Patent Publication Number: US-2017360216-A1

Title: Wood gliding bassinet

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/395,158 filed Sep. 15, 2016, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/722,691 filed May 27, 2015, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/004,266 filed May 29, 2014, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/259,981 filed Sep. 8, 2016, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/215,790 filed Sep. 9, 2015, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of children&#39;s accessories and sleeping apparatuses for children and infants, and more particularly to gliding bassinets and other sleep or support accessories having a gliding motion mechanism supported by a frame of wood or other natural organic structural support materials, and to wooden frames or structures for gliding bassinets for infants and children. 
     SUMMARY 
     In example embodiments, the present invention provides a wood framed gliding bassinet having a support structure and gliding motion mechanism providing for allowing a side-to-side or front-to-back gliding movement to an infant receiving receptacle that is pivotally mounted to a wooden frame. 
     In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wood gliding bassinet including first and second frame supports, a gliding assembly mounted to each of the frame supports, and an infant receiving receptacle configured for moving in a side-to-side gliding motion relative to the first and second frame supports. In example embodiments, the gliding assembly includes a housing and a pair of glide arms, wherein the glide arms include first ends pivotally mounted to the housing and second ends extending therefrom. In example embodiments, the second ends of the glide arms pivotally mount at each end of the infant receiving receptacle such that the glide arms remain substantially parallel to each other throughout the side-to-side motion. 
     In another aspect, the invention relates to a wood gliding bassinet including a wooden frame and an infant receiving receptacle pivotally mounted to the wooden frame for swaying in a gliding motion. In example embodiments, the wooden frame includes first and second inverted U-shaped frame members. In example embodiments, a gliding assembly is mounted to each of the inverted U-shaped members. 
     In still another aspect, the invention relates to a wooden frame for a gliding bassinet including a first inverted U-shaped member spaced a distance away from a second inverted U-shaped member, wherein each of the first and second inverted U-shaped members include a plywood layer sandwiched between wooden veneer layers. 
     These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wood gliding bassinet according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the wood gliding bassinet of  FIG. 1 , with the soft goods portion removed therefrom for better visibility of the frame and motion components. 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the wood gliding bassinet taken along line  3 A- 3 A of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3B  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the frame of the bassinet of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is cross-sectional view of a portion of the frame of the bassinet of  FIG. 3A  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows an end view of the wood gliding bassinet of  FIG. 1  with directional arrows indicating gliding in a side-to-side motion. 
         FIG. 5A  is an end view of the wood gliding bassinet of  FIG. 4 , showing the wood gliding bassinet gliding in a first direction. 
         FIG. 5B  is an end view of the wood gliding bassinet of  FIG. 5A , showing the wood gliding bassinet gliding in a second direction. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a wood gliding bassinet according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
     Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
     Generally described, the present invention relates to a wood gliding bassinet, which may be in various forms to impart a gliding motion to soothe a child occupant. In example embodiments, at least a portion of the bassinet comprises an aesthetically pleasing and vibration absorbing wood frame and is configured to provide a gliding motion to an infant receiving receptacle. 
     With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  shows a wood gliding bassinet  10  according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the wood gliding bassinet  10  comprises a support structure or frame  12  for supporting an infant receiving receptacle  80  that is configured for gliding in a side-to-side motion for soothing a child or infant therein (see  FIGS. 4-5B ). In example embodiments, the side-to-side movement of the infant receiving receptacle  80  is provided by input from a caregiver, for example, by pushing or pulling the infant receiving receptacle  80 . In alternate example embodiments, the bassinet  10  is configured to be powered by a motor and/or magnetic drive system, for example, which may be connected to a 110V/220V wall outlet or other power source. Optionally, one or more batteries may be provided for powering the motor and/or magnetic drive system. 
     In an example embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3A , the frame  12  comprises a first frame support  14  and a second frame support  20  spaced apart from the first frame support  14  for supporting the infant receiving receptacle therebetween and permitting the same to allow for a side-to-side, gliding movement. In example embodiments, the first and second frame supports  14 ,  20  are generally inverted U-shaped members, whereby the lower ends of each support  14 ,  20  are intended for engagement with a ground surface, or for example, to receive a caster wheel  34  or other wheel or foot component, and the upper end of the supports  14 ,  20  are generally curved or arcuate and continuous to provide for engagement with the infant receiving receptacle  80 . In example embodiments, a shelf or basket  26  can be provided for spanning between the lower ends of the supports  14 ,  20  to act as a containment area for storing goods, blankets, etc. and for adding additional stability to the frame  12 . As depicted, the shelf  26  comprises a generally rectangular tray comprising four angled surfaces  30  and a platform or generally planar base surface  32 . In example embodiments, each of the corners of the shelf  26  generally rest atop or provide for engagement with brackets  19  that facilitate the mounting of the caster wheels  34 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 2-3A , first and second gliding assemblies  40 ,  60  mount to the upper end of the supports  14 ,  20 , respectively, such that the infant receiving receptacle  80  can pivotally mount to glide arms extending from the gliding assembly mounts  40 ,  60 . In example embodiments, glide arms  46 ,  47  extend from the first gliding assembly  40  (generally downwardly and inwardly) and glide arms  66 ,  67  extend from the second gliding assembly  60  (generally downwardly and inwardly). In example embodiments, the glide arms  46 ,  47  are generally pivotally mounted within a housing  42  having an opening or channel  44  for permitting movement of the glide arms  46 ,  47  therealong. In example embodiments, the glide arms  46 ,  47  are pivotally mounted to spaced-apart pivot couplings or pivots  50  defined within the housing  42 . According to example embodiments, one or more fasteners  52  can be provided for securing the gliding assembly mounts  40 ,  60  to the upper end of their respective support  14 ,  20 . In example embodiments, the second gliding assembly  60  is generally substantially similar in structure and configuration, for example, comprising spaced-apart pivots that are substantially aligned with the pivots  50  of the first gliding assembly  40 . According to one example embodiment, one or more female receivers of the support  14 ,  20 , which receive the fasteners  52  comprise a metal insert with metal threads. For example, the insert can be generally cylindrical and fit within recesses of the supports  14 ,  20 , and can be threaded on an internal surface thereof for providing engagement with the fasteners  52 . According to one example embodiment, a glue or adhesive can be provided for permanently mounting the sleeves within their respective recesses. 
     In example embodiments, the glide arms  46 ,  47 ,  66 ,  67  are generally spaced apart in a similar manner at both of the pivotal engagements as described above. In example embodiments, the equally spaced-apart pivots of the arms impart the infant receiving receptacle to glide in a side-to-side motion along a substantially similar horizontal plane. Thus, the mattress within the infant receiving receptacle (or floor  92  thereof) remains substantially horizontal when moving in a side-to-side motion. In example embodiments, the glide arms, the upper support frame, and end frame members at each end of the structure define four bar linkages having a parallelogram configuration. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0342367, Ser. No. 14/722,691 is incorporated herein by reference and discloses a cradling bassinet comprising an infant receiving receptacle pivotally connected to a frame by swing arms for providing a side-to-side gliding movement to the infant receiving receptacle. 
     In alternate example embodiments, the glide arms can be configured as desired, for example comprising at least some angle or relationship of the extensions of the glide arms relative to each other (e.g., to impart at least some marginal amount of swing), or the infant receiving receptacle can be cantilevered wherein the rocking motion (either in a side-to-side or front-to-back configuration) is provided with a pair of swing arms and a support frame. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0065101, Ser. No. 15/259,981 is incorporated herein by reference and discloses an infant receiving receptacle having a central connection hub for engagement with a coupling portion of a gliding swing mechanism allowing for removable attachment and adjustability thereto. In example embodiments, the support frame comprises wood or other desirable materials (see below) to impart an aesthetically pleasing and shock absorbing frame for supporting the swing mechanism, infant receiving receptacle and infant to be received therein. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 2-3A , the first and second supports  14 ,  20  comprise upper frame sections  16 ,  22  and lower frame extensions  18 ,  24 , and wherein the entirety of each support  14 ,  20  defines an inverted U-shape or arch-like shape. In example embodiments, a sleeve or coupling  17  is provided to couple the lower frame extensions  18 ,  24  to the upper frame sections  16 ,  22 . According to one example embodiment, the coupling  17  provides a frictional fit sufficient enough to maintain engagement between the ends of the upper portion and the lower frame extension. According to another example embodiment, one or more clasps, clips, Valco buttons or clips, or other engagement or coupling features can be provided for providing a secure and removable fitting engagement between the ends of the upper frame sections and ends of the lower frame extensions  18 ,  24 . According to another example embodiment, the lower frame extensions  18 ,  24  can be pivotally mounted to the ends of the upper frame sections  16 ,  22 , for example, such that at least some compactness can be provided to the bassinet  10  or frame  12  thereof. Optionally, a bracket or other mechanism or hinge can be configured to provide adjustment of the lower frame extensions  18 ,  24  to move the same between an extended and supporting position and a compacted and folded position. According to yet another example embodiment, at least one of the lower frame extensions  18 ,  24  can be translationally mounted to its respective upper frame section  16 ,  22 , for example, to allow the lower frame extensions to translate between an extended or supporting position or configuration and a collapsed or retracted position or configuration. 
     As best depicted in  FIG. 3A , brackets  19  are provided for mounting to the ends of the lower frame extensions  18 ,  24 , and an engagement pin or rod of the caster wheel  34  is received within a socket or female reservoir formed by the bracket  19 , for example to mount a caster wheel  34  to each end of the lower frame extensions  18 ,  24 . According to example embodiments, at least one of the caster wheels  34  comprises a locking feature or lock  35  for locking the wheel(s)  34  to prevent movement of the bassinet  10  atop the support surface. When unlocked, the bassinet  10  can be easily transported atop a support or floor surface. In some example embodiments, all four of the caster wheels  34  are capable of freely pivoting. In other example embodiments, only two of the caster wheels  34  are capable of freely pivoting, and the other two caster wheels  34  are fixed. Optionally, the caster wheels  34  can be configured as desired. According to another example embodiment, only two caster wheels  34  are provided, and the other end is supported by feet for engagement with the support surface. 
     According to one example embodiment and depicted in  FIG. 3B , the upper frame sections  16 ,  22  and lower frame extensions  18 ,  24  comprise a solid finished piece of wood, for example which can be sanded, painted and/or stained as desired. According to another example embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 3C , the upper frame sections  16 ,  22  and lower frame extensions  18 ,  24  can be formed from molding a plurality of materials together, for example, wherein the core material  18   a  comprises plywood and the outer exposed layers  18   b  comprise a wooden veneer. In alternate example embodiments, the core material  18   a  comprises high density foam, fiberboard, or other filling material exhibiting structural characteristics appropriate for the frame  12  of the bassinet  10 . In example embodiments, any of the upper frame sections  16 ,  22  and lower frame extensions  18 ,  24  can be formed by sandwiching the core material  18   a  between layers  18   b  comprising a wooden veneer, for example in a mold or other press and/or heat application to provide a desired size and shape. Further processing of the molded section or extension can be provided as desired, for example, trimming or cutting, sanding, finishing with paint, stain or other clear coating or other outer layer, etc. In example embodiments, the wood frame components are fabricated from one or more natural organic wood materials such as for example, birch, oak, maple, pine, ash, walnut, cherry, hickory, cedar, cypress, basswood, locust, sycamore, bamboo or other natural woods. In alternate embodiments, the wood frame components comprise at least about 80% wood and/or other natural organic plant-based materials having structural support, resilience, toughness and vibration absorbing characteristics substantially similar or at least equivalent to those of natural wood, such as for example plywoods, laminates, wood-based composites, fiberboard, particle-board, flakeboard, etc. The wood frame components preferably also have outer surfaces or surface layers comprising natural wood or presenting the appearance of natural wood, for example incorporating a visible woodgrain pattern and/or fibrous texture. The wood frame components can be fabricated as continuously formed unitary curved members, for example by steam bending, mold formed laminate or formed plywood, pressure forming, or other fabrication methods, or can be fabricated by joining two or more pieces. 
     In example embodiments and as best depicted in  FIG. 1 , the infant receiving receptacle  80  comprises a soft goods liner  90  that is removably coupled to frame portions of the bassinet  80 , for example, upper frame members  86 , and is supported by lower support frame members  84  (see  FIG. 2 ). In example embodiments and as best shown in  FIG. 2 , a first and a second end frame member  82  couple with the upper frame members  86  and the lower support frame members  84 . In example embodiments, the first and second end frame members  82  are generally L-shaped for example wherein a base portion is provided for connecting to the ends of the lower support frame members  84  and for the pivotal connection of the glide arms  46 ,  47 ,  66 ,  67 , and an upper portion of the end frame members  82  are configured for engagement with the ends of the upper frame members  86 . In example embodiments, the glide arms  46 ,  47 ,  66 ,  67  pivotally mount to their respective gliding assembly  40 ,  60  in a spaced-apart and parallel configuration, and the lower inward extensions of the arms  46 ,  47 ,  66 ,  67  pivotally engage with their respective base portion of the first and second end frame members  82 . Accordingly, each glide arm pivotally mounts to its respective gliding assembly  40 ,  60  at one end and pivotally mounts to its respective base portion of the first and second end frame members  82 . 
     For example, according to one example embodiment of the present invention, the infant receiving receptacle can be configured for pivotal engagement with the glide arms such that the side-to-side gliding movement of the infant receiving receptacle is converted to a front-to-back gliding motion by rotating the infant receiving receptacle about 90 degrees such that first and second side frame members (e.g., similar to first and second end frame members  82 —not shown), which are attached to the sides of the infant receiving receptacle, pivotally couple with the glide arms in a similar spaced-apart configuration as depicted in  FIG. 3A . According to another example embodiment, central the ends of the glide members can pivotally couple to a coupling portion for providing removable and adjustable engagement with a central connection hub of the infant receiving receptacle. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0065101, Ser. No. 15/259,981 is incorporated herein by reference and discloses an infant receiving receptacle having a central connection hub for engagement with a coupling portion of a gliding swing mechanism. 
     According to one example embodiment, the glide arms  46 ,  47 ,  66 ,  67  are generally spaced apart in a similar manner at both the pivotal connection at the gliding assemblies  40 ,  60  and at the base portions of the first and second end frame members  82 , thereby imparting the infant receiving receptacle  80  to glide in a side-to-side motion along a substantially similar horizontal plane. In this manner, the glide arms, upper support frame, and end frame members at each end of the structure define four bar linkages having a parallelogram configuration. Thus, the mattress (or floor  92  thereof) within the infant receiving receptacle remains substantially horizontal when moving in a side-to-side motion, with minimal or no tilting of the child supporting surface. 
     In example forms, the soft goods liner  90  is generally formed from a fabric or other textile-like material (with or without padding), which may comprise one or more portions formed from a mesh lining, for example, to provide for allowing an infant or child therein to see through one or more walls of the liner. Optionally, the liner may be flexible (but not soft) like plastic or rubber with a living hinge or comprised of multiple panels. Optionally, the infant receiving receptacle may be formed from a rigid, bucket-style receiving receptacle. The floor  92  of the infant receiving receptacle preferably comprises a mattress formed from one or more panels that are foldable relative to each other to allow the mattress to become compacted for storage. In example embodiments, a canopy  94  can be provided for covering at least a portion of the infant receiving receptacle  80 . In example embodiments, the canopy  94  comprises one or more engagement features for engagement with the upper frame members  86  and a canopy mount  88 . In example embodiments, the canopy mount  88  comprises a generally rigid arm that is pivotally mounted to adjustment brackets provided on the upper frame members. In example embodiments, the soft goods liner  90  and/or canopy  94  can be removable and washed as desired, for example by hand manually or in a washing machine. In example embodiments, the fabric or other coverings or cases covering one or more portions of the infant receiving receptacle can be removed therefrom and washed as desired. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4-5B , the infant receiving receptacle  80  is capable of gliding in a side-to-side motion for soothing a child or infant therein. In example embodiments, the side-to-side movement of the infant receiving receptacle  80  is provided by input from a caregiver, for example, by pushing or pulling the infant receiving receptacle  80 . According to example embodiments, the infant receiving receptacle  80  of  FIGS. 5A-B  can be configured such that its maximum amount of travel in a first direction is when an angle α is defined between the upright portion of the end frame member  82  and the glide arms  47 ,  66  (see  FIG. 5A ). In example embodiments, the angle α is generally between about 5-25 degrees, for example about 15 degrees according to one example embodiment. Similarly, the maximum amount of travel in a second direction is when an angle α is defined between the upright portion of the end frame member  82  and the glide arms  46 ,  67 . According to example embodiments of the present invention, the infant receiving receptacle can glide such that the glide arms pivot between about 10-50 degrees between its maximum allowable travel in the first and second directions. According to one example embodiment where α is 15 degrees, the total degrees of pivot of the glide arms between maximum extension in the first and second directions (e.g., see  FIGS. 5A-B ) is about 30 degrees. 
     According to one example embodiment, a time-out feature can be incorporated into the bassinet  10 , for example, wherein after a given amount of time passes, the infant receiving receptacle  80  is locked to maintain its centered position (see  FIG. 4 ) and is prevented from gliding in either of the first or second directions. Accordingly, a built-in timer and actuating rod or other lock movable to allow and prevent pivotal movement of the glide arms can be incorporated with the gliding assemblies  40 ,  60 , or can be otherwise incorporated with the bassinet  10  such that an excessive amount of inactivity to the gliding of the receptacle  80  triggers a lock to prevent rotation of one or more of the glide arms. According to example embodiments, the time of inactivity to trigger the lock can be chosen as desired, for example, about 3-8 minutes according to one example embodiment. Optionally, the amount of inactive time required to trigger the lock can be chosen as desired. According to another example embodiment, a secondary lock can be provided with the bassinet  10  such that movement is prevented when a parent is not present. According to one example embodiment, a delay of inactivity of 15 seconds or more causes the secondary lock to be triggered, for example, such that the receptacle  80  maintains its centered position and is prevented from gliding. Thus, the secondary lock prevents movement of the receptacle  80  without a parent being present. For example, according to one example embodiment, a trigger or other actuating portion or button can be provided for unlocking one or both of the locking features. 
     In example embodiments, the wood gliding bassinet  10  is preferably easy to assemble and can be broken down such that packaging can be compacted and efficient. According to example embodiments, the receptacle  80  can be substantially disassembled and in a similar manner with the frame  12 , for example, wherein the entirety thereof can be packaged within a small cube-like package. In example embodiments, a consumer can unpack the box and assemble the entirety thereof. According to some example embodiments of the present invention, the bassinet  10  can comprise one or more additional features, for example a speaker for playing music or nature sounds, a night light, vibration unit, or other child soothing or entertainment devices. 
       FIG. 6  shows a wood gliding bassinet  100  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the bassinet  100  is substantially similar to the bassinet  10  as shown and described above. According to one example embodiment, the frame comprises a first frame support  114  and a second frame support  120 . In example embodiments, the first and second frame supports  114 ,  120  are solid inverted U-shaped members  116 ,  122 , and a pair of support connectors  118  extend between the respective sides of the frame supports  114 ,  120 . According to example embodiments, a basket frame or support  126  comprises tubes  128  and  130 , and a coupling  132  positioned on an inner surface of each side of each support. In example embodiments, tubes  128 ,  130  can be configured for supporting a basket or tray or other shelf-like structure. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.