Patent Abstract:
The infant product of the invention is of the type having an infant receptacle suspended from a frame. The infant product is foldable between a deployed position for use and a compact configuration for shipping and storage. In the assembled configuration, the infant receptacle is convertible between a bassinet configuration in which the infant receptacle has a substantially planar support surface and an infant seat configuration in which the support surface of the infant receptacle is partially titled or disposed at an angle such that the infant can be supported in an elevated or seated position. The infant product may include a fabric canopy incorporating floating webs and a quick connect system for securing the canopy in an open position. When the canopy is closed, it is folded so as to lie flat against the infant receptacle. The infant receptacle may also include a lateral support assembly to cradle the infant.

Full Description:
This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/911,524, filed on Aug. 14, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,552 issued Sep. 7, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a convertible infant product and, more particularly, to a collapsible bassinet/infant seat having a canopy. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Sleep products are generally tailored to the age and size of the user. Infants generally start out sleeping in a bassinet or cradle. Toddlers use cribs up until they are ready to sleep in a conventional bed. 
     Bassinets and cradles are generally small and can be kept in a parent&#39;s room so that the infant is close to the parents during its first few months. Known bassinets and cradles are not collapsible into a compact configuration and only function as sleep products. Moreover, bassinets and cradles have a limited life and use because they are quickly outgrown by infants. However, cribs are generally too large to fit into a parent&#39;s room. Thus, there is a need for a smaller sleep product for use in a parent&#39;s room that has a sleep surface and sufficient depth to laterally restrain the infant during use, but that overcomes the limited life and use associated with known bassinets and cradles. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,432 to Kujawski et al., which is assigned to the assignee of this invention, discloses a multi-use product including a bassinet and playpen in one product. The playpen is of the type including a frame covered by playpen fabric. The flat bassinet/diaper changing surface is inset into the open end of the playpen to make it more accessible for naps and diaper changing. The bassinet/diaper changing surface is a fabric enclosure with a rigid floor mat. The fabric is draped over the upper edge of the playpen and rigid hook-shaped clips sewn to the fabric are secured to the upper edge of the playpen. As this product is on the scale of a playpen, it is larger than a bassinet. 
     In the vein of portability, but apart from sleep products, infant seats are available that are usually formed from rigid shells that are portable but not collapsible into a compact configuration. In one type of infant seat proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,115,523; 5,092,004; and 4,998,307 all to Cone, the infant seat includes a rigid shell assembly having upper and lower shell portions pivotally coupled together so as to be convertible between a flat configuration and a seated configuration. Although this seat is portable it is cumbersome and is not collapsible into a compact configuration. 
     Known bouncer seats of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,478 to Freese et al. include a portable infant seat where the back is convertible between an upright and a tilted position. Although these bouncer seats can be collapsed for portability, they are not intended for use as a sleep product, for example, they are not convertible into a horizontal position. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is a small, lightweight, collapsible infant product that has a range of utilities including a sleep product and a seating product. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is generally directed to an infant product. An aspect of the invention is directed to the combination bassinet/infant seat feature. In particular, the infant product includes a frame having an infant receptacle suspended from the frame. The infant receptacle is convertible between a bassinet configuration and an infant seat configuration. This conversion between the reclined and upright configurations may be accomplished using only parts of the soft goods. In the bassinet configuration, the support surface of the infant receptacle is substantially planar, such that the infant is positioned in a reclined or flat position. In the infant seat configuration, the back portion of the infant support surface may be tilted or disposed at an angle whereby the infant can be supported in an elevated or seated position. In one aspect of the invention, this conversion is accomplished through the use of a support strap assembly. In yet another aspect of the invention, the support strap assembly and infant support surface cooperate to provide improved lateral head support for the infant. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the infant product is foldable or collapsible, such that the infant product is convertible between an assembled configuration for use with the infant in either of the reclined or upright positions just described and a compact collapsed configuration for travel and storage. In one aspect of the invention, a simple three-step folding method may be used to convert the infant product between the assembled erect position and compact folded configurations. The suspended soft goods are folded-up along with the frame. Moreover, part of the frame that is used to support the infant product in the assembled erect position serves the dual purpose as a handle in the compact configuration. A lightweight carrying case may be provided to cover the main portion of the compact infant product. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, the infant product may include a canopy. The canopy is of the type made of a fabric having floating ribs or stays disposed in tunnels sewn into the fabric of the canopy. With the use of a quick connect system, the canopy can be easily converted between an expanded open position and a closed position. 
     Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and from the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1-4 are side, front end, back end, and top front perspective views, respectively, of the infant product in accordance with the invention in the assembled bassinet position. 
     FIGS. 5-9 are is a perspective, side, back end, top and bottom views, respectively, of the infant product in accordance with the invention in the infant seat position. 
     FIGS. 10-12 are perspective front end, perspective back end, and side views, respectively, of the frame for the infant product in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of one of the structural hubs which forms part of the frame of FIGS. 10-12. 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of a leg bracket used in the frame of FIGS. 10-12. 
     FIG. 15 is a top view of the infant product in accordance with the invention where the removable pad has been removed. 
     FIG. 16 is a partial top view of the infant product shown in FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 16A is an exploded view of the bottom wall of the infant product in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a back end view of the infant product in accordance with the invention showing the support strap system for the infant recline/seat feature. 
     FIG. 18 is a partial view of the support strap system shown in FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view taken along line  18 A- 18 A in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line  18 B- 18 B in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 18C is a partial cross-sectional view taking along line  18 C- 18 C in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the canopy in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 19A is a partial view of the canopy in accordance with the invention in the expanded and secured position. 
     FIG. 20 is a partial view of the canopy in accordance with the invention in the unsecured position. 
     FIG. 21 is a side view of the canopy in accordance with the invention in the closed position. 
     FIGS. 21A-B are front views of an alternate embodiment of an infant product incorporating the canopy in accordance with the invention where the canopy is in the closed and open positions, respectively. 
     FIG. 22 is a side view of the conversion of the front leg of the frame from the assembled position to the compact position. 
     FIG. 23 is a side view of the conversion of the rear leg from the assembled position to the compact position. 
     FIG. 24 is a side view of the conversion of the front arcuate member from the assembled position to the compact position such that the frame is in its compact configuration. 
     FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the frame in the compact configuration. 
     FIG. 26 is a side view of the infant product in accordance with the invention where only the front leg is disposed in the compact configuration. 
     FIG. 27 is a side view of the infant product in accordance with the invention where both the front and rear legs are in the compact position. 
     FIGS. 28-30 are side, top and back views, respectively, of the infant product in the compact configuration. 
     FIG. 31 is a top view of the infant product in the compact configuration with the main portion disposed in a carrying case in accordance with the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In particular, the invention is directed to an infant product, the presently preferred embodiments of which are shown generally in FIGS. 1,  5  and  31 , for example. More particularly, the infant product in accordance with the invention is directed to: 1) a collapsible infant product that is configurable between: a) an in-use, deployed or unfolded configuration, shown generally at  11  in FIGS. 1-9 and b) a storage, stowed or folded configuration shown generally at  16  in FIGS. 27-31; and 2) deployed infant product  11 , which may be disposed in either of two configurations: a) a deployed bassinet configuration shown generally at  12  in FIGS. 1-4, and b) an deployed infant seat configuration shown generally at  14  in FIGS. 5-9. 
     Regardless of the respective configuration, however, the infant product in accordance with the invention includes a foldable frame shown generally  100  in FIGS. 10-14 and soft goods shown generally at  200  in FIGS. 1-9 which are suspended from frame  100 . Accordingly, a detailed discussion of frame  100  and soft goods  200  follows. Then, the method of converting the infant product between deployed bassinet configuration  12  and deployed infant seat configuration  14  will be described, as well as, the conversion between deployed configuration  11  and compact folded configuration  16 . 
     The Foldable Frame 
     Referring now to FIGS. 10-14, frame  100  will be described. Frame  100  has a construction that suspends soft goods  200  and is convertible between deployed configuration  11  as shown in FIGS. 10-12, for example, and compact folded configuration  16  as shown, for example, in FIG.  27 . Frame  100  is preferably converted by folding frame  100  along with soft goods  200 . Therefore, the frame is not limited to a particular configuration so long as it can suspend soft goods  200  and can be easily converted between a compact configuration and a deployed configuration in accordance with the invention. 
     Frame  100  has a longitudinal axis L (FIG. 12) and a transverse axis T substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis L. As shown, frame  100  generally includes an annular upper rim frame  102 , a front leg  104 , a back leg  106 , structural hubs  108 ,  110  and back leg brackets  112 ,  114 . 
     Annular upper rim frame  102 , front leg  104  and back leg  106  may be made of any lightweight rigid and durable material. In the illustrated embodiment, these members are 18-gauge, powder-coated, hollow, cylindrical steel tubing. Upper rim frame  102  may have a 0.5″ (1.2 cm) outer diameter and front and back legs  104 ,  106  may have  ⅝″ ( 1.7 cm.) outer diameter. However, other types of materials may be used in accordance with the invention, such as rectangular tubing, aluminum, wood, or plastic tubing or channel, etc. 
     Annular upper rim frame  102  provides the support from which soft goods are suspended. Annular upper rim frame  102  as shown includes a front rim tube  116  and a back rim tube  122 , both of which have a generally U-shaped configuration. Front rim tube  116  has two ends  118 ,  120  pivotally coupled to structural hubs  108 ,  110 , respectively, such that front rim tube  116  is pivotal relative to back rim tube  122  as discussed in more detail below. Back rim tube  122  has two ends  124 ,  126  non-pivotally secured to structural hubs  108 ,  110  as discussed in more detail below. As illustrated in FIG. 12, in the deployed position front rim tube  116  is disposed substantially parallel to transverse axis T, while back rim tube  122  is disposed at an angle relative to front rim tube  116 . Back rim tube  122  is disposed at a slight angle such that infant recline/seat feature  222  (see, e.g. FIGS. 17 and 18) can be positioned high enough to form deployed infant seat configuration  14 , as discussed in more detail below. However, other configurations are within the scope of the invention to accommodate infant recline/seat feature  222 , and if the recline/seat feature  222  is not used, back rim tube  122  may also be parallel to transverse axis T. 
     Front leg  104  and back leg  106  are disposed to support annular upper rim frame  102  in deployed configuration  11  at a suitable height above a supporting surface to suspend soft goods  200  above the supporting surface. For example, front and back legs  104 ,  106  are disposed at angles opposing each other, with their upper ends relatively close together and their lower, support-surface engaging ends relatively far apart to provide a broad, stable base. Front leg  104  has a generally U-shaped configuration including a base  128  and two side legs  130 ,  132  extending substantially perpendicular from base  128 . Side legs  130 ,  132  have ends  134 ,  136  respectively, which are pivotally attached to structural hubs  108 ,  110 , respectively, as discussed in more detail below. Back leg  106  is also of a generally U-shaped configuration and includes a base  138  including two side legs  140 ,  142  extending substantially perpendicular from base  138 . Side legs  140 ,  142  have two ends  144 ,  146  respectively, pivotally attached to back leg brackets  112 ,  114 , respectively, as discussed in more detail below. Side legs  140 ,  142  of back leg  106  include transition portions  148 ,  150  in the vicinity of ends  144 ,  146  whereby the lateral spacing or distance between side legs  140 ,  142  is increased such that back leg  106  does not interfere with the folding movement of front leg  104  (front leg  104  pivots inside of back leg  106 ) and such that back leg  106  can detent against the outside of structural hubs  108 ,  110  in compact folded configuration  16  as discussed later. Although front and back legs  104 ,  106  have been described as being pivotally coupled relative to upper rim frame  102 , any type of releasable connection may be used. 
     To increase resistance to sliding of the legs with respect to the support surface in deployed configuration  11 , rubber feet  152  may be disposed, two each, on bases  128 ,  138  of back leg  106  and front leg  104 , respectively. Rubber feet  152  may be formed of any rubber material including, for example, a synthetic rubber such as a thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Rubber feet  152  also prevent the infant product in its deployed configuration  11  from shifting or “walking,” for example, when a vibration unit is used, as discussed below. 
     Annular upper rim frame  102 , front leg  104  and back leg  106  just described are deployed and interconnected using structural hubs  108 ,  110  and back leg brackets  112 ,  114 . Accordingly, structural hubs  108 ,  110  and back leg brackets  112 ,  114  will now be discussed in detail along with the assembly of frame  100 . Structural hubs  108 ,  110  and back leg brackets  112 ,  114  may be made of a lightweight plastic material, such as, structural nylon. 
     Referring now to FIG. 13 in combination with FIGS. 10-12, structural hubs  108 ,  110  will be discussed in detail. Structural hubs  108 ,  110  include hollow box-shaped housings  154 ,  156 . One of structural hubs  108 ,  110  may include a vibration unit integrated into its housing  154 ,  156  to sooth the infant. Such a vibration unit may include, for example, a motor, a weight, an on/off switch, battery contacts and wiring. It is preferable to place the vibration unit on one of structural hubs  108 ,  110  because structural hubs  108 ,  110  are in structural communication with the entire frame  100  and therefore distribute the vibration most effectively, however, other configurations may be used in accordance with the invention. 
     As structural hubs  108 ,  110  are laterally disposed on frame  100 , they are mirror images of each other. Accordingly, the following discussion only describes structural hub  108  in detail, because the construction of structural hub  110  is readily apparent from the detailed description of structural hub  108 . 
     Housing  154  of structural hub  108  includes an interior side wall  158  and an exterior side wall  160  (FIG. 12) opposing and substantially parallel to interior side wall  158 . Housing  154  further includes an upper side  162  substantially parallel to transverse axis T, a lower side  164  disposed at an angle relative to transverse axis T, front side  166  and back side  168 . Other configurations are within the scope of the invention. 
     Exterior side wall  160  includes a carrying handle  170  formed integrally therewith and extending outwardly therefrom. Carrying handle  170  includes a recess on its lower side for being gripped by the hand such that the infant product in deployed configuration  11  may be moved. Carrying handle  170  is preferably positioned such that it is at or near the center of gravity of deployed configuration  11  when the infant is in the infant product. Exterior side wall  160  further includes a detent  171 , formed as, for example, a slightly raised surface area, and an abutment portion  172  (FIG. 12) to position and releasably hold back leg  106  in compact folded configuration  16 , as discussed in more detail below. 
     The upper end of back side  168  of housing  154  is adapted to fixedly mount end  124  of back rim tube  122 . For example, housing  154  may include hollow tubular projection  174  having a hollow tubular opening  175  to receive end  124  of back rim tube  122 . Hollow tubular opening  175  extends though projection  174  and into the interior of housing  154  for a distance sufficient to adequately support back rim tube  122 , and has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of end  124  of back rim tube  122 . End  124  of back rim tube  122  is slidably disposed within hollow tubular projection  174  and may be secured by a screw (not shown), for example. 
     At upper side  162  of housing  154  is formed a channel  176  extending substantially parallel to transverse axis T and between front side  166  and back side  168 . End  118  of front rim tube  116  is pivotally secured to housing  154  within channel  176  by a known pivotal connector, such as, a pin. This pivotal attachment is represented in FIG. 13 by pivot point P 1 . In deployed configuration  11  of the infant product, front rim tube  116  is positioned within channel  176  as shown so as to extend substantially parallel to transverse axis T. As discussed in greater detail below, to collapse the deployed infant product, front rim tube  116  is rotated about pivot point P 1  in the direction illustrated by the directional arrow D 1 . Accordingly, to deploy the infant product, front rim tube  116  would be rotated from its compact folded configuration  16  in a direction opposite to directional arrow D 1  into deployed configuration  11  as shown. 
     Lower side  164  of housing  154  includes another channel  178  extending between front side  166  and back side  168  of housing  154 . Channel  178  extends at an angle relative to transverse axis T. For example, this angle may be approximately 35° from transverse axis T. End  134  of front leg  104  is pivotally attached to housing  154  within channel  178  using any known pivotal connector. This pivotal attachment is illustrated by pivot point P 2 . To collapse the deployed infant product, front leg  104  is pivoted about pivot point P 2  in the direction illustrated by directional arrow D 2  until front leg  104  is disposed in a position opposing the position shown in FIG. 13 (i.e. 180°), as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Referring now to FIG. 14, back leg brackets  112 ,  114  will be discussed. Back leg brackets  112 ,  114  are disposed laterally on frame  100  and are mirror images of each other. Accordingly, only back leg bracket  112  will be discussed in detail as the construction of back leg bracket  114  will be readily apparent from the discussion of back leg bracket  112 . 
     Back leg bracket  112  includes an exterior side wall  180 , an interior side wall  181  (see also FIG.  11 ), an upper end  182 , a lower end  184 , a front end  186  and a back end  188 . At upper end  182  it is formed a hollow tubular sleeve through which back rim tube  122  is slidably disposed. In corner  192  between lower end  184  and front end  186  is formed a channel  194  disposed at an angle, for example, 45°, relative to transverse axis T to support back rim tube  122 . End  144  of back leg  106  is pivotally attached to back leg bracket  112  and is disposed within channel  194  when back leg  106  is disposed in deployed configuration  11  of the infant product. End  144  of back leg  106  is pivotally attached to back leg bracket  112  by any known pivotal connector. This pivotal connection is represented in FIG. 14 by pivot point P 3 . 
     As discussed in detail below, when deployed configuration  11  is collapsed, back leg  106  is pivoted about pivot point P 3  in the direction represented by directional arrow D 3 . Accordingly, to position back leg  106  in deployed configuration  11  from compact folded configuration  16 , back leg  106  is moved in a direction opposite to the direction represented by directional arrow D 3  until its detents on detent  171  on exterior sidewall  160  of housing  154 . As discussed below, in compact folded configuration  16 , back leg  106  is disposed substantially parallel to back rim tube  122 . 
     A detent  198  (FIG. 11) is also formed on interior side wall  181  of back leg bracket  112  to releasably secure front leg  104  in compact folded configuration  16 . For example, detent  198  may include a raised surface or a raised surface with a depression corresponding to the shape of front leg  104 . 
     To properly and releasably position back leg  106  relative to back rim tube  122  in the deployed configuration, a spring or Valco button connection  196  may be used. In particular, spring button connection  196  includes spring button  195  formed on end  144  of rear leg  106  that is spring biased in an extended position, and a hole  197  formed in exterior side wall  180  of back leg bracket  112 . As back leg  106  is rotated into its assembly configuration, spring button  195  will become aligned with hole  197  and engage or lock into hole  197 . Therefore, rear leg  106  can be easily locked into its proper deployed position, yet is easily unlocked by simply depressing spring button  195 . Although illustrated with a Valco button, any suitable latching or locking mechanism can be used. 
     The Soft Goods 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-9 and  15 - 21 , soft goods  200  in accordance with the invention will be discussed in detail. Soft goods  200  generally include a bassinet shell  202 , a canopy  212 , and a removable pad  216 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-9, bassinet shell  202  is constructed such that, in deployed configuration  11 , it is suspended from frame  100  and naturally falls into deployed bassinet configuration  12  due to its own weight and gravity as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Thus, bassinet shell  202  is preferably formed of pliable and/or foldable construction such that bassinet shell  202  is conveniently collapsed and folded into deployed bassinet configuration  12 . Bassinet shell  202  is constructed such that infant recline/seat feature  222  can be incorporated into soft goods  200  and operated independently of frame  100 , as discussed in more detail later. By minimizing the connections between frame  100  and soft goods  200 , bassinet shell  202  can be folded-up into compact folded configuration  14  without having to disassemble or disconnect any parts, which is time consuming and inconvenient. 
     Bassinet shell  202  generally includes a front end  203 , a back end  201 , a bottom wall  204 , an annular side wall  206 , and structure to suspend bassinet shell  202  from frame  100  which may include a front tunnel  208  formed on upper annular edge  220  of annular side wall  206  at front end  203  of bassinet shell  202 , and a back tunnel  210  formed on upper annular edge  220  of annular side wall  206  at back end  201  of bassinet shell  202 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 9,  15  and  16 , bottom wall  204  of bassinet shell  202  has a generally elliptical shape with an outer perimeter  218 , a front end  224 , a back end  226 , a top surface  228  and a bottom surface  230 . Top surface  228  of bottom wall  240  as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, is shown with removable pad  216  removed. As discussed later, removable pad  216  is disposed on top surface  228  of bottom wall  240 . 
     Bottom wall  204  has a jointed rigid construction whereby a substantially rigid flat surface can be maintained in deployed bassinet configuration  12  (FIGS.  1 - 4 ), however, which also can be repositioned into deployed infant seat configuration  14  (FIGS.  5 - 9 ). 
     In particular, with reference to FIG. 16A, bottom wall  204  is a multi-layer construction including flexible upper cover  232 , flexible lower cover  234  and front, intermediate, and back rigid panels  236 ,  238 ,  240  interposed between upper cover  232  and lower cover  234 . This rigid panel construction also has the advantage of providing a minimal weight bias (relative to lightweight annular side wall  206 ) in bottom wall  204  which will help bassinet shell  202  naturally fall into deployed bassinet configuration  12  and provide a slight tension on annular side wall  206 . Of course, this tension on annular side wall  206  is increased when the infant is placed in bassinet shell  202 . 
     Upper cover  232  is preferably made of an easily cleanable material such as vinyl. It includes a pair of laterally disposed V-shaped notches  246 ,  248  of elastic material at back end  226 . Lower cover  232  is made of a generally non-elastic cloth material and also has a pair of laterally disposed V-shaped notches  242 ,  244  of elastic material at back end  226 . Notches  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248  are provided for purposes of infant recline/seat feature  222 , discussed in more detail below. 
     Front, intermediate, and back rigid panels  236 ,  238 ,  240  are flat, thin, rigid panels made of any type of rigid relatively lightweight material, such as, hardboard. Front rigid panel  236  is semi-circular in shape, intermediate rigid panel  238  is rectangular in shape and back rigid panel  240  is a partial elliptical shape with laterally disposed V-shaped notches  258 ,  260 . Front, intermediate, and back rigid panels  236 ,  238  and  240  are disposed in spaced relationship such that they may be rotated and folded unencumbered. Also, seams  260 ,  262  (FIG. 15) may be provided to separate rigid panels  236 ,  238 ,  240  to prevent displacement of rigid panels  236 ,  238 ,  240 . For example, back panel  240  in back end  226  of bottom wall  204  can be pivoted from deployed bassinet configuration  12  substantially parallel to transverse axis T, to deployed infant seat configuration, which is angled relative to transverse axis T, for example, 30-35° from transverse axis T. Back rigid panel  240  is held in deployed infant seat configuration  14  by infant recline/seat feature  222 , as discussed in more detail below. 
     Annular sidewall  206  is attached to outer perimeter  218  of bottom wall  204  by, for example, stitching. Annular sidewall  206  forms a lateral restraint for the infant in addition to contributing to suspending bottom wall  204 . Annular sidewall  206  is formed of soft flexible material and may include a patchwork of solid cotton fabric panels  251  and breathable mesh fabric  252 . However, any type of material that will not scratch or injure an infant may be used. Panels  251  may be formed of a solid cotton fabric for durability. As discussed later, annular sidewall  206  can be folded and formed into compact folded configuration  16 , yet serves as a semi-rigid wall for providing lateral support when under tension in deployed configuration  11 . 
     Front and back tunnels  208 ,  210  (FIG. 1) are formed to suspend bassinet shell  202  from annular upper rim frame  102 . Front and back tunnels  208 ,  210  may be sewn onto upper annular edge  220  of annular side wall  206  or may be an extension of annular side wall  206 . Front and back tunnels  208 ,  210  may be formed of a soft material padded with batting to cushion around front rim tube  116  and back rim tube  122 . Front and back tunnels  208 ,  210  are constructed to form a front passageway in front tunnel  208  having open ends  264 ,  266  and a back passageway in back tunnel  210  having open ends  268 ,  270  (FIG.  4 ). Accordingly, front rim tube  116  is threaded through the front passageway in front tunnel  208  and back rim tube  122  is threaded through the back passageway in back tunnel  210 . 
     Removable pad  216  is disposed on top surface  228  of bottom wall  204  of bassinet shell  202  and may include any conventional pad having a substantially elliptical shape corresponding to the shape of bassinet shell  202 . Removable pad  216  may be made of a cloth material having a batting filling. Crease  292  (FIG. 4) may be formed in removable pad  216 , for example, using a seam to provide flexibility for lateral edges  288 ,  290  as discussed below with reference to FIG.  18 A. 
     A known nylon webbing three-point restraint may be incorporated into bassinet shell  202  to support the infant in deployed infant seat configuration  14 . 
     Although a particular embodiment of bassinet shell  202  has been described above, other configurations and materials may be used so long as, for example, the bassinet shell is suspended from the frame in a manner appropriate to support the infant in either of the bassinet and infant seat configurations and the bassinet shell is easily folded into compact folded configuration  16  along with frame  100 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, infant recline/seat feature  222  will now be described. In particular, FIG. 17,  18  and  18 A illustrate back end  226  of bottom wall  204  in deployed infant seat configuration  14 , whereas FIG.  1  and FIG. 18B illustrate the deployed bassinet configuration  12 . Infant recline/seat feature  222  includes a support strap assembly  214  of the type described for use with a stroller in U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,896 issued Jan. 7, 1997 to the same assignee as the instant application and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Support strap assembly  214  includes straps  272 ,  274 . Each strap  272 ,  274  includes an end  276 ,  278 , respectively, attached to upper annular edge  220  of annular side wall  206  by a seam, for example. In addition, each strap  272 ,  274  has an end  280 ,  282  to which a connector is attached. The connector may include any conventional easy connect connector such as a buckle as shown. 
     When straps  272 ,  274  are connected to each other, they form a support raised above where bottom wall  204  of bassinet shell  202  would otherwise rest as illustrated by the comparison of FIGS. 18A and 18B, for example. In use, back end  201  of bottom wall  204  is raised to an angled position and straps  272 ,  274  are interconnected to support back end  201  of bottom wall  204  in deployed infant seat configuration  14 . As illustrated in FIG.  1  and FIG. 18B, when straps  272 ,  274  are not in use, they simply hang along side annular side wall  206  of bassinet shell  202 . Once straps  272 ,  274  have been disconnected, the back end of bassinet shell  202  naturally returns to bassinet configuration  12  due to its own weight and gravity. 
     It is within the scope of the invention to raise and/or tilt bottom wall  204  of bassinet shell  202  in any manner desirable. For example, the front end of bassinet shell  202  may also include a strap and buckle connector that when joined will support front end  224  of bottom wall  204  of bassinet shell  202  in a raised position to provide an alternate seating position for the infant. A variety of known seat back recline mechanisms which could be adapted for use with the disclosed bassinet shell in ways apparent to the artisan. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with the invention and as also illustrated in FIGS. 15,  16 ,  16 A,  17 ,  18 A and  18 C, the infant product may also be constructed to provide additional lateral support at the back end of bassinet shell  202  to cradle the upper end of the infant in the deployed infant seat configuration  14 . This may be accomplished, for example, through the use of straps  272 ,  274 , just described, in combination with the V-shaped notches  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248  of elastic material formed in lower cover  234  and upper cover  232 , respectively, and V-shaped notches  258 ,  260  in rigid panel  240  of bottom wall  204 . Accordingly, straps  272 ,  274  can compress against and into bottom wall  204  to create lateral protuberances  271 ,  273  (FIGS. 18A,  18 C) extending upwardly from otherwise planar back end  226  of bottom wall  204 . With protuberances  271 ,  273 , the portion of bottom wall  204  corresponding to the upper body and head of an infant forms a V-shape or cradle (FIG.  18 A). When removable pad  216  is positioned on bottom wall  204 , removable pad  216  conforms to the shape of bottom wall  204 , thereby also forming a cradle shown generally at  217  in FIG.  18 A. Crease  292  facilitates the displacement of lateral edges  288 ,  290  of removable pad  216 . As illustrated in FIG. 18B, when straps  272 ,  274  are not connected, removable pad  216  is substantially flat. 
     This cradle feature may be implemented in variety of ways and is not limited to the structure described herein. For example, the back end  226  of bottom wall  204  may include a three-way fold, which may be implemented using a three-piece rigid back panel  240 . Another way to provide lateral support for an infant, which also may be used in accordance with the invention, is described in the context of a stroller in U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,328 issued Aug. 15, 1995, which has the same assignee as the instant invention and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring now to FIGS.  1  and  19 - 21  canopy  212  will be discussed in detail. Canopy  212  is attached to the back end of bassinet shell  202  and is convertible between an open tensioned position as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 and a closed relaxed position shown, for example, in FIG.  21 . 
     Canopy  212  generally includes fabric panel  300 , ribs or stays  302 ,  304  and connectors  306 ,  308 . Fabric panel  300  can be made of any lightweight material or cloth that is generally inelastic. Sewn into fabric panel  300  are sleeves  310 ,  312  in spaced relationship into which stays  302 ,  304  are threaded as illustrated in FIG.  19 . Accordingly, stays  302 ,  304  are separated from each other. Stays  302 ,  304  may be made of resilient material such as extruded plastic. Stays  302 ,  304 , when inserted into sleeves  310 ,  312  in fabric panel  300  hold the arcuate shape of canopy  212 . Connector  306  may include any suitable mechanism for releasably coupling front edge  320  of fabric panel  300  to a supporting structure so as to place fabric panel  300  in tension. Suitable connectors include buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, magnetic catches, J-hooks, etc. 
     Canopy  212  is held in the open position by connectors  306 ,  308  as illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 20. FIG. 19A shows connector  306 , for example, in a connected position and FIG. 20 shows connector  306  in a released position. Connectors  306 ,  308  are identical, accordingly, only connector  306  is described in detail. Connector  306  includes tab  314  of cloth material sewn to front edge  320  of fabric panel  300 , a male snap  316  provided on tab  314 , and a female snap  318  provided on bassinet shell  202 . Accordingly, canopy  212  is held in the open tensioned position by engaging snaps  316 ,  318 . When connectors  306 ,  308  are released, canopy  212  is foldable into a flat configuration at back end  201  and rests along back rim tube  122  as illustrated in FIG.  21 . 
     Canopy  212  in accordance with the invention may be used on any type of infant product. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B, canopy  212  may be provided on a conventional bouncer seat  400 . FIG. 21A shows canopy  412  in the flat closed position and FIG. 21B shows canopy  412  in the open expanded position. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the invention to use the canopy in a variety of infant products. 
     The Method of Folding and Unfolding the Infant Product 
     Referring now to FIGS. 22-25, the manner of converting frame  100  from deployed configuration  11  into compact folded configuration  16  will now be described. Of course, the steps would be performed in reverse to convert from compact folded configuration  16  into deployed configuration  11 . 
     To begin folding deployed configuration  11 , it does not matter whether bassinet shell  202  is in deployed bassinet configuration  12  or deployed infant seat configuration  14 . The method is a three-step folding process. First, front leg  104  is pivoted as illustrated by directional arrows in FIG. 22 about 180° to its folded position at which point front leg  104  detents against back leg brackets  112 ,  114 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 23, secondly, back leg  106  is pivoted about 100° into its folded position at which point side legs  130 ,  132  detent against the exterior side wall of housings  154 ,  156  of structural hubs  108 ,  110 . 
     Finally, thirdly, referring to FIGS. 24-25, front rim tube  116  is pivoted about 150° about structural hubs  108 ,  110  until it is positioned substantially adjacent and rests on back rim tube  122 . 
     FIGS. 26-29 show the same conversion, but with the finished product, i.e., frame  100  and soft goods  200 . 
     In the compact folded configuration  16 , the infant product includes a generally flat configuration having an end  500  and a handle  504  which is formed by back leg  106 . End  500  may be slidably disposed within a carrying case  502  as illustrated in FIG.  31 . Accordingly, handle  504  which extends outwardly from carrying case  502  can be used for carrying the infant product in compact folded configuration  16 . 
     Carrying case  502  may be formed of nylon material and is used to protect and keep clean the folded infant device. When carrying case  502  is not in use, it may be stored on bassinet shell  202 . In particular, a pocket may be formed, for example, by sewing on bottom surface  230  of bottom wall  204  of bassinet shell  202 . Accordingly, carrying case  502  can be folded and slidably disposed within the pocket for storage during use of the infant product.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0