Collapsible bassinet/infant seat with canopy

The infant product of the invention is of the type having an infant receptacle suspended from a frame. The infant product is foldable between a deployed position for use and a compact configuration for shipping and storage. In the assembled configuration, the infant receptacle is convertible between a bassinet configuration in which the infant receptacle has a substantially planar support surface and an infant seat configuration in which the support surface of the infant receptacle is partially titled or disposed at an angle such that the infant can be supported in an elevated or seated position. The infant product may include a fabric canopy incorporating floating webs and a quick connect system for securing the canopy in an open position. When the canopy is closed, it is folded so as to lie flat against the infant receptacle. The infant receptacle may also include a lateral support assembly to cradle the infant.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a convertible infant product and, more particularly, to a collapsible bassinet/infant seat having a canopy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sleep products are generally tailored to the age and size of the user. Infants generally start out sleeping in a bassinet or cradle. Toddlers use cribs up until they are ready to sleep in a conventional bed.

Bassinets and cradles are generally small and can be kept in a parent's room so that the infant is close to the parents during its first few months. Known bassinets and cradles are not collapsible into a compact configuration and only function as sleep products. Moreover, bassinets and cradles have a limited life and use because they are quickly outgrown by infants. However, cribs are generally too large to fit into a parent's room. Thus, there is a need for a smaller sleep product for use in a parent's room that has a sleep surface and sufficient depth to laterally restrain the infant during use, but that overcomes the limited life and use associated with known bassinets and cradles.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,432 to Kujawski et al., which is assigned to the assignee of this invention, discloses a multi-use product including a bassinet and playpen in one product. The playpen is of the type including a frame covered by playpen fabric. The flat bassinet/diaper changing surface is inset into the open end of the playpen to make it more accessible for naps and diaper changing. The bassinet/diaper changing surface is a fabric enclosure with a rigid floor mat. The fabric is draped over the upper edge of the playpen and rigid hook-shaped clips sewn to the fabric are secured to the upper edge of the playpen. As this product is on the scale of a playpen, it is larger than a bassinet.

In the vein of portability, but apart from sleep products, infant seats are available that are usually formed from rigid shells that are portable but not collapsible into a compact configuration. In one type of infant seat proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,115,523; 5,092,004; and 4,998,307 all to Cone, the infant seat includes a rigid shell assembly having upper and lower shell portions pivotally coupled together so as to be convertible between a flat configuration and a seated configuration. Although this seat is portable it is cumbersome and is not collapsible into a compact configuration.

Known bouncer seats of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,478 to Freese et al. include a portable infant seat where the back is convertible between an upright and a tilted position. Although these bouncer seats can be collapsed for portability, they are not intended for use as a sleep product, for example, they are not convertible into a horizontal position.

Accordingly, what is needed is a small, lightweight, collapsible infant product that has a range of utilities including a sleep product and a seating product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally directed to an infant product. An aspect of the invention is directed to the combination bassinet/infant seat feature. In particular, the infant product includes a frame having an infant receptacle suspended from the frame. The infant receptacle is convertible between a bassinet configuration and an infant seat configuration. This conversion between the reclined and upright configurations may be accomplished using only parts of the soft goods. In the bassinet configuration, the support surface of the infant receptacle is substantially planar, such that the infant is positioned in a reclined or flat position. In the infant seat configuration, the back portion of the infant support surface may be tilted or disposed at an angle whereby the infant can be supported in an elevated or seated position. In one aspect of the invention, this conversion is accomplished through the use of a support strap assembly. In yet another aspect of the invention, the support strap assembly and infant support surface cooperate to provide improved lateral head support for the infant.

In another aspect of the invention, the infant product is foldable or collapsible, such that the infant product is convertible between an assembled configuration for use with the infant in either of the reclined or upright positions just described and a compact collapsed configuration for travel and storage. In one aspect of the invention, a simple three-step folding method may be used to convert the infant product between the assembled erect position and compact folded configurations. The suspended soft goods are folded-up along with the frame. Moreover, part of the frame that is used to support the infant product in the assembled erect position serves the dual purpose as a handle in the compact configuration. A lightweight carrying case may be provided to cover the main portion of the compact infant product.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the infant product may include a canopy. The canopy is of the type made of a fabric having floating ribs or stays disposed in tunnels sewn into the fabric of the canopy. With the use of a quick connect system, the canopy can be easily converted between an expanded open position and a closed position.

Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and from the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In particular, the invention is directed to an infant product, the presently preferred embodiments of which are shown generally inFIGS. 1,5and31, for example. More particularly, the infant product in accordance with the invention is directed to: 1) a collapsible infant product that is configurable between: a) an in-use, deployed or unfolded configuration, shown generally at11inFIGS. 1-9and b) a storage, stowed or folded configuration shown generally at16inFIGS. 27-31; and 2) deployed infant product11, which may be disposed in either of two configurations: a) a deployed bassinet configuration shown generally at12inFIGS. 1-4, and b) an deployed infant seat configuration shown generally at14inFIGS. 5-9.

Regardless of the respective configuration, however, the infant product in accordance with the invention includes a foldable frame shown generally100inFIGS. 10-14and soft goods shown generally at200inFIGS. 1-9which are suspended from frame100. Accordingly, a detailed discussion of frame100and soft goods200follows. Then, the method of converting the infant product between deployed bassinet configuration12and deployed infant seat configuration14will be described, as well as, the conversion between deployed configuration11and compact folded configuration16.

The Foldable Frame

Referring now toFIGS. 10-14, frame100will be described. Frame100has a construction that suspends soft goods200and is convertible between deployed configuration11as shown inFIGS. 10-12, for example, and compact folded configuration16as shown, for example, in FIG.27. Frame100is preferably converted by folding frame100along with soft goods200. Therefore, the frame is not limited to a particular configuration so long as it can suspend soft goods200and can be easily converted between a compact configuration and a deployed configuration in accordance with the invention.

Frame100has a longitudinal axis L (FIG. 12) and a transverse axis T substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis L. As shown, frame100generally includes an annular upper rim frame102, a front leg104, a back leg106, structural hubs108,110and back leg brackets112,114.

Annular upper rim frame102, front leg104and back leg106may be made of any lightweight rigid and durable material. In the illustrated embodiment, these members are 18-gauge, powder-coated, hollow, cylindrical steel tubing. Upper rim frame102may have a 0.5″ (1.2 cm) outer diameter and front and back legs104,106may have ⅝″ (1.7 cm.) outer diameter. However, other types of materials may be used in accordance with the invention, such as rectangular tubing, aluminum, wood, or plastic tubing or channel, etc.

Annular upper rim frame102provides the support from which soft goods are suspended. Annular upper rim frame102as shown includes a front rim tube116and a back rim tube122, both of which have a generally U-shaped configuration. Front rim tube116has two ends118,120pivotally coupled to structural hubs108,110, respectively, such that front rim tube116is pivotal relative to back rim tube122as discussed in more detail below. Back rim tube122has two ends124,126non-pivotally secured to structural hubs108,110as discussed in more detail below. As illustrated inFIG. 12, in the deployed position front rim tube116is disposed substantially parallel to transverse axis T, while back rim tube122is disposed at an angle relative to front rim tube116. Back rim tube122is disposed at a slight angle such that infant recline/seat feature222(see, e.g.FIGS. 17 and 18) can be positioned high enough to form deployed infant seat configuration14, as discussed in more detail below. However, other configurations are within the scope of the invention to accommodate infant recline/seat feature222, and if the recline/seat feature222is not used, back rim tube122may also be parallel to transverse axis T.

Front leg104and back leg106are disposed to support annular upper rim frame102in deployed configuration11at a suitable height above a supporting surface to suspend soft goods200above the supporting surface. For example, front and back legs104,106are disposed at angles opposing each other, with their upper ends relatively close together and their lower, support-surface engaging ends relatively far apart to provide a broad, stable base. Front leg104has a generally U-shaped configuration including a base128and two side legs130,132extending substantially perpendicular from base128. Side legs130,132have ends134,136respectively, which are pivotally attached to structural hubs108,110, respectively, as discussed in more detail below. Back leg106is also of a generally U-shaped configuration and includes a base138including two side legs140,142extending substantially perpendicular from base138. Side legs140,142have two ends144,146respectively, pivotally attached to back leg brackets112,114, respectively, as discussed in more detail below. Side legs140,142of back leg106include transition portions148,150in the vicinity of ends144,146whereby the lateral spacing or distance between side legs140,142is increased such that back leg106does not interfere with the folding movement of front leg104(front leg104pivots inside of back leg106) and such that back leg106can detent against the outside of structural hubs108,110in compact folded configuration16as discussed later. Although front and back legs104,106have been described as being pivotally coupled relative to upper rim frame102, any type of releasable connection may be used.

To increase resistance to sliding of the legs with respect to the support surface in deployed configuration11, rubber feet152may be disposed, two each, on bases128,138of back leg106and front leg104, respectively. Rubber feet152may be formed of any rubber material including, for example, a synthetic rubber such as a thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Rubber feet152also prevent the infant product in its deployed configuration11from shifting or “walking,” for example, when a vibration unit is used, as discussed below.

Annular upper rim frame102, front leg104and back leg106just described are deployed and interconnected using structural hubs108,110and back leg brackets112,114. Accordingly, structural hubs108,110and back leg brackets112,114will now be discussed in detail along with the assembly of frame100. Structural hubs108,110and back leg brackets112,114may be made of a lightweight plastic material, such as, structural nylon.

Referring now toFIG. 13in combination withFIGS. 10-12, structural hubs108,110will be discussed in detail. Structural hubs108,110include hollow box-shaped housings154,156. One of structural hubs108,110may include a vibration unit integrated into its housing154,156to sooth the infant. Such a vibration unit may include, for example, a motor, a weight, an on/off switch, battery contacts and wiring. It is preferable to place the vibration unit on one of structural hubs108,110because structural hubs108,110are in structural communication with the entire frame100and therefore distribute the vibration most effectively, however, other configurations may be used in accordance with the invention.

As structural hubs108,110are laterally disposed on frame100, they are mirror images of each other. Accordingly, the following discussion only describes structural hub108in detail, because the construction of structural hub110is readily apparent from the detailed description of structural hub108.

Housing154of structural hub108includes an interior side wall158and an exterior side wall160(FIG. 12) opposing and substantially parallel to interior side wall158. Housing154further includes an upper side162substantially parallel to transverse axis T, a lower side164disposed at an angle relative to transverse axis T, front side166and back side168. Other configurations are within the scope of the invention.

Exterior side wall160includes a carrying handle170formed integrally therewith and extending outwardly therefrom. Carrying handle170includes a recess on its lower side for being gripped by the hand such that the infant product in deployed configuration11may be moved. Carrying handle170is preferably positioned such that it is at or near the center of gravity of deployed configuration11when the infant is in the infant product. Exterior side wall160further includes a detent171, formed as, for example, a slightly raised surface area, and an abutment portion172(FIG. 12) to position and releasably hold back leg106in compact folded configuration16, as discussed in more detail below.

The upper end of back side168of housing154is adapted to fixedly mount end124of back rim tube122. For example, housing154may include hollow tubular projection174having a hollow tubular opening175to receive end124of back rim tube122. Hollow tubular opening175extends though projection174and into the interior of housing154for a distance sufficient to adequately support back rim tube122, and has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of end124of back rim tube122. End124of back rim tube122is slidably disposed within hollow tubular projection174and may be secured by a screw (not shown), for example.

At upper side162of housing154is formed a channel176extending substantially parallel to transverse axis T and between front side166and back side168. End118of front rim tube116is pivotally secured to housing154within channel176by a known pivotal connector, such as, a pin. This pivotal attachment is represented inFIG. 13by pivot point P1. In deployed configuration11of the infant product, front rim tube116is positioned within channel176as shown so as to extend substantially parallel to transverse axis T. As discussed in greater detail below, to collapse the deployed infant product, front rim tube116is rotated about pivot point P1in the direction illustrated by the directional arrow D1. Accordingly, to deploy the infant product, front rim tube116would be rotated from its compact folded configuration16in a direction opposite to directional arrow D1into deployed configuration11as shown.

Lower side164of housing154includes another channel178extending between front side166and back side168of housing154. Channel178extends at an angle relative to transverse axis T. For example, this angle may be approximately 35° from transverse axis T. End134of front leg104is pivotally attached to housing154within channel178using any known pivotal connector. This pivotal attachment is illustrated by pivot point P2. To collapse the deployed infant product, front leg104is pivoted about pivot point P2in the direction illustrated by directional arrow D2until front leg104is disposed in a position opposing the position shown inFIG. 13(i.e. 180°), as will be discussed in greater detail below.

Referring now toFIG. 14, back leg brackets112,114will be discussed. Back leg brackets112,114are disposed laterally on frame100and are mirror images of each other. Accordingly, only back leg bracket112will be discussed in detail as the construction of back leg bracket114will be readily apparent from the discussion of back leg bracket112.

Back leg bracket112includes an exterior side wall180, an interior side wall181(see also FIG.11), an upper end182, a lower end184, a front end186and a back end188. At upper end182it is formed a hollow tubular sleeve through which back rim tube122is slidably disposed. In corner192between lower end184and front end186is formed a channel194disposed at an angle, for example, 45°, relative to transverse axis T to support back rim tube122. End144of back leg106is pivotally attached to back leg bracket112and is disposed within channel194when back leg106is disposed in deployed configuration11of the infant product. End144of back leg106is pivotally attached to back leg bracket112by any known pivotal connector. This pivotal connection is represented inFIG. 14by pivot point P3.

As discussed in detail below, when deployed configuration11is collapsed, back leg106is pivoted about pivot point P3in the direction represented by directional arrow D3. Accordingly, to position back leg106in deployed configuration11from compact folded configuration16, back leg106is moved in a direction opposite to the direction represented by directional arrow D3until its detents on detent171on exterior sidewall160of housing154. As discussed below, in compact folded configuration16, back leg106is disposed substantially parallel to back rim tube122.

A detent198(FIG. 11) is also formed on interior side wall181of back leg bracket112to releasably secure front leg104in compact folded configuration16. For example, detent198may include a raised surface or a raised surface with a depression corresponding to the shape of front leg104.

To properly and releasably position back leg106relative to back rim tube122in the deployed configuration, a spring or Valco button connection196may be used. In particular, spring button connection196includes spring button195formed on end144of rear leg106that is spring biased in an extended position, and a hole197formed in exterior side wall180of back leg bracket112. As back leg106is rotated into its assembly configuration, spring button195will become aligned with hole197and engage or lock into hole197. Therefore, rear leg106can be easily locked into its proper deployed position, yet is easily unlocked by simply depressing spring button195. Although illustrated with a Valco button, any suitable latching or locking mechanism can be used.

The Soft Goods

Referring now toFIGS. 1-9and15-21, soft goods200in accordance with the invention will be discussed in detail. Soft goods200generally include a bassinet shell202, a canopy212, and a removable pad216.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9, bassinet shell202is constructed such that, in deployed configuration11, it is suspended from frame100and naturally falls into deployed bassinet configuration12due to its own weight and gravity as shown inFIG. 1, for example. Thus, bassinet shell202is preferably formed of pliable and/or foldable construction such that bassinet shell202is conveniently collapsed and folded into deployed bassinet configuration12. Bassinet shell202is constructed such that infant recline/seat feature222can be incorporated into soft goods200and operated independently of frame100, as discussed in more detail later. By minimizing the connections between frame100and soft goods200, bassinet shell202can be folded-up into compact folded configuration14without having to disassemble or disconnect any parts, which is time consuming and inconvenient.

Bassinet shell202generally includes a front end203, a back end201, a bottom wall204, an annular side wall206, and structure to suspend bassinet shell202from frame100which may include a front tunnel208formed on upper annular edge220of annular side wall206at front end203of bassinet shell202, and a back tunnel210formed on upper annular edge220of annular side wall206at back end201of bassinet shell202.

Referring toFIGS. 9,15and16, bottom wall204of bassinet shell202has a generally elliptical shape with an outer perimeter218, a front end224, a back end226, a top surface228and a bottom surface230. Top surface228of bottom wall240as illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16, is shown with removable pad216removed. As discussed later, removable pad216is disposed on top surface228of bottom wall240.

Bottom wall204has a jointed rigid construction whereby a substantially rigid flat surface can be maintained in deployed bassinet configuration12(FIGS.1-4), however, which also can be repositioned into deployed infant seat configuration14(FIGS.5-9).

In particular, with reference toFIG. 16A, bottom wall204is a multi-layer construction including flexible upper cover232, flexible lower cover234and front, intermediate, and back rigid panels236,238,240interposed between upper cover232and lower cover234. This rigid panel construction also has the advantage of providing a minimal weight bias (relative to lightweight annular side wall206) in bottom wall204which will help bassinet shell202naturally fall into deployed bassinet configuration12and provide a slight tension on annular side wall206. Of course, this tension on annular side wall206is increased when the infant is placed in bassinet shell202.

Upper cover232is preferably made of an easily cleanable material such as vinyl. It includes a pair of laterally disposed V-shaped notches246,248of elastic material at back end226. Lower cover232is made of a generally non-elastic cloth material and also has a pair of laterally disposed V-shaped notches242,244of elastic material at back end226. Notches242,244,246,248are provided for purposes of infant recline/seat feature222, discussed in more detail below.

Front, intermediate, and back rigid panels236,238,240are flat, thin, rigid panels made of any type of rigid relatively lightweight material, such as, hardboard. Front rigid panel236is semi-circular in shape, intermediate rigid panel238is rectangular in shape and back rigid panel240is a partial elliptical shape with laterally disposed V-shaped notches258,260. Front, intermediate, and back rigid panels236,238and240are disposed in spaced relationship such that they may be rotated and folded unencumbered. Also, seams260,262(FIG. 15) may be provided to separate rigid panels236,238,240to prevent displacement of rigid panels236,238,240. For example, back panel240in back end226of bottom wall204can be pivoted from deployed bassinet configuration12substantially parallel to transverse axis T, to deployed infant seat configuration, which is angled relative to transverse axis T, for example, 30-35° from transverse axis T. Back rigid panel240is held in deployed infant seat configuration14by infant recline/seat feature222, as discussed in more detail below.

Annular sidewall206is attached to outer perimeter218of bottom wall204by, for example, stitching. Annular sidewall206forms a lateral restraint for the infant in addition to contributing to suspending bottom wall204. Annular sidewall206is formed of soft flexible material and may include a patchwork of solid cotton fabric panels251and breathable mesh fabric252. However, any type of material that will not scratch or injure an infant may be used. Panels251may be formed of a solid cotton fabric for durability. As discussed later, annular sidewall206can be folded and formed into compact folded configuration16, yet serves as a semi-rigid wall for providing lateral support when under tension in deployed configuration11.

Front and back tunnels208,210(FIG. 1) are formed to suspend bassinet shell202from annular upper rim frame102. Front and back tunnels208,210may be sewn onto upper annular edge220of annular side wall206or may be an extension of annular side wall206. Front and back tunnels208,210may be formed of a soft material padded with batting to cushion around front rim tube116and back rim tube122. Front and back tunnels208,210are constructed to form a front passageway in front tunnel208having open ends264,266and a back passageway in back tunnel210having open ends268,270(FIG.4). Accordingly, front rim tube116is threaded through the front passageway in front tunnel208and back rim tube122is threaded through the back passageway in back tunnel210.

Removable pad216is disposed on top surface228of bottom wall204of bassinet shell202and may include any conventional pad having a substantially elliptical shape corresponding to the shape of bassinet shell202. Removable pad216may be made of a cloth material having a batting filling. Crease292(FIG. 4) may be formed in removable pad216, for example, using a seam to provide flexibility for lateral edges288,290as discussed below with reference to FIG.18A.

A known nylon webbing three-point restraint may be incorporated into bassinet shell202to support the infant in deployed infant seat configuration14.

Although a particular embodiment of bassinet shell202has been described above, other configurations and materials may be used so long as, for example, the bassinet shell is suspended from the frame in a manner appropriate to support the infant in either of the bassinet and infant seat configurations and the bassinet shell is easily folded into compact folded configuration16along with frame100.

Referring now toFIGS. 17-19, infant recline/seat feature222will now be described. In particular,FIGS. 17,18and18A illustrate back end226of bottom wall204in deployed infant seat configuration14, whereas FIG.1andFIG. 18Billustrate the deployed bassinet configuration12. Infant recline/seat feature222includes a support strap assembly214of the type described for use with a stroller in U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,896 issued Jan. 7, 1997 to the same assignee as the instant application and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Support strap assembly214includes straps272,274. Each strap272,274includes an end276,278, respectively, attached to upper annular edge220of annular side wall206by a seam, for example. In addition, each strap272,274has an end280,282to which a connector is attached. The connector may include any conventional easy connect connector such as a buckle as shown.

When straps272,274are connected to each other, they form a support raised above where bottom wall204of bassinet shell202would otherwise rest as illustrated by the comparison ofFIGS. 18A and 18B, for example. In use, back end201of bottom wall204is raised to an angled position and straps272,274are interconnected to support back end201of bottom wall204in deployed infant seat configuration14. As illustrated in FIG.1andFIG. 18B, when straps272,274are not in use, they simply hang along side annular side wall206of bassinet shell202. Once straps272,274have been disconnected, the back end of bassinet shell202naturally returns to bassinet configuration12due to its own weight and gravity.

It is within the scope of the invention to raise and/or tilt bottom wall204of bassinet shell202in any manner desirable. For example, the front end of bassinet shell202may also include a strap and buckle connector that when joined will support front end224of bottom wall204of bassinet shell202in a raised position to provide an alternate seating position for the infant. A variety of known seat back recline mechanisms which could be adapted for use with the disclosed bassinet shell in ways apparent to the artisan.

Furthermore, in accordance with the invention and as also illustrated inFIGS. 15,16,16A,17,18A and18C, the infant product may also be constructed to provide additional lateral support at the back end of bassinet shell202to cradle the upper end of the infant in the deployed infant seat configuration14. This may be accomplished, for example, through the use of straps272,274, just described, in combination with the V-shaped notches242,244,246,248of elastic material formed in lower cover234and upper cover232, respectively, and V-shaped notches258,260in rigid panel240of bottom wall204. Accordingly, straps272,274can compress against and into bottom wall204to create lateral protuberances271,273(FIGS. 18A,18C) extending upwardly from otherwise planar back end226of bottom wall204. With protuberances271,273, the portion of bottom wall204corresponding to the upper body and head of an infant forms a V-shape or cradle (FIG.18A). When removable pad216is positioned on bottom wall204, removable pad216conforms to the shape of bottom wall204, thereby also forming a cradle shown generally at217in FIG.18A. Crease292facilitates the displacement of lateral edges288,290of removable pad216. As illustrated inFIG. 18B, when straps272,274are not connected, removable pad216is substantially flat.

This cradle feature may be implemented in variety of ways and is not limited to the structure described herein. For example, the back end226of bottom wall204may include a three-way fold, which may be implemented using a three-piece rigid back panel240. Another way to provide lateral support for an infant, which also may be used in accordance with the invention, is described in the context of a stroller in U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,328 issued Aug. 15, 1995, which has the same assignee as the instant invention and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIGS.1and19-21canopy212will be discussed in detail. Canopy212is attached to the back end of bassinet shell202and is convertible between an open tensioned position as shown, for example, inFIG. 1 and aclosed relaxed position shown, for example, in FIG.21.

Canopy212generally includes fabric panel300, ribs or stays302,304and connectors306,308. Fabric panel300can be made of any lightweight material or cloth that is generally inelastic. Sewn into fabric panel300are sleeves310,312in spaced relationship into which stays302,304are threaded as illustrated in FIG.19. Accordingly, stays302,304are separated from each other. Stays302,304may be made of resilient material such as extruded plastic. Stays302,304, when inserted into sleeves310,312in fabric panel300hold the arcuate shape of canopy212. Connector306may include any suitable mechanism for releasably coupling front edge320of fabric panel300to a supporting structure so as to place fabric panel300in tension. Suitable connectors include buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, magnetic catches, J-hooks, etc.

Canopy212is held in the open position by connectors306,308as illustrated inFIGS. 19A and 20.FIG. 19Ashows connector306, for example, in a connected position andFIG. 20shows connector306in a released position. Connectors306,308are identical, accordingly, only connector306is described in detail. Connector306includes tab314of cloth material sewn to front edge320of fabric panel300, a male snap316provided on tab314, and a female snap318provided on bassinet shell202. Accordingly, canopy212is held in the open tensioned position by engaging snaps316,318. When connectors306,308are released, canopy212is foldable into a flat configuration at back end201and rests along back rim tube122as illustrated in FIG.21.

Canopy212in accordance with the invention may be used on any type of infant product. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 21A and 21B, canopy212may be provided on a conventional bouncer seat400.FIG. 21Ashows canopy412in the flat closed position andFIG. 21Bshows canopy412in the open expanded position. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the invention to use the canopy in a variety of infant products.

The Method of Folding and Unfolding the Infant Product

Referring now toFIGS. 22-25, the manner of converting frame100from deployed configuration11into compact folded configuration16will now be described. Of course, the steps would be performed in reverse to convert from compact folded configuration16into deployed configuration11.

To begin folding deployed configuration11, it does not matter whether bassinet shell202is in deployed bassinet configuration12or deployed infant seat configuration14. The method is a three-step folding process. First, front leg104is pivoted as illustrated by directional arrows inFIG. 22about 180° to its folded position at which point front leg104detents against back leg brackets112,114.

Referring now toFIG. 23, secondly, back leg106is pivoted about 100° into its folded position at which point side legs130,132detent against the exterior side wall of housings154,156of structural hubs108,110.

Finally, thirdly, referring toFIGS. 24-25, front rim tube116is pivoted about 150° about structural hubs108,110until it is positioned substantially adjacent and rests on back rim tube122.

FIGS. 26-29show the same conversion, but with the finished product, i.e., frame100and soft goods200.

In the compact folded configuration16, the infant product includes a generally flat configuration having an end500and a handle504which is formed by back leg106. End500may be slidably disposed within a carrying case502as illustrated in FIG.31. Accordingly, handle504which extends outwardly from carrying case562can be used for carrying the infant product in compact folded configuration16.

Carrying case502may be formed of nylon material and is used to protect and keep clean the folded infant device. When carrying case502is not in use, it may be stored on bassinet shell202. In particular, a pocket may be formed, for example, by sewing on bottom surface230of bottom wall204of bassinet shell202. Accordingly, carrying case502can be folded and slidably disposed within the pocket for storage during use of the infant product.