Abstract:
A foldable crib movable between a folded position and an open position is disclosed. The foldable crib comprises a first crib end; a second crib end; a first connecting member joining the first end to the second end, wherein the first connecting member is configured to be foldable; and a second connecting member joining the first end to the second end, wherein the second connecting member is configured to be foldable. When the crib is in an open position, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are generally unfolded. When the crib is in a folded position, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are folded.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosed embodiments relates to a crib, and more particularly to a foldable crib. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Cribs of varying shapes and sizes provide a safe and comfortable sleeping area for babies and infants. Existing cribs generally have a base to support a mattress, legs to raise the base to a desired height off the floor and crib sides with vertically extending bars to prevent the infant from falling off of the mattress. These existing cribs typically require a significant amount of assembly before the crib can be used. Such assembly is often difficult and complicated and either deters the purchase of the product or results in the return of the crib to the store after it is purchased and taken to the purchaser&#39;s home. Due to the relatively large size of the existing cribs, they cannot be sold as pre-assembled products. While some cribs are collapsible, these cribs still require a significant amount of assembly and mechanical aptitude, and are therefore problematic for purchasers. Therefore, existing cribs have these and other undesirable qualities. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a crib that solves these and other shortcomings of existing cribs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     According to one embodiment, a foldable crib movable between a folded position and an open position is disclosed. The foldable crib comprises a first crib end; a second crib end; a first connecting member joining the first end to the second end, wherein the first connecting member is configured to be foldable; and a second connecting member joining the first end to the second end, wherein the second connecting member is configured to be foldable. When the crib is in an open position, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are generally unfolded. When the crib is in a folded position, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are folded. 
     In one embodiment, the first connecting member includes two panels joined by one or more hinges and the second connecting member includes two panels joined by one or more hinges. 
     In another embodiment, the first connecting member includes two support beam segments joined by one or more hinges and the second connecting member includes two or more support beam segments joined by one or more hinges. 
     According to one embodiment, a foldable crib movable between a folded position and an open position comprises a first end and a second end joined to the first end by a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member includes a first side panel I and a first side panel II joined by a first panel hinge. The second connecting member includes a second side panel I and a second side panel II joined by a second panel hinge. The first connecting member is configured to fold inward when the first end is moved in the direction of the second end. The second connecting member is configured to fold inward when the first end is moved in the direction of the second end. The foldable crib is in a folded position with the first connecting member and the second connecting member both folded inward. The foldable crib is in an open position when the first connecting member and the second connecting member are substantially straight. 
     In one embodiment, when the crib is in the folded position, the first connecting member folds at the first panel hinge and the second connecting member folds at the second panel hinge. When the crib is in the open position, the first panel hinge is laterally offset from the second panel hinge. 
     In another embodiment, the foldable crib further comprises a mattress board. Each of the first end, the second end, the first connecting member, and the second connecting member includes one or more mattress board support rails on the interior side of the crib. The mattress board is configured to fit generally horizontally within the crib and engage the mattress board support rails. 
     In yet another embodiment, the foldable crib further comprises a first edge rail and a second edge rail. When the crib is in the open position, the first connecting member has a first elongate top side edge, and the second connecting member has a second elongated top side edge. The first edge rail securely engages the first top side edge of the first connecting member, and the second edge rail securely engages the second top side edge of the second connecting member. 
     Also within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein is a foldable crib movable between a folded position and an open position, comprising: a first end having one or more crib legs for raising the foldable crib; a second end having one or more crib legs for raising the foldable crib; a first connecting member joining the first end to the second end, wherein the first connecting member includes a first side panel I and a first side panel II, the first side panel I foldably joined to the first side panel II at a first fold line; and a second connecting member joining the first end to the second end, wherein the second connecting member includes a second side panel I and a second side panel II, the second side panel I foldably joined to the second side panel II at a second fold line. When the crib is in the open position, the first fold line and the second fold line are laterally offset a predetermined distance from each other. When the crib is in the closed position, the first end and the second end are proximate to each other. The first side panel I and first side panel II of the first connecting member form a first folded panel. The second side panel I and second side panel II of the second connecting member form a second folded panel. The first folded panel and the second folded panel are nested within the crib proximate to each other between the first end and the second end. 
     Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein embodiments are described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the embodiments are capable of other and different variations and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a foldable crib in an open position, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  in an open position, without mattress board, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  in a folded position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  in a partially folded position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  in a partially expanded position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating the application of edge rails, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  with edge rails in place, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating the insertion of a mattress board, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a foldable crib in an open position, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in a folded position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in the open position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in a partially expanded position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in a partially folded position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in a partially folded position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in the folded position, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, dimensions reaction conditions and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. 
     In this application and the claims, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Moreover, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise. 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where, by way of illustration, specific embodiments are shown. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used as structural and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the various embodiments and aspects from each of the various embodiments may be used in any suitable combinations. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     Generally, the embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a foldable crib that folds compactly for efficient shipping and storage and can be expanded into an open position quickly, easily and with relatively little assembly. The crib may be assembled into a usable configuration without the use of any tools. The crib may also be transitioned back and forth between the open position and the folded position easily and without the use of any tools. 
     It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, like elements of the disclosed embodiments are denoted with like reference numbers on the figures throughout the disclosure. Also, for clarity, similar elements are not identified with reference numbers in all of the figures, even though these similar elements appear in multiple figures. It will be apparent that these elements have the properties as described with reference to other figures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a foldable crib in an open position is shown. The foldable crib  100  includes a first end  102 , a second end  104 , a first side wall  106 , and a second side wall  108 . The first side wall  106  includes a first side panel I  110  and a first side panel II  112 . The second side wall  108  includes a second side panel I  114  and a second side panel II  116 . The first end  102  is joined to, or integrally formed with, a first side end panel I  118  and a second side end panel I  120 . The second end  104  is joined to, or integrally formed with, a first side end panel II  122  and a second side end panel II  124 . The first end  102  includes two legs  126 , and the second end  104  includes two legs  126  (one not shown in  FIG. 1 ). However, one or more legs may be used to raise the crib from the ground surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end  102  is generally similar to the second end  104 , rotated into a position so that the first end  102  opposes the second end  104 . Also, the first side wall  106  is generally similar to the second side wall  108 , rotated to face each other. 
     The first side panel I  110  and the first side panel II  112  on the first side wall  106  are joined by panel hinges  128 . The first side panel II  112  is joined to the first side end panel I  118  by first end hinges (not shown). The first side panel I  110  is joined to the first side end panel II  122  by second end hinges (not shown). The second side panel I  114  and the second side panel II  116  on the second side wall  108  are joined by panel hinges (not shown). The second side panel I  114  is joined to the second side end panel I  120  by first end hinges  130  (only one shown). The second side panel II  116  is joined to the second side end panel II  124  by second end hinges  132  (only one shown). In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the panel hinges  128  are located on the outside of the crib  100  and the end hinges are located on the inside of the crib. However, the hinges may be located in any suitable position, or integrally formed within the panels, that allows the proper movement in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. According to various disclosed embodiments, the location of the hinges on the first side wall  106  relative to the location of the hinges on the second side wall  108  also allow for proper movement in accordance with various disclosed embodiments, as is further described with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 5 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  in an open position, without mattress board, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Five hinge lines, line A, line B, line C, line D, line E, and line F, are identified in  FIG. 2 . The position of these five hinge lines provides for the compact folding of the foldable crib  100 , as is further illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 5 . 
     While hinges are shown and described with respect to certain embodiments, other coupling devices and methods can be used to join the various parts and panels of a crib made in accordance with other embodiments. However, hinges are only one example suitable devices used to join the various panels and parts of the foldable crib. Therefore, the “hinge lines” may also be referred to as “fold lines” indicating the location where a bend or fold between two adjoining panels or parts may occur. Also, while a certain number of hinges are illustrated, one or more hinges, or other suitable coupling devices, may be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the foldable crib  100  is shown in a folded position. As can be seen in the figures, the length of the crib  100  from the first end  102  to the second end  104  is significantly reduced in the folded position. The first side panel I  110  and the first side panel II  112  of the first side wall  106 , in the folded position, become a first folded panel  140 , and the second side panel I  114  and the second side panel II  116  of the second side wall  108  become a second folded panel  142 . The first folded panel  140  and the second folded panel  142  are located generally adjacent to each other within the crib  100 , in a nested configuration, between the first end  102  and the second end  104 . The first folded panel is positioned at line H, which in the folded position is effectively the meeting of line B and line F (see  FIG. 2 ), and the second folded panel is positioned at line G, which in the folded position is effectively the meeting of line A and line E (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 to 5 , the expanding of the foldable crib  100  from the folded position to the open position is illustrated in steps.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  in a partially folded position. To transition from the folded position shown in  FIG. 3  to the open position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first end  102  and the second end  104  are pulled away from each other in generally opposite directions. During the opening of the crib  100 , the first side panel I  110  of the first side wall  106  slides adjacent to the second side panel I  114  of the second side wall  108  and both the first side wall  106  and the second side wall  108  begin to straighten. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 1  in a partially expanded position, according to the disclosed embodiment. As the first end and second end continue to be pulled away from each other, the first side wall  106  and the second side wall  108  continue to straighten out until each of the first side wall  106  and the second side wall  108  is substantially straight. At this point when the side walls are straight, the crib  100  is in an open position. The open position, with the first side wall  106  and second side wall  108  substantially straight, is shown in  FIG. 2 . The transition from the open position to the folded position occurs in a similar way, where the steps as described with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 5  performed in a reversed order. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 2  illustrating the application of edge rails, according to an embodiment. A first edge rail  144  is placed onto a first side edge  145  in a downward direction, as indicated by direction arrows  146 . A second edge rail  148  is placed onto the second side edge  149 . In one embodiment, the first and second edge rails  144 ,  148  are substantially rigid and extend the full length of the crib from the first end  102  to the second end  104 . The first and second edge rails  144 ,  148  may also snap into positions on their respective edges  145 ,  149  such that a predetermined amount of force is required to remove the edge rails. However, the edge rails are configured so that no tool is required to remove the edge rails from their respective edges. The edge rails  144 ,  148  assist in maintaining the first side wall  106  and the second side wall  108  of the crib  100  generally straight. The crib, in the open position, with the first edge rail  144  and the second edge rail  148  in place is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Any suitable means may be used to hold the edge rails  144 ,  148  in place. In one embodiment, each of the edge rails has a generally “U” shape that curves on top of the edge. Each edge rail includes one or more elongated ridges on the interior side of the edge rail, proximate to the opening of the edge rail. A complementary groove or channel is formed on the edge that is engaged by the one or more elongated ridges on the edge rail. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 7  illustrating the insertion of a mattress board  152 , according to an embodiment. The mattress board  152  shown in the illustrated embodiment comprised two panels joined by hinges  153  so that the mattress board  152  may be folded for even more compact and convenient storage and transportation. However, the mattress board may include one or more panels, either joined or separate from each other, that are suitable for use with the foldable crib. A plurality of board support rails  154  (partially shown in  FIG. 7 ) are affixed to the ends and the side panels of the crib at the lower, inside portion of the crib  100 . The mattress board  152 , when inserted into the crib  100 , rests on these board support rails  154 , which provide support on all sides of the mattress board  152 . 
     Generally,  FIGS. 9 to 15  are directed to second embodiment of the foldable crib. The appearance and structure of the second embodiment are different. However, the general configuration and method of folding is similar. Accordingly, the description relating to  FIGS. 1 to 8  (the first embodiment) similarly applies to the second embodiment illustrated and described with reference to  FIGS. 9 to 15 . The description with reference to  FIGS. 9 to 15 , where not otherwise stated, may also similarly apply to the first embodiment. Where the foldable crib of the first embodiment has first and second side walls that fold, the second embodiment has first and second side support beams that fold in a similar way, allowing the crib to alternate between an open position and a folded position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a perspective view of a foldable crib  900  in an open position is shown, according to the second embodiment. The foldable crib  900  includes a first end  902 , a second end  904 , a first side support beam  906 , and a second side support beam  908 . The first side support beam  906  includes a first beam segment I  910  and a first beam segment II  912 . The second side support beam  908  includes a second beam segment I  914  and a second beam segment II  916 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first end  902  is generally similar to the second end  904 , rotated into a position so that the first end  902  opposes and faces the second end  904 . Also, the first side support beam  906  is generally similar to the second side support beam  908 , rotated to face each other. 
     The first beam segment I  910  and the first beam segment II  912  on the first side support beam  906  are joined by beam hinges  928 . The first beam segment II  912  is joined to the first end  902  by end hinges (not shown). The first beam segment I  910  is joined to the second end  904  by end hinges (not shown). The second beam segment I  914  and the second beam segment II  916  on the second side support beam  908  are joined by beam hinges (not shown). The second beam segment I  914  is joined to the first end  902  by end hinges. The second beam segment II  916  is joined to the second end  904  by second end hinges  932 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the beam hinges (including  928 ) are located on the outside of the crib  900  and the end hinges (including  932 ) are located on the inside of the crib. However, the hinges may be located in any suitable position, or integrally formed within the panels, that allows the proper movement in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. According to various embodiments, the location of the hinges on the first side support beam  906  relative to the location of the hinges on the second side support beam  908  also allow for proper movement in accordance with the disclosed embodiments, as is further described with reference to  FIGS. 11 to 15 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in a folded position, according to one embodiment. In the folded position, the first end  902  and the second end  904  are adjacent or proximate to each other. The close proximity of the first end  902  to the second end  904  while in the folded position is due to the folded, nested configuration of the first side support beam and the second side support beam. In the folded position, the first side support beam  906  and the second side support beam  908  are folded and contained within the foldable crib  900 . Accordingly, in the folded position, the crib  900  has a substantially shorter length and may occupy less space. 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in the open position, according to one embodiment. Five hinge lines are shown, similar to those shown in  FIG. 2 , including line A, line B, line C, line D, line E, and line F, are identified in  FIG. 11 . The position of these five hinge lines provides for the compact folding of the foldable crib  900 , as is further illustrated in  FIGS. 11 to 15 . Generally, a first hinge  1100 , a second hinge  1102 , and a third hinge  1104 , not shown in  FIG. 11  but located at the referenced positions, are aligned with hinge lines B, D, and F, respectively. Also, a fourth hinge  1106 , a fifth hinge  1108 , and a sixth hinge  1110  are aligned with hinge lines A, C, and E, respectively. Therefore, the first  1100 , the second  1102  and the third  1104  hinges are offset from the fourth  1106 , the fifth  1108 , and the sixth  1110  hinges. The offset hinges therefore permit the crib  900  to occupy a nested, folded position, where the first side support beam  906  is folded and nested next to the second side support beam  908  at the interior of the crib  900 . The first side support beam  906  may be positioned on either side of the second side support beam  908 . 
     The offset hinges, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 11 , permit the support beams, and also the side walls with reference to the first embodiment of the crib illustrated and described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 8 , to fold generally perpendicular into the crib. However, the hinges need not be offset. The folded support beams or walls may fold in on either side of each other or at angles. The crib, when folded, may also be positioned at an angle to permit other positioning of the folded support beams or walls. 
     The first end  902  may include a first support ledge  1120  and the second end  904  may include a second support ledge  1122 . A mattress board may be inserted to the center of the crib  900  where it rests on the first and second support ledges  1120 ,  1122  and the first and second side support beams  906 ,  908 . However, other shapes and sizes of support structures may be used to support a mattress board or other support structures for locating a crib mattress. 
       FIG. 12  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in a partially expanded position, according to one embodiment. As the first end  902  is moved in the direction indicated by arrow Y toward the second end  904  and the second end  904  is moved in the direction indicated by arrow X toward the first end, the second hinge  1102  and the fifth hinge  1108  are moved toward each other as the first side support beam  906  bends inward and the second side support beam  908  bends inward. 
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in a partially folded position, according to one embodiment. In the position illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the crib  900  is folded slightly more than the position illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The second hinge  1102  is beginning to move to the side of the fifth hinge  1108 . 
       FIG. 14  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in a partially folded position, according to one embodiment. In the position illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the crib  900  is folded slightly more than in the position illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The second hinge  1102  has moved past the fifth hinge  1108 , and the first beam segment II  912  of the first side is located proximate to the second beam segment II  916  of the second side. In a folded position, the first beam segment II  912  of the first side will be located adjacent to the second beam segment II  916  of the second side. Alternatively, the first side support beam  906  may be positioned on the other side of the second side support beam  908 , and in that case, the first beam segment I  910  of the first side will be located adjacent to the second beam segment I  914  of the second side. 
       FIG. 15  is a plan view of the foldable crib shown in  FIG. 9  in the folded position, according to one embodiment. 
     Referring generally to the embodiments of the foldable crib illustrated in  FIGS. 9 to 15 , the first end  902  and the second end  904  may be configured to receive side panels or side walls of the crib. The side panels may be of any suitable shape and configuration. 
     Referring generally to embodiments of the foldable crib illustrated and described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 15 , embodiments of the foldable crib include first and second crib ends, and first and second connecting members. The “connecting members,” as used herein, refer to any suitable folding connecting members, including, but not limited to, side walls and those folding connecting members which are more of supports and not “walls.” The side walls are not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the figures where the side walls include slotted panels, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 8 , or where the side walls include support beam segments, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9 to 15 . The side walls are foldable to the interior of the crib as the first and second crib ends are moved toward each other. In a folded position, the folded side walls are nested proximate to each other at the interior of the crib. 
     According to one embodiment, the side walls and the crib ends may be coupled using hinges that allow folding in predetermined directions. For example, the hinges may be positioned and/or configured to bend in only one direction such that the side walls may only fold inward and not outward. 
     According to the illustrated embodiments, the hinges may be offset to achieve a desired positioning of the side walls when folded. However, the hinges need not be offset. The hinges can be laterally aligned, or only some of the hinges of one side may be aligned with corresponding hinges of the other side. Also, while the panels of the side walls have generally equal width in the illustrated embodiments, other embodiments may include side walls with panels of different widths to achieve different folding configurations. 
     While embodiments of the foldable crib have been described with reference to specific structures and designs, variations may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, while the crib is shown having a particular shape, such as being rectangular and having right-angled corners, other shapes may be used as desired. The crib may also take the form of any desired size. While the panels have a slotted design with generally elongated oval openings, other panel designs may also be used. The illustrated embodiments show each of the sides having first and second side panels. However, embodiments may incorporate two or more side panels. While in the first embodiment, each of the first and second ends of the crib has an “end panel” that extends from the end at a right angle, alternative embodiments can be used without these end panels as the first and second side panels can be coupled directly to the crib ends, or by other connective parts. Also, while hinges and rails are specifically identified, other components, hardware, connectors, supports, and the like, that are otherwise suitable alternatives may also be used. Accordingly, the above description is intended to provide exemplary embodiments, and the scope the various embodiments disclosed is not to be limited by these specific examples provided. 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure could also include permutations of the various elements recited in the claims as if each dependent claim was a multiple dependent claim incorporating the limitations of each of the preceding dependent claims as well as the independent claims. Such permutations are expressly within the scope of this disclosure. 
     While the various embodiments have been particularly shown and described with reference to a number of embodiments, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in the form and details may be made to the various embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments disclosed herein and that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to act as limitations on the scope of the claims. All references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference. 
     The description the various embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the scope of the disclosure to the form disclosed. The scope the various embodiments disclosed is limited only by the scope of the following claims. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment described and shown in the figures was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.