Abstract:
A portable child&#39;s bed is a bassinet hangably suspended from a pair of frame members. The bassinet includes a pair of opposing sidewalls that have a seam which allows for the sidewalls to inwardly pivot and then fold so as to allow for the compaction of the bassinet unit. The bassinet also includes a plurality of storage pockets capable of holding such infant-care related items such as diapers, powder, ointments, small blankets, towelettes, formula, feeding bottles and many other related items. The bassinet may also include a canopy for shielding the infant&#39;s head while resting or sleeping. The frame members include a telescoping strut which extendably expands or contracts within a strut housing. The telescoping strut and strut housing are in fluid communication and connected by a rotatable joint having an anterior and posterior sleeve to accommodate the pair of frames. The anterior sleeve is rotatable through  180 °, thereby providing the pair of frames the ability to fully expand and position the telescoping struts in such a way so as to provide support to the bassinet. The anterior sleeve also allows for the frames to be compacted so as to reconfigure the portable child&#39;s bed into a lightweight and convenient travel bag.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Registration No. 510,661 filed on Apr. 29, 2002 under 35 U.S.C. §122 and 37 C.F.R. §1.14. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to child beds, and specifically a portable child&#39;s bed having a pivoting and articulated frame for hanging a bassinet therefrom. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There are several types of portable beds well known in the art having a foldable or retractable body which allows a user to store or easily transport the portable bed. However, these portable beds suffer from several disadvantages which limit the effectiveness and/or versatility of the device. A number of these portable bed systems are described below and are indicative of the unique advantages offered by the present invention. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,715, issued in the name of Morton, a portable bed for a newborn infant is disclosed. The portable bed disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,715 includes a flat support surface for a mattress hinged about midway to allow the bed to be folded. The portable bed also has a rigid head board. However, the portable bed has no legs to allow the apparatus to stand alone. Instead, the portable bed must be placed on a flat or relatively flat surface, such as an adult bed, couch or a table. 
     Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,760, issued in the name of Kassai, discloses collapsible and foldable carry-cot for transporting an infant. The carry-cot disclosed in Kassai is of the general type of carry-cot, having an open protective shell with padded lateral walls, but provides the added feature of collapsing and folding when not in use. The collapsible carry-cot includes a link means system having four link means for supporting the lateral walls and which collapse to allowing compaction of the walls to a relatively flat configuration. However, the carry-cot does not have legs to allow the carry-cot to stand alone. Instead, the carry-cot must be placed on a flat or relatively flat surface, such as an adult bed, couch or table. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,209, issued in the name of Saeedy, a collapsible frame for supporting a baby bed is disclosed. The collapsible frame disclosed in Saeedy includes two vertically extending frame members. At a lower end, two angled legs project from the vertical and horizontal frame members so that the frame will set on a surface. The frame is collapsible about a coupling mechanism, which allows the vertical frame members and legs to fold toward the horizontal frame member, thus forming a generally linear folded body. However, the angled legs disclosed by Saeedy are not telescoping and the bed is not adapted for use as a travel bag. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,400, issued in the name of Elliott et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,396, issued in the name of Weston, each disclose a cot which is adjustable or collapsible. Elliott et al. discloses a portable cot apparatus which is stackable upon another portable cot apparatus when not in use. The portable cot in Elliott et al. has four connectors with integrated legs which slide into receptacles for stacking and storing the portable cot. Weston discloses an adjustable cot having six legs supporting a outer frame member. The outer frame member houses an inner frame member divided into two portions. The two portions are pivotally adjustable about a center so as to provide an elevation in the head, or alternatively, the leg region. The adjustable cot disclosed in Weston is collapsible. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,414, issued in the name of Walker discloses a self-contained folding bed. The folding bed in Walker is contained within a suitcase-like container having a zipper for closing the container and a handle for transportation. Once unzipped, the container is opened and the three-layered bedding is unfolded for use. The three-layered bedding includes a lower sheet, a liner and a cushioning layer. 
     Other inventions that may be pertinent are U.S. Pat. No. Des. 288,636, issued in the name of McLaren, discloses a portable bed having a rectangular configuration with upwardly extending sidewalls, padded bedding, and storage compartments. U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,229, issued in the name of Wong, discloses a collapsible and foldable structure for use by infants as a play area. The structure disclosed in Wong has a flat surface and a shell enclosure for storage of play items. The structure twists about itself to fold and collapse into a circular configuration that is easy to transport or store. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,718, issued in the name of Ballard, discloses a folding bed for a small animal. The folding animal bed has a generally rounded perimeter with a padded bed. When not in use, the folding animal bed is folded about a series of hinges and forming a semi-circular shape which is small enough for transporting or storing. 
     The present invention is distinct from the aforementioned U.S. Patents in that the present invention is directed for use as a child&#39;s bed and is adaptable for use as a travel bag. The child&#39;s bed has collapsing walls and telescoping legs to provide the compaction necessary to reduce the child&#39;s bed to a conveniently sized and shaped travel bag. The telescoping legs, as part of a frame system, allows the bed to hang in a suspended arrangement off of the ground or floor while providing rigid support. A unique rotatable joint having a spring urged locking system provides further security and support to the frame system. The exterior walls of the bed house a plurality of storage pockets, while the interior walls are sufficiently and generously padded to provide comfort to the infant while resting. 
     Consequently, there exists a continuous need for new product ideas and enhancements for existing products in the baby bed industry. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide portable child&#39;s bed reducibly compacted to form a travel bag. 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide a portable child&#39;s bed having a cushioned bassinet with a top layer that is removable for cleaning. 
     It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable child&#39;s bed having a shielding canopy. 
     It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable child&#39;s bed having an attachable mesh drape for outdoor use. 
     It is still a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable child&#39;s bed having a locking and rotatable joint. 
     It is still a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable child&#39;s bed having telescoping struts for extending to support a bassinet or for contracting to allow reconfiguration of the bed to a travel bag. 
     It is still a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable child&#39;s bed having a plurality of storage pockets. 
     It is still a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable child&#39;s bed having a foldable top layer of a bottom surface. 
     It is still a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable child&#39;s bed having a spring urged locking means with an impingement head for lockably securing the position of the frame members. 
     It is still a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable child&#39;s bed having a removable strap which may be attached to the travel bag to provide ease of transportation. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable child&#39;s bed is a bassinet hangably suspended from a pair of frame members. The bassinet includes a pair of opposing sidewalls that have a seam which allows for the sidewalls to inwardly pivot and then fold so as to allow for the compaction of the bassinet unit. The bassinet also includes a plurality of storage pockets capable of holding such infant-care related items such as diapers, powder, ointments, small blankets, towelettes, formula, feeding bottles and many other related items. The bassinet may also include a canopy for shielding the infant&#39;s head while resting or sleeping. The frame members include a telescoping strut which extendably expands or contracts within a strut housing. The telescoping strut and strut housing are in fluid communication and connected by a rotatable joint having an anterior and posterior sleeve to accommodate the pair of frames. The anterior sleeve is rotatable through 180°, thereby providing the pair of frames the ability to fully expand and position the telescoping struts in such a way so as to provide support to the bassinet. The anterior sleeve also allows for the frames to be compacted so as to reconfigure the portable child&#39;s bed into a lightweight and convenient travel bag. 
     The use of the present invention provides users with all of the materials and tools necessary to transport, assemble and use the portable child&#39;s bed. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that it is specifically adapted for interior or exterior use. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it is lightweight and easy to use. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that a variety of colors and/or designs may be incorporated into the exterior fabric. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 a  is a perspective view of a portable child&#39;s bed with the telescopic struts completely extended and locked within the strut housings; 
     FIG. 1 b  is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 a  and further illustrating the use of a mesh drape for covering the bassinet when used outdoors; 
     FIG. 2 a  is an elevated perspective of a bassinet illustrating the direction in which force “F” is to be applied and in which direction sidewalls  16  and  20  pivot so as to collapse the bassinet; 
     FIG. 2 b  is an elevated perspective of the bassinet in FIG. 2 a  in which the force “F” has been applied and the sidewalls  16  and  20  are inwardly pivoting in the direction “C” and “D”, respectively; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a sidewall  14  or  18 , taken through the line III—III of FIG. 2 a , illustrating the interior contents of the sidewall  14  or  18  and the storage pocket  40 ; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a sidewall  16  or  20 , taken through line IV—IV of FIG. 2 a , illustrating the interior contents of the sidewall  16  or  20 ; 
     FIG. 5 a  is a cross-sectional view of a bottom planar surface  22 , taken through line V—V of FIG. 2 a , illustrating the interior contents of the bottom planar surface  22 , including the top layer  60  and the bottom layer  62  attached to a sidewall by stitching  63   a , wherein the top layer  60  is shown pivoting upward along the directional arrow “E” with phantom lines; 
     FIG. 5 b  is a cross-sectional view of a bottom planar surface  22 , taken through line V—V of FIG. 2 a , illustrating the top layer  60  and the bottom layer  62  attached to a sidewall by adhesive  63   b;    
     FIG. 6 is a side view of frame members  24  or  26  illustrating the telescopic nature (indicated by directional arrow “G”) of the telescoping strut  84 ; 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the rotatable joint  28   a  or  28   b  with a pair of strut housings  78  and a pair of telescoping struts  84  coupled therein; 
     FIG. 8 a  is a plan view of an anterior surface  88  of a rotatable joint  28   a  or  28   b , illustrating the 180° rotation of the rotatable platform  92  and corresponding anterior sleeve  96 , with the resulting rotation shown in phantom lines, and the side lengths of the anterior sleeve  96  depicted as “I 1 ” and “I 2 ”; 
     FIG. 8 b  is a plan view of a posterior surface  90  of a rotatable joint  28   a  or  28   b;    
     FIG. 9 a  is cross-sectional view of a rotatable joint  28   a  or  28   b , taken through line IX—IX of FIG. 8 b , illustrating the fluid communication of a rotatable joint  28   a  or  28   b  with a strut housing  78  and a telescoping strut  84 , wherein an spring urged locking means  122 , having an impingement head  104 , is shown snapped into a locked and secure position; 
     FIG. 9 b  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the impingement head  104  of FIG. 9 a , wherein the impingement head  104  does not have a boss or biased spring, but instead is integral to the surface of the telescoping strut  84 ; 
     FIG. 10 a  is a perspective view of the portable child&#39;s bed  10  reconfigured through compaction into a travel bag  128 , wherein the travel bag  128  shown has a strap  132  attached via a buckle  142 ; and 
     FIG. 10 b  is a perspective view of the travel bag  128  of FIG. 10 a , wherein an alternative embodiment is shown in which the strap  132  is attached via an eye-hook  140  clipped to a hoop  144 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 a  and FIG. 1 b , a portable child&#39;s bed  10  is shown, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and includes a bassinet  11  having a sleeping volume  12 . The sleeping volume  12  is formed by four sidewalls; a first sidewall  14 , a second sidewall  16 , a third sidewall  18  and a fourth sidewall  20  consecutively depending from one another, and a planar bottom surface  22  which perpendicularly depends from the four sidewalls  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20 . The portable child&#39;s bed  10  further includes a pair of frame members  24  and  26 . A first frame member  24  is coupled to a second frame member  26  about a first rotatable joint  28   a  and a second rotatable joint  28   b . The first frame member  24  and the second frame member  26  elevate and mechanically support the bassinet  11  when the frame members  24  and  26  are completely expanded. A mesh drape  15  is available for attachment to the bassinet  11  for covering the child when the portable child&#39;s bed  10  is used outdoors, thereby preventing insect bites or general annoyance. 
     The sleeping volume  12  forms a generally rectangular perimeter and has padding, generally noted as  30 , within the interior portions of the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20 , and padding  30  within the interior portion of the planar bottom surface  22 . Preferably, the padding  30  for the sidewalls  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  and planar bottom surface  22  is manufactured from foam having a thickness of approximately two inches, although other padding material and various thicknesses are envisioned. As best seen in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 a  and FIG. 5 b , the padding  30  is covered by an intermediate liner  32 , manufactured from vinyl or another suitable repellant or protective covering, to protect the foam from milk, formula, water, food, urine, feces or other bodily fluid expelled by the child. The padding  30  is further covered by an outer sheet  34 , which is preferably of a soft material, such as cotton. The padding  30  for the sidewalls  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  may vary in thickness, but, preferably, the thickness is at least one inch. The sleeping volume  12  is partially covered by a removable canopy  36  that is affixed at the second sidewall  16  and along the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18 , thus forming an arcuate covering for where the infant&#39;s head rests. The canopy  36  is affixed by an attachment means  38 , wherein the attachment means  38  may include hook and loop fasteners, button snaps, clips or zippers. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 a , FIG. 1 b , FIG. 2 a , FIG. 2 b  and FIG. 3, the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18  are mirror images of one another, wherein the first sidewall  14  is positioned opposite to the third sidewall  18 , thus the description of the first sidewall  14  will serve as a representative of the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18 . The first sidewall  14  includes an interior portion  14   a  integrally coupled with and coplanar to an exterior portion  14   b  and sharing a coplanar common wall  14   c , which serves as the rear support for the interior and exterior portions  14   a  and  14   b . The interior portion  14   a  includes the outer sheet  34 , the intermediate liner  32  and the padding  30 . The exterior portion  14   b  includes a plurality of storage pockets  40 . A storage pocket  40  is formed by a first lateral panel  44  and a second lateral panel  46  depending from the common wall  14   c , and a front panel  42  opposite to the common wall  14   c  and perpendicularly depending from the first lateral panel  44  and the second lateral panel  46 , with a base panel  48  perpendicularly depending from the lowest end of the front panel  42 , the first and second lateral panels  44  and  46 , and the common wall  14   c . In the top of a storage pocket  40  is an opening  50  for inserting storage items, such as diapers, towels, baby powder or other baby care related products. A storage pocket  40  is enclosed by a flexible covering  52  extending over the opening  50  and affixed to the front panel  42  by an attachment means  54 , such as hook and loop fasteners, button snaps or buttons. The first sidewall  14  further includes a first channel  56  formed by the top portion of the first sidewall  14  and which transverses the length of a top portion of the first sidewall  14 , thus receiving the upper horizontal rail  70  of the first frame member  24  or the second frame member  26 . The arrangement of the upper horizontal rail  70  within the first channel  56  allows for a minimal amount of motion to gently rock the bassinet  11  in the general direction indicated by the two directional arrow “A-B” (as shown in FIG. 1 a ). 
     The third sidewall  18  includes an interior portion  18   a  integrally coupled with a coplanar exterior portion  18   b  and sharing a coplanar common wall  18   c , which serves as the rear support for the interior and exterior portions  18   a  and  18   b . The interior portion  18   a  includes the outer sheet  34 , the intermediate liner  32  and the padding  30 . The exterior portion  18   b  includes a plurality of storage pockets  40 . The third sidewall  18  further includes a second channel  58  formed by the top portion of the third sidewall  18  and which transverses the length of a top portion of the third sidewall  18 , thus receiving the upper horizontal rail  70  of the first frame member  24  or the second frame member  26 . The arrangement of the upper horizontal rail  70  within the second channel  58  allows for a minimal amount of motion to gently rock the bassinet  11  in the general direction indicated by the two directional arrow “A-B”. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 a , FIG. 1 b , FIG. 2 a , FIG. 2 b  and FIG. 4, the second sidewall  16  and fourth sidewall  20  are mirror images of one another, wherein the second sidewall  16  is positioned opposite to the fourth sidewall  20 , thus the description of the second sidewall  16  will serve as a representative of the second and fourth sidewalls  16  and  20 . The second sidewall  16  includes an interior portion  16   a  integrally coupled with a coplanar exterior portion  16   b  and sharing a coplanar common wall  16   c , which serves as the rear support for the interior and exterior portions  16   a  and  16   b . The interior portion  16   a  includes the outer sheet  34 , the intermediate liner  32  and the padding  30 . The second sidewall  16  further includes a pivoting seam  16   d  which allows the second sidewall  16  to fold inwardly (indicated by directional arrow “C”) toward the opposing fourth sidewall  20 . When a force “F” (indicated by direction arrows “F”) is applied to the first or third sidewalls  14  or  18 , or is applied to both the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18 , an inward folding of seam  16   d , and the complimentary inward folding of seam  20   d  (described below) results and allows the bassinet  11  to collapse into a flattened and compacted configuration convenient for transportation. 
     The fourth sidewall  20  includes an interior portion  20   a  integrally coupled with a coplanar exterior portion  20   b  and sharing a coplanar common wall  20   c , which serves as the rear support for the interior and exterior portions  20   a  and  20   b . The interior portion  20   a  includes the outer sheet  34 , the intermediate liner  32  and the padding  30 . The fourth sidewall  20  further includes a pivoting seam  20   d  which allows the second sidewall  20  to fold inwardly toward the opposing second sidewall  16 . When a force “F” (indicated by direction arrows “F”) is applied to the first or third sidewalls  14  or  18 , or is applied to both the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18 , an inward folding of seam  20   d , and the complimentary inward folding of seam  16   d  (described above) results and allows the bassinet  11  to collapse into a flattened and compacted configuration convenient for transportation. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2 a , FIG. 2 b , FIG. 5 a  and FIG. 5 b , the planar bottom surface  22  includes a top layer  60  lying adjacent to and on top of a bottom layer  62 . The top layer  60  is a sufficiently rigid structure and includes the outer sheet  34 , the intermediate liner  32  and the padding  30 . The top layer  60  is affixed to the first or third sidewall  14  or  18  by stitching  63   a , an adhesive substance  63   b , or hook and loop material  63   c , wherein the stitching  63   a , adhesive  63   b  or hook and loop material  63   c  extends along the length of one lateral side  64  of the top layer  60 . The stitching  63   a , adhesive  63   b  or hook and loop material  63   c  permits the top layer  60  to pivot along a lateral side  64  and in a line indicated by the directional arrow “A-B”. The hook and loop material  63   c  further provides a user with the option of removing the top layer  60  from the bassinet  11  for cleaning. The bottom layer  62  is a pliable material that is affixed to the first and third sidewall  14  or  18  by stitching  63   a  or adhesive  63   b , wherein the stitching  63   a  or adhesive  63   b  extends along the lengths of two lateral sides  66  and  68  of the bottom layer  62 . The bottom layer  62  provides horizontal support to the top layer  60  and prevents the top layer  60  from falling down and through the bassinet  11  when the child is place therein. The pliability of the bottom layer  62  allows the bottom layer  62  to assume a compacted or folded configuration when the portable child&#39;s bed  10  is collapsed for storage or transportation. The bottom layer  62  compacts or folds in a generally upward direction so as to be completely enveloped by the four sidewalls  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  when the portable child&#39;s bed  10  is collapsed. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 a  and FIG. 6, the first frame member  24  and the second frame member  26  are mirror images of one anther, thus the description of the first frame member  24  will serve as a representative of the first and second frame members  24  and  26 . The first frame member  24  forms a general rectangular perimeter and includes an upper horizontal rail  70  opposite to a lower horizontal rail  72 . The upper horizontal rail  70  terminates at two opposing ends, a first end  74  and a second end  76  and is perpendicularly coupled to a pair of downwardly projected vertical strut housings  78  at each respective end  74  and  76 . The lower horizontal rail  72  terminates at two opposing ends, a first end  80  and a second end  82 , and is perpendicularly coupled to a pair of upwardly projected telescoping struts  84  at each respective end  80  and  82 . Each strut, housing  78  respectively receives an upwardly projected telescoping strut  84 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 a , FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8 a  and FIG. 8 b , the first rotatable joint  28   a  and the second rotatable joint  28   b  are mirror images of one another, thus the description of the first rotatable joint  28   a  will serve as a representative of the first rotatable joint  28   a  and the second rotatable joint  28   b . Each rotatable joint  28   a  or  28   b , and described here for illustrative purposes as the first rotatable joint  28   a , includes a disc-shaped platform  86  having an anterior surface  88  and a posterior surface  90 . As best seen in FIG. 8 a , the anterior surface  88  includes a recessed rotatable platform  92  housed within and surrounded by a rounded shoulder  94 , wherein the rounded shoulder  94  circumscribes the circumference  95  of the anterior surface  88 . The rotatable platform  92  includes a horseshoe-shaped anterior sleeve  96  having a first receiving end  98  and a second receiving end  100 , wherein the first receiving end  98  receives the downwardly projected strut housing  78  and the second receiving end  100  receives the upwardly projected telescoping strut  84 . The anterior sleeve  96  acts as a conduit by providing fluid communication between the strut housing  78  and the telescoping strut  84 . The anterior sleeve  96  further includes a first upper orifice  102  for receiving an impingement head  104  to lockably secure the telescoping strut  84  within the strut housing  78 . The impingement head  104  is explained in greater detail below. The anterior surface  88  further includes a first dog  106  and a second dog  108 , wherein the first dog  106  and the second dog  108  are positioned parallel to and affixed on the anterior surface  88  and along the rounded shoulder  94 . The first dog  106  and the second dog  108  are placed 180° apart on the anterior surface  88 , thereby providing the rotatable platform  92  with 180° of rotation. Preferably, the first dog  106  and the second dog  108  are triangular in shape so as to provide a greater surface area for mechanically interfering with the rotation of the anterior sleeve  96 , and without sharp-edged projections that might impart damage to either the anterior sleeve  96  or the first dog  106  or second dog  108 . As shown in FIG. 8 a , the greatest surface area provided by the first and second dogs  106  and  108  occurs when the first lateral side “I 1 ” of the anterior sleeve  96  abuts flush against the first dog  106  and the second lateral side “I 2 ” of the anterior sleeve  96  abuts flush against the second dog  108  in either the collapsed position or in the expanded position (shown in phantom lines). 
     As best seen in FIG. 8 b , the posterior surface  90  includes a stationary platform  110  integral with the rotatable platform  92  and rounded shoulder  94  of the anterior surface  88 . The stationary platform  110  includes a horseshoe-shaped posterior sleeve  112  having a third receiving end  114  and a fourth receiving end  116 , wherein the third receiving end  114  receives a strut housing  78  and the fourth receiving end  116  receives the telescoping strut  84 . The posterior sleeve  112  further includes a second upper orifice  118  for receiving an impingement head  104  to lockably secure the telescoping strut  84  within the strut housing  78 . The impingement head  104  is explained in greater detail below. Like the anterior sleeve  96 , the posterior sleeve  112  acts as a conduit providing fluid communication between the strut housing  78  and the telescoping strut  84 . 
     As best seen in FIG. 1 a  and FIG. 9 a , each strut housing  78  is a linearly elongated member having a larger cross-sectional diameter “d 1 ” than the cross-sectional diameter “d 2 ” respective telescoping strut  84  received so as to accommodate the slidable insertion and extraction of the telescoping strut  84 . A lower end  120  of each strut housing  78  is integrally coupled to the first and second rotatable joint  28   a  and  28   b  at a first receiving end  98  and a third receiving end  114 . Each strut housing  78  may include a first lower orifice  102  corresponding to a first upper orifice  103  in the anterior or posterior sleeve  96  or  112 , or a second lower orifice  118  corresponding to a second upper orifice  119 . The first lower orifice  102  and the first upper orifice  103  align (and likewise, the second lower orifice  118  aligns with the second upper orifice  119 ) so that an impingement head  104  may penetrate and lockably snap into and through the lower and upper orifices  102 / 118  and  103 / 119 , thereby impinging the slidable movement of the telescoping strut  84  within the strut housing  78 . 
     Each telescoping strut  84  is a linearly elongated member having a smaller cross-sectional diameter “d 2 ” than the cross-sectional diameter “d 1 ” of the recipient strut housing  78 . An upper end  129  of each telescoping strut  84  is inserted into the first or second rotatable joint  28   a  or  28   b  at a second receiving end  100  and a fourth receiving end  116 . Each telescoping strut  84  includes a spring urged locking means  122  having an impingement head  104 , an impingement boss  124  at the base of the impingement head  104  and an outwardly biased spring  126 . The impingement head  104  may penetrate the telescoping strut  84  through an impingement orifice  127  or may be integral to the exterior surface of the telescoping strut  84  (but without the boss  124  and the outwardly biased spring  126 , as shown in FIG. 9 b ). The impingement head  104  slides along the interior surface of the strut housing  78  until the impingement head  104  engages and penetrates the aligned orifices  102 / 118  or  103 / 119 . Penetration of the impingement head  104  through the aligned orifices  102 / 118  or  103 / 119  provides mechanical interference to the sliding motion of the telescoping strut  84  and locks the first and second frame members  24  and  26  so as to provide a secure and stable support to the bassinet  11 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 10 a  and FIG. 10 b , when the portable child&#39;s bed  10  is collapsed, the method of which is described in further detail below, a convenient travel bag  128  formed. The travel bag  128  includes the four sidewalls  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  previously disclosed, wherein the second and fourth sidewalls  16  and  20  are in a folded arrangement so that the length of the second and fourth sidewalls  16  and  20  are reduced to a length that allows the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18  to abut against one another. A fastener  130  is provided so as to secure the first sidewall  14  to the third sidewall  18  and maintain the compacted form of the travel bag  128 . The fastener  130  may be a hook and loop fastener, a button snap or other suitable fastening devices. A strap  132  is also provided to allow for easy carrying and transportation of the travel bag  128 . The strap  132  is a linearly elongated flattened structure having a padded portion  134  so as to rest comfortably about the shoulder of a person carrying the travel bag  128 . The strap  132  is affixed to the travel bag  128  at two opposing ends  136  and  138 , respectively, by either an eye-hook arrangement  140  (as shown in FIG. 10 b ) or a buckle  142 . The buckle  142  would require the strap  132  be woven through a hoop  144  and then through a buckle  142  to securely cinch the strap  132  about the buckle  142 . 
     Preferably, the frame members  24  and  26  are constructed from a durable yet lightweight material, such as plastic or aluminum, so as to provide rigid support for the bassinet  11  while also providing a lightweight frame for the travel bag  128  when configured for transportation. 
     It is envisioned that the exterior surface of the bassinet  11  may encompass a broad range of solid colors, multi-colors, mixed designs and/or incorporate cartoon characters through licensing agreements. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     For purposes of illustration, the operation of the preferred embodiment of the portable child&#39;s bed  10  begins with the bed in the fully collapsed and compacted configuration of the travel bag  128 . 
     To reconfigure the travel bag  128  into the portable child&#39;s bed  10 , a user will release the strap  132  by weaving the opposing ends  136  and  138  of the strap  132  through the respective buckles  142 . After releasing and removing the strap  132 , a user will release the fastener  130  so that the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18  are free to expand. A user will then force the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18  apart, in opposite directions (as shown in FIG. 2 a  and FIG. 2 b ), until the second and fourth sidewalls  16  and  20  unfold about their respective seems  16   d  and  20   d , concurrent with the rotational motion of the rotatable joints  28   a  and  28   b  and the corresponding strut housings  78 . A bassinet  11  having a general rectangular perimeter is formed. 
     A user will then slidably extend a telescoping strut  84  (as shown by the directional arrow “G” in FIG. 1 a  and FIG. 6) from within a strut housing  78  from either the first or second frame member  24  or  26  until the impingement head  104  engages and penetrates the aligned orifices  102 / 118  or  103 / 119 . The impingement head  104  will snap into and through the aligned orifices  102 / 118  or  103 / 119 , thereby mechanically interfering with the slidable motion of the telescoping strut  84 . A user will then slidably extend a telescoping strut  84  from with a strut housing  78  from the remaining frame member  24  or  26  until the impingement head  104  snaps into place. 
     A user will then pivotally lower the top layer  60  on top of and adjacent to the bottom layer  62 , as indicated by the directional arrow “E” in FIG. 5 a . If necessary, or desired, a user will attach the canopy  36  to the second sidewall  16  by attachment means  38  so as to provide a shield or cover for an infant&#39;s head. The canopy  36  will also attach to the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18 . The fully expanded portable child&#39;s bed  10  may then be positioned wherever desired. A user will then place the infant into the sleeping volume  12  of the bassinet  11  so that the infant may rest or sleep in a protected, yet comfortable, arrangement. 
     To collapse the portable child&#39;s bed  10  and reconfigure the travel bag  128 , a user will remove the infant from the bassinet  11 . If necessary, a user will then detach the canopy  36  from the first, second and third sidewalls  14 ,  16  and  18 . A user will then pivotally fold the top layer  60  away from the bottom layer  62  so that the top layer  60  rests against either the first or third wall  14  or  18 . A user will then press the tip of the impingement head  104  into and out of the aligned orifices  102 / 118  or  103 / 119  on either the first or second frame member  24  or  26 . A user will then press the tip of another impingement head  104  into and out of the remaining aligned orifices  102 / 118  or  103 / 119  on the remaining first or second frame member  24  or  26 . A user will then slidably contract the telescoping strut  84  into the strut housing  78  thereby shortening the first or second frame member  24  or  26 , and then repeating the slidable contraction for the telescoping strut  84  of the remaining frame member  24  or  26 . A user will then apply a force “F” to the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18  so the first and third sidewalls  14  and  18  are forced together in an adjacent position to one another. Concurrently, the second and fourth sidewalls  16  and  20  will fold inwardly along the respective seams  16   d  and  20   d  so that the sidewalls  16  and  20  collapse toward one another and thereby allowing the bassinet  11  to assume a compacted configuration. A user will then secure the fastener  130  from the first sidewall  14  to the third sidewall  18 , or vice versa, so as to maintain the compacted configuration. Finally, user will secure the strap  132  to the eye hooks  140  (or hoops  144 ) at the strap&#39;s  132  opposing ends  136  and  138 , thereby transforming the portable child&#39;s bed  10  to a travel bag  128 . If necessary, or desired, a user may then fill the storage pockets  40  with items for transportation or storage. A user will then slip the strap  132  over a shoulder, placing the padded portion  134  at the pressure point of the strap  132  against the user&#39;s shoulder. The travel bag  132  is now ready for transportation. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.