CHILD SLEEPING APPARATUS WITH FOLDING FRAME

Abstract

A bassinet for infants and children includes a child receiving receptacle and a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle. A lock is selectively operable for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed. The collapsible frame assembly comprising a first collapsible frame portion collapsible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration and vice-versa, the collapsible frame assembly further comprising a second collapsible frame portion collapsible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration and vice-versa. The first and second collapsible frame portions are pivotally coupled to one another for movement between the frame assembly's extended configuration and its collapsed configuration, with each collapsible frame portion including a pair of generally U-shaped frame members pivotally connected to one another.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/762,039 filed Feb. 7, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of sleeping apparatus for children and infants, and more particularly to bassinets, inclined sleeping apparatuses, and the like.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides a bassinet or similar sleeping apparatus for infants and children including a child receiving receptacle and a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle. The collapsible frame assembly includes a first collapsible frame portion collapsible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration and vice-versa. The collapsible frame assembly further includes a second collapsible frame portion collapsible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration and vice-versa. The first and second collapsible frame portions are pivotally coupled to one another for pivotal collapsing movement between the collapsible frame assembly's extended configuration and its collapsed configuration. Preferably, each collapsible frame portion includes a pair of generally U-shaped frame members pivotally connected to one another. Preferably, at least one lock is provided and is operable for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed.

Preferably, the first and second collapsible frame portions each comprise A-frames pivotally coupled to one another and one of the A-frames is oriented with its open end facing up and the other A-frame is oriented with its open end facing down. Preferably, each of the collapsible frame portions comprises a pair of A-frames on opposite ends of the bassinet.

Preferably the lock includes a hand-operated control for locking and unlocking the lock, including a hand-operated knob for unlocking the lock.

Defined another way, the invention comprises a bassinet or similar sleeping apparatus for infants and children including a child receiving receptacle and a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle. The collapsible frame assembly includes first and second collapsible frame portions each being collapsible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration and vice-versa. The first and second collapsible frame portions are pivotally coupled to one another for pivotal collapsing movement between the collapsible frame assembly's extended configuration and its collapsed configuration. A lock is operable for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed.

In yet another example, the invention provides a bassinet or similar apparatus for infants and children and having a child receiving receptacle and a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle. The collapsible frame assembly includes first and second collapsible frame portions collapsible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration and vice-versa, with each collapsible frame portion including a pair of generally U-shaped frame members pivotally connected to one another. Preferably, each collapsible frame portion forms a folding wishbone frame structure at opposite ends of the bassinet. Preferably, at each of the bassinet's ends, one of the folding wishbones is oriented with an open end facing up and the other folding wishbone is oriented with an open end facing down. Optionally, a lock is operable for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bassinet according to an example embodiment of the present invention, shown in an extended configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bassinet of FIG. 1, shown in a folded or collapsed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bassinet according to a second example embodiment of the present invention, shown in an extended configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bassinet of FIG. 3, shown in a folded or collapsed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the bassinet of FIG. 3, shown in a folded or collapsed configuration.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bassinet according to a third example embodiment of the present invention, shown in an extended configuration.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of another example bassinet, shown in an extended configuration.

FIG. 7A is a detailed, perspective view of a portion of the bassinet of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a schematic right side elevation view of an exemplary bassinet frame according to the invention, showing both extended and collapsed configurations.

FIG. 9 is a detailed, perspective view of a portion of the bassinet frame of FIG. 8, shown in a locked configuration.

FIG. 10 is a detailed, perspective view of a portion of the bassinet frame of FIG. 8, shown in an unlocked configuration, ready for the frame to be collapsed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bassinet 100, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The bassinet 100 generally comprises a collapsible frame 102 configured to rest on a support surface (not shown in the drawings) and an infant receiving receptacle 103 coupled to the frame 102 and adapted for receiving an infant. The bassinet 100 is convertible between an erect or extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, and a collapsed or compact/folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a second example embodiment of a bassinet 200, according to the present invention. The bassinet 200 includes a collapsible frame 202 configured to rest on a support surface and an infant receiving receptacle 203 coupled to the frame 202 and adapted for receiving an infant. The frame 202 is further configured to rock on the support surface in a front-to-back rocking motion. The illustrated bassinet 200 is operable to be manually rocked by a caregiver. In various other embodiments, the bassinet 200 optionally can be driven by other means, such as for example by an electric motor.

As shown, the frame 202 includes first and second generally U-shaped frame portions 210, 220. The frame portions 210, 220 include upright leg members, such as 211, 221, 223, configured to support the bassinet 200 on a support surface. The leg members, such as 211, 221, 223, are spanned by base portions 212, 222 configured to rest on the support surface. The base portions 212, 222 are curved such that the bassinet 200 can rock front-to-back on the support surface. Other embodiments of the bassinet 200 may be configured to rock side-to-side or in multiple directions, or may not be configured to rock at all. The U-shaped frame portions bear wheels at one end of the bassinet and fixed resilient feet at the other end. For example, see wheel 225 and feet 226, 216. As will be seen more clearly in connection with subsequent figures, the generally U-shaped frame portions 210, 220 are pivotally mounted to one another for movement between an extended configuration shown in FIG. 3 and a folded or compact (collapsed) configuration shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the generally U-shaped frame portions 210, 220 form collapsible A-frames or wishbone-like frames at each end of the frame assembly 210.

The infant receiving receptacle 203 preferably comprises a reclined seat portion and opposing side walls configured to retain an infant within the infant receiving receptacle 203. The infant receiving receptacle 203 can be a fabric sling, a hard shell seat, or other construction, as desired. Preferably, the side walls are at least partially formed from a breathable material, such as a mesh. The infant receiving receptacle 203 is supported by an upper frame 250 which is pivotally mounted the lower frame (in particular to the generally U-shaped frame members 210, 220). The upper frame 250 somewhat mirrors the lower frame in that the upper frame 250 also has generally U-shaped frame members, such as U-shaped frame member 260. The upper frame 250 also defines A-frames at each end of the bassinet, with the upper frame's A-frames oriented with the open ends facing up (the lower frame's A-frames have their open ends pointing down).

As best seen in FIG. 8, the overall frame assembly 290 includes the lower frame 202 and the upper frame 250. As seen in this figure, the lower frame 202 is in the form of a collapsible A-frame with its open end pointing down. Conversely, the upper frame 250 is in the form of a collapsible A-frame with its open end pointing up. These two A-frames are pivotally mounted to each other at pivot points 261, 262. Each of these upper and lower A-frames is collapsible from an extended configuration (shown in solid line in this figure) to a collapsed configuration (shown in dashed lines in this figure). For example, lower frame 202 can be collapsed from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration. To facilitate this, the arms 211, 221 of the lower frame 202 are pivotally coupled to one another at a pivot coupling 230, having sockets 231, 232 for receiving the upper ends of the legs 221, 211 therein. Likewise, the arms 256, 257 of the upper frame 250 are pivotally coupled to one another at a pivot coupling 280, having sockets 281, 282 for receiving the upper ends of the legs 256, 257 therein. While one pair of upper and lower A-frames is shown, the reader will appreciate that there is another set of these at the opposite end of the bassinet. The double wishbone or double A-frame arrangement is well depicted in FIG. 6 as well.

As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the pivot couplings 230, 280 are each made up of inboard and outboard portions, 283, 284 and 233, 234, respectively. These inboard and outboard portions of the pivot couplings are pivotally mounted to one another to provide the pivotal connection between the arms 211, 221 and arms 256, 257. Note that the sockets 231 and 281 are on the inboard portions, while sockets 232, 282 are on the outboard portions.

Still referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the foldable frame assembly can be seen to include a lock 290 operable for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed. Preferably, the lock 290 includes a hand-operated control for unlocking the lock in the form of a hand-operated knob 291(in the preferred embodiment, the lock automatically locks when the frame is fully extended). FIG. 9 depicts the lock knob 291 in its locked configuration for securing the frame in place, while FIG. 10 shows the lock knob 291 rotated to its unlocked orientation for releasing the frame to allow the frame to be collapsed.

Preferably, the bassinet 200 is also convertible between an erect orientation, as shown in FIG. 3, and a collapsed orientation, as shown in FIG. 5. To convert the bassinet 200 from the erect orientation to the collapsed orientation, the arm members 256, 257 are pivoted towards each other, causing the leg members 211, 221 to simultaneously pivot towards each other.

Certain example embodiments of the bassinet may also include wheels or rollers (or other conventional means for sliding/rolling across the support surface), as shown in various figures herein. The wheels allow the bassinet to be transported easily from room to room, without disturbing an infant positioned therein. The depicted embodiments include a wheel at the rear of each base portion, but other embodiments may include fewer or more wheels (or other means for sliding/rolling) positioned anywhere on base portions. The bassinet can also include a handle 213 which a caregiver may grasp as they push or pull the bassinet 200 to various locations. The handle 213 is preferably positioned at the front of the infant receiving receptacle 203, such that the front is elevated above the support surface when a caregiver grasps and lifts the handle 213. Thus, the weight of the bassinet 200 is transferred to the wheels 225 at the rear of the base portions.

FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate an exemplary infant bassinet 700 that includes an optional pocket 714 configured to hold various items, such as, example, a bottle, pacifier, or most preferably, a vibration unit 715. The pocket 714 is preferably positioned on the infant receiving receptacle 703 or one of the arm members, such that the vibratory motion of the vibration unit 715 is transferred to the infant receiving receptacle 703. Other example embodiments may include a pocket positioned at an alternative location on the bassinet 700 and/or may include additional pockets. Optionally, the bassinet 700 can include a harness 720 or similar means for restraining an infant positioned within the infant receiving receptacle.

Thus, as shown in various ones of the figures, the present invention includes a bassinet for infants and children. See for example bassinet 100, 200, etc. Such a bassinet includes a child receiving receptacle, such as receptacle 103, 203, etc. The bassinet includes a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle, such as frame assembly 102, 202, etc. The collapsible frame assembly has first and second collapsible frame portions collapsible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration and vice-versa. See, for example frame portions 210, 220. The first and second collapsible frame portions are pivotally coupled to one another for pivotal collapsing movement between the collapsible frame assembly's extended configuration and its collapsed configuration, with each collapsible frame portion including a pair of generally U-shaped frame members pivotally connected to one another. In this regard, the generally U-shaped frame members form A-frames at each end of the bassinet, with one A-frame at each end pointing down and one A-frame at each end pointing up. Thus, at each end of the bassinet, there is a pair of A-frames pivotally connected to one another, with one oriented up and one oriented down. These A-frames can also be described as foldable wishbone-like frames.

Advantageously, preferably there is provided at least one lock operable for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed. Preferably, the lock includes a hand-operated control for unlocking the lock in the form of a hand-operated knob.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A sleeping apparatus for infants and children comprising:

a child receiving receptacle;

a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle, the collapsible frame assembly comprising a first frame portion movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, the collapsible frame assembly further comprising a second frame portion movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein the first and second collapsible frame portions are pivotally coupled to one another with each collapsible frame portion including a pair of generally U-shaped frame members pivotally connected to one another; and

at least one lock for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for selectively unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed.

2. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second collapsible frame portions each comprise A-frames pivotally coupled to one another.

3. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 2 wherein one of the A-frames is oriented with its open end facing up and the other A-frame is oriented with its open end facing down.

4. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 2 wherein each of the collapsible frame portions comprises a pair of A-frames on opposite ends of the bassinet.

5. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 4 wherein each of the collapsible frame portions includes a lower lateral portion extending between the pair of A-frames at opposite ends of the bassinet.

6. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lock includes a hand-operated control for locking and unlocking the lock.

7. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lock includes a hand-operated knob for locking and unlocking the lock.

8. A bassinet for infants and children comprising:

a child receiving receptacle;

a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle, the collapsible frame assembly comprising a first frame portion movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, the collapsible frame assembly further comprising a second frame portion movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein the first and second collapsible frame portions are pivotally coupled to one another; and

at least one lock for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for selectively unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed.

9. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first and second collapsible frame portions each comprise A-frames pivotally coupled to one another.

10. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 9 wherein one of the A-frames is oriented with its open end facing up and the other A-frame is oriented with its open end facing down.

11. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 9 wherein each of the collapsible frame portions comprises a pair of A-frames on opposite ends of the bassinet.

12. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 11 wherein each of the first collapsible frame portions includes a lower lateral portion extending between the pair of A-frames at opposite ends of the bassinet.

13. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 8 wherein the lock includes a hand-operated control for locking and unlocking the lock.

14. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 8 wherein the lock includes a hand-operated knob for locking and unlocking the lock.

15. A bassinet for infants and children comprising:

a child receiving receptacle;

a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle, the collapsible frame assembly comprising a first frame portion movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, the collapsible frame assembly further comprising a second frame portion movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein the first and second frame portions are pivotally coupled to one another, with each collapsible frame portion including a pair of generally U-shaped frame members pivotally connected to one another, with each collapsible frame portion comprising a folding wishbone frame structure at opposite ends of the bassinet; and

at least one lock for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for selectively unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed.

16. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 15 at each of the bassinet one of the folding wishbones is oriented with an open end facing up and the folding wishbone is oriented with an open end facing down.

17. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 15 wherein the lock includes a hand-operated control for locking and unlocking the lock.

18. A bassinet for infants and children as claimed in claim 17 wherein the lock includes a hand-operated knob for locking and unlocking the lock.