BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Baby cribs and playpens come in a wide variety of configurations, including some that are designed for storage or transport. An issue with many of these products is the difficulty in preparing the crib or playpen for travel, sometimes requiring additional tools to disassemble. Furthermore, if both a crib and a playpen are needed, a parent must transport two separate items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a children's enclosure system that can change in size to provide various methods of use and can fold to allow for easy storage or transport of the enclosure.
An exemplary enclosure has a first configuration of a crib and a second configuration of a playpen in which the sides of the enclosure have been spread apart to increase the overall size of the enclosure. The enclosure includes a flexible liner that is connected to an underlying rigid structure with the flexible liner configured to adjust in size as the size of rigid structure is adjusted.
One exemplary rigid structure includes a substantially rectangular upper frame comprised of: a first, or left, side bar; a second, or right, side bar; a front bar; and a rear bar. Four legs extend downward from each of the corners of the upper frame, with each of the legs rotatable relative to the upper frame by way of a pivot connection. The pivot connection allows each of the legs is rotatable relative to the upper frame and the leg is locked by the pivot connection in either a deployed position or in a folded position.
With respect to the front and rear bars in particular, the front bar includes a first front member connected to a front end of the first side bar and a second front member connected to a front end of the second side bar. Likewise, the rear bar includes a first rear member connected to a rear end of the second side bar and a second rear member connected to a rear end of the first side bar. The second members of the front and rear bars are slidably connected to the first members so that the front bar and the rear bar are adjustable in length between a retracted length and an extended length longer than the retracted length. A locking members is included on each of the front and rear bars to control movement of the second members relative to the first members. In some embodiments, the second members are smaller than the first members and are coaxially arranged with the first members to slide within the first members.
With respect to the first and second side bars in particular, the first side bar includes a rear-side member connected to the second rear member of the rear bar and a front-side member connected to the first front member of the front bar. Likewise, the second side bar includes a rear-side member connected to the first rear member of the rear bar and a front-side member connected to the second front member of the front bar. The rear-side members are rotatably connected to the front-side members by way of a locking member so that the first and second side bars are foldable between an aligned configuration in which the front-side member is substantially in line with the rear-side member and a folded configuration in which the front-side member and the rear-side member are next to each other and substantially parallel.
One exemplary flexible liner includes a padded upper member that is operably connected to the upper frame so as to cover the first side bar, the second side bar, the front bar, and the rear bar. The flexible liner further includes a bottom member that is operably connected to each of the legs, as discussed further below, and a sidewall that extends between the upper member and the bottom member. The upper member, the bottom member, and the sidewall of the flexible liner are configured to adjust in size to accommodate the adjustable length of the front and rear bars of the rigid structure.
With respect to the upper member in particular, a first, or left, portion of the upper member covers one side of the upper frame (i.e., a left side of the front bar, the entirety of the first side bar, and a left side of the rear bar) and a second, or right, portion of the upper member covers the other half of the upper frame (i.e., half of the front bar, the entirety of the second side bar, and half of the rear bar). When the enclosure is configured as a playpen, a first central portion of the upper member of the flexible liner extends between the first portion and the second portion to cover a portion of the front bar of the upper frame and a second central portion of the upper member of the flexible liner extends between the first portion and the second portion to cover a portion of the rear bar of the upper frame. When the enclosure is configured as a crib, the first and second portions of the upper member are directly connected to each other with the first central portion and the second central portion folded, or bunched together below the first and second portions of the upper member. The upper member of the flexible liner can thereby accommodate the adjustable length of the front and rear bars of the rigid structure.
With respect to the bottom member in particular, the bottom member includes a first, or left, portion and a second, or right, portion. When the enclosure is configured as a playpen, a central portion of the bottom member extends between the first portion and the second portion. When the enclosure is configured as a crib, the first and second portions of the bottom member are directly connected to each other with the central portion folded, or bunched together below the first and second portions of the bottom member. The bottom member of the flexible liner can thereby accommodate the adjustable length of the front and rear bars of the rigid structure. Straps extend between corners of the bottom member and each of the legs to thereby secure the bottom member to the ends of the legs.
With respect to the sidewall, a first, or left, portion of the sidewall extends between the first portion of the upper member and the first portion of the bottom member, and a second, or right, portion of the sidewall extends between the second portion of the upper member and the second portion of the bottom member. When the enclosure is configured as a playpen, a first central portion of the sidewall of the flexible liner extends between the first central portion of the upper member and the central portion of the bottom member. Likewise, a second central portion of the sidewall of the flexible liner extends between the second central portion of the upper member and the central portion of the bottom member. When the enclosure is configured as a crib, the first and second portions of the sidewall are directly connected to each other with the first central portion and the second central portion of the sidewall folded, or bunched together in front of the first portion and the second portion of the sidewall. The sidewall thereby extends around the entirety of the enclosure while still accommodating the adjustable length of the front and rear bars of the rigid structure.
The exemplary flexible liner further includes a first set of connectors and a second set of connectors that are configured to selectively connect to the first set of connectors. In one preferred embodiment, the connectors are each one half of a zipper. It is contemplated, however, that alternate connectors can be used including, for example, buttons, ties, snaps, or the like, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. One half of the zipper is located along the border between the first portions of the flexible liner and the central portions of the flexible liner, and the second set of connectors is located along the border between the second portions of the flexible liner and the central portions of the flexible liner. When the enclosure is configured as a crib, the zipper is capable of being closed so as to directly connect the first portions of the flexible liner to the second portions of the flexible liner. However, when the enclosure is configured as a playpen, the zipper is open such that the central portions of the flexible liner extend between and connect the first portions of the flexible liner to the second portions of the flexible liner.
When the first side bar is in the aligned configuration, the second side bar is in the aligned configuration, and the legs are in the deployed position, the flexible liner defines an area above the bottom member and surrounded by the sidewall configured to contain a child. To this end, an exemplary enclosure system of the present invention further includes pads that are removably attached to the enclosure. In some embodiments, when the enclosure is configured as a crib, a mattress is provided to be removably connected to the enclosure and substantially cover the bottom member of the flexible liner, and when the enclosure is configured as a playpen, a playmat is provided to be removably connected to the enclosure and substantially cover the bottom member of the flexible liner.
According to some exemplary embodiments, in order to change the enclosure from the crib configuration to the playpen configuration, the mattress is first removed; the zipper is undone to separate the first portions of the flexible liner from the second portions of the flexible liner; the sides of the enclosure are pulled away from one another to thereby increase the length of the front bar and the rear bar of the upper frame of the rigid structure and unfold the central portions of the flexible liner; and the playmat is inserted into the enclosure.
According to some exemplary embodiments, in order to change the enclosure from the playpen configuration to the crib configuration, the playmat is first remove; the front and rear bars are unlocked and the sides of the enclosure are pushed together to thereby decrease the length of the front bar and the rear bar to the retraced position; the central portions of the flexible liner are folded and the zipper is closed to join the first portions of the flexible liner to the second portions of the flexible liner; and the mattress is inserted into the enclosure.
According to some exemplary embodiments, in order to fold the enclosure for storage or transportation, the enclosure is first put in the crib configuration without the mattress in place. The legs of enclosure are then folded, and then the first side bar and the second side bar of the upper frame of the rigid structure are folded into a folded configuration. In order to unfold the enclosure, the above process is essentially reversed. That is to say, the first side bar and the second side bar are unfolded and locked in an aligned configuration, and the legs are unfolded and locked in a deployed position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary enclosure system made in accordance with the present invention, in the configuration of a crib;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosure system of FIG. 1 but in the configuration of a playpen;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the playpen of FIG. 2 but with a flexible liner removed to show an underlying upper frame of a rigid structure;
FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the front of the playpen of FIG. 2 with a portion of the flexible liner cut away to show a locking member to control sliding movement of two members of the front bar of the upper frame;
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of an upper corner of the playpen of FIG. 2 with a portion of the flexible liner cut away to show a pivot connection between a leg and the upper frame;
FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the left side of the playpen of FIG. 2 with a portion of the flexible liner cut away to show a locking member maintaining two members of the right side bar of the upper frame in an aligned configuration;
FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the left side of the playpen of FIG. 2 with a portion of the flexible liner cut away to show the locking member released to allow the two members of the right side bar to rotate relative to one another;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the crib of FIG. 1 illustrating how a mattress is removably attached to the enclosure in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the playpen of FIG. 2 illustrating how a playmat is removably attached to the enclosure in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 10 illustrate a first step of storing the enclosure system of the present invention by turning over the enclosure;
FIG. 11 illustrates a second step of storing the enclosure system of the present invention by folding the legs of the enclosure;
FIG. 12 illustrates a third step of storing the enclosure system of the present invention by folding the sides of the enclosure; and
FIG. 13 illustrates the enclosure, mattress, and playmat of the present invention stored in a bag.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a children's enclosure system that can change in size to provide various methods of use and can fold to allow for easy storage or transport of the enclosure.
Referring first to FIGS. 1-3, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the enclosure 100 has a first configuration of a crib (shown in FIG. 1) and a second configuration of a playpen (shown in FIG. 2) in which the sides of the enclosure 100 have been spread apart to increase the overall size of the enclosure 100. The enclosure 100 includes a flexible liner 300 that is connected to an underlying rigid structure 200 (shown in FIG. 3) with the flexible liner 300 configured to adjust in size as the size of rigid structure 200 is adjusted.
Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, the rigid structure 200 includes a substantially rectangular upper frame 210 comprised of a first, or left, side bar 220; a second, or right, side bar 230; a front bar 240; and a rear bar 250. Four legs 260 extend downward from each of the corners of the upper frame 210 terminating at a foot end covered by a cap 270 having a loop 272, with each of the legs 260 rotatable relative to the upper frame 210 by way of a pivot connection 261, as discussed further below.
With respect to the front and rear bars 240, 250 in particular, and referring still to FIG. 3, the front bar 240 includes a first front member 242 connected to a front end of the first side bar 220 and a second front member 244 connected to a front end of the second side bar 230. Likewise, the rear bar 250 includes a first rear member 252 connected to a rear end of the second side bar 230 and a second rear member 254 connected to a rear end of the first side bar 220. The second members 244, 254 are slidably connected to the first members 242, 252 so that the front bar 240 and the rear bar 250 are adjustable in length between a retracted length and an extended length longer than the retracted length. A locking members 246, 256 is included on each of the front and rear bars 240, 250 to control movement of the second members 244, 254 relative to the first members 242, 252, as discussed further below.
With respect to the first and second side bars 220, 230 in particular, and referring still to FIG. 3, the first side bar 220 includes a rear-side member 222 connected to the second rear member 254 of the rear bar 250 and a front-side member 224 connected to the first front member 242 of the front bar 240. Likewise, the second side bar 230 includes a rear-side member 232 connected to the first rear member 252 of the rear bar 250 and a front-side member 234 connected to the second front member 244 of the front bar 240. The rear-side members 222, 232 are rotatably connected to the front-side members 224, 234 by way of a locking member 226, 236 so that the first and second side bars 220, 230 are foldable, as discussed further below.
In this exemplary embodiment, the first member 242 of the front bar 240 and the front-side member 224 of the first side bar 220 are unitarily formed as a single unit. Likewise, the second member 244 of the front bar 240 and the front-side member 234 of the second side bar 230; the first member 252 of the rear bar 250 and the rear-side member 232 of the second side bar 230; and the second rear member 254 of the rear bar 250 and the rear-side member 222 of the first side bar 220 are each unitarily formed as single units. In other words, the upper frame 210 is comprised of four L-shaped members connected to form a rectangle. However, it is contemplated that the upper frame 210 may be comprised of any number of individual units connected by any means readily known in the art.
Referring once again to FIGS. 1 and 2 but now also to FIGS. 8 and 9, the flexible liner 300 includes a padded upper member 350 that is operably connected to the upper frame 210 so as to cover the first side bar 220, the second side bar 230, the front bar 240, and the rear bar 250 (shown in FIG. 3). The flexible liner 300 further includes a bottom member 380 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) that is operably connected to each of the legs 260, as discussed further below. The flexible line 300 further includes a sidewall 370 that extends between the upper member 350 and the bottom member 380. As discussed in detail below, the upper member 350, the bottom member 380, and the sidewall 370 of the flexible liner 300 are configured to adjust in size to accommodate the adjustable length of the front and rear bars 240, 250 of the rigid structure 200.
With respect to the upper member 350 in particular, and referring still to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, a first, or left, portion 352 of the upper member 350 covers one side of the upper frame 210 (i.e., a left portion of the front bar 240, the entirety of the first side bar 220, and a left portion of the rear bar 250) and a second, or right, portion 354 of the upper member 350 covers the other side of the upper frame 210 (i.e., a right portion of the front bar 240, the entirety of the second side bar 230, and a right portion of the rear bar 250). Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 9 in particular, when the enclosure 100 is configured as a playpen, a first central portion 356a of the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300 extends between the first portion 352 and the second portion 354 to cover a portion of the front bar 240 of the upper frame 210 and a second central portion 356b of the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300 extends between the first portion 352 and the second portion 354 to cover a portion of the rear bar 250 of the upper frame 210. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 8 in particular, when the enclosure 100 is configured as a crib, the first and second portions 352, 354 of the upper member 350 are directly connected to each other with the first central portion 356a and the second central portion 356b folded, or bunched together below the first and second portions 352, 354 of the upper member 350. The upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300 can thereby accommodate the adjustable length of the front and rear bars 240, 250 of the rigid structure 200 shown in FIG. 3.
As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300 is padded. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper member 350 includes batting, or other similar material, sandwiched between two outer layers of a flexible material, such as a non-woven fabric. Of course, the upper member 350 can be formed of a variety of other materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, so long as the central portions 356a, 356b are sufficiently flexible to fold, or bunch together when the first and second portions 352, 354 of the upper member 350 are directly connected to each other.
With respect to the bottom member 380 in particular, and referring now specifically to FIGS. 8 and 9, the bottom member 380 includes a first, or left, portion 382 and a second, or right, portion 384. Referring now to FIG. 9 in particular, when the enclosure 100 is configured as a playpen, a central portion 386 of the bottom member extends between the first portion 382 and the second portion 384. Referring now to FIG. 8 in particular, when the enclosure 100 is configured as a crib, the first and second portions 382, 384 of the bottom member 380 are directly connected to each other with the central portion 386 folded, or bunched together below the first and second portions 382, 384 of the bottom member 380 (shown in FIG. 10). The bottom member 380 of the flexible liner 300 can thereby accommodate the adjustable length of the front and rear bars 240, 250 of the rigid structure 200 shown in FIG. 3.
In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom member 380 is comprised of a durable flexible membrane, such as a heavy-duty non-woven fabric. Of course, the bottom member 380 can be formed of a variety of other materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, so long as the central portion 386 is sufficiently flexible to fold, or bunch together when the first and second portions 382, 384 of the bottom member 380 are directly connected to each other.
Referring once again to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, the flexible liner 300 further includes straps 378 which extend between corners of the bottom member 380 and each of the legs 260. In particular, the straps 378 include both portions of a hook-and-loop fastener such that the straps 378 can be drawn through the loop 272 on the cap 270 and folded back upon itself to secure the hook-and-loop fasteners and thereby secure the straps 378 to the cap 270. In this way, the bottom member 380 of the flexible liner 300 is secured to the ends of the legs 260. Of course, other means of connecting the bottom member 380 to the legs 260 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Additional features of the bottom member 380, including hook-and-loop fasteners 388, triangular pockets 390, and slits 392, will be discussed further below.
With respect to the sidewall 370 in particular, and referring still to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, a first, or left, portion 372 of the sidewall 370 extends between the first portion 352 of the upper member 350 and the first portion 382 of the bottom member 380, and a second, or right, portion 374 of the sidewall 370 extends between the second portion 354 of the upper member 350 and the second portion 384 of the bottom member 380. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 9 in particular, when the enclosure 100 is configured as a playpen, a first central portion 376a of the sidewall 370 of the flexible liner 300 extends between the first central portion 356a of the upper member 350 and the central portion 386 of the bottom member 380. Likewise, a second central portion 376b of the sidewall 370 of the flexible liner 300 extends between the second central portion 356b of the upper member 350 and the central portion 386 of the bottom member 380. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 8 in particular, when the enclosure 100 is configured as a crib, the first and second portions 372, 374 of the sidewall 370 are directly connected to each other with the first central portion 376a and the second central portion 376b of the sidewall 370 folded, or bunched together in front of the first portion 372 and the second portion 374 of the sidewall 370. The sidewall 370 thereby extends around the entirety of the enclosure 100 while still accommodating the adjustable length of the front and rear bars 240, 250 of the rigid structure 200 shown in FIG. 3.
In the exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 370 is comprised of a flexible mesh fabric, such as a non-woven fabric. Of course, the sidewall 370 can be formed of a variety of other materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, so long as the central portions 376a, 376b are sufficiently flexible to fold, or bunch together when the first and second portions 372, 374 of the sidewall 370 are directly connected to each other.
Referring once again to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, the flexible liner 300 further includes a first set of connectors 312 and a second set of connectors 314 that are configured to selectively connect to the first set of connectors 312. In this exemplary embodiment, the connectors 312, 314 are each one half of a zipper. That is to say the first set of connectors 312 include the teeth of one half of the zipper and the second set of connectors 314 include the corresponding teeth of the other half of the zipper. It is contemplated, however, that alternate connectors can be used including, for example, buttons, ties, snaps, or the like, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In any event, the first set of connectors 312 run along an edge of the first portion 352 of the upper member 350 adjacent to the front bar 240 of the upper frame 210, down the first portion 372 of the sidewall 370 at the front of the enclosure 100, across the first portion 382 bottom member 380, up the first portion 372 of the sidewall 370 at the rear of the enclosure 100, and around the first portion 352 of the upper member 350 adjacent to the rear bar 250 of the upper frame 210. Likewise, the second set of connectors 314 run parallel to the first set of connectors 312 along the edge of the second portion 354 of the upper member 350 adjacent to the front bar 240 of the upper frame 210, down the second portion 374 of the sidewall 370 at the front of the enclosure 100, across the second portion 384 bottom member 380, up the second portion 374 of the sidewall 370 at the rear of the enclosure 100, and around the second portion 354 of the upper member 350 adjacent to the rear bar 250 of the upper frame 210. In other words, and as perhaps best shown in FIG. 9, the first set of connectors 312 is located along the border between the first portions 352, 372, 382 of the flexible liner 300 and the central portions 356a, 356b, 376a, 376b, 386 of the flexible liner 300, and the second set of connectors 314 is located along the border between the second portions 354, 374, 384 of the flexible liner 300 and the central portions 356a, 356b, 376a, 376b, 386 of the flexible liner 300.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, when the enclosure 100 is configured as a crib, the first set of connectors 312 are connected to the second set of connectors 314 (i.e., the zipper is capable of being closed) so as to directly connect the first portions 352, 372, 382 of the flexible liner 300 to the second portions 354, 374, 384 of the flexible liner 300. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, however, when the enclosure 100 is configured as a playpen, the first set of connectors 312 are unconnected to the second set of connectors 314 (i.e., the zipper is open) such that the central portions 356a, 356b, 376a, 376b, 386 of the flexible liner 300 extend between and connect the first portions 352, 372, 382 of the flexible liner 300 to the second portions 354, 374, 384 of the flexible liner 300.
Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1 and 8, when the enclosure is figured as a crib and the first set of connectors 312 are connected to the second set of connectors 314 (i.e., the zipper is closed), a zipper pull 316 is located at the outer side of the upper member 350 at the front of the crib (i.e., adjacent to the front bar 240 shown in FIG. 3). By comparison, and referring now specifically to FIGS. 2 and 9, although not expressly shown, when the first set of connectors 312 are unconnected to the second set of connectors 314 (i.e., the zipper is open) the zipper pull 316 is located at the outer side of the upper member 350 at the rear of the crib (i.e., adjacent to the rear bar 250 shown in FIG. 3).
Referring now to FIG. 4, as previously mentioned, the front bar 240 includes a locking member 246 to control movement of the second member 244 relative to the first member 242. In particular, the second member 244 is smaller than the first member 242 and is coaxially arranged within the first members 242 to slide within the first members 242. The locking member 246 is connected to the end of the first member 242 and the second member 244 extends through the locking member 246 and the second member 244. The second member 244 defines a hole 245 and the locking member 246 includes a tooth 247 that is biased into the hole 245. The tooth 247 can be removed from the hole 245 by actuating a button 248. In this way, when the button 248 is depressed and the tooth 247 is removed from the hole 245 (i.e., moved downward in FIG. 4), the second member 244 is capable of sliding within the first member 242. When the button 248 is released and the tooth 247 is positioned within the hole 245, the second member 244 is locked in position relative to the first member 242. In some embodiments, the second member 244 defines only one hole 245 positioned so that the locking member 246 locks the second member 244 in position relative to the first member 242 when the front bar 240 is in an extended length when the enclosure 100 is configured as a playpen. However, it is contemplated that the second member 244 can define a plurality of such holes which allow multiple length options of the front bar 240, including a retracted length when the enclosure 100 is configured as a crib.
Referring still to FIG. 4, the locking member 246 is wrapped in the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300. In particular, when the front bar 240 is extended, as shown in FIG. 4, the locking member 246 is wrapped in the central portion 356a of the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300. To this end, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300 includes an indicia 366 which shows a user where the locking member 246 is located beneath the flexible liner 300. As such, a user can easily press the button 248 through the flexible liner 300 and release the tooth 247 from the hole 245, allowing the second member 244 to retract into the first member 242 without having to move the flexible liner 300 out of the way.
Although not expressly shown, the first member 252, second member 254, and the locking member 256 of the rear bar 250 are configured and operate in a similar manner as the first member 242, second member 244, and locking member 246 of the front bar 240 described above with another indicia on the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300 showing where the locking member 256 is located beneath the flexible liner 300.
Referring now to FIG. 5, as previously mentioned, a pivot connection 261 allows each of the legs 260 is rotatable relative to the upper frame 210. In particular, a first member 262 of the pivot connection 261 is connected to the upper end of the leg 260 and a second member 264 of the pivot connection 261 is connected to corner of the upper frame 210 (i.e., where the second member 244 of the front bar 240 is connected to the front-side member 234 of the second side bar 230 (shown in FIG. 3). The first member 262 is rotatable relative to the second member 264, thus allowing the leg 260 to rotate relative to the upper frame 210. However, the pivot connection 261 provides a means of locking the leg 260 into a deployed position and a folded position. In particular, the second member 264 defines a channel 268 in which a pin 267 is housed. The channel 268 includes a retaining portion 269 at each end of the channel 268 (only one shown in FIG. 5). A button 266 is operably connected to the pin 267 to move the pin 267 out of one of the retaining portion 269, thus allowing the pin 267 to move along the channel 268 before entering the other retaining portion 269. The leg 260 is thereby locked by the pivot connection 261 in either the deployed position when the pin 267 is in the upper retaining portion 269 of the channel 268, as shown in FIG. 5, or in a folded position when the pin 267 is in the lower retaining portion 269 of the channel 268. As shown in FIG. 5, the pivot connection 261 is wrapped in the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300. To this end, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300 includes an indicia 364 which shows a user where the locking member 246 is located beneath the flexible liner 300. As such, a user can easily press the button 266 through the flexible liner 300 and pin 267 from the retaining portion 269 of the channel 268, allowing the leg 260 to rotate relative to the upper frame 210 without having to move the flexible liner 300 out of the way. Each of the legs 260 is connected to the upper frame 210 by similar means with indicia on the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300 showing where the locking member 246 is located beneath the flexible liner 300.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, as previously mentioned, the first side bar 220 includes a locking member 226 to control rotation of the front-side member 224 relative to the rear-side member 222. In particular, the locking member 226 is comprised of two round sides that are each connected to one of the front-side member 224 or the rear-side member 222. By squeezing the two sides of the locking member 226 together, the front-side member 224 is allowed to rotate relative to the rear-side member 222. Upon releasing the sides of the locking member 226, the sides are biased apart, thus locking the front-side member 224 in place relative to the rear-side member 222. In some embodiments, the locking member 226 is only able to lock the front-side member 224 and the rear-side member 222 in an aligned configuration shown in FIG. 6 in which the front-side member 224 is substantially in line with the rear-side member 222. In other embodiments, the locking member 226 is able to lock the front-side member 224 and the rear-side member 222 in a variety of positions, including a folded configuration in which the front-side member 224 to rotate relative to the rear-side member 222 until the front-side member 224 and the rear-side member 222 are next to each other and substantially parallel.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the locking member 226 is wrapped in the upper member 350 of the flexible liner 300. To this end, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, the flexible liner 300 includes an indicia 362 which shows a user where the locking member 226 is located beneath the flexible liner 300. As such, a user can easily squeeze the locking member 226 through the flexible liner 300, allowing the front-side member 224 to rotate relative to the rear-side member 222 without having to move the flexible liner 300 out of the way.
Although not expressly shown, the front-side member 234, the rear-side member 232, and the locking member 236 of the second side bar 230 are configured and operate in a similar manner as the front-side member 224, the rear-side member 222, and the locking member 226 of the first side bar 220 described above. When the first side bar 220 and the second side bar 230 are each in the folded configuration, the front bar 240 is adjacent to the rear bar 250.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9, when the first side bar 220 is in the aligned configuration, the second side bar 230 is in the aligned configuration, and the legs 260 are in the deployed position, the flexible liner 300 defines an area above the bottom member 380 and surrounded by the sidewall 370 configured to contain a child. To this end, an exemplary enclosure system of the present invention further includes pads that are removably attached to the enclosure 100. In particular, when the enclosure 100 is configured as a crib, a mattress 400 is provided to be removably connected to the enclosure 100 and substantially cover the bottom member 380 of the flexible liner 300, and when the enclosure 100 is configured as a playpen, a playmat 500 is provided to be removably connected to the enclosure 100 and substantially cover the bottom member 380 of the flexible liner 300.
Referring now specifically to FIG. 8, the mattress 400 is formed of two substantially square sections 410, 420 which can fold relative to each other for storage of the mattress 400. The mattress 400 includes a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners 450 which engage corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners 388 located on the bottom member 380 of the flexible liner 300, and straps 460 are located at each corner of the mattress 400, as discussed further below.
Referring now specifically to FIG. 9, the playmat 500 is formed of four substantially square sections 510, 520, 530, 540 which can fold relative to each other for storage of the playmat 500. Each of the square sections 510, 520, 530, 540 of the playmat 500 are similarly sized to each of the sections 410, 420 of the mattress 400. The playmat 500 includes a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners 550 which engage corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners 388 located on the bottom member 380 of the flexible liner 300, and a straps 560 are located at each corner of the mattress 400, as discussed further below.
Referring once again to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, the bottom member 380 of the flexible liner 300 includes triangular pockets 390 (perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) at each corner of the bottom member 380 which are configured to accept the corners of the mattress 400 and playmat 500 to secure the mattress 400 and playmat 500 to the bottom member 380 of the flexible liner 300. Furthermore, the straps 460 of the mattress 400 and the straps 560 of the playmat 500 are configured for insertion through slits 392 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) formed through the bottom member 380 below the triangular pockets 390 and adjacent to each of the legs 260 such that the straps 460, 560 can be connected to the strap 378 of the bottom member 380 that are connected to the cap 270 at the foot end of the leg 260. In particular, it is contemplated that the straps 460, 560 include a hook-and-loop fastener that is secured to the straps 378 extending between the bottom member 380 of the flexible liner 300 and the ends of the legs 260. In this way, the mattress 400 and playmat 500 are also secured to the ends of the legs 260.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, in order to change the enclosure 100 from the crib configuration (FIG. 1) to the playpen configuration (FIG. 2), the mattress 400 is first removed (FIG. 8). In particular, the straps 460 of the mattress 400 are detached from the straps 378 of the bottom member 380; the straps 460 are slid out of the slits 392 of bottom member 380; the corners of the mattress 400 are removed from the pockets 390 of the bottom member 380; and the hook-and-loop fasteners 450 of the mattress 400 are detached from the hook-and-loop fasteners 388 of the bottom member 380. It is contemplated that the two sections 410, 420 of the mattress 400, which allow the mattress 400 to fold also assist in the removable of the mattress 400 from the enclosure 100.
Next, the first set of connectors 312 are unconnected from the second set of connectors 314 (i.e., the zipper is undone) to separate the first portions 352, 372, 382 of the flexible liner 300 from the second portions 354, 374, 384 of the flexible liner 300. In particular, the zipper pull 316 is used to separate the first set of connectors 312 from the second set of connectors 314 by drawing the zipper pull 316 around the upper member 350 of the flexible liner adjacent to the front bar 240 of the upper frame 210, down the sidewall 370 of the flexible liner 300 at the front of the enclosure 100, across the bottom member 380, up the sidewall 370 of the flexible liner 300 at the rear of the enclosure 100, and around the upper member 350 adjacent to the rear bar 250 of the upper frame 210.
Next, the sides of the enclosure 100 are pulled away from one another to thereby increase the length of the front bar 240 and the rear bar 250 of the upper frame 210 of the rigid structure 200 and unfold the central portions 356a, 356b, 376a, 376b, 386 of the flexible liner 300. According to some embodiments, the front and rear bars 240, 250 must first be unlocked. With respect to the front bar 240, the button 248 of the locking member 246 is first depressed to remove the tooth 247 of the locking member 246 from a hole 245 defined in the second member 244 of the front bar 240, allowing the second member 244 to sliding within the first member 242 until the tooth 247 of the locking member 246 enters another hole 245 defined in the second member 244 and the front bar 240 is locked in an extended length.
In some other embodiments, however, there is no need to first depress the button 248 of the locking member. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second member 244 of the front bar 240 defines only one hole 245 positioned so that the locking member 246 locks the second member 244 in position relative to the first member 242 when the front bar 240 is in an extended length. It is contemplated that the flexible liner 300 is configured such that, when the first set of connectors 312 are connected to the second set of connectors 314 (i.e., the zipper is closed), the flexible liner 300 is sized so as to prevent the second members 244, 254 of the front and rear bars 240, 250 from sliding relative to the first member 242, 252. In other words, the second members 244, 254 is effectively locked in position relative to the first members 242, 252 so that the front bar 240 and the rear bar 250 are maintained in a retracted length when the enclosure 100 is configured as a crib without requiring additional holes in the front bar 240.
In either event, the rear bar 250 is likewise brought to the extended length and locked in place (FIG. 9).
Next, the playmat 500 is inserted into the enclosure 100 (FIG. 2). In particular, the hook-and-loop fasteners 550 of the playmat 500 are attached to the hook-and-loop fasteners 388 of the bottom member 380; the corners of the playmat 500 are inserted into the pockets 390 of the bottom member 380; the straps 560 of the playmat 500 are slid into the slits 392 of bottom member 380; and the straps 560 are attached to the straps 378 of the bottom member 380. It is contemplated that the four sections 510, 520, 530, 540 of the playmat 500, which allow the playmat 500 to fold also assist in the insertion of the playmat 500 from the enclosure 100.
In order to change the enclosure 100 from the playpen configuration (FIG. 2) to the crib configuration (FIG. 1), the above process is essentially reversed. That is to say, the playmat 500 is first removed (FIG. 9); the front and rear bars 240, 250 are unlocked and the sides of the enclosure 100 are pushed together to thereby decrease the length of the front bar 240 and the rear bar 250 to the retraced position; the central portions 356a, 356b, 376a, 376b, 386 of the flexible liner 300 are folded and the zipper pull 316 is used to connect the first set of connectors 312 to the second set of connectors 314, thereby joining the first portions 352, 372, 382 of the flexible liner 300 to the second portions 354, 374, 384 of the flexible liner 300 (FIG. 8); and the mattress 400 is inserted into the enclosure 100 (FIG. 1).
Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, in order to fold the enclosure 100 for storage or transportation, the enclosure 100 is first put in the crib configuration without the mattress 400 in place (FIG. 9). The legs 260 of enclosure 100 are then folded. In some exemplary implementations, it is contemplated that the enclosure 100 is first turned upside down (FIG. 10). To this end, the pivot connections 261 may include a gravity lock which only allows the leg 260 to rotate relative to the upper frame 210 when the leg is substantially upside down, e.g., rotated at least 90° from its standing position. In either event, the button 266 of the pivot connection 261 is pushed to allow the leg 260 to rotate inward relative to the upper frame 210 (FIG. 11). This process is repeated for all four legs 260. As shown in FIG. 12, when the legs 260 are folded, they are substantially contained within the upper frame. That is to say, the legs 260 are substantially contained within a plane defined by the first side bar 220, the second side bar 230, the front bar 240, and the rear bar 250. Furthermore, the straps 378 that extend between the corners of the bottom member 380 and each of the legs 260 do not need to be detached prior to folding the legs 260.
Next, the first side bar 220 and the second side bar 230 of the upper frame 210 of the rigid structure 200 are folded (FIG. 12). In particular, the locking members 226, 236 are squeezed allowing the front-side members 224, 234 to rotate relative to the rear-side member 222, 232 until the front-side members 224, 234 and the rear-side members 222, 232 are in a folded configuration in which the front-side members 224, 234 and the rear-side members 222, 232 are next to each other and substantially parallel.
In order to unfold the enclosure 100, the above process is essentially reversed. That is to say, the first side bar 220 and the second side bar 230 are unfolded and locked in an aligned configuration in which the front-side members 224, 234 are substantially in line with the rear-side members 222, 232 and the legs 260 are unfolded and locked in a deployed position.
Referring now to FIG. 13, in some embodiments, a bag 600 is provided which can hold the folded enclosure 100, the folded mattress 400, and the folded playmat 500. To this end, each of the folded enclosure 100, the folded mattress 400, and the folded playmat 500 have a substantially similar height and width, and collectively have a thickness the same as the bag 600.
For further details of the presently-disclosed subject matter, attached hereto as Appendix A is a series of Figures of an exemplary convertible enclosure configured as a crib and as a playpen in accordance with the present invention.
One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments and implementations are also possible without departing from the teachings of the present invention. This detailed description, and particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiments and implementations disclosed therein, is given primarily for clarity of understanding, and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20210137280
