Abstract:
A folding headboard collapsible crib is provided including front and rear walls and collapsible left and right end walls. Safety hinge mechanisms are provided at the left and right end wall portions of the crib and a stop block system on the mattress support to eliminate pinch points and snag points at the foldable headboard and/or footboard locations. A mattress support platform is hingedly connected to a rear wall of the crib and is supported substantially around its entire periphery for enhanced maximum load bearing capacity. A strangulation proof strap system is carried on the mattress support platform for holding the crib in a collapsed configuration when not in use.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     The present exemplary embodiments relate to collapsible furniture. They find wide application in conjunction with collapsible juvenile furniture, particularly baby cribs, playpens for children and the like, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiments are also amenable to other like applications including any applications in which foldable or collapsible closures, playpens or containment devices would be useful.  
         [0002]     Prior art foldable headboard cribs include hinged headboard and footboard portions which are selectively movable inwardly to allow front and rear end walls of the crib to be collapsed together. However, some of those prior art devices may have inadvertently presented multiple pinch points or other areas which can create containment risks or catch point hazards. One area of concern is in the crease areas of the headboard and footboard whereat the hinged portions can present pinch point areas at their butt ends. Further, snag points may be created as a result of the location and placement of the hinge devices coupling the headboard and footboard portions.  
         [0003]     In addition to the above, collapsible headboard cribs have typically included a pivotable or otherwise movable mattress support platform adapted for supporting an infant mattress from below. Typically, the support platforms are anchored or otherwise attached to one or more of the crib frame areas during use such as by using hooks, locks, latches, or small blocks. However, prior art foldable headboard cribs typically have low maximum weight capacity ratings. One reason for this is that the mattress support platforms are often made of lightweight materials to help reduce the overall weight of the crib. Further, the mattress support platforms are often supported by frame portions of the crib by means of contact areas having a relatively small surface area. The hooks, locks, latches and small contact areas are insufficient to properly distribute the load supported by the mattress platform. This results in localized stress in the platform reducing its overall weight carrying capacity.  
         [0004]     In further addition, collapsible furniture including cribs often include a fastening strap or other belt-like device for holding the article in a collapsed condition to facilitate storage and handling. Strangulation accidents can result, however, from poorly designed strap systems.  
         [0005]     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a collapsible headboard crib which does not present pinch points or snag points at the foldable headboard and/or footboard locations.  
         [0006]     Further, there is a need in the art for a collapsible crib with a mattress support platform which is supported substantially around its entire periphery for enhanced maximum load bearing capacity.  
         [0007]     Still further, there is a need in the art for a strap system for holding a collapsible crib in a folded condition without presenting any strangulation potential. That is, there is a need for a strangulation proof strap system. For strap systems carried on the crib, this need extends to cribs in both the folded condition as well as the opened condition and further, in positions in between.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION  
       [0008]     In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a collapsible crib is provided including pairs of rear and front corner posts, a rear wall attached with the pair of rear corner posts and a front wall attached with the pair of front corner posts. Left and right end walls extend between and connect the rear and front corner posts to define a rectangular enclosure having a central opening. A mattress platform having opposite front and rear edges and opposite left and right edges is provided. The rear edge of the mattress platform is operatively connected with the lower rail of the rear wall for pivotal movement between a vertical folded position and a horizontal opened position. A locking system is operatively associated with the mattress platform and the right and left end walls for holding the pair of end walls in mutually coextensive arrangements respectively, when the mattress platform is in the horizontal position.  
         [0009]     In accordance with a further aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, the locking system is operatively associated with the mattress platform and the lower rails of the left and right end walls for urging the end walls outwardly away from the central opening when the mattress platform is moved toward the horizontal opened position. The locking system engages the lower rails as the mattress platform nears its final resting horizontal opened position on the rails. This allows more clearance between the side ends of the mattress platform and the inside surfaces of the crib end panels. In that way, contact between the mattress platform and the left and right end walls is easily avoided during the major portion of pivotal mattress platform travel when opening the crib.  
         [0010]     Still further in accordance with yet another aspect of the application, the locking system is adapted to engage the lower rails of the left and right end walls as the mattress platform is moved from the vertical position towards the horizontal open position. In one embodiment, the locking system includes a pair of spaced apart block members carried on the bottom surface or underside of the mattress platform. An oblique ramp surface adapted to engage and urge the left and right end walls outwardly is provided on the block members.  
         [0011]     Still further in accordance with another aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, a Y-shaped strap fastener is provided for selectively connecting the front wall of the crib with the mattress platform to hold the left and right end walls between the front wall and the mattress platform of the crib. This helps facilitate storage and handling of the crib in a collapsed condition. The strap fastener includes a base portion attached to the crib platform and a pair of extension members carrying, on their free ends, fasteners for permitting the free ends of the extension members to be selectively connected together. The extension members form a closed loop adapted to surround a portion of the front wall to hold the crib in a collapsed condition. In one embodiment, the fasteners include fabric hook and loop fastener patches carried thereon and the length of the extension members are limited so that, in an attached closed loop condition, a maximum circumferential length of no greater than 7.5 inches is defined. This reduces the potential for entanglement and strangulation hazards.  
         [0012]     Still further in accordance with yet another aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, the lower rails of the front and rear walls and left and right end walls define a mattress platform support surface area for supporting the mattress platform substantially around its entire periphery for enhanced maximum load bearing capacity.  
         [0013]     In accordance with yet one further aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, a safety hinge system is provided for a coupling hinged portions of the left and right end wall members. A plurality of hinges are mortised into end panels of the left and right end walls to a depth sufficient to prevent snags by associated articles passed against the hinges on a side of the crib opposite from the central opening.  
         [0014]     These and other aspects of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding of the detailed specification as set forth herein. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a collapsible crib in an open position;  
         [0016]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are top plan views of the collapsible crib according to the present application showing the mattress platform in a raised vertical position and a lowered horizontal position, respectively;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged portion of the collapsible crib illustrated in  FIG. 2  showing a safety hinge system thereof;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3   a  is a perspective schematic illustration of the safety hinge system of  FIG. 3  showing an associated string passing thereover;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1  illustrating a stop block system for holding the crib end walls in a mutually spaced apart and individually co-extensive relationship in accordance with the present application;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the subject collapsible crib illustrated in an intermediate state between the open and folded positions;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view substantially taken along  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  similar to  FIG. 4  but instead illustrating the stop block system in an intermediate position urging the crib end walls outwardly as the mattress support is lowered;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the subject collapsible crib illustrated in a folded or collapsed position for storage; and,  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the subject collapsible crib in the folded position illustrated in  FIG. 7 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]     Referring to the drawing FIGURES for a clearer understanding of the embodiments of the application, it is seen that subject collapsible crib  10  comprises a free standing article of furniture movable between an open position shown in  FIGS. 1, 2   b  and a collapsed or folded position shown in  FIGS. 7, 8 . In the open position shown in  FIG.1 , the subject collapsible crib provides a safe and stable sleep or play structure for infants and the like. In addition, the subject crib is easily handled and conveniently stored when arranged in the collapsed position illustrated in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0025]     With particular reference first to  FIG. 1 , the subject collapsible crib  10  generally comprises rear and front walls  12  and  14 , respectively, left and right end walls  16  and  18 , respectively, and a mattress support member  20  adapted to support an associated mattress  22  (shown only in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The rear wall  12  and the left end wall  16  are each connected to a left rear corner post  30 . As well, the rear wall  12  and right end wall  18  are connected to a right rear corner post  32 . Similarly, the front wall  14  and the left end wall  16  are connected to a common left front corner post  34  and the front wall  14  and right end wall are connected to a common right front corner post  36 .  
         [0026]     It is to be appreciated that the rear and front walls  12 , 14  are pivotably connected with the left and right end walls  16 , 18  so that the subject collapsible crib  10  can be moved between the open position illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2   b  and the folded or collapsed position illustrated in  FIGS. 7, 8 . To that end, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the left and right end walls  16 , 18  are carried on one or more hinges relative to the their respective corner posts. More particularly, preferably, the left end wall  16  is carried on the left rear corner post  30  using upper and lower hinge joints  30   a ,  30   b , respectively. Further, the left end wall  16  is carried relative to the left front corner post  34  using upper and lower hinge joints  34   a  and  34   b , respectively. Similarly, the right end wall  18  is pivotally carried relative to the right rear corner post  32  and right front corner post  36  on a set of upper hinge joints  32   a ,  36   a  and lower hinge joints  32   b ,  36   b , respectively. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the rear and front walls  12 , 14  are rigidly attached with the corner posts  30 - 36  using suitable joints, fasteners, glue or the like but preferably wood screws. It is to be understood, however, that more or less hinge devices on other structures can be used in the subject collapsible crib  10  to enable relative pivotal movement between all of the walls to enable the crib to be folded and unfolded between the positions illustrated in  FIG. 1, 2   b  and  7 ,  8 .  
         [0027]     With continued reference to  FIG. 1  but with further reference to the other drawing FIGURES, the rear wall  12  includes an upper horizontal rail member  40 , a lower horizontal rail member  42 , and a plurality of vertically oriented slat members  44  extending between and connecting the upper and lower rail members  40 ,  42 . As noted above, the rear wall  12  is preferably rigidly attached with the left and right rear corner posts  30 ,  32 . To that end, the upper and lower horizontal rail members  40 ,  42  are connected directly with the left and right rear corner posts  30 ,  32  using suitable fasteners such as screws, nails, glue, or the like. The vertical slat members  44  are carried between the rail members  40 ,  42 .  
         [0028]     As best shown in  FIG. 2   b , the lower horizontal rail member  42  of the rear wall  12  is coupled with the mattress support member  20  using one or more hinge members  24  to enable the mattress support member  20  to be pivotally moved relative to the rear wall  12  between a horizontal orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2   b ,  4  and a vertical orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a ,  7 ,  8 . Still further, in the preferred embodiment, for reasons to be described in greater detail below, the lower horizontal rail member  42  is wider in a horizontal plane relative to the upper horizontal rail member  40 .  
         [0029]     Similar to the above, the front wall  14  includes an upper horizontal rail member  50 , a lower horizontal rail member  52 , and a plurality of vertically disposed slat members  54  extending therebetween. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the lower horizontal rail member  52  carries an inwardly extending central bracket member  26  adapted to support the associated mattress  22  when the subject collapsible crib  10  is disposed in the folded orientation illustrated in  FIG. 7  for ease of storage and handling in a manner to be described in greater detail below.  
         [0030]     The subject collapsible crib  10  is in the style of a “collapsible headboard” article of juvenile furniture. To that end, the left and right end walls  16 ,  18  are fashioned to collapse inwardly into the space  28  between the front and rear walls  14 ,  12  when the crib is to be moved into its folded condition. Preferably, as illustrated, the head and foot boards are split and hinged at their center lines for pivoting inwardly into the space between the front and rear walls.  
         [0031]     In accordance with the present application, each of the left and right end walls  16 ,  18  are formed of a plurality of panels selectively collapsible into the central opening  28  defined between the rear and front walls  12 ,  14  for folding the crib between the open and collapsed positions. Preferably, however, each of the left and right end walls  16 ,  18  include a single pair of panel members hingedly connected along a single central vertical fold axis. More particularly, and with continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the left end wall  16  includes first and second panel members  60 ,  62  connected with each other along a fold axis  64  by means of upper and lower safety hinge systems  100 , the details of which are shown in  FIGS. 3 and 3   a  and will be described in greater detail below. The fold axis  64  extends substantially in a vertical direction relative to the horizontal orientation of the mattress support member  20  in the open position illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The first panel member  60  includes an upper horizontal rail member  60   a , a lower horizontal rail member  60   b , and a plurality of vertically disposed slat members  60   c . Similarly, the second panel member  62  of the left end wall  16  includes an upper horizontal rail member  62   a , a lower horizontal rail member  62   b , and a plurality of vertical disposed slat members  62   c . The upper and lower horizontal rail members  60   a ,  60   b  of the first panel member  60  are disposed in a mutually coextensive relationship with the upper and lower horizontal rail members  62   a ,  62   b  of the second panel member  62  when the collapsible crib  10  is manipulated into the open position illustrated in  FIG. 1 . However, the upper horizontal rail member  60   a  of the first panel member  60  is hingedly connected with the upper horizontal rail member  62   b  of the second panel member  62  using the safety hinge system permitting pivotal relative movement therebetween along the fold axis  64  for adjusting the crib between the open and folded positions. Similarly, the lower horizontal rail member  60   b  is pivotally attached by means of a safety hinge system  100  with the lower horizontal rail member  62   b.    
         [0032]     A second fold axis  74  is provided opposite the first fold axis  64 . The second fold axis is defined at the interface between first and second panel members  70 ,  72  comprising the right end wall  18 . The first panel member  70  of the right end wall  18  includes upper and lower horizontal rail members  70   a ,  70   b  as illustrated. Vertically disposed slat members  70   c  are provided between the upper and lower rail members. Similarly, the second panel member  72  includes upper and lower horizontal rail members  72   a ,  72   b  connected by vertically disposed slat members  72   c . The upper horizontal rail members  70   a ,  72   a  as well as the lower horizontal rail members  70   b ,  72   b  are mutually coextensive in the open position of the subject collapsible crib  10  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b . However, the first and second panel members  70 ,  72  forming the right end wall  18  are pivotally movable on hinges inwardly towards the central opening  28  defined between the rear and front walls  12 ,  14 .  
         [0033]     Turning next to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , the subject collapsible crib  10  of the preferred embodiment is shown from a top plan view in an open position with the mattress support member disposed in a vertical orientation ( FIG. 2   a ) and in a horizontal orientation ( FIG. 2   b ) adapted for supporting from beneath an associated mattress (not shown). As shown in the FIGURES, one end of the mattress support member  20  is carried on the lower horizontal rail member  42  of the rear wall  12  using the plurality of hinge members  24 . It is to be appreciated by inspection of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  that, in accordance with an aspect of the preferred embodiment of the subject collapsible crib, the mattress support member  20  is supported around its entire periphery by the lower horizontal rail members of the front and rear walls and of the left and right end walls. This significantly increases the load carrying capacity of the subject crib by providing stable peripheral support over a large surface area for optimal weight distribution and balance.  
         [0034]     More particularly and with reference to  FIG. 2   a , the mattress support member  20  is pivoted into a vertical orientation about an axis defined by the hinge members  24  to expose portions of the lower horizontal rail members adapted to provide support. To that end, the lower horizontal rail member  42  of the rear wall  12  includes a support portion  42   a  adapted to engage the rear edge region of the mattress support member  20  from below when the mattress support member is folded down into a horizontal orientation. Similarly, the lower horizontal rail member  52  of the front wall  14  includes a support portion  52   a  adapted to engage the front edge region of the underside of the mattress support member  20  when the latter is oriented in a horizontal position. Still further, each of the lower horizontal rail members  60   b ,  62   b ,  70   b , and  72   b  include support portions  66 ,  68 ,  76 , and  78 , respectively adapted to engage an underside of the mattress support member  20  about peripheral left and right regions thereof for providing a sound and secure platform adapted to carry an associated mattress thereon. For a standard crib having overall dimensions of 24 in. by 38 in., the mattress platform is supported at approximately 60 sq. in. by the crib frame members.  
         [0035]     Turning next to  FIG. 3 , a safety hinge system  100  formed in accordance with a further aspect of the present application is shown. The safety hinge system  100  is applied by way of example in  FIG. 3  to the upper horizontal rail members  60   a ,  62   a  of the first and second panel members forming the left end wall  16  of the subject collapsible crib  10 . It is to be appreciated, however, that the safety hinge system  100  is not so limited but, rather, is preferably applied at each of the connection points formed along the first and second vertical fold axes  64 ,  74  or at any other selected jointed connection as desired. In the subject crib  10 , two (2) safety hinge systems are implemented for use on the upper rail portions  60   a ,  62   a  and  70   a ,  72   a . However, it is to be appreciated that the subject safety hinge system can be applied at all hinge joints as desired such as, for example, to the joints at the lower rail portions  60   b ,  62   b  and  70   b ,  72   b  or elsewhere.  
         [0036]     In the exemplary safety hinge system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the front and rear upper horizontal rail members  60   a ,  62   a  are movable relative to each other in a horizontal plane substantially in the plane of the drawing figure. A hinge member  102  is disposed in a recess area  104  including a first recess portion  106  defined by the front upper horizontal rail member  60   a  and a second recess portion  108  defined by the rear upper horizontal rail member  62   a . The first and second recess portions  106 ,  108  cooperate to form a recess area  104  having a shape and size adapted to receive the hinge member  102  therein. More particularly, the hinge member  102  includes a first plate  110  received in the first recess portion  106  and a second plate  112  received in the second recess portion  108 . In the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the upper horizontal rail member  60   a  includes a butt end surface  120  disposed in a confronting relationship relative to a corresponding butt end surface  122  of the second upper horizontal rail member  62   a . It is to be appreciated that the rail members  60   a ,  62   a  are pivotable about a fold axis  64  defined by the hinge member  102  and extending out of the drawing sheet as viewed in  FIG. 3 . In the crib open position illustrated, the butt ends  120 ,  122  are disposed in a confronting relationship and in a folded or closed position of the crib, primary surfaces  124 ,  126  are disposed in a confronting relationship.  
         [0037]     A relief interface  118  is provided at an area of abutment between the first and second elongate members. The relief interface  118  defines a gap to reduce the risk of pinching for children disposed in the crib as the first and second elongate members are moved relative to each other in and out of their common plane in the open position. The transition gap of the relief interface  118  includes a first tapered surface  119  on the buft end surface of the first elongate member and a second tapered surface  121  on the buft end of the second elongate member.  
         [0038]     It is to be appreciated that, in accordance with an aspect of the present application, the fold axis  64  defined by the hinge member  102  is arranged between a plane defined by the primary surfaces  124 ,  126  and secondary inner surfaces  128 ,  130  of the first and second elongate members  60   a ,  62   a  connected at the hinge member. In that way, the amount of hinge portion  130  extending beyond the first plane defined by surfaces  124 ,  126  can be reduced to approximately a half semi-circle. This is important in furniture and, particularly, in children&#39;s furniture including cribs because catch points on those articles present a substantial risk for injury or death when looped materials or the like snag onto these catch points. In the embodiment illustrated, however, since the hinge portion  130  presents approximately a half semi-circle as shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 3   a , associated articles  140  such as chains, ropes, strings, or the like freely pass over the hinge portion  130  rather than become entangled thereon.  
         [0039]      FIGS. 4 and 6  illustrate in partial cross-sectional view a further aspect of the subject collapsible crib formed in accordance with the present application. With reference next to those figures, a stop block system  150  is shown. The stop block system is used in the subject crib  10  first for urging the left and right end walls  16 , 18  outwardly relative to the central opening  28  and thereafter for holding the left and right end walls outwardly in a secure manner to limit separation between the buft ends  120 , 122  ( FIG. 3 ) of the first and second elongate members while the subject crib is occupied.  
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the preferred embodiment stop block system  150  including a block member  152  carried on the underside of the mattress support member  20 . The stop block member is fastened to the mattress support member preferably using screws but glue or the like may be used. Also, the stop block may be formed integrally with mattress support members which are made of a composite material such as plastic or the like. The block member  152  includes a blocking surface  154  on a proximal end and a tapered ramp surface  156  on a distal end. The blocking surface  154  is preferably vertically oriented and adapted to engage a corresponding vertical abutment surface  160  provided on the lower horizontal rail members of the left and right end walls  16 ,  18 . As shown in the drawing figure, the blocking surface  154  provided on the block member  152  in the subject stop block system  150  prevents the left and right end walls  16 ,  18  from moving inwardly toward the central opening  28  when the mattress support member  20  is disposed in a horizontal position.  
         [0041]     The stop block system  150  further includes a tapered ramp surface  156  adapted to urge the left and right end walls  16 , 18  outwardly relative to the central opening when the mattress support member  20  is moved from a vertical folded orientation as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  toward and open position, particularly during intermediate positions thereof such as shown in  FIG. 5 . In the event that the end user fails to fully open the collapsible crib  10  prior to fully lowering the mattress support member  20  in place, the tapered ramp surface  156  is adapted to engage the contact surface  160  formed on the lower horizontal rail members of the left and right end walls  16 ,  18  as shown at B in  FIG. 6 . It is to be appreciated that although the tapered ramp surface  156  is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6  to be substantially planar, other more complicated surface formations can be used as well. Also, in the embodiment illustrated, the ramp surface  156  of the stop block engages the contact surface  160  for only a minor portion of pivotal movement of the mattress support. More particularly, 10% or less of the platform movement range, but preferably about 2% includes contact between the block and rail surface  160 .  
         [0042]     Turning lastly to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the subject collapsible crib  10  is illustrated in a folded or collapsed orientation. In that orientation, the crib system is adapted to hold an associated mattress  22  between the front wall  14  and the first panel members  60 ,  70  of the left and right end walls  16 ,  18 , respectively. A lower end of the mattress  22  is supported from beneath by the central bracket member  26  described above and carried on the lower horizontal rail member  52  of the front wall  14 .  
         [0043]     Preferably, the subject collapsible crib  10  is secured in the folded or collapsed orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8  using a fastening strap device  80  attached to the underside of the mattress support platform  20 . In its preferred form as best illustrated in  FIG. 2   a , the fastening strap device  80  is generally “Y” shaped and is formed of a nylon braid strap. The strap device  80  has a proximal end including a base portion  81  attached to the mattress support platform using a suitable fastener or the like. The distal end of the strap  80 . divides into a pair of extension members  82 ,  83  which are each preferably about three inches in length. The first extension member  82  carries a fabric hook fastener patch  84  on a free end thereof. Similarly, the second extension member  83  carries a fabric loop fastener patch  85  on its free end. The hook and loop fastener patches  84 ,  85  preferably use Velcro technology, however, other hook and latch technologies may be used as well.  
         [0044]     In the folded or collapsed orientation of the subject collapsible crib  10 , the hook and latch patches  84 ,  85  are mutually fastened to hold a selected slat member of the front wall  14  securely in place in a folded position, close to the bottom of the mattress support member  20 . In the open position illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the fastening strap device  80  dangles freely beneath the mattress support member  20 . The overall length of the fastening strap device  80  together with the lengths of the extension members  82 ,  83  are selected to prevent accidental strangulation injuries. To that end, the fastening strap device  80  is preferably less than 7.5 in. long and each of the extension members  82 ,  83  are preferably 3.5 in. long.  
         [0045]     The exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.