar bar 500 can be load carrying (e.g., depending on the placement of holes 310).

FIG. 5b shows the hangar bar 500 installed in an exemplary baskette 300. For purposes of clarity, only the upper portion of the baskette 300 is shown. It is understood that the upper end of springs 31 are generally secured to a support such as crosspiece 27 (not shown). It is also understood that in some embodiments, springs 31 may be omitted and the hangar bar may be attached to a support (e.g., via a coupling or hook) without any elastic unit or springs. Continuing with the current example, the lower end of springs 31 are secured to the upper portions 507, 509 of each end of hangar bar 500 as shown by the vertical dashed lines. The holes 310 of the baskette are reinforced with rings 301. Holes 301 (and rings 301) are generally spaced from the top edge of baskette (generally corresponding to the shape of the lower ends of the hangar bar 500). This allows each ring 301 to rest in a corresponding retaining well 519, 521. This configuration is advantageous in that the top edge of the baskette is spread across the hangar bar 501 since rings 301 are generally captured in retaining wells 519, 521. This configuration is also advantageous in that either the retaining wells 519, 521 or the horizontal portion 501 of hangar bar 500 (or both) can be load carrying.

Baskette 300 may also include a mesh portion 315 forming part of the sidewalls 318 of baskette 300 when baskets 300 is attached to suspension system 200 and hanging in the suspended position. Mesh portion 315 may provide for better airflow and temperature regulation within baskette 300. Baskette 300 may utilize such a mesh material anywhere in baskette 300 as desired. Baskette 300 may further include a base panel or sleeping panel 320 which hangs via sidewalls 318 below end points 325 when baskette 300 is attached to frame 100 and suspension system 200. This configuration may assist in forming the sleeping or resting area, and further support an infant within the sleeping or resting area of baskette 300 in a more secure manner, and lessen the likelihood of an infant climbing out.

The angle of the sleeping panel 320 relative to the ground may be varied by adjusting the length of the front 323 or rear 324 edges of the sidewalls, such that the length of the front edges 323 is different that the length of the rear edges 324, preferably such that the rear edges 324 are equal to or shorter than the front edges 323. Where the rear edges 324 of the sidewalls are shorter than the front edges 323, the rear portion 326 of the sleeping panel 320 will be higher than the front portion 327.

The sleeping panel 320 of the baskette 300 may preferably be formed from a flexible material. The sidewalls 318 may preferably have a curved lower edge 322, such that the sleeping panel 320 forms an arcuate shape as a result of the curved lower edges 322 of the sidewalls 318. The sleeping panel may have a stiffener (not visible in image) incorporated, to reduce the likelihood of sharp bends being formed in the sleeping panel 320 as a result of weight placed on the sleeping panel 320.

As the baskette 300 will position itself at an equilibrium position relative to the center of mass of an occupant of the baskette 300, the existence of front 323 and rear 324 edges having the same length, and wherein curved lower edge 22 forms an arcuate shape having a radius substantially equal to the length of the front edges, will generally result in the angle of an occupant of the sleeping panel to be constant, whether the occupant is placed to the front or rear of the sleeping panel. If the length of the rear edges 324 of the sidewalls 318 are reduced relative to the length of the front edges 323, the rear portion 326 of the sleeping panel 320 will have a greater angle with respect to the ground than the front portion 327 of the sleeping panel 320. Furthermore, the greater the difference in the lengths, the greater angle that will be created.

Additionally, the position of an occupant on the sleeping panel 320 (i.e., more forward or rearward) will also affect the apparent angle of the occupant with respect to the ground, because again, the baskette 300 will move to a position wherein the center of mass of the occupant is at a lowest point. Moving the occupant rearward may allow the rear portion 326 to have an angle allowing the head of an occupant to be elevated, while the feet of the occupant may be elevated as well. The further the rear edges are shortened the greater the effect of the head being raised. Accordingly, optimal angles for an occupant may be achieved by adjusting the fore/aft position of the occupant, as well as the length of the rear edges.

Baskette 300 may also one or more adjustment ties that adjust the length of the front edge or rear edges baskette. For example, the baskette can include a grommet and drawstring 330, drawstring sleeve 335. The drawstring in attached to the sidewall 318 at the upper end of the sleeve 340. The drawstring sleeve may extend along the rear edge of one or both of the sidewalls 318, such that the distance between the rear portion 326 of the sleeping panel 320 and the connection point to the suspension system may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the drawstring, and accordingly the angle of the sleeping portion. It is understood that adjustment ties can be implemented with a variety of materials including nylon webbing, straps, cords and the like. The lower ends of the adjustment ties can be fitted with various forms of cord or strap engaging elements, cord locks, buckles and the like.

FIG. 3C is a back view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with a central adjustment tie 331 located in a back panel 322 for adjusting the length of the rear edges of the baskette. The central adjustment tie 331 has an upper end 333 that is anchored to the back panel 322. The lower end 334 of the adjustment tie passes though a grommet 336. The lower end 334 can be fitted with various forms of cord or strap engaging elements such as cord locks, buckles and the like as discussed above. It is understood that the baskette can include several adjustment ties in various locations. For example, the baskette can include a central adjustment 332 as well as side mounted adjustment ties as disclosed above. This configuration is advantageous in that the length of both edges can be adjusted simultaneously by setting the length of the central adjustment tie 331. Then side adjustment ties can then be easily adjusted thereby providing increased stability. The side adjustment ties can also be constructed of heavier materials such as nylon webbing or straps with adjustable buckle assemblies on their lower ends for increased safety.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, front and back views of hanging baskette assembly 5 are shown, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, a front lip 350 may be extendible upwards, partially covering the lower end of the opening of baskette 300 into which an infant may be placed. In one embodiment, front lip 350 may comprise two flaps with a zipper 355 between them, such that, in the unzipped position, an infant may be easily placed within the opening, and then front lip 350 may be zipped closed to provide a barrier from the infant rolling or falling out of baskette 300 after the infant has been placed within. As shown in FIG. 3B, a cover or top flap 360 may attach to the top of baskette 300, such as near the top rear portion, via any attachment means, such as Velcro, for example. Top flap 360 may provide shading from direct light, wind, or other elements when top flap 360 is extended over the top of baskette 300. Top flap 360 may cover all or any portion of the opening to baskette 300.

As shown in FIG. 4, another exemplary embodiment is illustrated, wherein baskette 300 may be in a more upright position, resembling that of a hanging chair. In this embodiment, baskette 300 may include a stitched-in top cover or roof 365 in place of a top flap. In this embodiment, a front flap (not shown) could additionally be used to cover all or any portion of the opening to baskette 300. Adjustment ties or drawstrings 410, or any other sort of adjustment mechanism, may be used to shorten or otherwise adjust the length of the rear edges, thus adjusting the position or angle at which sleeping panel 320 is suspended. For example, drawstring 410 may be anchored to the side wall or the sleeping panel at its lower end and may be pulled and secured to draw the rear of baskette 300 towards the suspension point. In another alternative embodiment, Adjustment ties or an additional set of drawstrings (not shown), could be attached to the front of baskette 300, such that the front of baskette 300 is drawn towards the suspension point when pulled and secured. It should be understood that the style and positioning of baskette 300 may be designed to allow for virtually any desired positioning of an infant placed within.

In other exemplary embodiments, baskette 300 may include additional support structures for keeping the sides of baskette 300 substantially parallel. Such supporting structure may include a crossbar at the bottom and/or top of baskette 300 (not shown) or . . . any sort of internal framing within the fabric material of baskette 300.

Baskette 300 may include other items, such as internal padding or bedding, placed within the sleeping or resting area to provide added comfort to an infant. Such padding may be designed to be removable, such as by Velcro attachment, or it may be permanently stitched into baskette 300. Any number or style of safety belts 351 may also be included. Toys, mobiles, and other entertaining devices may also be . attached to baskette 300 either directly or via a crossbar or arm (not shown) that extends from the baskette and into the sleeping or resting area.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms other than the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A baskette assembly for hanging from a support, the baskette assembly comprising:

a baskette unit having two sidewalls and a base panel defining a sleeping area when the baskette is suspended from the support, and wherein the sidewalls each have a front edge and a rear edge, the front edges and the rear edges each having a length wherein at least one of the front and rear edges are adjustable in length; and

a suspension mechanism that couples the baskette to the support.

2. The baskette assembly of claim 1, wherein the suspension mechanism comprises at least one spring.

3. The baskette assembly of claim 2, wherein the suspension mechanism further comprises a hook attached to the lower end of each of the at least one spring, for engaging the baskette.

4. The baskette assembly of claim 1, wherein the baskette includes an upper portion having at least one ring that engages with the suspension mechanism.

5. The baskette assembly of claim 1, wherein the suspension mechanism comprises a hangar bar having a generally horizontal portion and two ends, wherein each end of the hangar bar has an upper portion that receives a coupling or spring and a lower portion formed with a retaining well.

6. The baskette assembly of claim 5, wherein the baskette has an upper portion having two rings and wherein each ring is disposed so as to engage with one of the retaining wells formed in the hangar bar.

7. The baskette assembly of claim 1, wherein the baskette includes a flap for at least partially covering access to the sleeping area.

8. The baskette assembly of claim 1, wherein the baskette includes a safety belt.

9. The baskette assembly of claim 1, wherein the baskette includes at least one adjustment tie that adjusts the length of at least one of the front edge or rear edges.

10. The baskette assembly of claim 1 further comprising a support frame having a base member, an upright member extending upwardly from the base member, and a support member extending away from the upright member, wherein the support member is positioned substantially centrally above the base member.

11. The baskette assembly of claim 10, wherein the upright member of the frame extends upward from the base member at an angle no greater than 90°.

12. The baskette assembly of claim 10, wherein the frame comprises multiple tubular shafts.

13. A hanging baskette assembly, comprising:

a frame having a base member, an upright member extending upwardly from the base member, and a support member extending away from the upright member, wherein the support member is positioned substantially centrally above the base member;

a baskette unit having two sidewalls and a base panel defining a sleeping area when the baskette is suspended from the support, and wherein the sidewalls each have a front edge and a rear edge, the front edges and the rear edges each having a length wherein at least one of the front and rear edges are adjustable in length; and

a suspension mechanism that couples the baskette to the support member of the frame.

14. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 13, wherein the upright member of the frame extends upward from the base member at an angle no greater than 90°.

15. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 13, wherein the frame comprises multiple tubular shafts.

16. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 13, wherein the suspension mechanism comprises at least one spring.

17. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 16, wherein the suspension mechanism further comprises a hook attached to the lower end of each of the at least one spring, for engaging the baskette.

18. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 13, wherein the baskette includes an upper portion having at least one ring that engages with the suspension mechanism.

19. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 13, wherein the suspension mechanism comprises a hangar bar having a generally horizontal portion and two ends, wherein each end of the hangar bar has an upper portion that receives a coupling or spring and a lower portion formed with a retaining well.

20. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 19, wherein the baskette has an upper portion having two rings and wherein each ring is disposed so as to engage with one of the retaining wells formed in the hangar bar.

21. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 13, wherein the baskette includes a flap for at least partially covering access to the sleeping area.

22. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 13, wherein the baskette includes a safety belt.

23. The hanging baskette assembly of claim 1 wherein the baskette includes at least one adjustment tie that adjusts the length of at least one of the front edge or rear edges.

24. A baskette assembly for hanging from a support, the baskette assembly comprising:

a baskette unit having two sidewalls and a base panel defining a sleeping area when the baskette is suspended from the support, and wherein the sidewalls each have a front edge and a rear edge, the front edges and the rear edges each having a length wherein at least one of the front and rear edges are adjustable in length; and

a suspension mechanism that couples the baskette to the support, wherein suspension mechanism includes a hangar bar having a generally horizontal portion and first and second ends, the first end being coupled to a first spring, the second end being coupled to a second spring.

25. The baskette assembly of claim 24 further comprising a support frame having a base member, an upright member extending upwardly from the base member, and a support member extending away from the upright member, wherein the support member is coupled to the first and second springs.