Abstract:
A connecting arrangement for connecting a mattress support to supporting sides of a crib, includes stationary bars secured to the supporting sides, each having a first opening; slide bars, each having a second opening and mounted in sliding relation to a stationary bar between first and second positions in which the first and second openings are in or out of alignment with each other; a third opening in the slide bar and being in open communication with the second opening, the third opening being smaller than the second opening; and arms, each having one end connected to the mattress support and an opposite free end having a pin with an enlarged head for engagement within the first and second openings when the slide bar is moved to the first position and which is locked in the third opening when the slide bar is moved to the second position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to infant cribs, playpens or the like, and more particularly, is directed to a mattress support for an infant crib, playpen or the like. 
     Normally, the mattress support or spring deck holder of a crib includes hanger arms for hanging the spring deck. The mattress is then placed on top of the spring deck holder. Each hanger arm is provided with a hole through which a screw passes in order to attach the spring deck holder to the corner posts of a crib. Many other arrangements use an insert nut, which is a fitting that is screwed into the corner post and has a center as a thread to receive a bolt. Another prior art arrangement screws a steel plate onto the corner post over a hollowed-out area, in which the plate has multiple holes that are threaded to receive a bolt from the hanger arms. 
     In all of these arrangements, screws or bolts are required to secure the hanger arms to the corner posts of the crib. This is disadvantageous from an assembly standpoint, making the assembly more complex and difficult, and requiring tools to assemble the same. In addition, the extra parts of the screws and bolts make the construction more costly, and further, there is a likelihood that the screws or bolts become lost when the crib is disassembled and stored away. In addition, there is the possibility over time that the screws tend to loosen, lessening the structural integrity of the crib. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spring deck holder for a crib mattress that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a spring deck holder for a crib mattress that eliminates the use of screws or bolts in the assembly thereof. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a spring deck holder for a crib mattress that is easy to assemble. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a spring deck holder for a crib mattress which does not require any tools for assembly thereof. 
     It is a further another object of the present invention to provide a spring deck holder for a crib mattress that provides good structural support for the mattress. 
     It is a still further another object of the present invention to provide a spring deck holder for a crib mattress that is safer to use since it eliminates the possibility of consumer assembled screws loosening up. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a connecting arrangement for connecting a mattress support to supporting sides of a crib, includes a plurality of stationary bars secured to a plurality of the supporting sides, respectively, each stationary bar having a first opening, and a plurality of slide bars, each slide bar having a second opening and each slide bar being mounted in sliding relation to a respective stationary bar between a first position in which the first and second openings are in alignment with each other and a second position in which the first and second openings are out of alignment with each other. A third opening is provided in either the stationary bar or slide bar and is in open communication with the first or second opening, the third opening being smaller than the respective first or second opening. A plurality of arms are provided, each arm having one end connected to the mattress support and an opposite free end having a pin with an engaging end for engagement within respective first and second openings when the respective slide bar is moved to the first position and which is locked in the third opening when the respective slide bar is moved to the second position. 
     A spring is connected between each respective stationary bar and slide bar for biasing each slide bar to the second position. 
     The third opening is provided in the slide bar in open communication with the second opening. 
     There are a plurality of the first openings in each stationary bar, and a plurality of the second openings in each slide bar, with a plurality of the third openings, each third opening in open communication with a respective one of the first and second openings. 
     There is also a fourth opening in the other of the respective stationary bar and slide bar and being in open communication with the respective other of the first and second openings, the fourth opening being smaller than the respective other of the first and second openings. 
     A securement assembly secures together each respective stationary bar and slide bar in a manner to permit each slide bar to move in a sliding relation to the respective stationary bar. The securement assembly includes at least one elongated slot in one of the stationary bar and slide bar, and a rivet which is secured to the other of the stationary bar and slide bar and extends into the at least one elongated slot in one of the stationary bar and slide bar. 
     One end of each arm is pivotally connected to the mattress support. 
     Each slide bar further includes a tab for moving the slide bar relative to the respective stationary bar. Each stationary bar includes a fourth opening, and the tab of the respective slide bar extends through the fourth opening. Each slide bar is positioned behind the respective stationary bar. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a crib includes a headboard; a footboard; first and second side rails connected in parallel, spaced apart relation between the headboard and the footboard; four vertical posts for supporting the crib and connected to four corners of the crib at interconnections of the footboard and headboard with the side rails; and a mattress support for supporting a mattress between the headboard, footboard and side rails. A connecting arrangement connects a mattress support to the vertical posts of the crib. The connecting arrangement includes a plurality of stationary bars secured to the vertical posts, each stationary bar having a first opening, and a plurality of slide bars, each slide bar having a second opening and each slide bar being mounted in sliding relation to a respective stationary bar between a first position in which the first and second openings are in alignment with each other and a second position in which the first and second openings are out of alignment with each other. A third opening is provided in one of a respective stationary bar and slide bar and being in open communication with a respective one of the first and second openings, the third opening being smaller than the respective one of the first and second openings. A plurality of arms are provided, each arm having one end connected to the mattress support and an opposite free end having a pin with an engaging end for engagement within respective first and second openings when the respective slide bar is moved to the first position and which is locked in the third opening when the respective slide bar is moved to the second position. 
     The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the crib according to the present invention, with two stationary side rails; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the crib of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a left side elevational view of the crib of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan of the crib of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear elevational view of the crib of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the crib of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view showing assembly of the rear stationary side rail to the headboard and footboard; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of one upper corner of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the other upper corner of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of one lower corner of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the other lower corner of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view showing assembly of the front stationary side rail to the headboard and footboard; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of one upper corner of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged view of one lower corner of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded, front perspective view of the arrangement for securing the spring deck to the crib, 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded, rear perspective view of the arrangement for securing the spring deck to the crib, 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing the assembly of the spring deck securing arrangement to the vertical post of the headboard; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged perspective view showing the assembly of the spring deck securing arrangement to the vertical post of the headboard; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view showing the assembly of the spring deck securing arrangement to the corner posts of the rear stationary side rail; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view showing the assembly of the spring deck securing arrangement to one vertical post of the rear stationary side rail; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged perspective view showing the assembly of the spring deck securing arrangement to the other vertical post of the rear stationary side rail; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the spring deck; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of one spring deck arm; 
         FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of the arrangement for securing the spring deck to the crib, with the push tab pushed down; 
         FIG. 25  is a rear perspective view of the arrangement for securing the spring deck to the crib, with the push tab pushed down; 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the upper end of the arrangement for securing the spring deck to the crib, with the push tab pushed down; 
         FIG. 27  is a front perspective view of the arrangement for securing the spring deck to the crib, with the push tab released; 
         FIG. 28  is a rear perspective view of the arrangement for securing the spring deck to the crib, with the push tab released; 
         FIG. 29  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the upper end of the arrangement for securing the spring deck to the crib, with the push tab released; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to  FIGS. 1-6  thereof, a crib  10  according to the present invention includes a headboard  12  and a footboard  14  connected together in a parallel, spaced apart relation to each other. Headboard  12  and footboard  14  are connected together by stationary side rails  16  and  18 , and a spring deck  20  is mounted within the area enclosed by headboard  12 , footboard  14  and stationary side rails  16  and  18  for supporting a mattress (not shown) thereon. A drop side rail can also be used with the present invention in place of one or both of the stationary side rails  16  and  18 . 
     Headboard  12  is formed by a horizontally oriented upper cross brace  22  and a horizontally oriented lower cross brace  24 , connected together by a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart vertical slats or rods  26 . A vertical post  27  connects one end of upper cross brace  22  and lower cross brace  24 . In like manner, footboard  14  is formed by a horizontally oriented upper cross brace  28  and a horizontally oriented lower cross brace  30 , connected together by a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart vertical slats or rods  32 . A vertical post  33  connects one end of upper cross brace  28  and lower cross brace  30 . 
     Stationary side rail  16  includes an upper rail member  34  and a substantially parallel, spaced apart lower rail member  36  connected together by plurality of equidistantly spaced apart vertical slats or rods  38 . Two vertical corner posts  40  connect ends of upper and lower rail members  34 ,  36 , and function as two of the supporting legs of crib  10 . In like manner, stationary side rail  18  includes an upper rail member  42  and a substantially parallel, spaced apart lower rail member  44  connected together by plurality of equidistantly spaced apart vertical slats or rods  46 . Two vertical corner posts  48  connect ends of upper and lower rail members  42 ,  44 , and function as the other two supporting legs of crib  10 . 
     Alternatively, corner posts  27 ,  33  can be formed as part of stationary side rail  18 , and/or corner posts  40  can be formed at the opposite ends of headboard  12  and footboard  14 . 
     To assemble crib  10 , the free ends of upper cross braces  22 ,  28  and lower cross braces  24 ,  30  are secured to corner posts  40  of stationary side rail  16 , by screws  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 7-11 . Then, spring deck  20  is assembled therewith in the manner described in detail hereinafter. Thereafter, corner posts  48  are positioned flush against vertical posts  27 ,  33  and connected thereto by screws  52 , as shown in  FIGS. 12-14 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the arrangement  54  for securing spring deck  20  to crib  10 , includes an elongated flat stationary bar  60  having an upper opening  62  and a lower opening  64  by which it can be secured via screws  66  at the factory to a corner post  40 , vertical post  27  or vertical post  33  of crib  10 , preferably within a shallow recess  68  therein, as shown best in  FIGS. 17-21 . Bar  60  includes a square opening  70  at the upper end below opening  62 . Between openings  64  and  70 , there are three substantially equidistantly spaced bulb-shaped openings  72 ,  74  and  76 . Each bulb-shaped opening  72 ,  74 , and  76  includes a large diameter upper end opening portion  78  in open communication with a small diameter lower opening portion  80 . There are also three small circular openings  82 ,  84  and  86  spaced along bar  60  as well as a small square opening  88  between openings  74  and  86 . A bent tab  89  extends rearwardly from opening  88 . 
     An elongated flat slide bar  90  is positioned parallel to and immediately behind stationary bar  60 . Slide bar  90  includes a bent push tab  91  at its upper end which extends through square opening  70 . Slide bar  90  further includes three oval-shaped openings  92 ,  94  and  96 , which have the same general spacing as openings  82 ,  84  and  86 . A rivet  98  extends through openings  82  and  92  and is locked thereto by a lock nut  100 . In like manner, a rivet  102  extends through openings  84  and  94  and is locked therein by a lock nut  104 . Lastly, a rivet  106  extends through openings  86  and  96  and is locked thereto by a lock nut  108 . In this manner, since openings  92 ,  94  and  96  are elongated, slide bar  90  is permitted to move vertically relative to stationary bar  60 , being held thereto by rivets  98 ,  102  and  106 . 
     Slide bar  90  further includes three substantially equally spaced bulb-shaped openings  110 ,  112  and  114 . Each bulb-shaped opening  110 ,  112  and  114  includes a large diameter upper opening portion  116  which has a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of large upper opening portion  78  for alignment therewith, and a narrow, elongated lower guide opening portion  118  in communication with upper opening portion  116 . 
     Lastly, slide bar  90  includes an elongated opening  120  between openings  96  and  112  with a bent tab  122  at the lower end thereof. A coil spring  124  has one end connected to lower bent tab  122  and its upper end connected to bent tab  89  of stationary bar  60 . In this manner, spring  124  normally biases slide bar  90  upwardly such that push tab  91  is stopped at the upper edge of upper square opening  70  of stationary bar  60 . In this position, large diameter upper end opening portion  78  and large diameter upper opening portion  116  are out of alignment with each other. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , spring deck  20  for supporting a mattress thereon includes a rectangular metal frame  130  having an inner wire lattice  132  positioned within frame  130  and secured thereto by a plurality of springs  134 . However, the present invention is not limited to this particular spring deck and any other suitable spring deck or mattress support can be used in place thereof. 
     Four spring deck hanger arms  136  are pivotally connected to the ends of the longer sides of frame  130  of spring deck  100  by rivets  138 . The outwardly facing free upper end of each spring deck hanger arm  136  includes a pin  140  with an enlarged head  142 . As shown best in  FIGS. 24-26 , in order to assemble spring deck  20  with crib  10 , push tab  91  is pushed down, such that large diameter upper end opening portion  78  and large diameter upper opening portion  116  are in alignment with each other for receiving enlarged head  142  of a pin  140  therein. This can be placed in any of openings  72 ,  74  or  76 , depending on the height desired. The pushing down of push tab  91  causes slide bar  90  to move downwardly against the force of coil spring  124 . After enlarged head  142  is positioned through upper opening portions  78  and  116 , push tab  91  is released, whereby spring  124  causes slide bar  90  to move upwardly to the position shown in  FIGS. 27-29 . At this time, pin  140  slides within small diameter lower opening portion  80  and lower guide opening portion  118 , and is thereby locked therein to prevent escape. 
     As a result, the present invention provides a spring deck holder  20  that does not require the use of any screws for assembly. 
     It will be appreciated, however, that various modifications within the scope of the present claims can be provided. For example, openings  110 ,  112  and  114  can be provided merely with large diameter upper opening portion  116  and can be normally spring biased downwardly. In such case, when slide bar  90  is raised up against the force of the spring, large diameter upper opening portion  116  and large diameter upper end opening portion  78  would be in alignment to receive the enlarged head  142  of pin  140 . When released, slide bar  90  would be forced down. This would result in enlarged head  142  being carried by large diameter upper opening portion  116  into small diameter lower opening portion  80  to lock enlarged head  142  thereat. 
     Further, although spring  124  is provided for biasing slide bar  90  relative to stationary bar  60 , spring  124  can be eliminated, and slide bar  90  can merely be releasably locked in a first position in which large diameter upper end opening portion  78  and large diameter upper opening portion  116  are in alignment with each other and a second position in which large diameter upper end opening portion  78  and large diameter upper opening portion  116  are out of alignment with each other. In such case, for example, achievement of the second out of alignment position can be achieved by gravity acting on slide bar  90 , with movement to the first in alignment position being achieved by finger pressure. 
     As a further alternative, stationary bar  60  and slide bar  90  need not be secured together at all, and in such case, rivets  98 ,  102 ,  106  can be eliminated. Instead, for example, shallow recess  68  would be replaced by a double countersink, that is, a first recess, for example, one inch deep that would receive slide bar  90 , and a second recess, for example, one-half inch deep superposed on the first recess and that would receive stationary bar  60 . In such case, securement of stationary bar  60  by screws  66  would result in slide bar  90  being retained behind stationary bar  60  in the first recess. In such case, a spring can be provided at the bottom of slide bar  90  to push slide bar  90  up, but this spring need not be attached to stationary bar  60 . 
     Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.