Adjustable incline sleeper

An adjustable incline sleeper includes a lower base frame including lower support members movable between a first rocking position which permits rocking of the adjustable incline sleeper in a transverse direction and a second non-rocking position which prevents rocking of the adjustable incline sleeper; an upper support frame; a covering body secured to the upper support frame for supporting an infant thereon; and a pivotable connection arrangement for connecting the upper support frame to the lower base frame in a manner to permit transverse pivotable movement of the upper support frame relative to the lower base frame to change an inclination angle between the upper support frame and the lower support frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to infant sleepers, and more particularly, is directed to an adjustable incline sleeper.

Bassinets are well known substitutes for large cribs, particularly for newborn infants, because of their smaller size. Because of their small size, they are generally well suited for transportation to and storage at different locations.

However, in many cases, bassinets also too large and bulky. Recently, Fisher-Price, Inc. has introduced a sleeper, which is formed by a frame which, when opened, has an X-shape with a fabric seat connected between the spaced apart upper ends for supporting an infant thereon. The upper ends of the frame can be inclined so that the fabric seat is also slightly inclined. The lower end supports are slightly curved so that the sleeper can be rocked back and forth gently, either by hand, or by a motor. This sleeper is advertised as being a sleeper in which an infant can nap or even sleep through the night, as well as being a playtime seat. Because of the X-shaped frame, this sleeper can be pivoted to a closed position in which the X-shape is collapsed and folded flat for storage and transportation.

However, the inclination of the upper end is at a fixed angle at all times. Further, the inclination angle is very small so that the infant cannot effectively sit up in the sleeper. Therefore, to feed the infant, it is necessary to remove the infant from the sleeper and place the infant in a highchair or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable incline sleeper that overcomes the aforementioned problems.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable incline sleeper in which the inclination angle can be adjusted.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable incline sleeper which can also rock back and forth.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable incline sleeper which can also be prevented from rocking back and forth.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adjustable incline sleeper that folds flat and compact for storage and transportation.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an adjustable incline sleeper that is easy and economical to use and manufacture.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an adjustable incline sleeper includes a lower base frame including lower support members movable between a first rocking position which permits rocking of the adjustable incline sleeper in a transverse direction and a second non-rocking position which prevents rocking of the adjustable incline sleeper; an upper support frame; a covering body secured to the upper support frame for supporting an infant thereon; and a pivotable connection arrangement for connecting the upper support frame to the lower base frame in a manner to permit transverse pivotable movement of the upper support frame relative to the lower base frame to change an inclination angle between the upper support frame and the lower support frame.

Specifically, each lower support member includes a curved tube which is movable between a downwardly convex position in the first rocking position and an upwardly convex position in the second non-rocking position. The curved tube further includes at least one stop extension mounted thereto which is moved into supporting contact with a ground surface to prevent rocking of the adjustable incline sleeper when the curved tube is moved to the upwardly convex position in the second non-rocking position. There is also an arrangement for releasably locking the curved tube between the downwardly convex position in the first rocking position and the upwardly convex position in the second non-rocking position.

The pivotable connection arrangement includes a pivot connection which pivotally connects together a first side of the upper support frame to the lower base frame; and an adjustment arrangement for adjusting a vertical separation distance of an opposite second side of the upper support frame to the lower base frame.

The adjustment arrangement includes a housing mounted to the second side of either the upper support frame or the lower base frame; an adjustment rod having one end mounted to the side of the other of the upper support frame or the lower base frame; the adjustment rod slidably received in the housing; and a releasable locking arrangement for releasably locking the adjustment rod at different positions to the housing so as to adjust the distance of the second side of the upper support frame to the lower base frame.

The releasable locking arrangement includes a plurality of spaced apart openings in the adjustment rod, and a pin in the housing which is adapted to selectively enter a selected one of the spaced apart openings. The releasable locking arrangement further includes a slide having the pin secured thereto and which is slidably mounted in a first direction in the housing, the slide including a first wedge surface, a spring member for biasing the slide in a direction for moving the pin into a selected one of the spaced apart openings, and a release member slidably mounted in the housing in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and including a second wedge surface for engaging the first wedge surface to move the slide in a direction against the biasing force of the spring member in order to remove the pin from the selected one of the spaced apart openings.

The lower base frame includes a first U-shaped base tube including one lower support member; a second opposite U-shaped base tube including another lower support member; and a first pivoting connection assembly which pivotally connects together the first and second U-shaped base tubes for movement between an inverted V-shape in an operative condition of the adjustable incline sleeper and a collapsed, closed condition in which the first and second U-shaped base tubes are substantially parallel and adjacent to each other.

The upper support frame includes a third U-shaped support tube having an upper end to which the covering body is secured; a fourth U-shaped support tube having an upper end to which the covering body is secured; and a second pivoting connection assembly which pivotally connects together the third and fourth U-shaped support tubes for movement between a V-shape in an operative condition of the adjustable incline sleeper and a collapsed, closed condition in which the third and fourth U-shaped support tubes are substantially parallel and adjacent each to other.

Specifically, the first pivoting connection assembly includes a lower left side pivot assembly which pivotally connects together a left side of the first and second U-shaped support tubes, and a lower right side pivot assembly which pivotally connects together a right side of the first and second U-shaped support tubes; and the second pivoting connection assembly includes an upper left side pivot assembly which pivotally connects together a left side of the third and fourth U-shaped support tubes, and an upper right side pivot assembly which pivotally connects together a right side of the third and fourth U-shaped support tubes.

The pivotable connection arrangement includes a pivot connection which pivotally connects together the lower right side pivot assembly and the upper right side pivot assembly; and an adjustment arrangement connected between the lower left side pivot assembly and the upper left side pivot assembly for adjusting a vertical separation distance of a left side of the upper support frame to the lower base frame.

The adjustment arrangement includes a housing mounted to either the lower left side pivot assembly or the upper left side pivot assembly; an adjustment rod having one end mounted to the other of the lower left side pivot assembly and the upper left side pivot assembly; the adjustment rod slidably received in the housing; and a releasable locking arrangement for releasably locking the adjustment rod at different positions to the housing so as to adjust the distance of the upper left side pivot assembly to the lower left side pivot assembly.

The releasable locking arrangement includes a plurality of spaced apart openings in the adjustment rod, and a pin in the housing which is adapted to selectively enter a selected one of the spaced apart openings. The releasable locking arrangement further includes a slide having the pin secured thereto and which is slidably mounted in a first direction in the housing, the slide including a first wedge surface, a spring member for biasing the slide in a direction for moving the pin into a selected one of the spaced apart openings, and a release member slidably mounted in the housing in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and including a second wedge surface for engaging the first wedge surface to move the slide in a direction against the biasing force of the spring member in order to remove the pin from the selected one of the spaced apart openings.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings in detail, an adjustable incline sleeper10according to the present invention includes an X-shaped frame12and a flexible covering body14therefor.

Frame12includes a lower pivotable base frame16, an upper pivotable support frame18, and a transverse pivotable connection arrangement24for connecting upper support frame18to lower base frame16in a manner to permit transverse pivotable movement at a left side of frame12relative to a right side of frame12.

Specifically, lower pivotable base frame16includes a first U-shaped tube assembly26, a second U-shaped tube assembly28and a pivoting connection assembly34connecting together U-shaped tube assemblies26and28for pivoting movement between an open position where the U-shaped tube assemblies26and28form an inverted V-shape as shown inFIG. 2and a collapsed, closed position where the U-shaped tube assemblies26and28are parallel and adjacent to each other as shown inFIG. 14B.

First U-shaped tube assembly26includes a left tube section26a, a spaced apart parallel right tube section26band a connecting tube section26cwhich connects together the lower ends of left and right tube sections26aand26b. Connecting tube section26cis slightly curved to permit transverse rocking back and forth of frame12in the fully open position, that is, from left to right and right to left.

In like manner, second U-shaped tube assembly28includes a left tube section28a, a spaced apart parallel right tube section28band a connecting tube section28cwhich connects together the lower ends of left and right tube sections28aand28b. Connecting tube section28cis also slightly curved to permit transverse rocking back and forth of frame12in the fully open position, that is, from left to right and right to left.

Transverse rocking control assemblies40rotatably connect opposite ends of connecting tube section26cto the respective lower ends of left and right tube sections26aand26b, and other transverse rocking control assemblies40rotatably connect opposite ends of connecting tube section28cto the respective lower ends of left and right tube sections28aand28b.

As shown best inFIGS. 18-21, each transverse rocking control assembly40includes a rotatable connector42having inner and outer coaxial, adjacent cylindrical housings44and46which are rotatable relative to each other. A connecting tube48is connected to and extends radially outward from the outer surface of outer cylindrical housing46for receiving the lower end of the respective tube section26a,26b,28a,28bwhich is fixed thereto by a rivet50. A connecting tube52is connected to and axially extends inwardly from the inner surface of inner cylindrical housing44for receiving one end of connecting tube section26c,28cwhich is fixed thereto by a rivet54.

A stop extension56is fixed to the outer surface of each connecting tube52and extends radially outward therefrom. Because of the rotating nature of inner and outer cylindrical housings44and46relative to each other, connecting tube sections26c,28cand inner cylindrical housings44connected thereto, can be rotated relative to outer cylindrical housings46between a first rocking position shown inFIG. 2and a second non-rocking position shown inFIG. 8.

Specifically, in the first rocking position shown inFIG. 2, each connecting tube section26c,28cis convexly curved in a downward manner to permit transverse rocking of adjustable incline sleeper10. In this position, stop extensions56are oriented upwardly away from the floor surface. In the second non-rocking position shown inFIG. 8, each connecting tube section26c,28cis convexly curved in an upward manner and stop extensions56are oriented downwardly in a manner to support adjustable incline sleeper10on the floor surface, thereby preventing transverse rocking.

In order to permit rotational movement of each connecting tube section26c,28cbetween the positions shown inFIGS. 2 and 8, and to lock the connecting tube sections26c,28cin their respective positions, each outer cylindrical housing46includes an outer circular recess58centrally located in the outer axial surface thereof, and the inner surface thereof includes a first locking recess60formed by a central circular recess section62and diametrically opposite outer recess sections64in open communication with circular recess section62. Recess sections64can have any suitable shape, for example, a substantially rectangular shape or the like. As a result, a central dividing wall66separates outer circular recess58from first locking recess60.

Four equiangularly spaced arcuate openings68are formed in central dividing wall66within the boundaries of central circular recess section62.

A pushbutton70having a circular head72with dimensions slightly smaller than the diameter of outer circular recess58, is slidably position within outer circular recess58. Four equiangularly spaced legs74extend at right angles from the inner surface of circular head72, with outwardly turned catches76at the free ends thereof. Legs74fit within openings68, and catches76prevent escape of legs74from openings68, while permitting axial sliding movement of legs74within openings68.

A locking member78is provided, having a central annular section80of the same dimensions as central circular recess section62, and diametrically opposite outer sections82of the same dimensions as outer recess sections64, such that locking member78is adapted to be positioned within first locking recess60. Locking member78also includes an outer closure wall79connected to the outer edges of central annular section80and outer sections82.

The outer axial surface of inner annular housing44includes a second locking recess84formed by a central circular recess section86and diametrically opposite outer recess sections88in open communication with circular recess section86. Circular recess section86and outer recess sections88have the same shapes and dimensions as circular recess section62and outer recess sections64. As a result, locking member78also fits within second locking recess84.

A central post90extends axially from the inner wall92of second locking recess84, and specifically, is centrally located within circular recess section86thereof. A coil spring94is positioned around central post90and extends between closure wall79and inner wall92so as to normally bias locking member78into first locking recess60. In this position, as shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, locking member78is also positioned within second locking recess84, thereby preventing rotation of inner and outer circular housings44and46relative to each other. This would correspond to either rotation of the respective connecting tube section26c,28cin the position shown inFIG. 2orFIG. 8.

When it is desired to rotate the respective connecting tube section26c,28to the other position, pushbutton70is pushed inwardly, whereby free ends of legs74thereof push locking member78inwardly so that locking member78is fully positioned within second locking recess84and is completely out of first locking recess60, thereby permitting relative rotation between inner and outer annular housings44and46. Once pushbutton70is released, coil spring94biases locking member78back into engagement with both first locking recess60and second locking recess84to again prevent rotation of inner and outer circular housings44and46relative to each other.

As shown best inFIGS. 22-29, pivoting connection assembly34includes a lower right side cylindrical pivot assembly100including inner and outer coaxial, adjacent cylindrical housings102and104which are rotatable relative to each other. A connecting tube106is connected to and extends radially down from the outer surface of outer cylindrical housing104for receiving the upper end of the tube section28bwhich is fixed thereto by a rivet110. A connecting tube112is connected to and extends radially down from the outer surface of inner cylindrical housing102for receiving the upper end of the tube section26bwhich is fixed thereto by a rivet114. Because of the rotating nature of inner and outer cylindrical housings102and104relative to each other, connecting tube sections26band28bcan be pivoted between a first open position shown inFIG. 2and a second collapsed position shown inFIG. 14B.

Each cylindrical housing102and104includes an upper arcuate projection116which extends upwardly from the outer surface thereof, for fitting within arcuate slots (as will be described hereafter), to maintain cylindrical housings102and104in their coaxial, adjacent positions and to limit the pivoting extent thereof between the positions shown inFIGS. 2 and 14B.

In order to permit pivotal movement of tube sections26a,26b,28a,28bbetween the positions shown inFIGS. 2and14B, and to lock the tube sections26a,26b,28a,28bin their respective positions, each outer cylindrical housing104includes an outer facing circular recess118centrally located in the outer facing axial surface thereof, and the inner surface thereof includes a first locking recess120formed by a central circular recess section122and four equiangularly arranged outer recess sections124in open communication with circular recess section122. Recess sections124can have any suitable shape, for example, a substantially rectangular shape or the like. As a result, a central dividing wall126separates outer circular recess118from first locking recess120.

Four equiangularly spaced arcuate openings128are formed in central dividing wall126within the boundaries of central circular recess section122.

A pushbutton130having a circular head132with dimensions slightly smaller than the diameter of outer circular recess118, is slidably positioned within inner circular recess118. Four equiangularly spaced legs134extend at right angles from circular head132, with outwardly turned catches136at the free ends thereof. Legs134fit within openings128, and catches136prevent escape of legs134from openings128, while permitting axial sliding movement of legs134within openings128.

A locking member138is provided, having a central annular section140of the same dimensions as central circular recess section122, and diametrically opposite outer sections142of the same dimensions as outer recess sections124, such that locking member138is adapted to be positioned within first locking recess120. Locking member138also includes an inner closure wall139connected to the outer facing edges of central annular section140and outer sections142.

The outer facing axial surface of inner annular housing102includes a second locking recess144formed by a central circular recess section146and diametrically opposite outer recess sections148in open communication with circular recess section146. Circular recess section146and outer recess sections148have the same shapes and dimensions as circular recess section122and outer recess sections124. As a result, locking member138also fits within second locking recess144.

A central post150extends axially from the lower wall152of second locking recess144, and specifically, is centrally located within circular recess section146thereof. A coil spring154is positioned around central post150and extends between closure wall139and lower wall152so as to normally bias locking member138into first locking recess120. In this position, locking member138is also positioned within second locking recess144, thereby preventing rotation of inner and outer circular housings102and104relative to each other. This would correspond to pivoting of tube sections26a,26b,28a,28bin the position shown inFIG. 2orFIG. 14B.

Lastly, a pivot rod141(FIG. 27) is axially positioned centrally within axial openings in cylindrical housings102and104about which cylindrical housings102and104rotate relative to each other, and which further maintain cylindrical housings102and104in their axial rotatable positions relative to each other.

When it is desired to rotate the respective tube sections26a,26b,28a,28bto the other position, pushbutton130is pushed inwardly, whereby free ends of legs134thereof push locking member138inwardly so that locking member138is fully positioned within second locking recess144and is completely out of first locking recess120, thereby permitting relative rotation between inner and outer annular housings102and104. Once pushbutton130is released, coil spring154biases locking member138back into engagement with both first locking recess120and second locking recess144to again prevent rotation of inner and outer circular housings102and104relative to each other.

As shown best inFIGS. 2 and 30, pivoting connection assembly34further includes a lower left side cylindrical pivot assembly200including inner and outer coaxial, adjacent cylindrical housings202and204which are rotatable relative to each other. A connecting tube206is connected to and extends radially down from the outer surface of outer cylindrical housing204for receiving the upper end of the tube section28awhich is fixed thereto by a rivet210. A connecting tube212is connected to and extends radially down from the outer surface of inner cylindrical housing202for receiving the upper end of the tube section26awhich is fixed thereto by a rivet214. Because of the rotating nature of inner and outer cylindrical housings202and204relative to each other, connecting tube sections26aand28acan be pivoted between a first open position shown inFIG. 2and a second collapsed position shown inFIG. 14B.

Each cylindrical housing202and204includes an upper arcuate projection216which extends upwardly from the outer surface thereof, for fitting within arcuate slots (as will be described hereafter), to maintain cylindrical housings202and204in their coaxial, adjacent positions and to limit the pivoting extent thereof between the positions shown inFIGS. 2 and 14B.

Lastly, a pivot rod241is axially positioned centrally within axial openings in cylindrical housings202and204about which cylindrical housings202and204rotate relative to each other, and which further maintain cylindrical housings202and204in their axial rotatable positions relative to each other.

It will be appreciated that the locking mechanism of lower right side cylindrical pivot assembly100is not required with lower left side cylindrical pivot assembly200, since the locking mechanism only need be provided on one side of frame12.

Upper pivotable base frame18includes a first U-shaped tube assembly256, a second U-shaped tube assembly258and a pivoting connection assembly254connecting together U-shaped tube assemblies256and258for pivoting movement between an open position where the U-shaped tube assemblies256and258form a V-shape as shown inFIG. 2and a collapsed, closed position where the U-shaped tube assemblies256and258are parallel and adjacent to each other as shown inFIG. 14B.

First U-shaped tube assembly256includes a left tube section256a, a spaced apart parallel right tube section256band a connecting tube section256cwhich connects together the upper ends of left and right tube sections256aand256b. In like manner, second U-shaped tube assembly258includes a left tube section258a, a spaced apart parallel right tube section258band a connecting tube section258cwhich connects together the upper ends of left and right tube sections258aand258b.

Flexible covering body14has opposite ends connected to connecting tube sections256cand258cby any conventional means, such as stitching, snaps, Velcro or the like.

Pivoting connection assembly254includes an upper right side cylindrical pivot assembly300including inner and outer coaxial, adjacent cylindrical housings302and304which are rotatable relative to each other. A connecting tube306is connected to and extends radially up from the outer surface of outer cylindrical housing304for receiving the upper end of the tube section258bwhich is fixed thereto by a rivet310. A connecting tube312is connected to and extends radially up from the outer surface of inner cylindrical housing302for receiving the upper end of the tube section256bwhich is fixed thereto by a rivet314. Because of the rotating nature of inner and outer cylindrical housings302and304relative to each other, connecting tube sections256band258bcan be pivoted between a first open position shown inFIG. 2and a second collapsed position shown inFIG. 14B.

Each cylindrical housing302and304includes a lower arcuate projection316(FIG. 27) which extends downwardly from the outer surface thereof, for fitting within arcuate slots (as will be described hereafter), to maintain cylindrical housings302and304in their coaxial, adjacent positions and to limit the pivoting extent thereof between the positions shown inFIGS. 2 and 14B.

Right side cylindrical pivot assembly300is constructed in an identical manner, and operates in the same manner as right side cylindrical pivot assembly100so that a detailed description thereof is omitted, except that right side cylindrical pivot assembly300is inverted 180 degrees from right side cylindrical pivot assembly100.

Pivoting connection assembly254further includes an upper left side cylindrical pivot assembly400including inner and outer coaxial, adjacent cylindrical housings402and404(FIG. 17) which are rotatable relative to each other. A connecting tube406is connected to and extends radially up from the outer surface of outer cylindrical housing404for receiving the upper end of the tube section258awhich is fixed thereto by a rivet410. A connecting tube412is connected to and extends radially up from the outer surface of inner cylindrical housing402for receiving the upper end of the tube section256awhich is fixed thereto by a rivet414. Because of the rotating nature of inner and outer cylindrical housings402and404relative to each other, connecting tube sections256aand258acan be pivoted between a first open position shown inFIG. 2and a second collapsed position shown inFIG. 14B.

Left side cylindrical pivot assembly400is constructed in an identical manner, and operates in the same manner as left side cylindrical pivot assembly200so that a detailed description thereof is omitted, except that left side cylindrical pivot assembly400is inverted 180 degrees from left side cylindrical pivot assembly200.

As shown best inFIGS. 22-29, transverse pivotable connection arrangement24includes a right side pivot connection500for pivotally connecting together lower and upper right side cylindrical pivot assemblies100and300for transverse pivotal movement. Specifically, right side pivot connection500includes a lower circular backing plate502of the same diameter as inner cylindrical housing102and positioned coaxially at the rear, inner facing surface of inner cylindrical housing102. A lower pivot mounting housing504has its lower end fixed to the upper surface of lower circular backing plate502and forms a continuation of lower circular backing plate502, while also extending outwardly from the upper end thereof in the axial direction thereof. Lower pivot mounting housing504has a bottom arcuate surface506of the same radius as cylindrical housings102and104, and is positioned directly above cylindrical housings102and104.

Two parallel arcuate slots508and510are formed through bottom arcuate surface506for receiving upper arcuate projections116of cylindrical housings102and104so as to prevent axial displacement of cylindrical housings102and104relative to each other. The ends of arcuate slots508and510function also to limit the arcuate travel of upper arcuate projections116, and thereby, the rotational movement of cylindrical housings102and104, and first and second U-shaped tube assemblies26and28connected thereto.

Three parallel, spaced apart finger plates512,514,516extend upwardly from lower pivot mounting housing504.

Right side pivot connection500further includes an upper circular backing plate522of the same diameter as inner cylindrical housing302and positioned coaxially at the rear, inner facing surface of inner cylindrical housing302. An upper pivot mounting housing524has its upper end fixed to the lower surface of upper circular backing plate522and forms a continuation of upper circular backing plate522, while also extending outwardly from the upper end thereof in the axial direction thereof. Upper pivot mounting housing524has an upper arcuate surface526of the same radius as cylindrical housings302and304, and is positioned directly below cylindrical housings302and304.

Two parallel arcuate slots528and530are formed through bottom arcuate surface526for receiving lower arcuate projections316of cylindrical housings302and304so as to prevent axial displacement of cylindrical housings302and304relative to each other. The ends of arcuate slots528and530function also to limit the arcuate travel of lower arcuate projections316, and thereby, the rotational movement of cylindrical housings302and304, and first and second U-shaped tube assemblies256and258connected thereto.

Two parallel, spaced apart finger plates532,534extend downwardly from upper pivot mounting housing524, and are positioned between finger plates512,514,516. Each of finger plates512,514,516,532,534includes a through opening536which are all in alignment with each other, and a pin538(FIG. 27) is positioned within all through openings536to permit transverse rotation or pivoting of upper right side cylindrical pivot assembly300relative to lower right side cylindrical pivot assembly100, between the pivoted positions shown inFIGS. 2-7on one hand, andFIGS. 8-13on the other hand.

Transverse pivotable connection arrangement24further includes a transverse pivoting adjustment arrangement600at the left side of adjustable incline sleeper10and connected with left side cylindrical pivot assemblies200,400in order to move left side cylindrical pivot assemblies200,400toward and away from each other, while right side cylindrical pivot assemblies100,300are pivoted relative to each other by right side pivot connection500.

As shown best inFIGS. 15-17 and 30, transverse pivoting adjustment arrangement600includes a housing602mounted to the outer axial surface of outer cylindrical housing204of lower left side cylindrical pivot assembly200. An arcuate cowling604extends inwardly from the upper end of housing602immediately above cylindrical housings202and204. Two parallel arcuate slots608and610are formed through the bottom arcuate surface606of arcuate cowling604for receiving upper arcuate projections216of cylindrical housings202and204so as to prevent axial displacement of cylindrical housings202and204relative to each other. The ends of arcuate slots608and610function also to limit the arcuate travel of upper arcuate projections216, and thereby, the rotational movement of cylindrical housings202and204, and first and second U-shaped tube assemblies26and28connected thereto.

Housing602includes a vertically oriented opening612therethrough through which an adjustment rod614is slidably positioned. The upper end of adjustment rod614is fixed in a housing616which is fixed to the outer axial surface of upper left side cylindrical pivot assembly400. Adjustment rod614includes a plurality of spaced apart openings618therethrough. It will be appreciated that this construction can be reversed in that housing602is mounted to upper left side cylindrical pivot assembly400and housing616is mounted to lower left side cylindrical pivot assembly200.

Housing602includes a first lower chamber624to the outside of opening612, and a second lower chamber626to the outside of first lower chamber624and separated from first lower chamber624by a vertical wall628. Vertical wall628has an opening630which serves as a guide, as will now be discussed.

A parallelepiped slide640has a retaining pin642at one end thereof, with slide640being slidingly received within the first and second lower chambers624and626, and guided horizontally by opening630in vertical wall628. The opposite end of first lower chamber624includes an opening632through which retaining pin642is slidably received, and which is adapted to engage within a respective opening618in adjustment rod614. A coil spring646is positioned within second lower chamber626and engages the end of slide640which is opposite retaining pin642, so as to normally bias retaining pin642through opening632in first lower chamber624. In this manner, retaining pin642can be selectively positioned in a respective opening618so as to adjust the vertical separation between left side cylindrical pivot assemblies200and400.

In order to move retaining pin622out of a respective opening618, so as to enable vertical adjustment between left side cylindrical pivot assemblies200and400, slide640is provided with a vertical opening648, with the wall defining the vertical opening648which is closest to coil spring646, being inclined to form a wedge surface650.

A release member652slidably extends upwardly through the lower end of first lower chamber624. Release member652includes a pushbutton654which extends downwardly out from first lower chamber624. Opposite retaining fingers656extend upwardly from pushbutton654, each including a catch658at the free end thereof for engaging within a respective ledge (not shown) in first lower chamber624to prevent escape of release member652from first lower chamber624, while permitting sliding movement of release member652in first lower chamber624.

A finger660extends upwardly from pushbutton654and includes a wedge surface662for engaging with wedge surface650of slide640.

In order to adjust the distance of upper left side cylindrical pivot assembly400relative to lower left side cylindrical pivot assembly200, pushbutton654is pressed upwardly so that wedge surface662engages wedge surface662to move slide640to the right inFIG. 17against the force of coil spring646, thereby moving retaining pin642out of the respective opening618in adjustment rod614. Since adjustment rod614is no longer restrained, upper left side cylindrical pivot assembly400can be moved vertically relative to lower left side cylindrical pivot assembly200, to adjust the transverse inclination of upper pivotable support frame18relative to lower pivotable support frame16. When the desired inclination is achieved, pushbutton654is released, whereby coil spring646biases slide640to the left inFIG. 17, whereupon retaining pin642engages within another opening618of adjustment rod614, to maintain this new vertical separation between left side cylindrical pivot assemblies200and400.

With the arrangement described above, when the infant is napping or crying, connecting tube sections26c,28care rotated to the position shown inFIG. 2, and adjustment rod346is moved down to its lowest position as shown inFIG. 2. In this position, the infant is in a horizontal sleeping position and can be safely rocked back and forth in a transverse direction, that is, between the left and right sides.

When it is desired to feed the infant, connecting tube sections26c,28care rotated to the position shown inFIG. 8. In this position, stop extensions50are supporting adjustable incline sleeper10so as to prevent rocking thereof. At the same time, adjustment rod614is moved to an upper position such that left side cylindrical pivot assembly400is moved away from left side cylindrical pivot assembly200, whereby the infant is in a partially inclined position, which facilitates feeding of the infant.

It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the present claims. For example, a curved arm700having a mobile702at the upper free end thereof can be mounted to adjustable incline sleeper10. One manner of mounting curved arm700is shown inFIG. 1by providing a gap in flexible body covering attached to connecting tube section256c, whereby the lower end of curved arm700can be clamped onto connecting tube section256c. Another manner of mounting curved arm700is shown inFIG. 31in which the lower end of curved arm700telescopically receives the upper end of adjustment rod614.

Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.