Child support system with divisible space

Abstract

A child support system having a divisible space is provided that includes a support structure and a divider connected to the support structure for transforming the support structure between an undivided space and a divided space. The child support system may include a divider connectable to a bottom portion of a support structure and transitionable between an upward position for dividing an available space of the support structure and a downward position for placing the available space of the support structure in an undivided configuration. The divider may be secured using wings, Velcro attachments, and / or tabs.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility generally relates to the field of infant and child support structures and systems, and more particularly to a child support system having a divider for dividing the support structure. BACKGROUND

[0002] Systems such as playpens, playards, and cribs can be used to comfortably and safely support a sleeping infant or toddler. Such systems can also be used as a safe and enclosed space in which a child can rest or play. In addition, playpens, playards, and cribs can be used as changing tables or for other purposes related to supporting an infant or toddler.

[0003] Playpens, playards, and cribs are traditionally four-walled structures within which a mattress or other padded surface can extend, providing a comfortable and safe area for an infant or child to play, rest, or sleep. Such systems are commonly used for newborns, toddlers, and even larger children. Thus, the support area bounded by the perimeter of the four-walled structure can be desirable for children of a particular size (e.g., toddlers), but can be undesirable for children of a smaller size (e.g., infants). For example, it can be desirable for an infant to have a smaller resting area for resting or sleeping as compared to a toddler. However, current systems do not provide an easily adjustable space for sleeping, resting, and / or playing.

[0004] There remains a need for a child support system having an adjustable support area that can be easily modified to better accommodate children of different ages. SUMMARY

[0005] The present utility describes a child support system including a support structure and a divider connected to the support structure for transitioning the support structure between an undivided space and a divided space.

[0006] In an embodiment, the present utility describes a child support system having a dividable space. The child support structure can include a support structure having a set of walls and a bottom portion connected to the set of walls and a first wall and a second wall of the set of walls each having a connection portion, and a third wall of the set of walls having a first pocket. The child support structure can further include a divider positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the divider being coupled to the bottom support and designed to transition between a first position parallel to the bottom portion and a second position orthogonal to the bottom portion. The divider can have connectors at first and second ends of the divider designed to be coupled to respective connection portions. The divider can further include a second pocket. The child support system can also include a multi-panel structure having a first end designed to be positioned in the first pocket and a second end designed to be positioned in the second pocket.

[0007] In an embodiment, the utility model describes another child support system with separable space. The child support structure can include a support structure with a set of walls and a bottom portion connected to the set of walls. A first wall and a second wall of the set of walls can each have a Velcro portion and / or can have any other connection mechanism (e.g., buttons, snaps, zippers, etc.). The child support structure can further include a divider positioned between the first wall and the second wall. The divider can be coupled to the bottom support and designed to transition between a first position parallel to the bottom portion and a second position orthogonal to the bottom portion. The divider can have Velcro connectors and / or any other connection mechanism at first and second ends of the divider and can be designed to couple to respective Velcro portions and / or other connection mechanisms to secure the divider in the second position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the utility model describes a child support system with separable space, the child support system comprising: a support structure with a set of walls and a bottom portion coupled to the set of walls, a first wall and a second wall of the set of walls each having a connection portion, and a third wall of the set of walls having a first pocket; a divider positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the divider being coupled to a bottom support and configured to transition between a first position parallel to the bottom portion and a second position orthogonal to the bottom portion, the divider having connectors at first and second ends of the divider configured to couple to respective connection portions, and the divider having a second pocket; and a multi-panel structure having a first end configured to be positioned in the first pocket and a second end configured to be positioned in the second pocket.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support structure is a playpen, a playard, or a crib.

[0010] In some embodiments, the child support system further comprises a base having four walls, wherein the support structure is configured to couple to an upper portion of the base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the divider has a first wing having a first side connected to the divider, a second side connected to the bottom portion, and an independent third side, wherein the first wing is positioned at a first end of the divider.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first wing has a connection area configured to connect to the first wall of the support structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the divider has a second wing having a fourth side connected to the divider, a fifth side connected to the bottom portion, and a sixth side that is independent, wherein the second wing is positioned at a second end of the divider.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second wing has a connection region configured to connect to the second wall of the support structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the multi-panel structure is configured to extend along a length of the bottom portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the multi-panel structure has an initial panel configured to be inserted into the first pocket, a final panel configured to be inserted into the second pocket, and at least one panel configured to be positioned between the initial panel and the final panel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the connection portion of each of the first and second walls is a first Velcro side and the connector of the divider is a second Velcro side configured to mate with the respective first Velcro side.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connection portion of each of the first and second walls is a loop structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connector of the divider is a tab having a Velcro portion and configured to extend through the respective loop structure to secure the divider to the set of walls.

[0020] In some embodiments, the connector of the divider is a tab having a button portion and configured to extend through the respective loop structure to secure the divider to the set of walls.

[0021] In some embodiments, the divider is coupled to the bottom portion such that, when the divider is in the second position, the divider divides the bottom portion into a first half and a second half of the bottom portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the utility model describes a child support system with a separable space, the child support system includes: support structure has a set of walls and the bottom portion coupled to the set of walls, the first and second walls of the set of walls each have a connection portion; the divider is positioned between the first and second walls, the divider is coupled to the bottom support and is configured to be converted between a first position parallel to the bottom portion and a second position orthogonal to the bottom portion, and the divider has a connector at the first and second ends of the divider configured to be coupled to the respective connection portion to fix the divider in the second position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the set of walls includes a third wall having a first pocket and wherein the divider has a second pocket.

[0024] In some embodiments, the child support system further comprises a multi-panel structure configured to cover the base portion when the divider is in the first position and configured to at least partially fit into the first pocket and the second pocket when the divider is in the second position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the divider is coupled to the base portion such that when the divider is in the second position, the divider divides the base portion into a first half and a second half of the base portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, the divider has a first wing having a first side connected to the divider, a second side connected to the base portion, and an independent third side, and wherein a first one of the connectors is positioned on the third side.

[0027] In some embodiments, the divider has a second wing having a fourth side connected to the divider, a fifth side connected to the base portion, and an independent sixth side, and wherein a second one of the connectors is positioned on the sixth side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numbers in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. Various embodiments can utilize elements and / or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components can be absent from various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout the specification, depending on context, singular and plural terminologies can be used interchangeably.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a child support system including a base having walls, a support structure, a divider, and a multi-panel structure in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a top view of a child support system including a support structure and a divider in a downward position in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a child support system including a support structure and a divider in an upward position in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4is a top view of a child support system including a support structure and a divider in an upward position according to one or more example embodiments of the present practical new type.

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a divider and wing support of a child support system in an upward position according to one or more example embodiments of the present practical new type.

[0034] Figures 6A to 6B is a perspective view of a divider support structure with a multi-panel structure positioned within a pocket of the divider and a wall of the support structure according to one or more example embodiments of the present practical new type.

[0035] The present practical new type is provided with more detail and specificity with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and the specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or other embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the complete content of the present practical new type. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Example embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The disclosed concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this practical new type will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers show like elements in the figures.

[0037] Reference will now be made to Figure 1 , according to one or more example embodiments of the present practical new type, depicts a child support system including a base having a wall, a support structure, a divider, and a multi-panel structure. As shown in Figure 1 , the child support system 100 can be a playpen, a playard, a crib, and / or the like. The child support system 100 can include a base 102, which can have an internal structure (e.g., tubing, struts, rods, and / or any other suitable support structure) for supporting the child support system 100. The base 102 can support a plurality of walls, which can be made of mesh, fabric, and / or any other suitable material.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1 , the walls 104 can include four walls arranged in a cuboid and / or cubic shape. Although Figure 1 four walls are illustrated, it should be understood that the walls 104 can include fewer than four walls. The base 102 can be stationary or can include wheels for moving the child support system from one location to another.

[0039] The child support system 100 can further include a support structure 106 that can be positioned on the walls 104. For example, the support structure 106 can clip onto, extend over, or be fixed to an upper portion of the walls 104. The support structure 106 can include walls 112 and a bottom portion 114. The bottom portion 114 can be a generally flat structure that extends between and is orthogonal to the walls 104. The walls 112 can include four walls and can optionally be generally parallel to the walls 104. The bottom portion 114 can be connected to the walls 112 and / or can extend from the walls 106.

[0040] The bottom portion 114 and / or the walls 112 can be made of fabric, mesh, and / or other suitable materials. The bottom portion 114 can be reinforced with one or more rigid supports (e.g., tubes, conduits, struts, and / or the like). The rigid supports can be removable and / or foldable. The bottom portion 114 can further include a divider (e.g., not shown) that can divide a space bounded by the bottom portion 114 and the walls 112 and can transition between an upward position as illustrated in Figure 3 and a downward position as shown in Figure 1 .

[0041] When the divider is in the downward position, the multi-panel structure 108 can be positioned above the divider and can extend the length and width of the bottom portion 114 and can be positioned between the walls 112. The multi-panel structure 108 can include a plurality of panels (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or more than 5). In one example, the multi-panel structure 108 can be padded on one side (e.g., facing upward) and can be rigid on the other side. A baby or child can rest, play, and / or sleep on the padded side of the multi-panel structure.

[0042] Opposing walls of the walls 112 can include a connection portion 110 that can extend between a top portion and a bottom portion of the respective wall. For example, the connection portion 110 can be a Velcro area designed to adhere to an opposing Velcro in contact with the connection portion 110. For example, the divider can include opposing portions of Velcro and the connection portion 110 can secure the divider in the upward position. In another example, the connection portion 110 can be a zipper connection for connecting to a corresponding zipper connection of the divider.

[0043] Referring now to Figure 2 , a top view of a child support system including a support structure and a divider in a downward position is depicted in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2 , the support structure 220 can include walls 222 and a bottom portion 224. The walls 222 can include four walls and can optionally be generally parallel to the walls 104. The bottom portion 224 can be connected to the walls 222 and / or can extend from the walls 106. Figure 1The support structure 200 can be identical or similar to the support structure 106. The support structure 200 can rest on and / or be secured to the base of the child support system 200. In some examples, the mattress structure can rest above the divider 225.

[0044] The support structure 220 can include walls 212, which can include two side walls, a front wall, and a back wall. The walls 212 can be identical or similar to the walls 112. Supports 224 can extend between the walls 220 and the back wall 226 along the bottom portion 214. For example, the bottom portion 214 can include receiving areas 228 for securing the supports 224 to the bottom portion 214. In one example, the supports 224 can be tubes and / or struts.

[0045] The divider 225 can be connected to the bottom portion 214 and can extend between two opposing walls of the walls 212. For example, the divider can extend between a wall 232 and a wall 234. The walls 232 and 234 can include connection portions 210, which can be identical or similar to the connection portions 110. In one example, the divider can be sewn to the bottom portion 214. However, it should be understood that the divider can be otherwise secured to the bottom portion 114 in any other suitable manner. Alternatively, the divider can be connected to the bottom portion 214 via a zipper connection. The divider 225 can include tunnels 230 allowing the structures 224 to extend through the tunnels 230. The divider 225 is shown in a down position in Figure 2 The divider panel 225 can be stored under the mattress when not in use mode.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 3 , a perspective view of a child support system including a support structure and a divider in an up position is depicted in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3 , the child support system 300 can be identical or similar to the child support system 100 of Figure 1 The support structure 302 can be identical or similar to the support structure 106 and can be connected to the walls 312 of the base of the child support structure 300 via clips 306, which can wrap around or otherwise fit over the top portions of the walls 307.

[0047] The divider 335 can extend across the support structure 350 and can include wings 350. In Figure 3In some embodiments, the divider 335 is illustrated in an up position. The divider can be rotated 90 degrees to a down position. The wing 350 can include a connection area 313 that can connect to a connection portion of a wall in the wall 312 of the support structure 350. In one example, the wing 350 can include a first end that connects to the divider 335, a second end that connects to the bottom portion 314, and a third end that has the connection area 313 and is free standing. The connection area 350 and / or the connection portion of the support structure can be Velcro and / or any suitable connection mechanism (e.g., snaps, buckles, buttons, zippers, etc.). It should be understood that the wing (e.g., 350) can be optional.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3 , the wing 350 can connect the divider 335 to the wall 312 and secure the divider 335 in an upright position. When the divider 335 is in the upright position, the area 305 defined by the wall 312 and the bottom portion 314 can be divided into a first portion 330 and a second portion 340. For example, the divider 335 can divide the area 305 into a first half and a second half of the area 305. Alternatively, the first portion 330 and the second portion 340 can be different sizes. Although only a single divider is illustrated in Figure 3 , multiple dividers can be used to divide the area into more than two spaces.

[0049] Referring now to Figure 4 , a top view of a child support system including a support structure and a divider in an up position is depicted in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4 , a support structure 404 that can be the same or similar to the support structure 106 of Figure 1 is illustrated. A divider 435 is illustrated secured in an up position.

[0050] The divider 435 can include a wing 455 and a wing 450. Each of the wing 455 and the wing 450 can be the same or similar to the wing 350 of Figure 3 . The wing 455 and the wing 450 can alternatively be positioned on opposite sides of the divider 435. It should be understood that the connection areas of the wings 455 and 450 can be disconnected from the connection areas of the wall 412 to release the divider 435 to allow the divider 435 to transition from the up position to a down position. In the down position, the area defined by the wall 412 and the bottom portion 414 can be undivided.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4The portion 440 shown in the dashed line box is shown separately in an enlarged view. As shown in the enlarged view of the portion 440, the divider 435 can further include a tab 425. The tab 425 can extend from one end of the divider and can include a securing portion that can be connected to the wall 412. For example, the securing portion can be a Velcro portion positioned around a loop structure of the wall 412 such that the tab 425 can secure to itself. Alternatively, the tab 425 can include a button and the back side of the divider 435 can include a button receiving portion or the wall can include a loop structure, the tab can also include a button receiving portion. In yet another example, the tab 425 can include a buckle and a wall in the wall 412 can include a buckle receiving portion. It should be understood that any other suitable securing mechanism can be used to secure the tab 425 to the wall 412.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 5 , a perspective view of a divider and wing support of a child support system in an upward position is depicted in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5 , the support structure 506 can be the same as the support structure 104 of Figure 1 . The divider 535 can include a wing 550 at one end that can include a connector for connecting to the connection region 510. It should be understood that the connection region 510 and the connector can be Velcro.

[0053] The divider 535 can further include a tab 525 that can extend from one end of the divider 535. The tab 525 can include Velcro on one side. The back side of the divider 535 can include a Velcro receiving portion for connecting to the tab 525. The tab 525 can be positioned through a loop structure 515 of the wall structure 512. For example, once the tab 515 is positioned through the loop structure 515, the tab 525 can be secured to the divider 535. The wing 550 and the tab 525 can together secure the divider 535 to the wall 512 in the upward position. Alternatively, other connection mechanisms other than loop structures can be used (e.g., buckles, Velcro, snaps, webbing, etc.).

[0054] Referring now to Figures 6A to 6B , a perspective view of a divider support structure having a multi-panel structure positioned in a pocket of the divider and within a wall of the support structure is depicted in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 6A to 6B , the divider 535 of the support structure 606 can be secured in an upward position. The divider 635 can optionally include a pocket 625 for receiving a portion of a multi-panel structure 608 that can be the same as the multi-panel structure 604 of Figure 1The multi-panel structure 108 is the same as or similar to the multi-panel structure. It should be understood that the divider may not include a pouch and the divider may be connected to the multi-panel structure via any other connecting mechanism (e.g., Velcro, buckle, snap, button, webbing, etc.). Similarly, wall 612 may not include a pouch, and conversely, wall 612 may be connected to the multi-panel structure via any other connecting mechanism. In one example, divider 635 may optionally include a plate or other rigid insert.

[0055] Wall 612 may similarly include a pouch 615 for receiving a portion of the multi-panel structure 608. A first end of the multi-panel structure 608 may be positioned in the pouch 625 and a second end of the multi-panel structure may be positioned in the pouch 615 to form a child support area 610, which may be smaller than the area defined by the wall 612 and the bottom portion of the support structure.

[0056] like Figure 6B As shown, the support structure 606 of the child support system 600 can be divided into a child support area 610 and an auxiliary area 650 by a divider 635. The auxiliary area 650 can be used to connect different structures and / or components to the child support system 600. For example, a changing table can be connected to the child support system 600 in the auxiliary area 650. Alternatively, a second child support area can be formed adjacent to the child support area 610, and it can be the same as or similar to the child support area 610.

[0057] Although the disclosed examples include specific arrangements of various parts, components, features, and aspects, the disclosure is not limited to those examples or arrangements shown. Any one or more parts, components, features, and aspects of this invention may be employed individually or in any two or more of their other arrangements.

[0058] Although certain product features, functions, components, and parts have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of this utility model, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of this utility model, which fully fall within the scope of permitted equivalents.

[0059] Unless otherwise stated, the terminology used herein should be understood in accordance with the conventional use of those skilled in the art. In addition to the definitions of terms provided below, it should be understood that, as used in the specification and claims, “a” or “an” may mean one or more, depending on the context in which it is used.

[0060] In the present utility model, the terms "include", "include(s)" or "including" mean "including, but not limited to". It should be noted that certain embodiments can be described as involving a single glass, but the corresponding description should be interpreted to include embodiments involving two or more glasses. Different features, variations, and multiple different embodiments are shown and described herein in various details. What has been described in the present utility model sometimes in accordance with a particular embodiment is merely for the purpose of illustration, and is not intended to limit or imply that only a particular embodiment or a particular variation has been conceived. It should be understood that the present utility model is not limited to any single specific embodiment or enumerated variation. Those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications, variations, and other embodiments, and it is intended to cover these in the scope of the present utility model. In fact, it is intended that the scope of the present utility model should be determined by proper legal interpretation and construction of the present utility model, including equivalents, as understood by those skilled in the art in light of the complete disclosure presented at the time of filing.

[0061] Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or operations. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments are required to include a feature, element, and / or operation in order to be considered within the scope of the present utility model. Nor is such conditional language generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments are necessarily required to exclude a feature, element, and / or operation in order to be considered within the scope of the present utility model.

[0062] What has been described herein includes examples of systems, devices, methods, apparatuses, and / or techniques. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and / or methodologies for purposes of describing the various aspects of the present utility model, but it is recognized that many additional or other combinations of the disclosed elements are possible. Accordingly, it will be understood that various modifications can be made to the utility model described herein. Additionally or in the alternative, other embodiments of the utility model will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the utility model as presented herein. It is intended that the specification and examples presented herein be considered exemplary in nature and that actual embodiments of the utility model are intended to be within the scope of what is claimed.

Claims

1. A child support system having separable spaces, characterized by The child support system includes: a support structure having a set of walls and a bottom portion coupled to the set of walls, a first wall and a second wall of the set of walls each having a connection portion, and a third wall of the set of walls having a first pocket; a divider positioned between the first and second walls, the divider being coupled to a bottom support and configured to transition between a first position parallel to the bottom portion and a second position orthogonal to the bottom portion, the divider having connectors at first and second ends of the divider configured to couple to respective connection portions, and the divider having a second pocket; and a multi-panel structure having a first end configured to be positioned in the first pocket and a second end configured to be positioned in the second pocket.

2. The child support system of claim 1, wherein The support structure is a playpen, a playard, or a crib.

3. The child support system of claim 1, wherein The child support system further includes a base having four walls, wherein the support structure is configured to be coupled to an upper portion of the base.

4. The child support system of claim 1, wherein The divider has a first wing having a first side connected to the divider, a second side connected to the bottom portion, and an independent third side, wherein the first wing is positioned at a first end of the divider.

5. The child support system of claim 4, wherein The first wing has a connection area configured to connect to the first wall of the support structure.

6. The child support system of claim 4, wherein The divider has a second wing having a fourth side connected to the divider, a fifth side connected to the bottom portion, and an independent sixth side, wherein the second wing is positioned at a second end of the divider.

7. The child support system of claim 6, wherein The second wing has a connection area configured to connect to the second wall of the support structure.

8. The child support system of claim 1, wherein The multi-panel structure is configured to extend along a length of the bottom portion.

9. The child support system of claim 8, wherein The multi-panel structure has an initial panel configured to be inserted into the first pocket, a final panel configured to be inserted into the second pocket, and at least one panel configured to be positioned between the initial panel and the final panel.

10. The child support system of claim 1, wherein The connection portion of each of the first and second walls is a first Velcro side and the connectors of the divider are second Velcro sides configured to mate with respective first Velcro sides.

11. The child support system of claim 1, wherein The connection portion of each of the first and second walls is a loop structure.

12. The child support system of claim 11, wherein The connectors of the divider are tabs having Velcro portions and configured to extend through respective loop structures to secure the divider to the set of walls.

13. The child support system of claim 11, wherein The connectors of the divider are tabs having button portions and configured to extend through respective loop structures to secure the divider to the set of walls.

14. The child support system of claim 1, wherein The divider is coupled to the bottom portion such that when the divider is in the second position, the divider divides the bottom portion into a first half and a second half of the bottom portion.

15. A child support system with divisible spaces, characterized in that... The child support system includes: a support structure having a set of walls and a bottom portion coupled to the set of walls, a first and a second wall of the set of walls each having a connection portion; a divider positioned between the first and second walls, the divider coupled to a bottom support and configured to transition between a first position parallel to the bottom portion and a second position orthogonal to the bottom portion, and the divider having connectors at first and second ends of the divider configured to couple to respective connection portions to secure the divider in the second position.

16. The child support system of claim 15, wherein the set of walls includes a third wall having a first pocket and wherein the divider has a second pocket.

17. The child support system of claim 16, wherein the child support system further comprises a multi-panel structure configured to cover the bottom portion when the divider is in the first position and configured to at least partially fit into the first pocket and the second pocket when the divider is in the second position.

18. The child support system of claim 15, wherein the divider is coupled to the bottom portion such that when the divider is in the second position, the divider separates the bottom portion into a first half and a second half of the bottom portion.

19. The child support system of claim 15, wherein the divider has a first wing having a first side connected to the divider, a second side connected to the bottom portion, and an independent third side, and wherein a first one of the connectors is positioned on the third side.

20. The child support system of claim 19, wherein the divider has a second wing having a fourth side connected to the divider, a fifth side connected to the bottom portion, and an independent sixth side, and wherein a second one of the connectors is positioned on the sixth side.

Images