FOLDABLE PANEL FOR A COLLAPSIBLE BASSINET

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/734,297 filed on Dec. 16, 2024.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to collapsible furniture for infants, and more particularly to foldable bottom panel for a collapsible infant bassinet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable cribs and bassinets are useful to contain and provide a safe environment for infants to sleep. These enclosures generally include a child enclosure including side walls and a bottom floor made of fabric material or similar soft goods supported on a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame and soft goods enclosure allow the crib to be easily reconfigured into a smaller space for storage or transport.

Portability of infant care accessories is an increasingly important consideration among consumers. While collapsible frames are well-known in the art, frames that are easily reconfigured or collapsed into a compact package continue to push manufactures for innovation. Awkwardly reconfigurable frames or latching mechanism, soft goods that do not fold with the frame, and frames requiring significant space when folded do not meet consumer demands. Consequently, the need to improve portability, compactness, and ease of use of collapsible frames and attached soft goods is a growing concern.

Portable cribs and bassinets often include a child supporting and containing structure formed primarily of soft goods (e.g., fabric). Safety standards require the base or bottom of these structures to provide a flat and substantially rigid surface. Providing a rigid surface that integrates well with the surrounding soft goods yet still affords the desired portability presents a challenge to most manufacturers.

What is needed is a design for a foldable bottom panel in a portable crib or bassinet that is easily integrated into the soft goods of the child support structure and does not interfere with the folding frame mechanism of the crib. Other features and advantages will be made apparent from the present specification. The teachings disclosed extend to those embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the aforementioned needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention a foldable bassinet includes a collapsible frame supporting a child supporting enclosure. The child supporting enclosure comprises a floor surrounded by side walls. The side walls are suspended from a perimeter rail of the frame allowing the child supporting enclosure to underhang the perimeter rail. The floor may be formed from soft goods. Stiffening members are provided in the floor to stiffen the soft goods and provide a level, supportive surface capable of supporting a child occupant. The stiffening members include first and second primary portions, each spanning approximately half of the floor area and abutting adjacent to a folding interface. A moveable stiffening member is provided and may be selectively positioned to extend across the folding interface or repositioned so that it is substantially adjacent to only one of the stiffening members. When spanning the first and second primary portions, the moveable stiffening member structurally connects the primary portions to create a unified support surface encompassing the entire floor.

In another aspect of the invention, a foldable bassinet includes a collapsible frame supporting a child supporting enclosure. The child supporting enclosure comprises a floor surrounded by side walls formed of soft goods (fabrics). The side walls are suspended from a perimeter rail of the frame allowing the child supporting enclosure to underhang the perimeter rail. Stiffening members are provided in the floor to provide a level, supportive surface to support the child occupant. The stiffening members include first and second primary portions, each spanning approximately half of the floor area and abutting adjacent to a folding interface. A moveable stiffening member is provided and may be selectively positioned to extend across the folding interface or repositioned so that it is substantially adjacent to only one of the stiffening members. One or more pockets or receptacles may be provided in the floor to receive the first and second stiffening members and the moveable stiffening member. The sleeve receiving the moveable stiffening member is configured to closely conform to the member and limit motion to bi-directional sliding so that when the moveable stiffening structurally joins the first and second stiffening members when it is positioned to span the folding interface and be positioned adjacent to the first and second stiffening members thereby creating an integral stiffener for the entire floor. Repositioning the moveable stiffening member so it no longer spans the folding interface allows the floor to flex at the folding interface so the bassinet floor may be folded. The soft goods comprising the folding interface allow bi-directional folding.

In another aspect of the invention, floor stiffening arrangement for a child supporting enclosure in a foldable bassinet includes a pair stiffening members in the floor, each covering approximately half of the floor area and defining a folding interface. A moveable stiffening member is provided and may be selectively positioned to extend across the folding interface or repositioned so that it is substantially adjacent to only one of the stiffening members. One or more pockets or receptacles may be provided in the floor to receive the first and second stiffening members and the moveable stiffening member. The arrangement allows an easily reconfigurable structure to alternatively provide a generally rigid floor or a bi-foldable floor with minimal moving parts. The stiffening arrangement is simple to use, effective, and economical to produce.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a foldable bassinet incorporating a novel support stiffening arrangement according to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of stiffening members used in the foldable bassinet apparatus of the instant disclosure, shown as arranged for use;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of stiffening members used in the foldable bassinet apparatus of FIG. 2, shown as arranged for folding the crib or bassinet;

FIGS. 4A and 4b provide a view of the floor portion of the foldable bassinet when the floor stiffener members positioned for use;

FIGS. 5A and 5B provide a view of the floor portion of the foldable bassinet when the floor stiffener members positioned for folding;

FIG. 6 illustrates folding of the floor portion of the child supporting enclosure allowed by the stiffening members; and

FIG. 7 illustrates folding of the frame and attached soft goods of the child supporting enclosure as allowed by the stiffening members.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the FIG. 1, there is illustrated a foldable bassinet 1 having a perimeter frame 5 supported above a surface by a plurality of legs 7. The perimeter frame 5 supports a child supporting enclosure 10 which is preferably formed by soft goods to allow the enclosure 10 to be conveniently compressed or reconfigured to allow more compact folding of the bassinet 1. The child supporting enclosure 10 includes a floor 12 upon which a child may be positioned surrounded by a side wall 14. The side wall extends between the floor 12 and the perimeter frame 5 allowing the enclosure 10 to underhang the frame and be supported thereby. In one embodiment, the floor 12 has a generally rectangular shape with rounded edges that facilitate smooth movement when adjusted by users.

The floor 12 may be formed from soft goods and include padding for comfort of the occupant. The panel portions of this floor 12 are configured to provide a useful and adjustable support system for infants while ensuring stability during both usage and storage conditions. The primary stiffening members 20, which span approximately half of each floor area, serve as stationary elements that maintain structural integrity by providing a level surface under the weight of an infant occupant. These rigid components may be made from lightweight yet durable materials such as fiber board or polymer boards to ensure portability while maintaining their functional properties.

The floor may include one or more stiffening members 20 providing structural rigidity to maintain the floor in a generally planar configuration suitable for supporting an infant child. The stiffening members may be designed with a rectangular shape having rounded edges that facilitate smooth movement along its length when adjusted by users through sliding motion within corresponding sleeves or pockets. In another embodiment, the first primary stiffening member may have an irregularly shaped profile to accommodate specific design requirements for optimal structural support and stability. The stiffening members in the floor may be designed with adjustable thicknesses allowing it to adapt to varying weight distributions across different areas of the soft floor while maintaining overall stiffness levels useful for supporting infant safety standards.

The pockets or receptacles in which stiffening members are received serve as guides that help maintain their position within specific regions on each floor panel portion while allowing them to move freely along predetermined paths when adjusted by users. These components may be removable for cleaning and maintenance purposes but typically remain fixed during normal use of the foldable bassinet.

The design considerations behind the infant support system prioritize stability, adjustability, and portability across different areas of the soft floor with minimal moving parts while ensuring compliance with relevant safety standards. The selection of materials for these panel portions is guided by a balance between durability, flexibility, comfort, and weight distribution to ensure overall performance during usage conditions.

In order to allow the child supporting enclosure 10 to be folded, the floor 12 includes a first portion 12A and a second portion 12B that abut and are flexibly joined at a folding interface 30 in the soft goods allowing the floor to be folded bi-directionally (e.g., it can be folded upwardly or downwardly) by a user. The first portion 12A and the second portion 12B each occupy approximately half of the total floor area, and each portion includes its own stiffening member portion 20A, 20B which are separate from each other and oppositely disposed about folding interface 30 which allows the floor 12 to be folded generally in half along the folding interface 30. The stiffening members 20A, 20B are provided to reinforce the floor 12 and prevent sagging when the bassinet is in use.

The stiffening members 20A, 20B are preferably formed from a semi rigid material such as a fiber board, polymer board, poly foam core board, or the like material selected to remain generally rigid under the weight of an infant occupant and are preferably enclosed within soft goods comprising the floor 12. Stiffening member material should be sufficiently rigid to support a child resting on the floor 12 without undue deflection or sagging, in contrast to the flexible materials of the soft goods. The stiffening member material should be light in weight for improved portability of the bassinet when not in use or during set-up or storage.

The floor 12 may include pockets or other structure formed in and by the soft goods and configured to enclose the stiffening members 20A, 20B and maintain them properly positioned in the floor 12. The pockets may be designed to allow removal of the stiffening members to facilitate cleaning of the soft goods without degrading the stiffening materials.

A moveable stiffening member 24 is provided. The moveable stiffening member 24 is designed for flexibility and adjustability within its continuous sleeve 18 allowing it to occupy positions next to either one portion (first or second) of the soft floor. The moveable stiffening member 24 may be enclosed in a sleeve 18 formed in the soft goods floor 12 which allows movement of the moveable stiffening member 24 between generally opposing first (FIGS. 1, 2, 4A, 4B) and second (FIGS. 3, 5A, 5B). This feature enables users to customize support levels across different areas of the panel portions as needed, providing optimal stability during usage conditions while maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment.

When in the first position, the moveable stiffening member spans the folding interface 30 to limit folding movement at the folding interface and stiffen the entire floor 12 to allow it function as a continuous, generally rigid support for a child. When moved to the second position, the moveable stiffening member is positioned substantially adjacent to only one of the floor stiffener members 20, notably non-adjacent to the folding interface 30 so that the soft goods of floor 12 can flex and fold at the folding interface 30.

The moveable stiffening member 24 slides between positions within its corresponding sleeve 18 by sliding along a predetermined path within the sleeve. The sleeve 18 for the moveable stiffening member 24 may be formed in the soft goods and closely configured to receive the moveable stiffening member 24 and generally constrain its movement to bi-directional along an axis generally perpendicular to the folding interface 30. The sleeve enclosing the moveable stiffening member 24 may be open at one end allowing a user to grasp and move the member 24.

Access to the moveable member may be provided by openings in the soft goods defined by apertures provided for user access to interface with the moveable member. The movement is smooth and controlled due to the soft goods material used in construction of the sleeve, allowing users to adjust or reposition the moveable stiffener as needed. The sleeve enclosing the moveable member 24 may include a slot-like upfacing opening in the soft goods providing user access to the moveable member 24 in the sleeve while preventing its separation from the crib. One or more apertures may be provided in the moveable member 24 to provide the user a means to interface with the moveable member to slide it in the sleeve enclosure. The sleeve 18 may include a openable closure to allow insertion of the moveable member and prevent the installed moveable member from being unintentionally separated from the floor. The moveable member may be provided with a tether or the like to prevent the moveable member from being unintentionally separated from the floor.

The moveable stiffener member is configured to slide smoothly along its length through a continuous sleeve, allowing users to adjust its position and orientation with ease The moveable stiffening member 24 is preferably formed of similar semi-rigid materials as the stiffening member 20A, 20B. The moveable stiffening member may be designed with adjustable thicknesses allowing it to adapt to varying weight distributions across different areas of the soft floor while maintaining overall stiffness levels useful for supporting infant safety standards.

While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures and described herein are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Accordingly, the present application is not limited to a particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any processes or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application.