Telescoping Crib

Abstract

A crib includes a configurable side with an adjustable height. In a first mode of operation, the configurable side extends to a height that prevents a child from climbing over the side. In a second mode of operation, the configurable side retracts to a lower height that provides a person with easier access into the crib to attend to the child. In general, the configurable side enables multiple modes of operation that provide convenient access while maintaining safety.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to furniture, and more particularly, to systems and methods for assembling a crib having a moveable side that enables easier access into the crib.

BACKGROUND

Different types of furniture are specially designed for use with babies and young children. As is known, a crib is a bed with high sides, e.g., barred or latticed sides, for a baby or young child. The sides are sufficiently high to prevent the child from climbing over the sides and falling from the crib. The height of these sides, however, may make it more difficult for a person to reach into the crib and attend to the child.

One method to lower the height of the side is to use a drop side rail. Incorrect assembly of the drop side rail by users has led to problems with children partially separating or disassembling the drop side rail. This partial disassembly or separation has resulted in a body part of the child getting caught in the drop side rail, causing injury to the child. This has led to proposed regulations that would have required all sides to be a fixed-height.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a crib includes a configurable side with an adjustable height. In a first mode of operation, the configurable side extends to a height that prevents a child from climbing over the side. In a second mode of operation, the configurable side retracts to a lower height that provides a person with easier access into the crib to attend to the child. In general, the configurable side enables multiple modes of operation that provide convenient access while maintaining safety.

According to one embodiment, a crib assembly includes an upper moveable section with a first upper transverse rail, a second upper transverse rail, and a plurality of upper vertical supports. The upper transverse rail is disposed above the second upper transverse rail. The plurality of upper vertical supports span a distance between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail. The assembly also includes a lower fixed section with a first lower transverse rail, a second lower transverse rail, and a plurality of lower vertical supports. The first lower transverse rail is disposed above the second lower transverse rail. The plurality of lower vertical supports spans a distance between the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail. The crib assembly further includes a holding mechanism that is configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section. The second upper transverse rail is disposed between the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail. The lower vertical supports are guided through the second upper transverse rail by a plurality of apertures within the second upper transverse rail. The first lower transverse rail is disposed between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail. The upper vertical supports are guided through the first lower transverse rail by a plurality of apertures within the first lower transverse rail.

According to another embodiment, a crib assembly includes a lower fixed section with a first lower transverse rail, a second lower transverse rail, and a plurality of lower vertical supports. The plurality of lower vertical supports spans a distance between the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail. The crib assembly also includes an upper moveable section with an upper transverse rail and a plurality of upper vertical supports. The plurality of upper vertical supports extends downward from the upper transverse rail to engage the lower fixed section. The crib assembly also includes a holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section. The first lower transverse rail is disposed between the upper transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail.

According to yet another embodiment, a crib assembly includes an upper moveable section having a first upper transverse rail, a second upper transverse rail, and a vertical panel. The vertical panel spans a distance between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail. The crib assembly also includes a lower fixed section with a lower transverse rail and a plurality of vertical supports. The plurality of vertical supports extends from the lower transverse rail and engages the upper moveable section. The crib assembly also includes a holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section. The second upper transverse rail is disposed between the first upper transverse rail and the lower transverse rail by a plurality of apertures within the second upper transverse rail. Additionally, the crib assembly can also include a second vertical panel. The crib assembly can also include a cavity defined by the first transverse rail, the second transverse rail, the vertical panel, and the second vertical panel.

Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an example crib assembly in a first mode of operation according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates the example crib assembly of FIG. 1A in a second mode of operation according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a configurable side that is employed in the example crib assembly of FIG. 1A according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates the configurable side of FIG. 2A in a second mode of operation according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example latch according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example holding mechanism in conjunction with an alternative paneled design to the upper moveable section shown in FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example holding mechanism in conjunction with the paneled upper moveable section shown in FIGS. 1A-B with the front panel removed.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another example holding mechanism in conjunction with the paneled upper moveable section shown in FIGS. 1A-B with the front panel removed.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another example holding mechanism in conjunction with the paneled upper moveable section shown in FIGS. 1A-B with the front panel removed.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example holding element in conjunction with the paneled upper moveable section shown in FIGS. 1A-B with the front panel removed.

FIG. 9A illustrates a crib assembly with a configurable side in a first mode of operation according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates the crib assembly of FIG. 9A with the configurable side in a second mode of operation according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a crib includes a configurable side with an adjustable height. In a first mode of operation, the configurable side extends to a height that prevents a child from climbing over the side. In a second mode of operation, the configurable side retracts to a lower height that provides a person with easier access into the crib to attend to the child. In general, the configurable side enables multiple modes of operation that provide convenient access while maintaining safety.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-B, an example crib assembly 100 includes a right side 102, a left side 104, a rear side 106, and a configurable (front) side 108, the combination of which define a substantially rectangular perimeter. In some embodiments, for example, the rear side 106 may define a headboard, while the configurable side 108 may define a footboard. The right side 102 is spaced a distance from, and is substantially parallel to, the left side 104. Correspondingly, the rear side 106 is spaced a distance from, and is substantially parallel to, the configurable side 108. A mattress support (not shown) is disposed within the rectangular perimeter and a mattress (not shown) is placed on the mattress support. Accordingly, a child may be placed within the rectangular perimeter of the crib assembly 100.

As described herein, the structures of the crib assembly 100 may be formed from any combination of suitable materials, including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, and the like. In addition, the structures may be assembled according to any combination of fastening techniques, including, but not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, dowels, nails, adhesives, pegs, rods, rivets, supporting brackets and plates, interlocking methods, press-fit connections, and the like. Additionally, any or all of the structures of the crib assembly 100 may include features consistent with a particular aesthetic design.

The right side 102, the left side 104, and the rear side 106 maintain fixed heights that are sufficient to prevent the child from easily climbing over these sides. According to aspects of the present disclosure described above, however, the configurable side 108 has an adjustable height. FIG. 1A illustrates the crib assembly 100 in a first mode of operation where the configurable side 108 is in an extended position. When the crib assembly 100 is in the first mode of operation, the configurable side 108 has a height that is sufficient to prevent the child from easily climbing out of the crib. Meanwhile, FIG. 1B illustrates the crib assembly 100 in a second mode of operation where the configurable side 108 is in a retracted position. The height of the configurable side 108 corresponding to the retracted position is lower than the height corresponding to the extended position. When the crib assembly 100 is in the second mode of operation, a person can reach over the configurable side 108 for easier access into the crib. When such access is no longer required, the configurable side 108 may be returned to the extended position to keep the child safely inside the crib assembly 100.

The right side 102 is defined by two spaced posts 110a, b extending upwardly from a floor surface. The right side 102 includes two transverse supports 116a, b that extend horizontally between the posts 110a, b. A plurality of vertical bars 114, substantially parallel to the posts 110a, b, extend between the transverse supports 116a, b. The plurality of vertical bars 114 may be spaced from each other by a substantially equal distance. In alternative embodiments, a substantially solid planar surface, a lattice, or other structure(s) may extend between the posts 110a, b to define the right side 102.

The left side 104 is defined by two spaced posts 110c, d extending upwardly from a floor surface. The left side 104 includes two transverse supports 122a, b that extend horizontally between the posts 110c, d. A plurality of vertical bars 120, substantially parallel to the posts 110c, d, extend between the transverse supports 122a, b. The plurality of vertical bars 120 may be spaced from each other by a substantially equal distance. In alternative embodiments, a substantially solid planar surface, a lattice, or other structure(s) may extend between the posts 110a, b to define the left side 104.

The rear side 106 is defined by the posts 110a, d. The rear side 106 includes two transverse supports 130a, b that extend horizontally between the posts 110a, d. A plurality of vertical bars 128, substantially parallel to the posts 110a, d, extend between the transverse supports 130a, b. The plurality of vertical bars 128 may be spaced from each other by a substantially equal distance. In alternative embodiments, a substantially solid planar surface, a lattice, or other structures may extend between the posts 110a, d to define the rear side 106.

The configurable side 108 includes a lower fixed section 132, an upper moveable section 134, and a holding mechanism 136. The upper moveable section 134 is disposed in the same vertical plane as the lower fixed section 132 and is slidably connected to the posts 110b, c. The upper moveable section 134 moves relative to the lower fixed section 132 to allow the configurable side 108 to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The holding mechanism 136 holds the upper moveable section 134 at the corresponding positions relative to the lower fixed section 132.

The upper moveable section 134 includes a first vertical panel 148 and a second vertical panel 150 disposed on back and front sides of the upper moveable section 134, respectively. The panels 148, 150 protect both the child and the operator from pinching and other hazards by covering structures of the configurable side 108 that move relative to each other. Additionally, the panels 148, 150 prevent the child from using structures between the panels 148, 150 to climb out of the crib assembly 100. The panels 148, 150 may also improve the aesthetic appeal of the configurable side 108. The panels 148, 150, however, are not necessary to the operation of the configurable side 108. (Indeed, some embodiments omit the first and second vertical sides 148, 150 entirely).

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate further aspects of the configurable side 108. (In FIGS. 2A-B, the panels 148 and 150 are omitted from the illustrations to more clearly detail the structures hidden and disposed therebetween.) FIG. 2A illustrates the configurable side 108 in a first mode of operation where the configurable side 108 is in an extended position. FIG. 2B illustrates the configurable side 108 in a second mode of operation where the configurable side 108 is in a retracted position.

The lower fixed section 132 includes a first lower transverse rail 138, a second lower transverse rail 140, and a plurality of lower vertical supports 142. The first lower transverse rail 138 and the second lower transverse rail 140 extend between the posts 110b, c. The plurality of lower vertical supports 142 extend between the first lower transverse rail 138 and second lower transverse rail 140. The lower vertical supports 142 are spaced between and substantially parallel to the posts 110b, c to allow a person to see a child in the crib assembly 100. The lower vertical supports 142 may be spaced from each other by a substantially equal distance. Additionally, each of the lower vertical supports 142 may be spaced to minimize the chance of a child's body part becoming stuck between the vertical supports. The lower vertical supports 142 may be shaped to prevent a child from using the vertical supports to climb over a side of the crib assembly 100. Other considerations include minimizing structures that may pinch a child or operator or cause asphyxiation of a child by catching the child's clothing.

The upper moveable section 134 includes a first upper transverse rail 144, a second upper transverse rail 146, the first vertical panel 148, and the second vertical panel 150. The first and second vertical panels 148, 150 span the distance from the first upper transverse rail 144 to the second upper transverse rail 146. The second upper transverse rail 146 is disposed between the first lower transverse rail 138 and the second lower transverse rail 140. Correspondingly, the first lower transverse rail 138 is disposed between the first upper transverse rail 144 and the second upper transverse rail 146. The first upper transverse rail 144 and the second upper transverse rail 146 may both be slidably connected to the posts 110b, c. The slidable connection may be achieved by guiding a protrusion extending from the upper moveable section 134 within an elongated channel, e.g., track, in another corresponding part of the crib assembly 100. For example, as is shown in FIG. 4, a moveable pin 402 and a fixed pin 412 are disposed within the elongated channels 404 and 406, respectively, to allow only one-dimensional movement of the upper moveable section 134.

The upper moveable section 134 also includes a plurality of upper vertical supports 224 spaced between and substantially parallel to the posts 110b, c. If the upper vertical supports 224 are exposed, they may be spaced to allow a person to see a child in the crib assembly 100. The upper vertical supports 224 may be spaced from each other by a substantially equal distance. Additionally, each of the upper vertical supports 224 may be spaced to minimize the chance of a child's body part becoming stuck between the vertical supports. The upper vertical supports 224 may be shaped to prevent a child from using the vertical supports to climb over a side of the crib assembly 100. Other considerations include minimizing points that may pinch a child or operator, eliminating points that may cause asphyxiation of a child by catching the child's clothing, and the like. The upper vertical supports 224 are laterally offset from the lower vertical supports 142. If the upper vertical supports 224 are covered by the vertical panels 148, 150, each support may be shaped and spaced to achieve both functional and cost-saving benefits. The lower vertical supports 142 are guided through the second upper transverse rail 142 by a plurality of apertures 226 disposed therein.

Before the crib assembly 100 is delivered to the customer, the vertical panels 148, 150 may be secured in place as a safety measure to prevent tampering, inadvertent disassembly, or other various concerns. The securing may be accomplished by several means including adhesives, nails, screws, etc.

Alternatively to the configurable side illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B, the second upper transverse rail 146 or the first lower transverse rail 138 may be omitted from the configurable side 108. If the second upper transverse rail 146 is omitted, the lower vertical supports 142 would extend upward from the second lower transverse rail 140 and end at a point within the plurality of apertures 226 in the second upper transverse rail 146 when the configurable side 108 is in the extended position. If the first lower transverse rail 138 is omitted, the upper vertical supports 224 would extend downward from the first upper transverse rail 144 and end at a point within the apertures 226 of the first lower transverse rail 138 when the configurable side 108 is in the extended position.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example latch 1000 is shown. The latch includes a trigger 404, a moveable pin 402, a biasing member 1006, a recess 1008, recess aperture 1010, a side 1016, and side apertures 1012. The trigger 404 is operatively connected to the moveable pin 402 and disposed within the recess 1008. The biasing member 1006 is a spring that exerts a force to urge the moveable pin 402 outward from the side 1016. The biasing member 1006 urges the moveable pin 402 toward the extended position as is shown in FIG. 3 and may include, for example, a compression spring. The force applied by the biasing member 1006 does not have to be applied directly to the moveable pin 402. The recess aperture 1010 and side apertures 1012 are shaped to receive fasteners in order to secure the latch 1000 to the crib assembly 100. The recess aperture 1010 is disposed in the path of travel the trigger 404 so that a fastener engaging recess aperture 1010 will interfere with travel of the trigger 404 unless the fastener is fully engaged.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a section of crib assembly 100 including an upper moveable section 134, a holding mechanism, and a post 110b is shown. The holding mechanism includes a latch 400 disposed within the upper moveable section 134 and locking recesses 408a, b disposed within the post 110b. The post 110b also includes two elongated channels 406, 414. The upper moveable section 134 includes a first upper transverse rail 144, a second upper transverse rail 146, a first vertical panel 148, and a second vertical panel 150 surrounding a cavity 516. The second vertical panel 150 is not shown for clarity. The upper moveable section 134 also includes a sliding pin 420, a plurality of vertical supports 518, and a plurality of apertures 226 through the second upper transverse rail 146. The plurality of apertures 226 extend from the second upper transverse rail 146 into the cavity 516 and slidably receive the lower vertical supports 142. The sliding pin 420 is slidably received within an elongated channel 414 in the post 110b.

The latch 400 includes a moveable pin 402, a trigger 404, a biasing member 1006 (as shown in FIG. 3), a recess screw 410, and face screws 412. The trigger 404 adjusts the moveable pin 402 between an extended and a retracted position and is configured to be manipulated by a user. In FIG. 4, the moveable pin 402 still protrudes from the face of the latch while at the retracted position. This retracted position was selected so that the moveable pin 402 can still engage the elongated channel 406 but cannot engage the locking recesses 408a, b. The locking recesses 408a, b are disposed at opposite ends of the elongated channel 406 disposed in the post 110b. The elongated channel 406 is not necessary to allow proper functioning of the holding mechanism, but may be used to guide the moveable pin 402 during travel of the upper moveable section 134 in a desired direction. The locking recesses 408a, b are configured to engage the moveable pin 402 while the moveable pin 402 is in the extended position, but not when the moveable pin 402 is in the retracted position. Additional locking recesses may be used to engage the moveable pin 402 at desired locations between locking recesses 408a, b.

The biasing member 1006 applies a force that holds the moveable pin 402 in the extended position. The moveable pin 402 engages at least a portion of the locking recess 408a while the moveable pin 402 is in the extended position. The engagement of the locking recess 408a by the moveable pin 402 holds the upper moveable section 134 at a position. Urging the trigger 404 in a direction moves the moveable pin 402 between the extended and retracted positions. When the moveable pin 402 is in the retracted position, the sides of the elongated channel 406 engage the moveable pin 402 and help guide the upper moveable section 134 downward. The force applied by the biasing member 1006 will cause the moveable pin to engage the full depth of the elongated channel unless the trigger 404 counteracts this force. As the upper moveable section 134 moves downward, the fixed pin 412 is guided downward by the sides of the elongated channel 414. Additionally, the lower vertical supports 142 are guided through the apertures 226 in the second upper transverse rail 146. The upper moveable section 134 will move downward until stopped by the moveable pin 402 reaching the bottom of elongated channel 406 and engaging the locking recess 408b. When the trigger 404 is used to disengage the moveable pin 402 from the locking recess 408b, the upper moveable section 134 can be moved upward until the moveable pin 402 aligns with the locking recess 408a and the biasing member 1006 urges the moveable pin 402 into engagement with the locking recess 408a. Additionally, it is contemplated that the trigger 404 may be used to urge the moveable pin 492 into engagement with the locking recesses 408a, b.

Additionally, a recess screw 410 and face screws 412 may be used to secure the latch 400 to the upper moveable section 134. The recess screw 410 and face screw 412 have two positions, secured and unsecured. The trigger 404 functions by moving laterally between an extended position and a retracted position, each corresponding to an extended position and a retracted position of the moveable pin 402. The recess screw 410 is placed in the path of the trigger 404 so that the trigger 404 may move uninhibited when the recess screw 410 is in the secured position. If the recess screw 410 is in an unsecured position, movement of the trigger 404 is inhibited so that the moveable pin 402 remains engaged with the locking recess 408. This prevents movement of the upper moveable section 134 when the latch 400 is not secured to the upper moveable section 134. The face screw 412 is positioned such that it will not inhibit movement of the upper moveable section while in the secured position, but will inhibit movement while in the unsecured position. This may be accomplished, for example, by positioning the face screw 412 perpendicular to the direction of motion of the upper moveable section 134 so that the face screw can contact a portion of the post 110b while in an unsecured position. This contact may occur, for example, if the face screw 412 is flush with the latch 400 in the secured position, but is not flush in the unsecured position.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an upper moveable section 134 with a latch 500 is shown. In this embodiment, the upper moveable section includes a first upper transverse rail 144, a second upper transverse rail 146, a first vertical panel 148, and a second vertical panel 150 surrounding a cavity 516. The second vertical panel 150 is not shown for clarity. The upper moveable section contains a plurality of upper vertical supports 518 passing through apertures 228 in the first upper transverse rail 138. The lower vertical supports 142 are guided through the second upper transverse rail 146 by apertures 226 disposed therein. A spring 520 is included between the first lower transverse rail 138 and the first upper transverse rail 144. The spring 520 applies a force to urge and hold the upper moveable section 134 at an extended position.

The latch 500 includes a trigger 404 and a dual pin 504a, b. The pin has a fixed portion 504a and a moveable portion 504b. The fixed portion 504a acts as a sleeve around the moveable portion 504b. The moveable portion 504b protrudes axially from the fixed portion 504a and engages the locking recesses 506a, b when the dual pin 504a, b is in an extended state. A retracted position of the dual pin 504a, b is a position where the moveable portion 504b does not engage the locking recesses 506a, b. Retracted positions may include, for example, the moveable portion 504b disposed entirely within the fixed portion 504a, the moveable portion 504b disposed flush with the fixed portion 504a, or the moveable portion 504b protruding from the fixed portion 504a. The fixed portion 504b does not extend or retract and is configured to engage the elongated channel 508. The engagement of the fixed portion 504b with the elongated channel 508 helps limit the movement of the upper moveable section 134 to one dimension. The first lower transverse rail 138 includes an aperture 512 that is aligned with an aperture 514 in the post 110b. A dowel 510 engages both apertures 512, 514 and helps to fix the position of the first lower transverse rail 138.

When operated, the moveable section 134 is in an extended position relative to the lower fixed section 132. The moveable section 134 is held in the extended position by the moveable portion 504b engaging the locking recess 506a and/or at least one spring 520. A user manipulates the trigger 404 to urge the moveable portion 504b of the dual pin into a retracted position and disengages moveable portion 504b from locking recess 506a. The user begins to urge the upper moveable section 134 downward. The fixed section 504a engages the sides of the elongated channel 508 to travel in a generally one-dimensional path. The upper moveable section 134 also travels generally one-dimensionally because the upper vertical supports 518 are guided through apertures 228 in the first lower transverse rail 138 and because the lower vertical supports 142 are guided through apertures 226 in the second upper transverse rail 146. The upper moveable section continues in a downward motion until the moveable portion 504b of the dual pin can engage the locking recess 506b. At that point, the moveable portion 504b is urged into engagement with the locking recess 506b. A spring may be used as part of the latch 500 and/or the trigger 404 may be used to urge the moveable portion 504b into engagement with the locking recesses 506a, b. The engagement of the locking recess 506b by the moveable portion 504b holds the upper moveable section 134 in a retracted position. The user then manipulates the trigger 404 to urge the moveable portion 504b to a retracted position. After disengagement of the moveable portion 504b from the locking recess 506b, the upper moveable section 134 is urged upward by the spring 520. While traveling, the upper moveable section 134 is guided in a generally one-dimensional direction by the fixed portion 504a engaging the sides of the elongated recess 508, the upper vertical supports 518 being guided through the apertures 228 in the first lower transverse rail 138, and/or the lower vertical supports 142 being guided through the apertures 226 in the second upper transverse rail 146.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the inclusion of the use of vertical panels for the first and second vertical sides 148, 150 allow the upper vertical supports 518 to be sized, shaped, and spaced differently than would be otherwise required by governing safety regulations for cribs.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternate holding mechanism 600 is shown. The holding mechanism includes a moveable pin 602 disposed on the upper moveable section 134 and an elongated channel 604 is disposed within a lower vertical support 142. Similar to the latches discussed in FIGS. 4 and 5, the moveable pin 602 engages locking apertures 606a, b disposed within the elongated channel to hold the upper moveable section 134 in a position relative to the lower vertical supports 142. The locking apertures 606a, b are disposed at opposite ends of the elongated channel 604.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternate holding mechanism 700 is shown. The holding mechanism 700 includes a trigger 702, a moveable pin 704, a strike plate 706, apertures 708a, b, and a biasing member 710. The trigger 702 is disposed in the upper moveable section 134 so that a user may manipulate it. The moveable pin 704 is operatively connected to the trigger 702 so that manipulation of the trigger can urge the moveable pin 704 in a direction. The biasing member 710 applies a force that urges the moveable pin 704 toward the strike plate 706. The apertures 708a, b are disposed at the top and bottom of the strike plate 706, respectively, and configured to receive the moveable pin 704.

The upper moveable section is held in place by the engagement of the aperture 708a by the moveable pin 704. The user manipulates the trigger to disengage the moveable pin 704 from the aperture 708a. Once disengaged, the upper moveable section 134 may move generally one-dimensionally relative to the lower vertical supports 142. While moving, the urging member 710 causes the moveable pin 704 to abut the strike plate 706. When the upper moveable section 134 is moved to the retracted position, the moveable pin 704 is aligned with aperture 708b and urged into engagement by the urging member 710. The user may then manipulate the trigger 702 to disengage the aperture 708b. The upper moveable section 134 can then be moved upward until the moveable pin 704 is urged into engagement with the aperture 708a.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a holding element is shown that can be used instead of the holding mechanism. The first lower transverse rail 138 includes an aperture 814. The post 110b includes an aperture 812 passing completely through the post 110b. The aperture 812 is axially aligned with the aperture 814. A bolt 810 is used to engage both apertures 812, 814 and help hold the first lower transverse rail 138 in place. The holding element 800 includes a bolt 802 and apertures 804a, b, 806. The aperture 806 is disposed in the end of the first upper transverse rail 144 and capable of receiving the bolt 802. The apertures 804a, b are disposed within the post 110b. Aperture 804a is at a generally higher location than aperture 804b. When bolt 802 engages aperture 804a and aperture 806, the upper moveable section 134 is in a first, extended mode of operation. When bolt 802 engages aperture 804b and aperture 806, the upper moveable section 134 is in a second, retracted mode of operation. Threading may be used on bolts 802, 810 and apertures 806, 814 to create a semi-permanent connection.

Although the embodiments described above illustrate a configurable side with an upper moveable section and a lower fixed section, FIGS. 9A-B illustrate an embodiment in which aspects of the present disclosure can be achieved. In particular, the crib assembly 1100 employs a configurable side 1108 that includes only a moveable side that can be slidably mounted at varying positions. FIG. 9A illustrates the crib assembly 1100 with a configurable side in a first, extended mode of operation according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates the crib assembly 1100 with the configurable side in a second, retracted mode of operation according to aspects of the present disclosure. The configurable side 1108 can be mounted at various positions and includes an upper transverse rail, a lower transverse rail, and a plurality of vertical supports. For example, the moveable side can be semi-permanently mounted at a height relative to the floor using a plurality of holding elements. In this configuration, the upper transverse rail and lower transverse rail comprise an aperture at each end configured to engage a bolt. The adjacent posts of the crib assembly 1100 include a plurality of apertures configured to receive a bolt. Each post includes at least two upper apertures and at least two lower apertures. The upper apertures are configured to engage the upper transverse rail in combination with a fastener. The two lower apertures are configured to engage the lower transverse rail in combination with a fastener. When the upper transverse rail is aligned with the first upper aperture, the lower transverse rail is aligned with the first lower aperture. When the upper transverse rail is aligned with the second upper aperture, the lower transverse rail is aligned with the second lower aperture. When the fasteners are passed through the apertures in the posts and engage the apertures in the upper transverse rail and lower transverse rail, the moveable side is held in a location. Alternatively, the upper transverse rail or lower transverse rail can be slidably mounted to the adjacent posts. Alternatively, a latching mechanism can be used to secure the moveable side at a height relative to the ground instead of a holding element.

While only a single holding mechanism is needed for a device in accordance with the present disclosure to function, two or more holding mechanisms may be used to lessen the forces experienced by an individual holding mechanism. If more than one holding mechanism is used, a variety of mounting positions may be incorporated. For example, holding mechanisms using the lower vertical supports may allow a person of shorter stature to more easily operate the mechanisms, but may lead to certain aesthetic drawbacks. Likewise, holding mechanisms using the corner posts may be more aesthetically pleasing, but may possibly present a slight problem to persons of shorter stature.

While the lower and upper vertical supports 142, 224 have been described as offset, it is contemplated that the supports can also be co-axially aligned in a telescoping configuration where each of one plurality of vertical supports is received within a recess in each of the other plurality of vertical supports.

Although examples provided herein may indicate that the configurable side 108 is on the front side of the crib assembly 100, it is contemplated that any side of the crib assembly 100 may include features of the configurable side. In addition, although the sides of the crib assembly 100 have been described as the right side 102, the left side 104, the rear side 106, and configurable (front) side 108, more common names may be used. For example, the right side 102 and left side 104 may be more commonly known as side rails or sideboards. The rear side 106 may be more commonly known as a headboard. The front side may be more commonly known as a footboard. It is further contemplated that more than one configurable side may be incorporated into a single crib assembly.

A crib in accord with the present disclosure may comply with government regulations for cribs with moveable sides. The height of the configurable side 108 of the crib assembly 100 shown in, for example, FIG. 1A may be approximately thirty six inches off the ground when in the extended position. The corresponding height of the configurable side 108 of same example crib assembly shown in, for example FIG. 1B, may be approximately twenty eight inches off the ground. Government regulations currently require the height of a lowered side to be no less than twenty inches above the mattress surface. The height of the mattress support may be selected to comply with regulations and design considerations for the distance between the mattress surface or the floor surface to the top of the moveable side while in the extended or retracted positions. Accordingly, dimensions may be adjusted based on factors such as changing governmental regulations, desired mattress height from the floor, and consumer preference. It is contemplated that the upper moveable section may have a desired travel distance up to about the distance between the first upper transverse rail and second upper transverse rail.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments and implementations, the present inventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A crib assembly comprising:

an upper moveable section having a first upper transverse rail, a second upper transverse rail, and a plurality of upper vertical supports, the first upper transverse rail being disposed above the second upper transverse rail, the plurality of upper vertical supports spanning a distance between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail;

a lower fixed section having a first lower transverse rail, a second lower transverse rail, and a plurality of lower vertical supports, the first lower transverse rail being disposed above the second lower transverse rail, the plurality of lower vertical supports spanning a distance between the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail; and

a holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section;

wherein the second upper transverse rail is disposed between the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail, the lower vertical supports are guided through the second upper transverse rail by a plurality of apertures within the second upper transverse rail, the first lower transverse rail is disposed between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail, and the upper vertical supports are guided through the first lower transverse rail by a plurality of apertures within the first lower transverse rail.

2. The crib assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the lower vertical supports and engages the upper moveable section.

3. The crib assembly of claim 1, further comprising four corner posts wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the corner posts and engages the upper moveable section.

4. The crib assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section.

5. The crib assembly of claim 1, wherein the holding mechanism includes a latch having an aperture that receives a fastener, the fastener fastening the latch to the upper moveable section, and the fastener interferes with operation of the latch when the fastener is not fully positioned against the latch.

6. The crib assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper moveable section and the lower fixed section are substantially formed from wood.

7. A crib assembly comprising:

a lower fixed section having a first lower transverse rail, a second lower transverse rail, and a plurality of lower vertical supports, the plurality of lower vertical supports spanning a distance between the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail;

an upper moveable section having an upper transverse rail and a plurality of upper vertical supports, the plurality of upper vertical supports extending downward from the upper transverse rail to engage the lower fixed section; and

a holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section;

wherein the first lower transverse rail is disposed between the upper transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail.

8. The crib assembly of claim 7, wherein the first lower transverse rail includes a plurality of apertures, the upper vertical supports being guided through the first lower transverse rail by a plurality of apertures.

9. The crib assembly of claim 7, wherein the lower vertical supports comprise a cavity configured to telescopingly receive the upper vertical supports and the upper vertical supports are slidably received therein.

10. The crib assembly of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the lower vertical supports and engages the upper moveable section.

11. The crib assembly of claim 7, further comprising four corner posts wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the corner posts and engages the upper moveable section.

12. The crib assembly of claim 7, further comprising a second holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section.

13. The crib assembly of claim 7, wherein the holding mechanism includes a latch having an aperture that receives a fastener, the fastener fastening the latch to the upper moveable section, and the fastener interferes with operation of the latch when the fastener is not fully positioned against the latch.

14. The crib assembly of claim 7, wherein the upper moveable section and the lower fixed section are substantially formed from wood.

15. A crib assembly comprising:

an upper moveable section having a first upper transverse rail, a second upper transverse rail, and a vertical panel therebetween;

a lower fixed section having a lower transverse rail and a plurality of vertical supports extending therefrom and engaging the upper moveable section; and

a holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section;

wherein the second upper transverse rail is disposed between the first upper transverse rail and the lower transverse rail and the plurality of vertical supports are guided through the second upper transverse rail by a plurality of apertures within the second upper transverse rail.

16. The crib assembly of claim 15, further comprising a second vertical panel opposite the vertical panel and spanning a distance between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail, wherein the first upper transverse rail, the second upper transverse rail, the vertical panel, and the second vertical panel define a cavity.

17. The crib assembly of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the lower vertical supports and engages the upper moveable section.

18. The crib assembly of claim 15, further comprising four corner posts wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the corner posts and engages the upper moveable section.

19. The crib assembly of claim 15, further comprising a second holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section.

20. The crib assembly of claim 15, wherein the holding mechanism includes a latch having an aperture that receives a fastener, the fastener fastening the latch to the upper moveable section, and the fastener interferes with operation of the latch when the fastener is not fully positioned against the latch.