Collapsible crib

The present invention relates to collapsible cribs. The cribs have one or more of the following characteristics: adjustable length and/or, width and/or height, lightweight, easily collapsed, very compact when collapsed and easily carried, stored and transported. Embodiments disclosed relate to pens, cribs, and play yards with and without wheels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to collapsible cribs. The cribs have one or more of the following characteristics: adjustable length and/or, width and/or height, lightweight, easily collapsed, very compact when collapsed and easily carried, stored and transported. Embodiments disclosed relate to pens, cribs, and play yards with and without wheels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to walled collapsible structures like baby beds and including devices that act as cribs, playpens or play yards and the like.

Traveling or camping with babies and very young children is often very difficult because a large amount of equipment is necessary to provide for the baby or young child. While it is known that certain devices may be collapsed for easier transport, many of these devices are still relatively difficult to store in a relatively small space. In addition, many or these devices are heavy, making it difficult to carry all of the necessary items for supporting the baby or young child.

For example, while collapsible playpens or play yards are known, they generally include a relatively heavy frame connected by hinges. The frame may be collapsed with some effort, and it is still necessary to transport the relatively heavy device from place to place. Moreover, as the size of the child increases the size and weight of the devices to accommodate them also tends to significantly increase. For a family traveling or camping with a baby or young child, this may mean not only must they transport the youngster, the youngster's clothing and food, but the heavy bed and perhaps playpen must be moved as well.

Another limitation on existing cribs, playpens and play yards is the size of baby or child that can be accommodated by the devices. A full size baby crib would generally be considered much to big for a new born infant and a bassinet obviously would be to small for a one or two year old child. Thus the need to purchase several different beds and playpens to accommodate a child's early sleeping and play needs.

Thus, there is a continuing need for a baby and young child's bed and/or confined play area which may be readily transported from place to place which may be easily set up at a new location, and which adequately protects the baby or young child. More over, it would be most desirable if one device could provide sleeping and play needs for the early periods of a child's life.

Thus, there is a continuing need for a baby and young child's bed and/or confined play area which may be readily transported from place to place which may be easily set up at a new location, and which adequately protects the baby or young child. More over, it would be most desirable if one device could provide sleeping and play needs for the early periods of a child's life.

In this specification we disclose solutions to the aforementioned problems related to baby beds, cribs, play pens, play yards, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this specification we describe a number of possible collapsible crib configurations and applications. All of the collapsible cribs contain one or more of the following elements: anti-torque posts, crossed support arms, flexible Structure Locking Elements (SLE), Anti-Collapse Mechanisms (ACM), telescoping crossed support arms detachable horizontal support bar assemblies, and telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies.

In the detailed description we describe how each of the aforementioned elements are constructed and operate in relation to cribs that collapse in at least two directions simultaneously. We disclose crib structures with fixed dimensions when opened and those whose dimensions can be altered. We disclose collapsible cribs with and without wheels. In the details we provide a number of specific application examples for the collapsible structures enumerated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In this specification like reference characters are used for like parts throughout the several views and similar parts at different locations are indicated by a letter following the part reference number. Thus for example, referring toFIG. 1(This figure is also FIG. 1 from the parent application Ser. No. 09/642,948 filed on Aug. 22, 2000—now U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,033—and hereafter referred to as “Parent”) the four lower corner brackets60A,60B,60C, and60D may be referenced as individual brackets in this specification or when not referring to a specific bracket but rather the brackets in general as lower corner brackets60. Also, in this specification the term “open” when used in connection with the description of a crib is meant to mean the crib in its functional or use configuration and “closed” is meant to mean the device in its collapsed or non-functional configuration. We define crib as an enclosure that will confine a child or animal within the area created by the crib walls when in the open position.

Turning now to a discussion of the drawings.FIG. 1illustrates a collapsible frame having two bisecting pivotally connected at55crossed support arms,50A and50B,50C and50D,50E and50F and50G and50H, per side with all crossed support arms being of equal length, four lower corner brackets,60A,60B,60C and60D, four upper corner brackets,40A,40B,40C and40D, to which said support arms50are attached as illustrated. Also illustrated are four casters,70A,70B,71A and71B, one attached below each of lower corner brackets,60A,60B,60C and60D.FIG. 1also illustrates two vertical posts30A and30B with quick disconnects220A and220B for a push bar20.

It is from this basic collapsible frame structure that a number of crib embodiments are disclosed. Although we will disclose each of the new embodiments individually, it is our intent that the reader understand that many permutations and combinations of the new embodiments illustrated are possible.

We have found that when heavy loads are applied to the frame illustrated inFIG. 1, the front upper corner brackets40C and40D, and the front lower corner brackets,60C and60D will tend to move out of vertical alignment. This is a problem since the wheels70A and70B, are mounted directly below the corner brackets60C and60D and are thus also forced out of vertical alignment and render the wheel inoperative as illustrated inFIG. 2(this figure is also FIG. 10A from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/014,125 filed on Dec. 11, 2001—now U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,433 a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/642,948 filed on Aug. 22, 2000—now U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,033 (hereafter referred to as CIP-1))with a slight modification—[footrest attachment brackets133A and133B removed])

The solution for this problem is the addition of telescoping anti-torque posts35A and35B, as shown InFIG. 3(This figure is also FIG. 10 of the CIP-1 with a slight modification—[hand grips57, seat100, and arm rests105have been removed]).FIG. 3is a front cross sectional view of a wheeled frame front illustrated inFIG. 4. (this is also FIG. 4 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/075,862 filed Feb. 13, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,161 which is a first Continuation-in-Part U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/014,125 filed on Dec. 11, 2001—now U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,433 and of parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/642,948 filed on Aug. 22, 2000—now U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,033 (hereafter referred to as CIP-1)). (It should be noted that similar telescoping anti-torque posts35are also illustrated in FIG. 13 of CIP-1).FIG. 4is identical toFIG. 1with the exception of the addition of two telescoping anti-torque posts,35A and35B. In this embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 3, two telescoping vertically aligned anti-torque posts,35A and35B, are comprised of lower posts,132A and132B attached to the two lower front corner brackets60C and600. A second set of hollow slidable posts131A and131B are positioned over lower posts132A and132B. In the preferred embodiment of this invention the upper ends of132A and132B are connected the upper front corner brackets40C and40D and in another embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 3, the upper posts131A and131B extend through the upper front corner brackets40C and40D and are slidable within those brackets.

The system shown inFIG. 3solves the caster twisting technical problem by preventing such torque distortion. This is accomplished by adding vertical telescoping anti-torque posts assemblies35A and35B that keep the upper and lower front corner brackets40C and40D and60C and60D in vertical alignment. In turn, this is because the torque forces are less than the vertical force of anti-torque posts35A and35B. Anti-torque post assemblies can be used on each corner of a crib.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower sections132A and132B (seeFIG. 3) of the telescoping anti-torque posts35A and35B have the smaller diameter and slide inside the larger diameter sections131A and131B that are on top. It is known, however, that the reverse orientation could have been applied. In addition, the inside posts may be of hollow or solid construction.

The length of the lower sections of the telescoping anti-torque posts,132A and132B, is such that these posts have a considerable overlap with the front upper sections of the anti-torque posts,131A and131B, when the device is in the collapsed position such that they will not be easily separated. Thus, a portion of the interior sections132A and132B are always contained within the upper outer sections131A and131B. For the first time in the art of crib design this telescoping system makes it possible to use a flexible or removable crib frame support structure and maintain the casters in alignment during use and still have a collapsible crib closing simultaneously in the X and Y direction.

Turning now to the Structure Locking Element embodiment that we will also refer to as SLE. For easy of understanding we have defined the SLE as the component element which when attached at or to the four upper corner brackets and/or at or to the four lower corner brackets holds the frame in a rigid fixed open position. The SLE keeps the frame in its desire upright position and prevents it from collapsing to the floor in the absence of a cross members such as the push bar20inFIG. 1.

SLEs can be of many shapes, sizes and materials and can be attached to or at the corner brackets in many ways. We will attempt to provide a number of general examples, however, these should not be considered as an all inclusive list, but rather only as examples of the embodiment.

We start with a variation on a well known form of SLE, the seat for a camping chair. In this example we illustrate a SLE made of a flexible material such materials as webs, belts, fabric, rope, etc.FIG. 5(FIG. 7 from CIP-2), that is identical toFIG. 4except for the addition of a flexible SLE200made of a nylon web, illustrates the corners of the SLE attached at the upper corner brackets40A,40B,40C and40D. In this example the SLE200is in the shape of a square because all of the crossed support arms are of equal length and thus by definition must form a square when open. InFIG. 5we have illustrated grommets210placed in the four corners of the nylon web SLE200and the corner grommets210sliding over the rear vertical posts,30A and30B, and over the telescoping anti-torque posts,35A and35B. Thus the frame inFIG. 5is held in a rigid fixed open position.

At this point it is important to mention that although the SLEs200we discuss in this and the following examples are for frames having square openings in upper or lower corner brackets, the principles will also be applicable to other shaped openings such as triangular, rectangular and pentagon shaped frame embodiments that we will disclose later in the specification.

Although this example uses a fabric web similar to that in Example 1, it differs significantly in that the SLE is offset inside the frame. This is very important when side walls are attached to the SLE since the offset prevents children and animals from striking or touching the collapsible frame when incorporated into play pens, cribs, and animal crates.

This new offset flexible SLE202is illustrated inFIG. 6(FIG. 9 in CIP-2. InFIG. 6the flexible nylon web SLE202is attached to each of the upper corner brackets40by means of shackles211. In this example, the upper corner brackets40A,40B,40C and40D have been modified as illustrated inFIG. 7(FIG. 10 in CIP-2), which is an enlarged view the area around the upper corner bracket40B, so as to have a ring212upon which to clip the shackles211. The shackles are attached to straps201which are attached to the outside corners of a flexible nylon web thus forming the SLE202.

Turning now to another new embodiment that we define as the “Anti-Collapse Locking Mechanism” or ACLM. We useFIG. 8(FIG. 15 in CIP-2) to introduce the concept of a flexible Anti-Collapse Locking Mechanism. InFIG. 8, shackles211are attached to each end of a nylon belt139. One shackle211on the end of the nylon belt is clipped to the clip ring212in upper corner bracket40D previously described inFIG. 7. A similar clip ring212has been incorporated into the lower corner bracket60D and the other shackle211is clipped to the lower corner bracket60D thus preventing the structure from collapsing should upward, downward or sidewise pressure be applied to the upper SLE202. For cribs it is most desirable to lock the collapsible frame in an open position with an ACLM to prevent accidentally collapsing the frame and causing injury should a child push on a SLE.

Any rigid or flexible means or structure can be used to create an ACLM as long as it prevents the upper and lower corner brackets from separating and thus collapsing the frame while the device is in an open position. For example, ACLM's may be incorporated into rigid vertical posts, flexible sidewalls of a crib or as separate members as demonstrated by the nylon strap139inFIG. 8.

In yet another embodiment of the invention we disclose how to adjust at least one dimension (length, width, or height) of the basic collapsible frame illustrated inFIG. 4.FIG. 9(FIG. 16 in CIP-2), illustrates adjustability in the front to back direction. InFIG.9, the crossed support arms50C and50D and50G and50H shown inFIG. 4have been replaced by two pair of pivotally connected telescoping crossed support arm assemblies350C and350D and350G and350H.FIG. 10(FIG. 17 in CIP-2), illustrates a pair of telescoping crossed support arm assemblies350where each support arm is essentially identical with its pivotally bound counter part and each crossed support arm is comprised of an intermediate tubular section351and a pair of outer tubular sections352that telescope opposite ends into and out of said intermediate section351. The telescoping crossed support arms inFIG. 17are illustrated as having hollow intermediate tubular sections351and outer tubular sections352, however, either the outer or the inner sections may be solid and the sections may slide over each other in either direction.

The point where the telescoping support arms350bisect each other and are pivotally connected is shown as55. The point where each crossed support arm350is pivotally connected to an upper or lower corner bracket40or60is shown as56.FIG. 11(FIG. 18 in CIP-2) illustrates a means for locking all of the outer telescoping tubular sections352at positions equal distance to the pivotal connection point55. Each outer tubular section352has formed therein a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes321. Said holes321are spaced identically for each of the outer tubular sections352and on both sides. Thus assuring that the pivotal connection point55for each pair of crossed support arms350remains centered within the side defined by a string stretched around the outmost ends of the four outer tubular sections352and because opposite sides are also identical, the opposite side is also centered in an identical position. Each intermediate tubular section351has a hole322formed therein similar to hole321. A hairpin or V-shaped leaf spring323is housed in the inner end of each tubular section351and compressed between the opposing inside faces of tubular proximate holes322. One of the legs of each leaf spring323is provided with a radially projecting button324terminating in a rounded end and slidable engaging hole322and a selected axially aligned hole321to releasably lock intermediate tubular section351and respective tubular elements352and thus releasably lock crossed support arm assemblies350at a desired adjusted length.

FIG. 12A(FIG. 19A in CIP-2) is a schematic illustration of the collapsible frame inFIG. 16with the telescoping crossed support arm350C and350D and350G and350H in a non-extended position.FIG. 12B(FIG. 19B in CIP-2) shows the same frame with telescoping crossed support arm assemblies350C and350D and350G and350H extended. Thus, by extending all of the telescoping opposite side crossed support arms (this keeps the bisecting points of the two sides of the collapsible frame centered) the length of the collapsible frame can be extended without changing the height or width. The width of a cart and or crib can also be adjusted by applying the same principle of telescoping crossed support arms to the front side and back side. Like wise, the length and the width can both be adjusted independently of each other on the same collapsible frame by using telescoping crossed support arm pairs on all sides of a of the frame. Moreover, a frame's height can also be raised or lowered while keeping the same width and length through the use of telescoping crossed support arm pairs on all sides.

In yet another embodiment of the invention an adjustable collapsible frameFIG. 13(FIG. 20 in CIP-2) illustrates a collapsible frame having telescoping crossed support arm assemblies350G and350H on one side and pivotally connected detachable telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies355C and355D on the other side.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the detachable telescoping horizontal support bar355C is pivotally connected to front upper corner bracket40C at56and has a snap fitting280mounted on the other end in order to quickly connect and disconnect from the front upper corner bracket40B. The other detachable telescoping support bar355D is pivotally connected to front lower corner bracket60B and has a snap fitting280mounted on the other end in order to quickly connect and disconnect from the front lower corner bracket60C. The rear upper corner bracket40B and the front lower corner bracket60C have been modified to include a ring into which the snap fittings280can be connected. The pivotally connected detachable telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies355C and355D telescope in a manner similar to that previously described for an intermediate and outer section of a telescoping crossed support arm. It should be noted that although not illustrated in a figure, the detachable horizontal support bars355C and355D can also be constructed of a single rigid member that is of a corresponding predetermined length to form a unique desired frame configuration for the collapsible frame in an open position.

FIG. 14(FIG. 21 in CIP-2), illustrates the pivotally connected telescoping support bar355inFIG. 13. Each support bar has an inner tubular section351that slides within an outer tubular section352. The outer tube352has formed therein a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes321. Said holes321are spaced to create a predetermined bar length. The intermediate tubular section intermediate tubular section351has a hole322formed therein similar to hole321. A hairpin or V-shaped leaf spring323is housed in the inner end of each tubular section351and compressed between the opposing inside faces of tubular proximate holes322. One of the legs of each leaf spring323is provided with a radially projecting button324terminating in a rounded end and slidable engaging hole322and a selected axially aligned hole321to releasably lock intermediate tubular section351and respective tubular element352and thus releasably lock the telescoping horizontal support bar355in a fixed position. Predetermined bar lengths are established to keep the frame in a rectangular shape, thus keeping an equal distance between upper corner brackets40C and40B and40A and40D and lower corner brackets60A and60D and60C and60B.

FIG. 15A(FIG. 22A in CIP-2) is a schematic illustration of the collapsible frame inFIG. 14with the telescoping crossed support arm assemblies350G and350H the detachable telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies355C and355D in an open non-extended position.FIG. 15B(FIG. 22B in CIP-2) shows the same frame with telescoping crossed support arm assemblies350G and350H and the detachable telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies355C and355D extended. Thus, by extending all of the telescoping crossed support arm assemblies350G and350H and keeping the bisecting point centered and by extending the detachable telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies355C and355D the length of the collapsible frame can be extended without changing the height or width. The width of a collapsible frame can also be adjusted by applying the same principle of telescoping crossed support arm assemblies to the front side or back side and detachable telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies to the opposite front or back side. Likewise, the length and the width can both be adjusted independently of each other on the same collapsible frame by using a combination of telescoping crossed support arm pairs and detachable telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies on all sides. Moreover, a frame's height can also be raised or lowered while keeping the same width and length through the use of telescoping crossed support arm pairs on all sides.

Referring now to cribs, beds, playpens, pens or play yards or a combination of these devices for use by babies, young children or pets. When the words crib, bed, playpen, pen or play yard are used in this specification it should be understood that they are being used interchangeably within this specification.

The collapsible frame structures and related embodiments that have previously been described for collapsible frames are applicable to those of cribs, beds, playpens, play yards and pens. When referring to the following drawings we continue to use like reference characters. The collapsible open-topped frame100, shown inFIG. 16(FIG. 25 in CIP-2), which can fulfill the function of a collapsible frame for a crib for a baby or young child or as a frame for a playpen or play yard when the baby or young child is not sleeping, was the basis for CIP-2.

The open topped collapsible frame inFIG. 16is comprised of four telescoping sides with each side having a pair of crossed support arms350A and350B,350C and350D,350E and350F and350G and350H. Each pair of crossed support arms350A and350B,350C and350D,350E and350F and350G and350H are pivotally connected at the their center of rotation55and all crossed support arms350are of equal length.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, each crossed support arms350A and350B,350C and350D,350E and350F and350G and350H are essentially identical in construction with each arm comprised of an intermediate tubular section351and a pair of outer tubular sections352that telescope opposite ends into and out of said intermediate section351.FIG. 11illustrates a means for locking the outer telescoping tubular sections352at points equal distance to the pivotal connection point. Each outer tubular section352has formed therein a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes321. Said holes321are spaced identically for each of the out tubular sections on a side and for each of the tubular sections on the side opposite. Thus assuring that the pivotal connection point55for each pair of crossed support arms350remains centered within the side defined by a string stretched around the outmost ends of the four outer tubular sections352on each side and also centered with the side opposite. Each intermediate tubular section351has a hole322formed therein similar to hole321. A hairpin or V-shaped leaf spring323is housed in the inner end of each tubular section351and compressed between the opposing inside faces of tubular element351proximate holes322. One of the legs of each leaf spring323is provided with a radially projecting detent324terminating in a rounded end and slidably engaging hole322and a selected axially aligned hole321to releasably lock intermediate tubular section351and respective tubular elements352and thus releasably lock telescoping crossed support arms350at a desired adjusted length.

For purposes of explanation the crib's100sides shall be labeled as follows, the side containing telescoping crossed support arms350A and350B shall be designated as the back and the side containing telescoping crossed support arms350E and350F shall be designated as the front. The left side as seen from the back facing the front incorporates telescoping crossed support arms350G and350H and the right side incorporates telescoping crossed support arms350C and350D.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the crib100is comprised of four upper corner brackets40A,40B,40C and40D and four lower corner brackets60A,60B,60C, and60D and have telescoping cross support arms350A and350B,350C and350D,350E and350F and350G and350H attached to them as follows. The lower ends of the front right and left crossed support arms350E and350F and the lower ends of the right side telescoping crossed support arm350C and the left side crossed support arms350G are connected to the lower right and left front corner brackets60C and60D; and the lower ends of the right and left rear crossed support arms350B and350A and the lower end of the rear right side telescoping crossed support arm350D and the left side telescoping crossed support arm350H are connected to lower right and left rear corner brackets60B and60A; and similarly, the upper ends of the left and right front telescoping crossed support arms350F and350E and the upper front ends of the right and left side telescoping crossed support arms350D and350H are connected to upper right and left front corner brackets40C and40D and upper ends of the left and right rear crossed support arms350A and350B and the upper back ends of the right and left side telescoping crossed support arms350C and350G are connected to the upper right and left rear corner brackets40B and40A.

All of the crossed telescoping support arms350are pivotally connected to the four upper corner brackets40A,40B,40C and40D and four lower corner brackets50A,60B,60C, and60D allowing the frame to expand or collapse simultaneously in both the X and Y direction. This is illustrated inFIG. 17A,FIG. 17BandFIG. 17C(FIG. 26A, FIG. 26B and FIG. 26C in CIP-2) which through schematic drawings. FIG.17A—an open collapsible crib frame with telescoping crossed support arms extended, FIG.17B—an open collapsible crib frame with telescoping arms unextended and a nearly collapsed crib frame and FIG.17C—the collapsible frame in the near closed position. It can be seen that as the collapsible frame is closed all crossed support arms become essentially parallel to each other and upper and lower corner brackets will be separately aggregated together.

FIG. 18(FIG. 27 in CIP-2) is a cut away view of a crib frame that has flexible sidewalls171and a flexible bottom80attached. In the preferred embodiment of the CIP-2 invention, the sidewalls incorporate an SLE strap or web200into their construction. Said sidewalls171are generally placed inside the frame to form a protective barrier against a child falling and hitting the crossed support arm. The sidewalls171will generally be constructed of a flexible mesh fabric and the bottom will be made of a moisture barrier material to protect beds from possible urination accidents and children from dampness and moisture from the ground when used as a playpen. In a preferred embodiment, the perimeter formed by the sidewalls171is designed to be smaller than the perimeter defined by the four upper corner brackets40or the lower corner bracket60. In this example, the sidewalls are also designed to act as an Anti Collapse Locking Mechanism. The sidewalls171are attached to the lower corner brackets when the crib is open thus locking the structure in an open position by preventing the upward movement of the upper corner brackets40that is required to collapse the structure when the collapsible frame is sitting on a hard surface.

A removable mattress (not shown) may also be added to the bed or play pen. In addition a top netting or cover may also be added to the collapsible frame structure(not shown).

The subject of this application is yet another version of the collapsible crib frame as illustrated inFIG. 19(FIG. 28 in the CIP-2), Because the patent office has determined the crib illustrated byFIG. 19to be a different species than that ofFIG. 18, we describe our invention in more detail. The back, front and left sides of the crib are constructed as previously described inFIG. 18. For purposes of explanation, the four-sided crib frame101illustrated inFIG. 19has been labeled in a manner similar to that of the four-sided crib frame ofFIG. 18. The side containing telescoping crossed support arms350A and350B is designated as the back, the side containing telescoping crossed support arms350E and350F is designated as the front and the side containing crossed support arms350G and350H is designated as the left side. The remaining side is comprised of two telescoping horizontal telescoping crossed support arms355A and355B and is designated as the right side.

Each pair of telescoping crossed support arms350is pivotally connected where the support arms bisect each other and are of equal length. As illustrated previously inFIG. 10, each telescoping crossed support arm is essentially identical and is comprised of an intermediate tubular section351and a pair of outer tubular sections352that telescope opposite ends into and out of said intermediate section351and is similar in functionality to those described inFIG. 11.FIG. 19illustrates, two detachable telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies355. One support bar355B is pivotally connected to front lower corner bracket60B and has a snap fitting280mounted on the other end in order to quickly connect and disconnect from the front lower corner bracket60C. The other detachable telescoping horizontal support bar355A is pivotally connected to the front upper corner bracket40C and has a snap fitting280mounted on the other end in order to quickly connect and disconnect from the upper corner bracket40B. The detachable telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies355A and355B telescope in a manner similar to that previously illustrated inFIG. 14. Each bar has an inner tubular section351that slides within an outer tubular section352. The outer tube352has formed therein a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes321. Said holes321are spaced to create a predetermined bar length when the previously described V-shaped or hairpin spring323is engaged into a specific hole. The predetermined bar lengths are established to keep the frame in a rectangular shape, thus keeping an equal distance between upper corner brackets40A and40D and40B and40C and lower corner brackets60A and60D and60B and60C.

As illustrated inFIG. 19, the crib frame101is comprised of four upper corner brackets40A,40B,40C and40D and four lower corner brackets60A,60B,60C and60D. All telescoping crossed support arms350for the back and left and right sides are connected to the upper and lower corner brackets as described inFIG. 16. The pivotal end of the upper detachable telescoping horizontal support bar355A is attached to the upper corner bracket40C and the pivotal end of the lower detachable telescoping horizontal support bar355B is attached to the lower corner brackets60B.

Thus, the three pair of telescoping crossed support arms, the detachable horizontal telescoping support bar assemblies and the corner brackets form a size adjustable, collapsible open topped frame when the upper corner brackets40and the lower corner brackets60are spread apart and the horizontal telescoping bar assemblies355are connected. The collapsible frame can be made into a crib and locked into position with the addition of an SLE. We have previously described inFIG. 18an SLE200incorporated into the sidewalls171, and a bottom80that could also be used with the collapsible frame illustrated inFIG. 19. As previously described forFIG. 16, the crib frame is locked into its open position by SLE200which has been incorporated into the sidewalls171and the side walls also acts as an Anti Collapse Locking Mechanism.

When it is desired to collapse the frame illustrated inFIG. 19for storage or transit, the two detachable horizontal support bar assemblies,355A and355B are detached from corner brackets60C and40D. Once detached, these brackets can be telescoped inwards upon themselves and rotated so to a vertical alignment. Thus when all of the upper corner brackets are together, and all of the lower corner brackets are together, and all of the crossed support arms are lined up in essentially parallel alignment, the two detachable horizontal bar assemblies,355A and355B will also lay essentially in parallel alignment.

FIG. 20is similar toFIG. 18in that it illustrates a crib with a flexible liner171and floor80. The collapsible frame, which contains four upper corner brackets40A,40B,40C and40D, four lower corner brackets60A,60B,60C, and60D, three telescoping cross arm supports350A and350B,350C and350D, and350G and350H and two detachable horizontal support arm assemblies355E and355F, can be made into a crib and locked into position with the SLE171. We have previously described inFIG. 18an SLE200incorporated into the sidewalls171, and a bottom80that could also be used with the collapsible frame illustrated inFIG. 20. InFIG. 20we have also incorporated a flexible Anti-Collapse Locking Mechanism139into the liner. This concept has been previously discussed in connection withFIG. 8.

The crib designs illustrated in this specification are but a few of the designs that are possible based on using combinations of the embodiments of pivotally connected cross support arms50, pivotally connected telescoping cross support arms350, telescoping anti-torque posts35, detachable horizontal support bar assemblies (not shown), detachable horizontal telescoping support bar assemblies355, SLE's and Anti-locking Mechanism disclosed in this specification. It is not our intent to limit possible crib designs to those designs disclosed in this specification, but rather to consider them as examples of the many possible designs which can be created using the disclosed design elements.

Although we have not discussed it during our presentation of crib frames, it is possible to attach or extend telescoping legs from the lower corner brackets61such that the crib sleeping area will be raised above the ground. As illustrated inFIG. 21a rigid SLE304is attached to lower corner brackets61A,61B,61C, and61D to provide a surface upon which a mattress could be placed for sleeping. Telescoping anti-torque posts35are extended below the lower corner brackets61and are held in place by a locking mechanism.

A preferred embodiment is to place the collapsible crib upon a juvenile or adult bed and thus take advantage of an existing sleeping space and mattress. To achieve this end we introduce an embodiment that makes this possible—Anti-Tip Assemblies. Small babies and children who do not crawl or walk are often left on beds in bassinets or similar type portable beds to rest as there is little risk or fear of the child tipping the portable bed by rolling over. However, as the child grows and gains the ability to stand and apply weight to the upper edges of a portable bed, the potential exists for the child to topple the portable bed and fall onto the floor increases dramatically. Thus, children with the ability to stand and walk are not placed in portable beds resting on juvenile or adult beds.

FIG. 22illustrates an Anti-Tip Assembly (tie down straps) that can be incorporated into the lower or upper corner brackets of collapsible beds that eliminates the potential for children who can stand and walk from tipping a collapsible crib. InFIG. 22, a collapsible crib frame100is placed upon a mattress3. An Anti-Tip Assembly12consists of detachable straps600that attach to each other or to the bed mattress3or frame and to the lower corner brackets60.FIG. 22illustrates one end of detachable straps600A,600B,600C, and600D attached with clips601onto each lower corner brackets60A,60B,60C and60D respectively. The straps600A and600B are placed underneath the mattress3and are connected to a buckle602on600D and600C respectively. The straps600are then tightened to lock the collapsible crib frame to the mattress3thus preventing it from tipping or skidding should a child's weight be applied to in a manner that might otherwise cause the crib to tip or skid.

Once the concept of an Anti-Tip Assembly for securing the collapsible frame to a juvenile or adult bed is recognized, one skilled in the art can derive many means of accomplishing the task of anchoring a collapsible crib frame to a bed. For example, to avoid having to go under the mattress3one might use a U shaped hook attached to a strap to hook onto the side of a mattress and then secure the strap to a corner bracket with a cinch buckle.

Alternatively, if the collapsible crib is to be used as a playpen on the ground, there will be no mattress to anchor the frame to in order to avoid tipping.FIG. 23illustrates an Anti-Tipping Assembly that can be used with and without ground anchors. The Anti-Tipping Assembly consists of a lower corner bracket60that has pivotal connection points56for support arms such as crossed support arms, telescoping crossed support arms or telescoping horizontal support bar assemblies. The corner bracket60also has a cut out area701into which an anti-tip extension bar700fits. The cut out area on the lower corner bracket60is design such that the anti-tip extension bar700provides a resistance force to any pressure applied to the frame in the direction of the anti-tip extension bar700and thus keeps the collapsible structure from tipping over. The lower corner bracket60is also designed to allow the anti-tip extension bar700to be removed from the corner bracket by moving the extended end of the anti-tip extension bar700downward to a perpendicular angle to the bottom of the corner bracket60, rotating the bar90degrees and dropping it out the bottom of the corner bracket60. Thus the crib can be collapsed to a very small size when the anti-tip extension bar700is removed when the frame is collapsed, yet provide stability when the frame is open and the anti-tip bar is installed.

When the anti-tip extension bar700is to be used for other collapsible structures such as protective sheds for building products, an additional ground spike modification is added to keep the collapsible structure from being lifted by the wind.FIG. 24illustrates the addition of a spike701that is inserted into the ground through a hole in the anti-tip extension bar700. For easy of removing the spike701from the ground when it is desire to collapse the structure, a ring702has been added to the head of the spike700.

Throughout this specification we have described telescoping crossed support arms350as being comprised of intermediate sections351and outer sections352. This was done for convenience in describing the embodiments. It should be understood that any telescoping element can consist of a number of intermediate sections and outer sections and that what is an outer section to a centered intermediate section may also be an intermediate section to a further outer section. Thus, any description of telescoping arm elements should be considered to assume that the arm can have at least three or more sections.

Throughout this specification we have depicted the corner bracket in illustrations as a solid piece to which the crossed support arms are pivotally attached such as illustrated with corner bracket61B inFIG. 18. The corner brackets may, however, also be made of flexible materials such as a shock cording material which will permit the support members to pivot from an open to closed position and vice versa.

In the specification we talk about bisecting crossed support arms and bisecting telescoping crossed support arms. It is our intent that the length being divided in half is the distance between the upper and lower corner brackets on each arm. Moreover, it is also our intent that when support arms are considered to be the same length, that the length is measured between the upper and lower corner brackets.

In the specification we refer to intermediate telescoping sections351and outer telescoping sections352in relation to the center point of the arm with respect to the other sections and not to whether a section slides inside or outside of another tubular section. Although the examples have been illustrated with the intermediate section being the smaller diameter tube over which the outer tube sides the converse is also possible.

Inner and outer tubular sections of telescoping bar assemblies355are also reversible and the telescoping bars may consist of more than two telescoping sections.

Most of the discussion in the specification has been related to four sided collapsible frames with closing occurring in the X and Y directions. This has been for easy of understanding the basic concept of the invention. It is our intent that collapsible structures can be made of three or more sides and that each corner bracket which has attached members shall have pivoting support arms which open and close to form an enclosed area within the open frame. Moreover, such support arms weather they be horizontal or crossed can may be constructed as telescoping or fixed in length.