Portable crib for supporting full-size mattress

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable crib supporting a full-size crib mattress. The portable crib has a foldable tubular frame configured to receive and support the full-size crib mattress and to surround the full-size crib mattress preferably by breathable mesh-shaped slats.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202110207922.X, application date February 25, 2021, and invention name “Portable crib supporting a full-size mattress”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a portable crib and play yard, and more particularly, to a portable crib having fabric / mesh sidewalls and an integrated perimeter frame that allows for the use of a full-size crib mattress. Background Art

[0003] Traditionally, cribs are cumbersome to assemble and, once assembled, are often not easy to move from room to room. Traditional playards offer portability, but for safety reasons will not accept full-size crib mattresses or any mattress thicker than 1.5". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 An example portable playard according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0005] Figure 2 Another example portable playard according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0006] Figure 3 Another example portable playard according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0007] Figure 4 Another example portable playard according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0008] Figure 5 showing an example fabric covering at least partially surrounding a perimeter frame according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 6 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portable playard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] In general, the following disclosure relates to a play yard (or crib) characterized in that the play yard (or crib) has a foldable tubular frame configured to receive and support a full-size crib mattress and surround the full-size crib mattress with breathable mesh slats. In more detail, the size of the crib (and the supporting frame, also referred to as the inner concentric frame) is generally specified by standards such as ASTM F1169, which is known as the standard for full-size toddler cribs. In addition, the mattress size is also specified. Such regulations are generally intended to limit the maximum allowable gap between the edge of the mattress and the frame defining the walls of the crib. The CPSC defines a full-size crib mattress as: 27 1 / 4 inches by 51 1 / 4 inches, and not more than 6 inches thick.

[0011] One method of testing the "gap" between such a full-size crib mattress and an adjacent / surrounding frame, such as a perimeter frame, includes verifying that a so-called "torso" probe cannot pass between the mattress and the surrounding frame. The torso probe comprises a width approximating the body / torso of a toddler / infant. For example, the maximum gap between the mattress and the surrounding frame that prevents the torso probe from being able to pass is approximately 3.3". Thus, as generally referred to herein, the maximum gap is a gap of 3.3" or less and preferably 3" or less. Other maximum gaps (e.g., less than 2", 1", etc.) may be achieved with minor modifications, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard.

[0012] The "torso" probe should not pass between the surrounding bed rail structure enclosed in fabric and the mattress. One such probe is defined in ASTM F1821-19.

[0013] In light of the above, full-size mattresses are not used in foldable play yards and the like. Foldable play yards are characterized by fabric / mesh sidewalls that often "stretch" and deform, which can introduce gaps between the sidewalls and the mattress. Unfortunately, these gaps can create a choking hazard. Therefore, foldable play yards typically include a mattress-like insert that is no thicker than about 1.5 inches.

[0014] Thus, according to an embodiment, a portable crib is disclosed that includes an outer frame (also referred to herein simply as a frame) formed of tubular members and an inner frame, also referred to herein as a perimeter frame, also formed of a tubular frame to facilitate coupling to the outer frame and supporting a full-size mattress. The portable crib also includes a fabric cover, a portion of which surrounds and sandwiches the tubular frame members of the perimeter frame. Thus, the fabric cover provides a resilient side wall while also significantly reducing the maximum gap between the side wall and the mattress.

[0015] In embodiments, the outer frame and / or perimeter frame are configured to be decoupled from one another and individually foldable, or foldable / collapseable together as a single unit. Alternatively or in addition, the outer frame and / or perimeter frame may be formed from a plurality of sections that are telescoping or otherwise removably coupled together. In any such case, the fabric covering may define one or more pockets / sections for receiving MDF or other suitable ridged material for increasing structural rigidity, and more importantly, reducing the likelihood of gaps between the sidewalls and a full-size mattress.

[0016] A portable crib / playard consistent with the present disclosure includes an in-use configuration, whereby the portable crib / playard can support a full-size mattress and provide a safe sleeping environment for a toddler / infant. Additionally, a portable crib / playard consistent with the present disclosure includes a storage configuration for storage and / or travel, and can be converted from an in-use configuration to a storage configuration based on a foldable / retractable frame member.

[0017] In one specific, non-limiting, example embodiment, a portable playard for receiving and supporting a full-size crib mattress is disclosed. A frame defines crib sidewalls when at least partially covered by a fabric cover, and the frame includes support rails that are positioned underneath and support the full-size crib mattress. The full-size crib mattress is positioned on the support rails, and a perimeter frame is coupled to the frame, the perimeter frame surrounding at least a portion of the full-size crib mattress. The perimeter frame is coupled to the frame such that the perimeter frame is positioned at a predetermined distance from the mattress to allow air permeability and prevent forces, such as from an infant, from being applied to the sidewalls and introducing gaps between the sidewalls and the full-size mattress.

[0018] refer to Figure 1 , an embodiment of a play yard 10A (or crib) is shown. The play yard 10A includes a frame 11 (also referred to as an outer frame). The frame 11 includes a foldable top assembly 20, a foldable bottom assembly 30, and a peripheral frame 40. As shown, the frame 11 includes four vertical pillars 12 (also referred to herein as vertical supports). Each pillar has an upper end 121 and a lower end 122. The lower end of each pillar 12 is inserted / snaps into a leg 50. Each of the legs 50 includes, for example, polypropylene or other suitable rigid material. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a foot 50 is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] continue Figure 1, the foldable top assembly 20 includes long / longitudinal top rails 21 and 23, and short (or transverse) top rails 22 and 24. Each long top rail includes a first track member and a second track member. Each first track member is pivotally connected to the second track member, such as via a hinge, to jointly provide a long top rail. Each top rail 22, 24 has one end pivotally connected to a vertical support and the long top rail, and the other end pivotally connected to another vertical support and the long top rail.

[0020] As shown, the foldable bottom assembly 30 includes four bottom rail members, including two cross support rails 31, 32 (also referred to as support rails). Each rail of the bottom assembly 30 includes an end connected to a locking rail connector such as the locking rail connector 25. The support rails are configured to be located below and support a full-size mattress 55.

[0021] As further shown, the perimeter frame 40 includes four side rails, namely at least two long / longitudinal rails and two short (or transverse) rails adjacent to the long rails. Each rail of the perimeter frame 40 can include a steel tube, such as tubes 411 and 412. Each of the tubes 411, 412 includes a straight end and a right angle end. The straight ends of 411 and 412 are coupled / connected to each other to jointly provide the long side rails. The right angle ends are then coupled to the support leg 50, and are preferably detachably coupled to the support leg 50.

[0022] The perimeter frame 40 defines / contains the dimensions of a full-size toddler crib. In an embodiment, the term full-size in the context of a toddler crib refers to the interior dimensions of 28"+-5 / 8" wide and 52-3 / 8"+-5 / 8" long. Preferably, the perimeter frame 40 does not fold / collapse, and is simply removed for storage of the playard 10A or travel purposes.

[0023] In an embodiment, all frame members of the playard 10A are constructed using 0.750" diameter steel tubing. In another embodiment, the feet 50 may be designed to offset the mattress bottom 5-10" from the floor, and preferably 8" inches +- 1".

[0024] The foot 50 may be injection molded from polypropylene with the addition of a hardener such as talc or its equivalent.

[0025] In one embodiment, a foldable frame with an integrated perimeter frame (also referred to herein as an integrated perimeter mattress frame) is configured with full-size toddler crib dimensions including interior dimensions of 28"+-5 / 8" wide and 52-3 / 8"+-5 / 8" long. The integrated perimeter frame includes tubular frame members attached / coupled to the legs (or supports) while being separate and distinct from the exterior / wall frame. The integrated perimeter frame can be folded with the exterior / wall frame so that the integrated perimeter frame collapses into a single structure. Alternatively, the perimeter frame can be folded separately from the exterior / wall frame. Preferably, a fabric covering (not shown) surrounds at least a portion of the perimeter frame so that the perimeter frame is not visible to the user, which is particularly useful in Figure 5 More clearly shown in .

[0026] Figure 2 Another example embodiment of a play yard 10B is shown. Like numbers indicate like elements. The play yard 10B is configured substantially similarly to the play yard 10A. However, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the perimeter frame can be separated from the frame 11. Preferably, the perimeter frame includes a slidably coupled member, the slidably coupled member including a first tubular member having a cavity with a first inner diameter and a second tubular member having an outer diameter smaller than the first inner diameter. Therefore, the cavity of the first tubular member is configured to receive and couple to at least a portion of the second tubular member.

[0027] In an embodiment, Figure 2 The play yard 10B is at least partially formed / assembled by a user. Each side includes, for example, 2 steel tubes (approximately 0.75") in diameter that are assembled to each other by the user, and then each of, for example, four (4) total tube assemblies is inserted / snaps into the legs 50. This perimeter frame defines / contains full-size toddler crib dimensions, which typically include: interior dimensions of 28"+-5 / 8" wide and 52-3 / 8"+-5 / 8" long. In this scenario, the perimeter frame 40 does not fold and is removable to allow the crib to be folded / collapsed for storage / travel. Alternatively, the perimeter frame 40 can be configured to fold / collapse with the frame 11 and / or fold / collapse separately from the frame 11.

[0028] Figure 3 Another example embodiment of a play yard 10C is shown. The play yard 10C is configured substantially to Figure 1 and 2 The configurations of the play yards 10A and 10B are similar. Like numbers refer to like elements. However, as Figure 3As shown, the perimeter frame 40 comprises tubular members attached to the vertical supports of the frame 11. In this example, the playard 10C comprises full-size toddler bed dimensions, which generally include: 28"+-5 / 8" wide and 52-3 / 8"+-5 / 8" long interior dimensions. Preferably, the perimeter frame 40 is attached directly to the existing vertical tubes of the frame 11 and is configured to fold with the frame. Figure 1 and 2 Similarly, the playard 10A / 10B may include a fabric covering that at least partially surrounds the perimeter frame 40 and hides the perimeter frame from view by the user (see FIG. Figure 5 ).

[0029] Figure 4 Another example embodiment of a play yard 10D is shown. Like numbers indicate like elements. The play yard 10D is configured substantially similarly to the configurations of the play yards 10A-10C. However, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the perimeter frame 40' comprises a long rail formed by one or more slats of rigid material. In an embodiment, the rigid material comprises MDF slats or slats formed by other materials such as plastic or wood. The perimeter frame 40' can be at least partially assembled by a user. For example, each long side of the perimeter frame 40' can include two or more MDF boards, which can be inserted into pockets of a fabric covering (not shown) forming the side walls as shown. The pockets of the fabric covering can be configured to at least partially surround, preferably completely surround, the perimeter frame 40', and more specifically, surround the slats forming the perimeter frame 40'.

[0030] The perimeter frame 40' may include dimensions that match a standard full-size toddler crib. For example, the play yard 10C may include interior dimensions of 28"+-5 / 8" wide and 52-3 / 8"+-5 / 8" long. Preferably, the perimeter frame does not fold and may be removed from the play yard 10D to fold the crib for storage and travel.

[0031] Figure 5 An example embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the fabric cover 70, the perimeter frame 40, and the mattress 55 all include exaggerated dimensions. The fabric cover 70 at least partially surrounds the tubular members of the frame 40. Preferably, the fabric cover 70 completely surrounds the tubular members of the frame 40 so that the tubular members are not visible to the user. The mattress 55 includes an outer perimeter that includes a predetermined offset distance from the perimeter frame 40. In an embodiment, the predetermined offset distance is less than 1 inch, and preferably less than 0.5 inches.

[0032] As further shown, a force F may be applied by (e.g., a toddler / infant) to the fabric sidewalls provided by the fabric cover 70. The force F may cause the sidewalls formed by the fabric cover 70 to "bend" or shift, but the predetermined distance between the perimeter frame 40 and the mattress 55 remains constant, thereby preventing a gap from forming therebetween.

[0033] Standards for folding cribs already exist and generally specify that playards must have the following features: side rails that do not form a sharp V-shape when the product is folded to prevent children from suffocating in the side rails; stronger corner brackets to prevent sharp edges from breaking and preventing the side rails from collapsing; and a stronger mattress installed on the floor of the playard to prevent children from being trapped or injured. Traditionally, cribs are cumbersome to assemble and, once assembled, are generally not easy to move from room to room. Traditional playards are designed for portability but do not accept full-size crib mattresses or any mattress thicker than 1.5".

[0034] A portable playard configured consistent with the following disclosure allows for the use of a full-size mattress (eg, having a thickness greater than 1.5", such as at least 2", and preferably at least 3") without introducing hazardous conditions.

[0035] This crib features a foldable tubular frame that accepts a full-size crib mattress and breathable mesh slats. The inner concentric frame defines the size of the crib (which is the size specified by the ASTM F1169 standard for full-size toddler cribs). The size of the mattress is also specified. This leaves a small gap between the mattress and the mesh slats. Since our fabric cover is elastic (unlike wooden or steel crib slats), this crib design features a tubular perimeter that is sandwiched in the fabric of the crib cover around the mattress to minimize any gaps due to the elasticity of the mesh and mattress. This tubular structure can be folded with the crib, or alternatively contain a tubular structure (or rigid material such as MDF) that is assembled by the consumer after the crib is assembled.

[0036] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a portable playard for receiving and supporting a full-size crib mattress is disclosed. The portable playard includes a frame configured to define crib sidewalls when at least partially covered by a fabric cover, the frame including support rails coupled to the full-size crib mattress, and a perimeter frame coupled to the frame, the perimeter frame surrounding at least a portion of the full-size crib mattress and disposed at a predetermined distance from the full-size crib mattress when the full-size crib mattress is coupled to the frame.

[0037] Although the principles of the present disclosure have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the description is made by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to the example embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a bed consistent with the present disclosure may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, and that these features may be used in any specific combination or sub-combination. Modifications and substitutions made by those of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not otherwise limited except in the claims.

Claims

1. A portable baby bed, characterized in that: include: Four legs; four side rails, each of the four side rails having a straight portion and first and second angled ends positioned at an angle to the straight portion, the first and second angled ends extending downwardly into associated receptacles of different associated ones of the four legs to enable each of the four side rails to be removed from the different associated ones of the four legs by upwardly withdrawing the first and second angled ends from the associated receptacles; four vertical struts, each of the four vertical struts coupled to a different associated one of the four legs; four top rails, each of the four top rails coupled between different associated ones of the four vertical supports; as well as A support track is disposed between the four vertical posts and is configured to support a mattress.

2. The portable baby crib according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, Each of the four legs defines at least one receptacle for removably receiving an associated one of the four vertical legs.

3. The portable baby crib according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, Each of the support rails is coupled to an associated one of the four feet.

4. The portable crib according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The angle is substantially a right angle.

5. The portable baby crib according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the four top rails includes a first top rail member pivotably coupled to a second top rail member.

6. The portable crib according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, At least a portion of the portable crib is configured to fold to transition from an in-use configuration to a storage configuration.

7. A portable baby bed, characterized in that: include: Four legs; four side rails, each of the four side rails having a straight portion and a first angle end and a second angle end positioned at an angle to the straight portion, each of the first angle end and the second angle end extending downwardly into a different associated receptacle defined in a different associated one of the four legs so as to allow each of the four side rails to be removed from the different associated one of the four legs by upwardly withdrawing the first angle end and the second angle end from the different associated receptacle; four vertical struts, each of the four vertical struts being removably coupled to a different associated one of the four legs; four head rails, each of the four head rails coupled between different associated ones of the four vertical posts, each of the four head rails comprising a first head rail member pivotably coupled to a second head rail member; as well as Support rails are disposed between the four vertical posts and are configured to support a mattress, each of the support rails being removably coupled to an associated one of the four legs.

8. The portable crib according to claim 7, characterized in that: in, Each of the four vertical struts is removably received in an associated one of the receptacles.

9. The portable crib according to claim 7, characterized in that: in, The angle is substantially a right angle.

10. The portable baby crib according to claim 7, characterized in that: At least a portion of the portable crib is configured to fold to transition from an in-use configuration to a storage configuration.

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