PORTABLE CRIBS AND PORTABLE CRIB SYSTEMS

Abstract

Disclosed herein are portable cribs comprising a frame, fabric, and feet. The portable cribs described herein are easily collapsible, transportable, and deployable. In some embodiments, to deploy a collapsed, portable crib, fabric is coupled to the feet, the feet are coupled to the frame, and the fabric is pulled up and over the frame and secured to the frame. Portable cribs according the present disclosure may also include a mattress that may be coupled with the fabric at the bottom of a deployed crib. Also disclosed herein are portable crib systems comprising a portable crib and an accessory structure configured to be removably attached to the top of the portable crib. Accessory structures disclosed herein are collapsible and, thus, portable. Portable crib systems disclosed herein may also include accessories configured to attach to the system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to portable cribs and portable crib systems. More particularly, this disclosure relates to collapsible, portable cribs and portable crib systems that include, but are not limited to collapsible accessory structure and associated accessories.

Description of the Related Art

Portable cribs can be helpful or essential to parents of babies and/or toddlers. Such portable cribs can be used when away from the home, such as while traveling, camping, spending a day at a park, etc. Portable cribs are sometimes referred to by the terms “pack-and-play,” “pack ‘n’ play,” “travel crib,” or the like.

One issue with many portable cribs is that, even when in the collapsed form, they are bulky. Many such portable cribs are too large when collapsed to be carried onto an airplane as, or in, carry-on baggage, or strapped onto a backpack to be carried on hikes or backpacking trips. Therefore, they have to travel as checked baggage, which may require payment of a bag-check fee and also requires families to spend more time at the departure airport to complete the check-in process, and they may also have to wait longer for the checked crib at their arrival airport.

Another issue with many portable cribs is that they are cumbersome and/or difficult for a parent or caretaker to carry due to their bulky size and their weight. Carrying and/or maneuvering conventional portable cribs can be detrimental to a person's physical well-being. The problem can be especially acute in the backcountry. Parents or caretakers wishing to hike or camp may find conventional portable cribs to be too bulky, heavy, and/or large to transport comfortably with other camping or hiking gear.

Yet another issue with many portable cribs is that they are time-consuming to assemble and/or disassemble. As a result, a fussy baby or toddler might grow even fussier while a caretaker struggles to set up or take down a portable crib.

Once a child is in a portable crib, there may be environmental concerns. For example, if the crib is outside, and it is sunny, it may be desirable to provide shade. Many portable cribs are designed only for indoor use, and a parent or caretaker may have to drape a blanket over the top of the crib to provide shade. This, in turn, can cause the interior of the crib to become warmer, which may make the child more uncomfortable. As another example of outdoor difficulties, if it is raining, it may be desirable to provide a protective barrier over the top of the crib. A parent or caretaker may have to try to cover the crib using a tarp or umbrella, which might not work very well.

Another issue can be that an open portable crib can allow bugs to enter its interior. Another problem is that portable cribs generally have sides that allow the child to see out, but these same sides and the open top can allow too much light to enter the crib. As a result, the child may have trouble sleeping.

There are also numerous safety considerations for portable cribs, which must adhere to myriad governmental and other product safety standards.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein are portable cribs comprising a frame, fabric, and feet. The portable cribs described herein are easily collapsible, transportable, and deployable. In some embodiments, to deploy a collapsed, portable crib, fabric is coupled to the feet, the feet are coupled to the frame, and the fabric is pulled up and over the frame and secured to the frame. Portable cribs according the present disclosure may also include a mattress that may be coupled with the fabric at the bottom of a deployed crib.

Also disclosed herein are portable crib systems comprising a portable crib and an accessory structure configured to be removably attached to the top of the portable crib. Accessory structures disclosed herein are collapsible and, thus, portable. Portable crib systems disclosed herein may also include accessories configured to attach to the system. Examples of accessories are sun shades, black out shades, and bug nets.

This has outlined, rather broadly, the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further features and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C are various views of one embodiment of a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable crib frame according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a collapsible side rail of portable crib frame according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the side rail of FIG. 3A when pulled apart;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the side rail of FIG. 3A in its collapsed form;

FIG. 3D is an exploded view of the tube latch detent end of the side rail of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3E is an end view of the tube latch detent end of the side rail of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3F is an end view of a tube latch connector end of the side rail of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3G is a perspective view of another embodiment of a collapsible side rail according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3H is a perspective view of the collapsible side rail of FIG. 3G in a collapsed form;

FIGS. 4A through 4O are views of a process of collapsing a subassembly of a portable crib frame in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4P & 4O are various cross-sectional views of the collapsed subassembly of FIG. 4O;

FIG. 4R shows one example of magnet placement within the subassembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4S is a perspective view of one embodiment of a subassembly of a portable crib frame according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4T is a perspective view of the subassembly of FIG. 4S in collapsed form;

FIGS. 5A through 5F are various views of one embodiment of a leg of the subassembly of FIG. 4S being extended and locked in place according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5G-5N are various exploded views of the leg of FIG. 5A illustrating the assembly process according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5O-5S are various views, including cross sectional views, of the leg latch mechanism shown in FIGS. 5G-5N, and how the leg latch mechanism operates according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5T-5V are cross-sectional views of the leg latch mechanism shown in FIGS. 5G-5N illustrating how the legs of a subassembly fold (or collapse) according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5W-5Z are cross-sectional views of the leg latch mechanism shown in FIGS. 5G-5N illustrating how the legs of a subassembly unfold according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are closer views of a section of the frame of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 7A-7F are various exploded views of one embodiment of a detent mechanism coupling a frame's side rails to the corner pieces;

FIG. 7G is a right side view of the portable crib frame of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7H is a front view of the portable crib frame of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8A is a side view of one embodiment of fabric of a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a front view of the fabric of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is another example front view of the fabric according to the present disclosure with annotations;

FIG. 8D is an image of one embodiment of a zipper pull for fabric according to the present disclosure with annotations;

FIG. 8E is an embodiment of a connection mechanism between fabric and a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8F and 8G are examples of embodiments of fastener portions that may be used to allow a removable mattress to be coupled to the fabric of a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A-9D are various views, respectively, one embodiment of a long top fabric piece, a long top fabric piece, a short top fabric piece, and a short top fabric piece according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9E is one example of how a short top fabric piece, a short top fabric piece, a long top fabric piece, and a long top fabric piece can be situated before being joined during the manufacturing process;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are embodiments of short side fabric pieces in accordance with some embodiments according to the present disclosure, with FIG. 10B showing the short side fabric piece in FIG. 10A inverted;

FIG. 10C is one embodiment of a front fabric piece according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10D is one embodiment of a rear fabric piece according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10E is one embodiment of a bottom fabric piece according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 11A-11C is a closer, perspective views of a corner of one embodiment of a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A-12F show one embodiment of a method for attaching the fabric to the frame of a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a top, front, left side perspective view of one embodiment of a foot of a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a top, front, right side perspective view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a top, back, right side perspective view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13D is a bottom, back, right side perspective view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13E is a bottom, back, left side perspective view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13F is a front view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13G is a back view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13H is top view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13I is a bottom view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13J is a left side view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13K is a right side view of the foot shown in FIG. 13A;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are various views of one embodiment of a bottom fabric piece according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mattress according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15B shows how the mattress shown in FIG. 15A may be removably coupled to a bottom fabric piece according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are various views of the mattress of FIG. 15A with a sheet fitted over it;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an accessory structure attached to a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17B is a top view of another embodiment of an accessory structure attached to a portable crib according to the present disclosure

FIGS. 17C-17F are various views of the accessory structure of FIG. 17B;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are closer views of the accessory structure of FIG. 17A;

FIGS. 19A-19C are closer views of the accessory structure of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an accessory structure that has been collapsed next to a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bug net attached to an accessory structure and a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sun shade attached to an accessory structure and a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21C is a right-side view of the portable crib, accessory structure, and sun shade shown in FIG. 21B;

FIG. 21D is a front view of the portable crib, accessory structure, and sun shade shown in FIG. 21B;

FIG. 21E is a perspective view of one embodiment of a black out shade attached to an accessory structure and a portable crib according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21F is a right-side view of the portable crib, accessory structure, and blackout shade shown in FIG. 21E; and

FIG. 21G is a front view of the portable crib, accessory structure, and blackout shade shown in FIG. 21E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to portable cribs. The present disclosure also relates generally to portable crib systems comprising portable cribs, accessory structures, and crib accessories.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Similarly, if an element is “attached to,” “connected to,” or similar, another element, it can be directly attached/connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, relative terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “upper”, “top”, “above”, “lower”, “bottom”, “beneath”, “below”, and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another. Terms such as “higher”, “lower”, “wider”, “narrower”, and similar terms, may be used herein to describe angular and/or relative relationships. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the elements or system in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

The terms “over”, “under”, “between”, and “on” are used herein and refer to a relative position of one feature or component with respect to other features or components. For example, one feature disposed “over” or “under” another feature may be directly in contact with the other feature or may have intervening material. Moreover, one feature disposed “between” two features may be directly in contact with the two features, or may have one or more intervening features or materials. In contrast, a first feature “on” a second feature is in contact with that second feature.

The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the dimensions, shapes, and sizes of the features may differ substantially from how they are depicted in the figures.

Although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, a first element, component, region, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to view illustrations that are schematic illustrations. As such, the actual thickness of elements can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A shows one embodiment of a portable crib that includes a frame 110, fabric 120, and feet 116 (namely, foot 116A, foot 116B, foot 116C, and foot 116D), all of which are described further below. The fabric 120 is coupled to the feet 116. As described in further detail below, to assemble the portable crib 100, the feet 116 are coupled to the frame 110, and the fabric 120 is pulled up and over the frame 110 and secured to the frame 110 by clips.

The height 150 of a deployed, portable crib 100 may be, for example, 25 inches. The height 150 of a deployed, portable crib 100 may range from 23.6″ and above. The width of the deployed, portable crib 100 may be different at different distances from the bottom of the portable crib 100. For example, the width 140B may be 27 inches at the bottom, and the width 140A may be 20 inches at the top. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1B, the front and back of the deployed, portable crib 100 may slope inward. However, it is understood that the deployed, portable crib 100 may not slope inward and the width 140A, 140B may be consistent from the bottom to the top. The width at either the top 140A or the bottom 140B or anywhere in between may be between 20 inches to 27 inches.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1C, the sides of the portable crib 100 may slope inward such that the length 142A of the portable crib 100 at the top is less than the length 142B of the portable crib 100 at the bottom. In the illustrated example in FIG. 1C, the length 142A of the portable crib 100 at the top is approximately 38 inches, and the length 142B is approximately 45 inches at the bottom. As shown in FIG. 1C, the length 142A and the length 142B of the portable crib 100 may both be larger than the width 140A and the width 140B.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a frame 110 in accordance with some embodiments. The frame 110 includes multiple components, including legs, rails, and corner pieces. In the example of FIG. 2, the frame 110 includes an end rail 112A, an end rail 112B, a side rail 114A, a side rail 114B, a corner piece 130A, a corner piece 130B, a corner piece 130C, a corner piece 130D, a leg 111A, a leg 111B, a leg 111C, and a leg 111D.

In a preferred embodiment, the side rail 114A and the side rail 114B are approximately the same dimensions and may be substantially identical in form. The end rail 112A and the end rail 112B are approximately the same dimensions and may be substantially identical in form. Similarly, the legs 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D are approximately the same dimensions and may be substantially identical in form. The legs 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D may be 21″ or less in height (i.e., from top to bottom when deployed in the frame) so as to allow the legs to fit into a carry-on bag and the height of the feet 116 may be 2.5″ or greater to ensure a proper height for a deployed crib 110.

Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the corner pieces 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D are approximately the same dimensions and may be substantially identical in form. Alternatively, different corner pieces 130 can be different in form. Generally speaking, corner pieces 130 can be what are referred to herein as male or female corner pieces, as explained further below. Some of the corner pieces 130 may be male and others female. For example, two of the corner pieces 130 can be male, and the other two female. In some embodiments, all of the corner pieces 130 are male or all of the corner pieces 130 are female.

It is not a requirement that the portable crib 100 have any particular dimensions, nor is it a requirement that the width 140A, width 140B, length 142A, and length 142B be in any particular relationship to each other. The example dimensions provided herein allow for the portable crib 100, when in collapsed form, which includes removal of the feet 116, can fit into a carry-on bag and/or in an overhead bin of an airplane.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the frame 110 is in its assembled form, the end rail 112A is coupled to and situated between the corner piece 130A and the corner piece 130B. The side rail 114A is coupled to and situated between the corner piece 130B and the corner piece 130C. The end rail 112B is coupled to and situated between the corner piece 130C and the corner piece 130D. The side rail 114B is coupled to and situated between the corner piece 130A and the corner piece 130D. The leg 111A is coupled to the corner piece 130A, the leg 111A is coupled to the corner piece 130B, the leg 111C is coupled to the corner piece 130C, and the leg 111D is coupled to the corner piece 130D.

When the frame 110 is in its assembled form, as shown in FIG. 2, the end rail 112A is opposite and substantially parallel to the end rail 112B, and the side rail 114A is opposite and substantially parallel to the side rail 114B. In the example frame 110 illustrated in FIG. 2, the ends of the side rail 114A are coupled to the corner piece 130B and the corner piece 130C, and the ends of the side rail 114B are coupled to the corner piece 130A and the corner piece 130D. The ends of the side rail 114A and the ends of the side rail 114B may snap into place with their respective corner pieces 130. As described further below, the corner pieces 130 and/or the side rails 114 may have a release mechanism to allow the ends of the side rails 114 to be released from the corner pieces 130.

FIG. 2 shows feet 116 coupled to the legs 111. Specifically, the foot 116A is coupled to the leg 111A, the foot 116B is coupled to the leg 111B, the foot 116C is coupled to the leg 111C, and the foot 116D is coupled to the leg 111D. As explained further below, in some embodiments, when the portable crib 100 is disassembled, the feet 116 can be detached from the legs 111 while remaining attached to the fabric 120. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the feet 116 can be considered to be separate from the frame 110.

As explained further below, in some embodiments, portions of the frame 110 are separable from each other so that the frame 110 can be collapsed/disassembled and made more compact and easier to pack. For example, in some embodiments, the frame 110 is separable into four components: (1) the side rail 114A; (2) the side rail 114B; (3) a first subassembly 212A that includes the end rail 112A, the corner piece 130A, the corner piece 130B, the leg 111A, and the leg 111B (but neither the foot 116A nor the foot 116B); and (4) a second subassembly 212B that includes the end rail 112B, the corner piece 130C, the corner piece 130D, the leg 111C, and the leg 111D (but neither the foot 116C nor the foot 116D). In some embodiments, once separated, each of these four components is further collapsible.

In some embodiments, once released from the corner pieces 130, each of the side rail 114A and the side rail 114B is collapsible. For example, each of the side rails 114 may be separable into two shorter hollow rails that, when the frame 110 is in its assembled form, make up the side rail 114. FIG. 3A shows an example of a side rail 114 that is collapsible in accordance with some embodiments. The side rail 114 shown in FIG. 3A has a rail segment 214A and a rail segment 214B, both of which together form the side rail 114. The rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B can be identical to each other (e.g., same length, same diameter, etc.), or they can be different. In the example of FIG. 3A, the rail segment 214A has a tube latch connector end 218, and the rail segment 214B has a tube latch detent end 217. It is to be appreciated that both the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B can include a tube latch connector end 218, in which case both corner pieces 130 to which the side rail 114 will connect are female. Alternatively, both the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B can have a tube latch detent end 217, in which case both corner pieces 130 to which the side rail 114 will connect are male. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3A, in which the rail segment 214A has a tube latch connector end 218 and the rail segment 214B has a tube latch detent end 217, the side rail 114 will connect to one male corner piece 130 and one female corner piece 130.

FIG. 3B shows the side rail 114 of FIG. 3A when pulled apart as shown by the arrows in the drawing. As illustrated, another difference between the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B in this example is that the rail segment 214A has an end with a smaller diameter selected to allow the rail segment 214A to be inserted into the end of the rail segment 214B to facilitate coupling the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B together to form the side rail 114 and assemble the frame 110. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3B, the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B are held together by an elastic cord 215 (e.g., a cord with an elastic core covered by a woven or braided outer sheath) running through the middles of the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B. When the side rail 114 is in its assembled form, the elastic cord 215 can assist in keeping the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B held in place. For example, the elastic cord provides tension and helps keep the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B connected.

FIG. 3C shows the side rail 114 of FIGS. 3A and 3B in its collapsed form. To collapse the side rail 114, the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B can be pulled in opposite directions to separate them (see FIG. 3B). Once separated, the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B can be folded over such that they are situated next to each other. For example, if the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B are connected by an elastic cord 215 (as described in the discussion of FIG. 3B above), they can be folded onto each other and remain connected but in a shorter configuration (e.g., one that is only as long as the rail segment 214A and rail segment 214B (or, if their lengths are different, the longer of them)). Thus, the space required to pack the side rail 114 can be approximately halved.

As stated above, the rail segment 214B example shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C includes a tube latch detent end 217. The tube latch detent end 217 can be included to facilitate attachment of the rail segment 214B (and, therefore, the side rail 114) to one of the corner pieces 130 (namely, a male corner piece 161, described further below). The tube latch detent end 217 may be part of a detent mechanism that allows the rail segment 214B (and the side rail 114) to be removably coupled to one of the corner pieces 130. As will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, a detent mechanism is a mechanical device or system used to provide a positive locking or holding action at specific positions or increments. A detent mechanism is designed to prevent unintentional movement and/or rotation and to keep a component or mechanism securely in place until intentionally released. The detent mechanism may comprise, for example, a spring-loaded ball, pin, or plunger that engages with slots, indentations, notches, recesses, or grooves on another part.

FIG. 3D illustrates the tube latch detent end 217 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the tube latch detent end 217 includes a spring 134 and a detent button unit 135, which includes the button 133 that is visible and user-accessible in the assembled tube latch detent end 217. During the manufacturing process, the detent button unit 135 is inserted into the end of the rail segment 214B and is held in place by a pin 332 and the spring 134. The tube latch detent end 217 can then be mated to a male corner piece 161, described further below. Although FIG. 3D illustrates the tube latch detent end 217 in the context of the rail segment 214B, this same type of detent mechanism can be used in corner pieces 130 (specifically, in female corner pieces 160, as described further below). The tube latch detent end 217 operates as a spring and catch mechanism, with the detent button unit 135 being a lever that rotates about the pin 332 and is loaded by the spring 134, which provides resistance to keep the detent button unit 135 engaged in the desired position. The protrusion that is inserted into the tube latch detent end 217 engages with the detent button unit 135 and is held in place by it until the button 133 is pressed to release the detent button unit 135 from its engaged position, allowing the spring 134 to compress.

FIG. 3E is an end view of the tube latch detent end 217 in accordance with some embodiments. The detent button unit 135 is visible in the interior of the tube latch detent end 217.

As explained above, in some embodiments, the rail segment 214A has a tube latch connector end 218. The tube latch connector end 218 has a notch that engages with a protrusion within a detent mechanism of a female corner piece 160, as described further below in the discussion of FIGS. 7A through 7F. FIG. 3F is an end-view of the tube latch connector end 218 of the rail segment 214A. Although FIG. 3E illustrates the tube latch connector end 218 in the context of the rail segment 214A, this same type of protrusion can be included in corner pieces 130 (specifically, in male corner pieces 161, as described further below).

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the corner pieces 130 are male, and each side rail 114 has a tube latch detent end 217 at each end. FIG. 3G is an example of a side rail 114 in accordance with some embodiments. The example of the side rail 114 is shown in its assembled form. As shown in FIG. 3G, the side rail 114 comprises a rail segment 214A with a tube latch detent end 217A, and a rail segment 214B with a tube latch detent end 217B. FIG. 3H shows the example of the side rail 114 from FIG. 3G in collapsed form. In the example shown in FIGS. 3G and 3H, the rail segment 214A and the rail segment 214B are coupled together by an elastic cord 215, which may be as described above.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, each of the first subassembly 212A and the second subassembly 212B is collapsible. FIGS. 4A through 4O illustrate a process of collapsing a subassembly 212 in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first subassembly 212A and the second subassembly 212B are identical; accordingly, the subassembly 212 shown in FIGS. 4A through 4O can be the first subassembly 212A and/or the second subassembly 212B.

In FIG. 4A, the subassembly 212 is in the assembled form, but it has been separated from the rest of the frame 110 (e.g., the side rail 114A and side rail 114B have been removed). The subassembly 212 includes an end rail 112, a leg 111A, a leg 111B, and two corner pieces 130, namely a female corner piece 160 and a male corner piece 161. Each of the legs 111 has a base end. Specifically, the leg 111A has a base end 113A, and the leg 111B has a base end 113B. The base end 113A and the base end 113B are configured to be attached to feet 116, as described further below.

As shown in the example of FIG. 4A, one of the corner pieces 130 is a female corner piece 160, and the other of the corner pieces 130 is a male corner piece 161. The female corner piece 160 has a tube latch detent receptacle 163 that can be as described above in the discussion of FIG. 3D (e.g., it can include a detent button unit 135, a spring 134, a pin 332, and a button 133 as described above). The female corner piece 160 is configured to mate with the tube latch connector end 218 of a rail segment 214. The male corner piece 161 has a protrusion 162 that can be as described above for the tube latch connector end 218. In other words, the protrusion 162 can be similar or identical to the tube latch connector end 218. The male corner piece 161 is configured to mate with the tube latch detent end 217 of a rail segment 214. Specifically, the protrusion 162 is configured to be coupled to the tube latch detent end 217 of a side rail 114.

As explained above, alternatively, both of the corner pieces 130 of a subassembly 212 can be male corner pieces 161, or both of the corner pieces 130 can be female corner pieces 160. In the case that both of the corner pieces 130 of each of the first subassembly 212A and the second subassembly 212B are male corner pieces 161, the rail segment 214A and rail segment 214B of the side rail 114A and side rail 114B can each include a tube latch detent end 217. In other words, both ends of each of the side rail 114A and the side rail 114B has a tube latch detent end 217 into which a male corner piece 161 fits. In the case that both of the corner pieces 130 of each of the first subassembly 212A and the second subassembly 212B are female corner piece 160, the rail segment 214A and rail segment 214B of the side rail 114A and side rail 114B can each include a tube latch connector end 218 that fits into the female corner piece 160.

Each of the female corner piece 160 and male corner piece 161 has a collar 131. Specifically, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4A, the female corner piece 160 has a collar 131B, and the male corner piece 161 has a collar 131A. As described further below, the legs 111 are attached to the corner pieces 130 by a hinging mechanism that allows the legs 111 to swing up, about a pivot point, to collapse the subassembly 212. In some embodiments, the collar 131 is attached to a corner piece 130 by a spring and catch mechanism that holds the collar 131 in place unless the collar 131 is being pulled downward. In some embodiments, each collar 131 prevents its associated leg 111 from being able to swing unless and until the collar 131 is moved to release the leg 111.

FIG. 4B shows an example of a corner piece 130, a leg 111, and a collar 131 as they might appear on an assembled frame 110. The collar 131 has a magnet 333, described further below, and a clip 132 to which the fabric 120 of the portable crib 100 can be secured, also described further below. In FIG. 4B, the collar 131 is in the position in which it prevents the leg 111 from being able to swing up unless and until the collar 131 is pulled down as shown by the arrow in FIG. 4C.

FIGS. 4D through 4J illustrate an example of a leg 111B being collapsed (or folded) in accordance with some embodiments. The interior components of an example of a corner piece 130 (illustrated as a female corner piece 160) are shown to illustrate a mechanism that allows the leg 111B to move in accordance with some embodiments. In FIG. 4D, the frame 110 is in its assembled form. The leg 111B is attached to the female corner piece 160 at a pivot point 360, and the leg 111B is held in place (prevented from rotating around the pivot point 360) by the collar 131B. In FIG. 4E, the collar 131B has been pulled down, as shown by the arrow, which removes the restraint on the leg 111B and allows the leg 111B to pivot about the pivot point 360. FIGS. 4F and 4G show the leg 111B as it begins to swing up, around the pivot point 360 and toward the end rail 112. As illustrated in FIG. 4H, in some embodiments, the collar 131B can move back up relative to the leg 111B once the collar 131B has cleared the female corner piece 160. FIG. 4I shows the leg 111B continuing to swing up. FIG. 4J shows the leg 111B in the collapsed (or folded) position.

FIGS. 4K through 4N show an example of a subassembly 212 being collapsed in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 4K illustrates that once the collar 131B has been pulled down in the subassembly 212, the leg 111B is free to swing upward, toward the end rail 112, due to the hinging mechanism described above (e.g., the leg 111B can swing about the pivot point 360). FIG. 4L illustrates the leg 111B in the folded position, after it has been rotated upward. The leg 111A can be attached to the male corner piece 161 using the hinging mechanism as described above (e.g., using a pivot point 360), and the same process of pulling down the collar 131A and pivoting the leg 111A upward toward the end rail 112 can be used to collapse the leg 111A. FIG. 4M illustrates that the collar 131A has been pulled down, thereby allowing the leg 111A to swing upward, about the pivot point 360 of the male corner piece 161. FIGS. 4N and 4O show the subassembly 212 in collapsed form, with both the leg 111A and leg 111B folded inward.

Although FIGS. 4A through 4O show the leg 111B swinging up first, followed by the leg 111A, there is no particular order in which the legs 111 must be collapsed. In some embodiments, the subassembly 212 is designed so that either the leg 111A or the leg 111B can be collapsed first.

In some embodiments, after the subassembly 212 has been collapsed, the leg 111A and the leg 111B are held in place by magnets. FIG. 4P shows two magnet stacks 335 that can be used to hold the leg 111A and leg 111B in place when the subassembly 212 has been collapsed. FIG. 4Q shows a closer view of two magnets in one of the two magnet stacks 335, specifically, the magnet 333A, which can be included in the leg 111A, and the magnet 333B, which can be included in the leg 111B, to hold the legs 111 in place when the subassembly 212 is in collapsed form. In the example of FIG. 40, the magnet 333A is situated near the base end 113B of the leg 111B in a position such that when the leg 111B is collapsed, the location of the magnet 333A will be attracted to a magnet 333B situated on/in the collar 131A associated with the leg 111A. By appropriately orienting the polarities of the magnet 333A and the magnet 333B, the magnet 333A and the magnet 333B will be attracted to each other, thereby holding the leg 111A and the leg 111B in place when the subassembly 212 is in the collapsed position.

FIG. 4Q also illustrates the receptacle 325B at the base end 113B of the leg 111B into which one of the feet 116, described further below, fits in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, each of the legs 111 has a receptacle 325 for one of the feet 116. In some embodiments, the receptacle 325 has one or more slots, indentations, notches, recesses, or grooves as part of a detent mechanism by which the feet 116 are attached to the legs 111. (See, e.g., FIGS. 13A through 13K and the explanations thereof.)

FIG. 4R illustrates how four magnets, namely the magnet 333A, magnet 333B, magnet 333C, and magnet 333D, can be situated inside of or on the legs 111 and/or collars 131 to ensure that regardless of which of the legs 111 is collapsed first, the polarities of the magnets will be suitable to hold the legs 111 in place. Specifically, the positions and polarities of the magnet 333A, situated near the base end 113B of the leg 111B, and the magnet 333B, situated on/in the collar 131B, are such that the magnet 333A and the magnet 333B will be attracted to each other regardless of which of the legs 111 is collapsed first. Likewise, the positions and polarities of the magnet 333D, situated near the base end 113A of the leg 111A, and the magnet 333C, situated on/in the collar 131A, are such that the magnet 333C and the magnet 333D will be attracted to each other regardless of which of the legs 111 is collapsed first.

As explained above, in some embodiments, the corner pieces 130 of a subassembly 212 are both male corner pieces 161. FIG. 4S illustrates an example of a subassembly 212 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4S, the example of the subassembly 212 comprises a male corner piece 161A with a protrusion 162A, and a male corner piece 161B with a protrusion 162B. The protrusion 162A and protrusion 162B are configured to mate with the tube latch detent end 217 of a side rail 114 (e.g., the tube latch detent end 217A or the tube latch detent end 217B described above in the discussion of FIGS. 3G and 3H). As also shown in FIG. 4S, the male corner piece 161A is coupled to a leg 111A and has a collar 131A, and the male corner piece 161B is coupled to a leg 111B and has a collar 131B.

FIG. 4T shows the example of the subassembly 212 from FIG. 4S in collapsed form. As shown, both the leg 111A and leg 111B are folded inward. The process to collapse the subassembly 212 of FIG. 4S can be as described in the discussion above in the context of FIGS. 4K through 4O.

When the collapsible crib 100 is assembled, the process illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 4N can be reversed to extend the legs 111 into the locked positions (regardless of whether the corner pieces 130 are male, female, or one of each). FIGS. 5A through 5F illustrate an example of a leg 111B of a subassembly 212 being extended and locked in place in accordance with some embodiments. In FIG. 5A, the leg 111B is swinging down, away from the end rail 112, about the pivot point 360 of the corner piece 130B. In the example of FIG. 5A, the corner piece 130B has a shaped end 381, and the collar 131B has a protrusion 181. In FIG. 5A, the pivot angle of the leg 111B is large enough that the shaped end 381 and the protrusion 181 are not in contact. FIG. 5B shows that as the leg 111B continues to swing down (and the pivot angle decreases), the protrusion 181 contacts the shaped end 381. FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate that as the leg 111B continues to rotate into place, the shaped end 381 pushes the protrusion 181, and, as a result, the collar 131B, down. In FIG. 5E, the leg 111B is almost in its final position, and the shaped end 381 has pushed the protrusion 181, and the collar 131B, even further down. FIG. 5F shows that when the leg 111B is in the fully extended position, the protrusion 181 is flush against the shaped end 381, and the collar 131B slides up and locks the leg 111B in place. In FIG. 5F, the collar 131B prevents the leg 111B from being able to pivot around the pivot point 360. In some embodiments, the collar 131B slides up and locks the leg 111B in place by virtue of the leg 111B moving into place. In other words, in some embodiments, the person assembling the frame 110 (or unfolding the subassembly 212) does not have to perform a separate action to lock the leg 111B in place.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism for the legs 111 is automatic, and the legs 111 are locked into place whenever they are moved into the unfolded or extended position. Conversely, in some embodiments, the legs 111 cannot be collapsed/folded without the collar 131 being deliberately moved downward so as to release the legs 111. Thus, the mechanisms used for holding and collapsing the legs 111 can provide a significant safety feature for the portable crib 100.

FIGS. 5G through 5N illustrate a leg assembly process to illustrate how the legs 111 are assembled in accordance with some embodiments so that they can be latched to and unlatched from the corner pieces 130. FIG. 5G is an exploded view of an example of a leg latch mechanism 700 used in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5G, the leg latch mechanism 700 includes a pin 701, a pin 702, a pin 703, a fastener portion 730A, a fastener portion 730B, a latch pawl 715 and a spring 720. As explained further below, the leg latch mechanism 700 joins the upper leg portion 711 to the lower leg portion 712 in a manner that allows the legs 111 to be latched to (or unlatched from) the corner pieces 130.

FIG. 5H shows the leg latch mechanism 700 after the latch pawl 715 has been situated in the upper leg portion 711. As shown in FIG. 5I, the fastener portion 730A and fastener portion 730B are inserted on either side of the latch pawl 715. The fastener portion 730A and fastener portion 730B allow the latch pawl 715 to be coupled to the collar 131, as described further below. As illustrated in FIG. 5J, the collar 131 slides over the fastener portion 730A and fastener portion 730B. As shown in FIG. 5K, the pin 701 and pin 702 are inserted through the fastener portion 730A, the fastener portion 730B, and the latch pawl 715, thereby coupling the collar 131 to the upper leg portion 711. As shown in FIG. 5L, the spring 720 is inserted into the upper leg portion 711 against the latch pawl 715. FIG. 5M shows the lower leg portion 712 in place relative to the upper leg portion 711, and FIG. 5N shows how the pin 703 attaches the lower leg portion 712 to the upper leg portion 711. In the assembled leg latch mechanism 700, the spring 720 rests against the pin 703 and provides an upward force on the latch pawl 715, thereby keeping it in place unless and until the collar 131 is pulled downward, compressing the spring 720, moving the latch pawl 715 downward, and allowing the leg 111 to pivot about the pivot point 360, as described further below.

FIGS. 5O through 5S illustrate how the leg latch mechanism 700 shown and described in the context of FIGS. 5G through 5N operates in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5O is a close view of an assembled leg 111 with the collar 131 in place when the portable crib 100 (or the subassembly 212) is in its unfolded or assembled state. The latch pawl 715 is visible in FIG. 5O, as are ends of the pin 701, pin 702, and pin 703. FIG. 5P is a cross-section view of the assembled leg 111 in FIG. 5O to show how the components of the leg latch mechanism 700 are situated when the legs 111 are in the extended position. As shown, the corner piece 130 has a receptacle 740 (described further below) into which the latch pawl 715 fits. The spring 720 is situated between the pin 703 and the bottom surfaces of the fastener portion 730A and fastener portion 730B. As explained above, the fastener portion 730A, fastener portion 730B, and latch pawl 715 are affixed to the collar 131 by the pin 701 and pin 702. FIG. 5Q is another view of the assembled leg 111 with the collar 131 in place when the portable crib 100 (or the subassembly 212) is in its unfolded or assembled state, but with the collar 131 made transparent to expose the fastener portion 730A.

FIG. 5R shows the leg 111 from FIG. 5O but with the collar 131 pulled down, and FIG. 5S is the corresponding cross-section view. As shown in FIG. 5S, when the collar 131 is pulled down, the spring 720 compresses, and the latch pawl 715 moves down, out of its receptacle 740, thereby allowing the legs 111 to pivot about the pivot point 360.

FIGS. 5T through 5W are cross-section views illustrating how the legs 111 of a subassembly 212 fold (or collapse) in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5T shows the receptacle 740 of the corner piece 130, into which the latch pawl 715 fits and is situated when the subassembly 212 is in the assembled state. Other parts of the leg latch mechanism 700 described above are also labeled in FIG. 5T. FIG. 5U is a view of the leg latch mechanism 700 when the collar 131 is pulled downward. As shown the spring 720 compresses, and the latch pawl 715 moves out of the receptacle 740. In FIG. 5U, the latch pawl 715 has cleared the receptacle 740, thereby allowing the legs 111 to pivot about the pivot point 360, as shown in FIG. 5V.

FIGS. 5W through 5Z are cross-section views illustrating the unfolding of the leg 111 of a subassembly 212 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5W illustrates that as the leg 111 is unfolded, the latch pawl 715 makes contact with the corner piece 130. As shown in FIGS. 5X and 5Y, the corner piece 130 pushes the latch pawl 715 (and the collar 131) downward as the leg 111 continues to be unfolded, thereby compressing the spring 720. When the legs 111 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 5Z, the corner piece 130 no longer resists the latch pawl 715. The compression on the spring 720 is released and the latch pawl 715 slides into the receptacle 740, thus moving the collar 131 up and securing the leg 111 in the unfolded position (see FIG. 5T).

FIG. 6A shows a closer view of a portion of the example of the frame 110 (and a portion of the second subassembly 212B from FIG. 2) and illustrates details of examples of the corner pieces 130 in accordance with some embodiments. The corner piece 130D has a collar 131D with a clip 132D. The corner piece 130C has a collar 131C with a clip 132C. As explained above, in some embodiments, each of the corner pieces 130 has a collar 131 that provides a release mechanism for one of the legs 111 (e.g., via the leg latch mechanism 700 described above). For example, the corner piece 130D has a collar 131D that releases the leg 111D and allows it to pivot (swing) upward, toward the end rail 112B (as described above). Likewise, the corner piece 130C has a collar 131C that releases the leg 111C and allows it to pivot (swing) upward, toward the end rail 112B. As a result, the second subassembly 212B can be collapsed into a smaller form factor, as described above. Although not specifically illustrated, as explained above, the first subassembly 212A can be similarly collapsed.

FIG. 6B is a closer view of the corner piece 130D. The corner piece 130D may be a male corner piece 161 with a protrusion 162 that fits into a tube latch detent end 217 of the side rail 114B, as shown in FIG. 6B. Alternatively the corner piece 130D may be a female corner piece 160 with a tube latch detent receptacle 163 into which one end of the side rail 114B (with a corresponding tube latch connector end 218 fits). Accordingly, the button 133D shown in FIG. 6B may be a part of the corner piece 130D (if the corner piece 130D is a female corner piece 160) or a part of the side rail 114B (if the corner piece 130D is a male corner piece 161). As explained further below, the button 133D may provide a mechanism to release the side rail 114B from the corner piece 130D (e.g., pressing the button 133D may allow the side rail 114B to be removed from the corner piece 130D).

As explained above, in some embodiments, the frame 110 is separable into four components: (1) the side rail 114A; (2) the side rail 114B; (3) a first subassembly 212A; and (4) a second subassembly 212B, where each of the first subassembly 212A and second subassembly 212B includes two corner pieces 130. As also explained above, a detent mechanism can be used to couple a side rail 114 to a corner piece 130 (and, therefore, to the first subassembly 212A and/or the second subassembly 212B). FIGS. 7A through 7F show in further detail how a detent mechanism can be used to couple the side rails 114 to the corner pieces 130. Although the example illustrated and described is a side rail 114 with a tube latch connector end 218 that is removably coupled to a corner piece 130 that has a tube latch detent receptacle 163 (e.g., a female corner piece 160), it is to be appreciated that the reverse is also possible (e.g., a male corner piece 161 with a protrusion 162 can be removably coupled to the tube latch detent end 217 of a side rail 114).

FIG. 7A shows an example of a detent mechanism that can be used to couple a side rail 114 to a corner piece 130 in accordance with some embodiments. The interior of a tube latch detent end 217 of a side rail 114 is shown. The tube latch detent end 217 includes a detent button unit 135 (e.g., as described above in the discussion of FIG. 3D). The detent button unit 135 includes a button 133, which is accessible to the user to release the side rail 114 from the male corner piece 161 (e.g., to disassemble the frame 110). A pin 332 and spring 134 hold the detent button unit 135 in place within the tube latch detent end 217. The detent button unit 135 has a protrusion 337 that is configured to fit within a corresponding notch 219 of the protrusion 162 of the male corner piece 161. It is to be understood that although FIG. 7A shows a male corner piece 161 with a protrusion 162 and a side rail 114 with a tube latch detent end 217, a similar approach can be used to connect a female corner piece 160 to a side rail 114 (in which case the tube latch detent end 217 of FIG. 7A would be a tube latch detent receptacle 163, and the protrusion 162 would be a tube latch connector end 218).

FIGS. 7B and 7C show the protrusion 162 after it has been inserted into the tube latch detent end 217, but before it has moved the detent button unit 135.

FIG. 7D illustrates the interaction between the protrusion 162 and the detent button unit 135 once the protrusion 162 contacts the protrusion 337. As shown, the protrusion 162 pushes against the protrusion 337, which causes the detent button unit 135 to rotate about the pin 332 and compress the spring 134. FIG. 7E shows the protrusion 162 and the detent button unit 135 when the detent button unit 135 has been rotated to approximately the maximum extent. The spring 134 is compressed more than in FIG. 7D, and the button 133 is recessed from the surface of the side rail 114.

FIG. 7F illustrates the protrusion 162 locked in place in the tube latch detent end 217. As shown, the protrusion 337 is situated within the corresponding notch 219 of the protrusion 162, and the detent button unit 135 has returned to the neutral position in which the button 133 is approximately flush with the outer surface of the side rail 114, and the spring 134 is no longer being compressed due to the insertion of the protrusion 162 into the tube latch detent end 217. In the configuration shown in FIG. 7F, the side rail 114 will remain coupled to the male corner piece 161 until the user presses the button 133 to move the protrusion 337 away from the corresponding notch 219 and thereby allow the side rail 114 to be separated from the male corner piece 161.

FIG. 7G is a side view (e.g., left or right) of the frame 110 in its assembled form in accordance with some embodiments. One of the end rails 112 is visible, as are two legs 111, namely a leg 111L and a leg 111M, and two corner pieces, namely a corner piece 130L and a corner piece 130M. FIG. 7H is a front or rear view of the frame 110 in its assembled form in accordance with some embodiments. One of the side rails 114 is visible, as are two legs 111, labeled as the leg 111L and a leg 111N, and two corner pieces, labeled as the corner piece 130L and a corner piece 130N. It is to be appreciated that the letters L, M, and N are used in FIGS. 7G and 7H merely to distinguish between the legs 111 and the corner pieces 130 shown in the two views. There is no particular significance to the choices of letters. The illustrated corner pieces 130 can be female corner pieces 160, male corner pieces 161, or a combination of female corner pieces 160 and male corner pieces 161.

The height 250 of the frame 110 with the feet 116 attached may be approximately 25 inches, which is the approximately the same as the height of the assembled portable crib 100 (see FIG. 1B). As also shown in FIG. 7G, the width of the frame 110 may be different at different distances from the bottom. The width 240B of the frame 110 is approximately 27 inches at the bottom of the frame 110, and the width 240A of the frame 110 is approximately 20 inches at the top of the frame 110. These are the same approximate dimensions as for the overall portable crib 100 (see FIG. 1B). Thus, as shown in FIG. 7G, the front and back of the portable crib 100 may slope inward with increasing height.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7H, the sides of the frame 110 may slope inward such that the length 242A of the frame 110 at the top is less than the length 242B of the frame 110 at the bottom. In the illustrated example in FIG. 7H, the length 242A of the frame 110 is approximately 38 inches, and the length 242B is approximately 45 inches. These are the same approximate dimensions as for the overall portable crib 100 (see FIG. 1B). As shown in FIG. 7H, the length 242A and the length 242B of the frame 110 may both be larger than the width 240A and the width 240B. It is not a requirement that the frame 110 have any particular dimensions, nor is it a requirement that the width 240A, width 240B, length 242A, and length 242B be in any particular relationship to each other. It is also to be appreciated that the designation of one dimension of the frame 110 as the width and the other as the length is arbitrary.

As described above, the side rail 114A and the side rail 114B may include multiple rail segments (e.g., rail segment 214A and rail segment 214B) that may be separated from each other when the frame 110 is disassembled (e.g., for packing). It is to be appreciated that there is no requirement for the side rail 114A and the side rail 114 to be collapsible, but this aspect may be advantageous for disassembly and packing of the portable crib 100.

Similarly, although the legs 111 are shown in the drawings herein as being monolithic (one piece), they can be further collapsible. For example, the legs 111 can be comprised of multiple portions, such as smaller-length tubes held together by an elastic cord (e.g., as described above for the side rails 114).

Returning briefly to FIG. 1A, the portable crib 100 includes fabric 120 that is now described with reference to FIGS. 8A through 12F. As explained below, in some embodiments, the fabric 120 comprises a collection of pieces of fabric that have different shapes, sizes, and/or features. These pieces of fabric may be temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently attached to each other. In some embodiments, the fabric 120 comprises multiple materials (e.g., some portion of the fabric 120 is made from a first material, and another portion of the fabric 120 is made from a second material). In some embodiments, the fabric 120 includes straps, tabs, hardware, etc. to facilitate attaching the fabric 120 to the frame 110 and/or the feet 116.

FIG. 8A is a side view of the fabric 120 in accordance with some embodiments. The view shown in FIG. 8A could be a left view or a right view. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8A, the fabric 120 includes a short top fabric piece 122, a short side fabric piece 126, and a bottom fabric piece 129. The short side fabric piece 126 is situated between and coupled to the short top fabric piece 122 and the bottom fabric piece 129. The short side fabric piece 126 may be semi-permanently or permanently attached (e.g., sewn, glued, etc.) to the short top fabric piece 122 and the bottom fabric piece 129, or it may be removably attached (e.g., via fasteners to allow portions of the fabric 120 to be separated, e.g., for replacement, repair, etc.) to the short top fabric piece 122 and/or the bottom fabric piece 129.

In the example of FIG. 8A, an upper strap 221A and an upper strap 221B are attached to the short top fabric piece 122. As described further below, in the example, each of the upper strap 221A and upper strap 221B has a respective hook clip 223 and a tab 224. When the portable crib 100 is assembled, the fabric 120 can be pulled from the inside of the frame 110 up and over the frame 110. For each corner of the portable crib 100, the respective tab 224 can be grasped and pulled to maneuver the hook clip 223 over the clip 132 on the corresponding collar 131 of the corner piece 130. This approach allows the fabric 120 to be easily and removably coupled to the frame 110.

Attached to the bottom fabric piece 129 are two additional straps, namely a lower strap 222A and a lower strap 222B. The lower strap 222A and/or lower strap 222B may be removably attached to the bottom fabric piece 129 (e.g. using a snap, Velcro, etc.). Alternatively, the lower strap 222A and/or the lower strap 222B may be semi-permanently or permanently attached to the bottom fabric piece 129 (e.g., by sewing, gluing, etc.). The lower strap 222A and the lower strap 222B may be provided to allow the feet 116 to be removably coupled to the fabric 120. For example, as explained further below, the feet 116 may include attachment points 316 for the lower straps 222.

FIG. 8B is a front view of the fabric 120 in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated, the fabric 120 further includes a long top fabric piece 124A and a front fabric piece 125. The front fabric piece 125 is situated between and coupled to the long top fabric piece 124A and the bottom fabric piece 129, described above. The front fabric piece 125 may be semi-permanently or permanently attached (e.g., sewn, glued, etc.) to the long top fabric piece 124A and the bottom fabric piece 129, or it may be removably attached (e.g., via fasteners to allow portions of the fabric 120 to be separated, e.g., for washing, replacement, etc.). As shown in FIG. 8B, the front fabric piece 125 has a zipper 225. The zipper 225 allows access to the interior of the portable crib 100 when the portable crib 100 is in its assembled form.

Attached to the long top fabric piece 124A are the upper strap 221A and an upper strap 221D. The upper strap 221A can join or be an interface between the short top fabric piece 122 and the long top fabric piece 124A. As described further below, in some embodiments, each of the upper strap 221A and upper strap 221B has a hook clip 223 and a tab 224. As explained above, when the portable crib 100 is assembled, the tab 224 can be grasped and pulled to maneuver the hook clip 223 over the clip 132 on the corresponding collar 131 of the corner piece 130. This design allows the fabric 120 to be removably coupled to the frame 110.

Attached to the bottom fabric piece 129 are the lower strap 222A and a lower strap 222D. As described further below, each of the lower strap 222A and lower strap 222D may include a mechanism (e.g., a loop) to allow them to be attached to respective feet 116.

The upper straps 221 and the lower straps 222 can be made from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the upper straps 221 and lower straps 222 are dyed polyester webbing.

The rear view of the fabric 120 would be similar to the view of the front shown in FIG. 8B. In some embodiments, the fabric 120 includes a rear fabric piece 127, described below, that does not include a zipper 225. The rest of the description of FIG. 8B would apply to the rear view.

FIG. 8C is another example front view of the fabric 120 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown the zipper 225 has a zipper pull. FIG. 8D is an example of a zipper pull for the zipper 225 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8E is a view of the end of an upper strap 221 (e.g., the upper strap 221A or the upper strap 221B) in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated, the strap 221 is attached to a hook clip 223, which fits around and is held by a clip 132 on the collar 131 of a corner piece 130, as described in further detail below. The hook clip 223 may be, for example, a nylon or metal D-ring. In the example of FIG. 8E, a tab 224 is attached to the hook clip 223. The tab 224 may be included to provide a person assembling or disassembling the portable crib 100 with a convenient gripping location for attaching or removing the fabric 120.

FIGS. 8F and 8G are examples of fastener portions that may be used to allow a removable mattress to be coupled to the bottom fabric piece 129. FIG. 8F illustrates a first portion 230 of a an example of a suitable fastener that can be included in or attached to the bottom fabric piece 129 (and, therefore, to the fabric 120) to facilitate attachment of a removable mattress (described further below) within the portable crib 100. In the illustrated example, the first portion 230 is a female snap S screw low fastener part made by FIDLOCK GmbH. FIG. 3G illustrates the corresponding second portion 231 of the fastener, which in the example is a male snap S screw low fastener part, also made by FIDLOCK GmbH. In some embodiments, instances of the first portion 230 are incorporated into or attached to the bottom fabric piece 129, and instances of the corresponding second portion 231 are included in or attached to a removable mattress (or a sheet surrounding the mattress), as described further below. Although FIGS. 8F and 8G illustrate a particular first portion 230 and a particular corresponding second portion 231 made by FIDLOCK GmbH, it is to be appreciated that other fasteners can be used instead.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D show, respectively, the long top fabric piece 124A, the long top fabric piece 124B, the short top fabric piece 122A, and the short top fabric piece 122B. FIG. 9E shows how the short top fabric piece 122A, short top fabric piece 122B, long top fabric piece 124A, and long top fabric piece 124B are situated before being joined during the manufacturing process. During the manufacturing process, each long top fabric piece 124 can be joined to the two short top fabric pieces 122 by two upper straps 221. For example, the short top fabric piece 122A can be joined to the long top fabric piece 124A by the upper strap 221A; the short top fabric piece 122A can be joined to the long top fabric piece 124B by the upper strap 221B; the long top fabric piece 124B can be joined to the short top fabric piece 122B by the upper strap 221C; and the short top fabric piece 122B can be joined to the long top fabric piece 124A by the upper strap 221D.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate examples of the short side fabric piece 126A and the short side fabric piece 126B in accordance with some embodiments, with the short side fabric piece 126B shown inverted. In the illustrated example, the shapes of the short side fabric piece 126A and the short side fabric piece 126B reflect the shape of the short side of the frame 110 (e.g., see FIG. 7G). In particular, the short side fabric piece 126A and the short side fabric piece 126B are narrower at the top than at the bottom. The short side fabric piece 126A and the short side fabric piece 126B can have any suitable height. In the examples shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the short side fabric piece 126A and the short side fabric piece 126B have heights of approximately 22.5 inches. During the manufacturing process, the top of the short side fabric piece 126A can be joined (e.g., via sewing, gluing, etc.) to the short top fabric piece 122A, and the bottom of the short side fabric piece 126A can be joined (e.g., via sewing, gluing, etc.) to the bottom fabric piece 129. Likewise, the top of the short side fabric piece 126B can be joined (e.g., via sewing, gluing, etc.) to the short top fabric piece 122B, and the bottom of the short side fabric piece 126B can be joined (e.g., via sewing, gluing, etc.) to the bottom fabric piece 129. Alternatively, short side fabric piece 126A and/or the short side fabric piece 126B can be separable from the short top fabric piece 122A, the short top fabric piece 122B, and/or the bottom fabric piece 129.

FIG. 10C illustrates an example of the front fabric piece 125 in accordance with some embodiments. In FIG. 10C, the zipper 225 is omitted. The front fabric piece 125 has two portions, namely a front fabric piece top portion 125A and a front fabric piece bottom portion 125B. During the manufacturing process, a first portion of a zipper 225 can be attached to the front fabric piece top portion 125A, and a second portion of the zipper 225 can be attached to the front fabric piece bottom portion 125B, thereby joining the front fabric piece top portion 125A and the front fabric piece bottom portion 125B. In other words, when the fabric 120 is completed, the front fabric piece top portion 125A and the front fabric piece bottom portion 125B can be attached to each other by the zipper 225.

In the illustrated example, the shape of the front fabric piece 125 reflects the shape of the long side of the frame 110 (e.g., see FIG. 7H). In particular, the front fabric piece 125 is narrower at the top than at that bottom. The front fabric piece 125, the front fabric piece top portion 125A, and the front fabric piece bottom portion 125B can have any suitable heights and shapes. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10C, with the width of the zipper 225 accounted for, the front fabric piece 125 has a height of approximately 22.5 inches. FIG. 10C shows a particular path for the zipper 225, but it is to be appreciated that other paths could be selected (e.g., straight lines). Moreover, there can be more than one zipper. The examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 10D illustrates an example of the rear fabric piece 127 in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated example, the shape of the rear fabric piece 127 reflects the shape of the long side of the frame 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 7H). In particular, the rear fabric piece 127 is narrower at the top than at the bottom. The rear fabric piece 127 can have any suitable height. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10D, the rear fabric piece 127 has a height of approximately 22.5 inches.

Although the example of the rear fabric piece 127 shown in FIG. 10D does not include a zipper 225, it is to be appreciated that the rear fabric piece 127 can alternatively be similar or identical to the front fabric piece 125. Specifically, the rear fabric piece 127 can be configured to allow access to the interior of the portable crib 100, and the mechanism can be the same as or different from the mechanism used for the front fabric piece 125. For example, if the front fabric piece 125 includes a zipper 225, the rear fabric piece 127 could include a zipper 225, snaps, Velcro, etc.

FIG. 10E illustrates an example of the bottom fabric piece 129 in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated example, the bottom fabric piece 129 is slightly larger than the bottom surface of the assembled portable crib 100 in order to provide a small vertical strip of the bottom fabric piece 129 to which the front fabric piece 125, the short side fabric piece 126A, the short side fabric piece 126B, and the rear fabric piece 127 are attached. In some embodiments, the small vertical strip is approximately 1.5 inches in height. In some embodiments, the bottom fabric piece 129 includes a zipper “pocket” or fabric piece to cover or prevent access to the zipper 225 from inside of the portable crib 100. For example, the zipper pocket or fabric piece can cover any gaps at the end of the zipper 225 that could be accessible to (and unzipped by) a child from inside of the portable crib 100. As mentioned above and described further below, the bottom fabric piece 129 may include or have attached to it portions of fasteners to allow a mattress to be removably coupled to the bottom fabric piece 129.

Although it may be desirable for the portions of the fabric 120 to be permanently joined together during the manufacturing process, some or all of the portions of the fabric 120 may be separable from other portions. For example, the short top fabric piece 122A, short top fabric piece 122B, long top fabric piece 124A, and long top fabric piece 124B could be joined together during the manufacturing process in a way that is intended to be permanent (e.g., sewing, gluing, etc.), but the attachment of this combined portion to the short side fabric piece 126A, short side fabric piece 126B, front fabric piece 125, and rear fabric piece 127 may be via an intentionally-reversible or intentionally-temporary mechanism (e.g., a zipper, snaps, hooks, etc.). Likewise, the short side fabric piece 126A, short side fabric piece 126B, front fabric piece 125, and rear fabric piece 127 may be joined during the manufacturing process in a way that is intended to be permanent (e.g., sewing, gluing, etc.), but the attachment of this combined portion to the short top fabric piece 122A, short top fabric piece 122B, long top fabric piece 124A, long top fabric piece 124B, and/or bottom fabric piece 129 may be via a reversible mechanism (e.g., zipper, snaps, hooks, etc.). Similarly, although the explanation herein presumes that the short side fabric piece 126A, the short side fabric piece 126B, the front fabric piece top portion 125A, front side bottom portion 125B, and the rear fabric piece 127 are separate pieces of fabric that are joined together during the manufacturing process, they may be manufactured as a contiguous piece of fabric (e.g., similarly to how a sock might be knitted). Generally speaking, any or all of the short top fabric piece 122A, short top fabric piece 122B, long top fabric piece 124A, long top fabric piece 124B, short side fabric piece 126A, short side fabric piece 126B, front fabric piece 125, rear fabric piece 127, and bottom fabric piece 129 can be separate pieces that are joined together, whether temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently, or some or all of them can be fabricated as one contiguous piece. The identification herein of the portions of the fabric 120 as individual pieces is for convenience of explanation and is not intended to be limiting.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 8A through 10E, the fabric 120 may include any suitable material(s). For example, all of the components of the fabric 120 may be made from the same material, or different components may be made of different materials. In some embodiments, the short top fabric piece 122A, short top fabric piece 122B, long top fabric piece 124A, and long top fabric piece 124B are made of a first material; the short side fabric piece 126A, short side fabric piece 126B, front fabric piece 125, and rear fabric piece 127 are made of a second material that is different from the first material; and the bottom fabric piece 129 is made of a third material that is different from the first and second materials.

In some embodiments, the short top fabric piece 122A, short top fabric piece 122B, long top fabric piece 124A, and long top fabric piece 124B are made from Airmesh fabric (sometimes referred to as 3D mesh fabric). Airmesh is a type of fabric that is designed to provide breathability and airflow that can be useful in applications where ventilation and moisture management are desirable. Airmesh fabric may have an open, mesh-like structure that allows air to circulate freely to promote ventilation. The open construction also allows moisture to evaporate quickly. Airmesh fabrics can be made from various synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, and they can be durable, resistant to tearing, and resistant to losing fuzz or developing holes at rubbing points.

In some embodiments, the short side fabric piece 126A, short side fabric piece 126B, front fabric piece 125, and rear fabric piece 127 are made of a monolite mesh. Monolite mesh is a type of mesh fabric with a single or mono-layer construction. Generally speaking, monolite mesh is a lightweight and breathable mesh fabric with a consistent pattern.

In some embodiments, the bottom fabric piece 129 is made from a washable, water-resistant 420D fabric. As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, a 420D fabric is a type of fabric made with 420—denier nylon or polyester material, where the term “denier” refers to a unit of measurement used to describe the thickness or weight of a fabric fiber, thereby indicating the fineness or coarseness of the individual threads used in the fabric. A 420D fabric may be, for example, a medium-weight fabric that is durable and made with relatively thick fibers. Use of a 420D fabric may be desirable due to its strength, abrasion resistance, and tear resistance.

It is to be appreciated that the examples of fabrics described herein have some attractive properties, but they are not required to be used for the fabric 120. Other fabrics can be used instead or in addition.

As explained above, the person assembling the portable crib 100 can lift the fabric 120 up through the middle of the portable crib 100 and attach the fabric 120 to the frame 110 using the upper straps 221. FIG. 11A is a view of a corner of the assembled portable crib 100 in accordance with some embodiments. The illustrated corner is the front-right corner when the portable crib 100, but the attachment mechanism for the other corners can be the same as shown in FIG. 11A. As illustrated, the short top fabric piece 122 and the long top fabric piece 124 cover the frame 110. As shown, the upper strap 221 is situated between and coupled to the long top fabric piece 124 and the short top fabric piece 122. As explained above, the short top fabric piece 122 and the long top fabric piece 124 may be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the upper strap 221. The upper strap 221 is attached to (or includes) a hook clip 223, which is attached to a tab 224. As described in further detail below, the hook clip 223 is configured to fit over the clip 132 on the collar 131 to secure the fabric 120 to the frame 110.

FIG. 11B is a closer view of a corner of the portable crib 100 with the fabric 120 attached in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 11C is an even closer view of a corner of the portable crib 100 with the fabric 120 attached in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 12A through 12F illustrate a process for attaching the fabric 120 to the frame 110 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 12A shows a portion of the frame 110 comprising a corner piece 130, a collar 131, and a leg 111. The collar 131 includes a clip 132. The clip 132 comprises a latch 137. The upper strap 221, hook clip 223, and tab 224 are shown as they might appear as the user is preparing to attach the upper strap 221 to the frame 110.

FIG. 12B shows the assembly as the user first begins to fit the hook clip 223 over the clip 132 of the collar 131. FIG. 12C shows the assembly after the clip 132 is through the hook clip 223. FIG. 12D shows the assembly after the user has begun to pull the hook clip 223 upward to engage the latch 137 of the clip 132. FIG. 12E shows the assembly after the hook clip 223 has been pulled upward far enough that the hook clip 223 has triggered the latch mechanism. In some embodiments, the latch 137 pops out because the latch pawl 715, described above, is being pushed up by the introduction of the hook clip 223. FIG. 12F shows the assembly after the fabric 120 has been secured to the frame by the upper strap 221. The latch 137 is flush with the front of the clip 132 to indicate that the hook clip 223 is secured to the clip 132. In some embodiments, the spring 720 in the leg latch mechanism 700 biases the latch 137 to this flush position, with the latch pawl 715 engaged by the corresponding hole in the hook clip 223. In some embodiments, the user may press the latch 137 to engage a safety mechanism that results in the hook clip 223 being retained in the clip 132.

It will be appreciated in view of the disclosures above that one safety feature of the portable crib 100 due to securing the fabric 120 to the frame 110 using the clip 132 is that the weight of a child inside of the portable crib 100 pulls the hook clip 223 upward, which also pulls the collar 131 upward. As a result, the collar 131 is held in place even more securely due to the added tension caused by the child's weight, which reduces the likelihood of the collar 131 accidentally being pushed downward and causing a leg 111 of the portable crib 100 to collapse unexpectedly or unintentionally. For example, if a child inside the portable crib 100 were to stand in a corner of the portable crib 100, the child's weight will put the fabric 120 in that corner under additional tension, which will pull upward on the collar 131 in that corner. Thus, even if the child were able to reach the collar 131 from inside the portable crib 100, the child would have difficulty moving the collar 131 downward and causing the leg 111 to fold.

FIGS. 13A through 13K are views of an example foot 116A in accordance with some embodiments. As explained above in the discussion of FIG. 4Q, in some embodiments, each of the legs 111 has a receptacle 325 at its base end 113. As shown in FIGS. 13A through 13K, the example of the foot 116A has a protruding end 313 configured to fit within the receptacle 325 of a leg 111.

The feet 116 may be removably coupled to the legs 111 using a detent mechanism (e.g., a mechanical device or system that prevents unintentional movement and/or rotation and keeps a component or mechanism securely in place until intentionally released). In the illustrated example shown in FIGS. 13A through 13K, the protruding end 313 of the foot 116A has a tab 314 that engages a corresponding slot, indentation, notch, recess, or groove inside of the receptacle 325. In some embodiments, when the protruding end 313 of the foot 116A engages the corresponding portion of the detent mechanism within the receptacle 325, it creates a noticeable click or tactile feedback, indicating that the foot 116A has been removably locked into place.

The foot 116A example illustrated in FIGS. 13A through 13K also includes a hole 321. As explained further below, the hole 321 can provide an attachment point for accessories for the portable crib 100 (e.g., a bug net, a blackout shade, a sun shade, etc.).

The foot 116A example illustrated in FIGS. 13A through 13K, also includes an attachment point 316 to facilitate removably coupling the lower straps 222 to the feet 116. The lower straps 222 may have, for example, a loop that can be fed into the attachment point 316 from the back (see FIG. 13C) and attached to the posts on the front of the foot 116A (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). In some embodiments, because of the functionality of the attachment point 316 with respect to the lower straps 222, when the portable crib 100 is disassembled, the feet 116 can remain attached to the fabric 120 and packed (rolled up) with the fabric 120, thereby making packing more efficient. The attachment point 316 may allow the lower straps 222 to be removed from the feet 116 (e.g., to allow the lower straps 222 to be washed, to allow the lower straps 222 and/or the feet 116 to be replaced, etc.). The ability to remove the feet 116 from the lower straps 222 (and, therefore, from the bottom fabric piece 129 and from the rest of the fabric 120) can be advantageous, for example, to allow the fabric 120 to be washed without the feet 116 attached.

The foot 116A example illustrated in FIGS. 13A through 13K, also includes a first pad 320A and a second pad 320B. The first pad 320A and the second pad 320B may be provided, for example, to provide grip and prevent the portable crib 100 from moving easily when the portable crib 100 is situated on a smooth surface (e.g., a hard-surface floor). The first pad 320A and/or the second pad 320B can be, for example, rubber pads that fit within holes in the bottom of the feet 116. Alternatively, the first pad 320A and/or second pad 320B can be adhered to the feet 116.

Although FIGS. 13A through 13K illustrate a particular example of a foot 116A, it is to be appreciated that variations are possible. For example, a different detent mechanism could be included instead of or in addition to the tab 314. As another example, instead of the feet 116 being removably coupled to the legs 111 by a detent mechanism, they could use an alternative removable attachment technique (e.g., screws, pins, magnets, etc.). The examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

As explained above, in some embodiments, the portable crib 100 includes features to allow a mattress to be removably coupled to the bottom fabric piece 129. FIGS. 14A and 14B show examples of the bottom fabric piece 129 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, in the illustrated examples, four first fastener portions 230 are attached to the bottom fabric piece 129 near the corners. Specifically, the first fastener portion 230A is situated in a first corner, the first fastener portion 230B is situated in a second corner, the first fastener portion 230C is situated in a third corner, and the first fastener portion 230D is situated in a fourth corner. Each of the first fastener portion 230A, first fastener portion 230B, first fastener portion 230C, and first fastener portion 230D may be, for example, a female snap S screw low fastener part made by FIDLOCK GmbH. As described further below, the mattress may include four corresponding second fastener portions 231 configured to mate with the four first portions 230.

FIG. 15A illustrates an example of a mattress 400 in accordance with some embodiments. The mattress 400 may be, for example, a self-inflating pad (e.g., a portable bedding accessory that is typically designed to provide comfort and insulation while being compact and easy to transport). The mattress 400 may include, for example, a foam core (e.g., polyurethane foam) and air within its structure. The foam core may be designed to be compressible and/or have open pockets of air within its structure. The mattress 400 may include an air valve to allow air to enter and exit the mattress 400. For example, when the mattress 400 is self-inflating, the mattress 400 may be inflated by unscrewing or opening the air valve, which causes the foam inside the mattress 400 to expand and draw in surrounding air. As the foam expands, it creates a vacuum effect that draws air into the mattress 400 through the valve. This self-inflation process continues until the foam reaches its maximum expansion or until the mattress 400 is fully inflated. When the mattress 400 reaches its desired inflation level, the air valve can be closed. To deflate the mattress 400, the air valve can be opened and the mattress 400 rolled or folded to compress the foam core, forcing the air to be expelled through the valve.

As shown in the example of FIG. 15A, the mattress 400 may include corresponding second portions 231 of the fastener portions used in the bottom fabric piece 129. The corresponding second portions 231 are configured to mate with the first portions 230 provided in the bottom fabric piece 129. FIG. 15A illustrates the second fastener portion 231A and the second fastener portion 231B, each on a corner of the mattress 400. As explained above, the first portion 230 and the corresponding second portion 231 may be FIDLOCK fastener portions. One characteristic of FIDLOCK fasteners is that they are magnetic and do not require substantial user manipulation. This characteristic can be advantageous when rapid setup of the portable crib 100 is desirable because the mattress 400 can essentially be dropped into the portable crib 100, and the fasteners will engage without significant (or possibly any) user manipulation.

FIG. 15B illustrates how the mattress 400 can be removably coupled to the bottom fabric piece 129 in accordance with some embodiments. A corresponding second portion 231 of the mattress 400 is configured to be removably coupled to a first portion 230 of the bottom fabric piece 129. The first portion 230 can be integrated into the bottom fabric piece 129, or it can be coupled to it. FIG. 15B shows only one corner of the bottom fabric piece 129 and only one corner of the mattress 400, but it is to be appreciated that all four corners of the mattress 400 can be coupled to the bottom fabric piece 129 in a similar manner.

In accordance with some embodiments, a sheet can be used over the mattress 400. FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the mattress 400 with a sheet 405 fitted over it. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the sheet 405 may be configured to leave the second fastener portions (e.g., the second fastener portion 231A, the second fastener portion 231B, the second fastener portion 231C, and the second fastener portion 231D) exposed so that they may mate easily with the corresponding first portions 230 on the bottom fabric piece 129.

In some embodiments, the mattress 400 can remain attached to the fabric 120 when the portable crib 100 is disassembled. For example, in the case that the mattress 400 is self-inflatable, after releasing the air valve(s), it can be rolled up with the fabric 120 to deflate it while also preparing the fabric 120 for packing.

In some embodiments, an accessory structure 500 can be coupled to the portable crib 100 to facilitate the attachment of accessories, such as a bug net, a sun shade, a blackout shade, mobiles, cameras, baby monitors, etc., to the portable crib 100. FIGS. 17A through 17F illustrate an example of an accessory structure 500 in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated, the accessory structure 500 is coupled to and extends from the top of the portable crib 100. The accessory structure 500 includes a first rib 501A, a second rib 501B, a third rib 501C, and a fourth rib 501D. The first rib 501A, second rib 501B, third rib 501C, and fourth rib 501D emanate from a connection component 505, such as a puck as shown in FIGS. 17A through 17F. The first rib 501A, second rib 501B, third rib 501C, and fourth rib 501D may each be a single, undivided piece, or they may be made from multiple, smaller ribs, which can facilitate breaking down the accessory structure 500 for packing. The first rib 501A, second rib 501B, third rib 501C, and fourth rib 501D may be made of a flexible material, such as, for example, a nylon material. Alternatively, the first rib 501A, second rib 501B, third rib 501C, and fourth rib 501D can be made of a different material, which may be semi-rigid or rigid. The overall accessory structure 500 can be flexible or rigid, or portions of it can be flexible and other portions rigid. The examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting. The first rib 501A, second rib 501B, third rib 501C, and fourth rib 501D may be removable from the connection component 505. For example, in some embodiments, the first rib 501A, second rib 501B, third rib 501C, and fourth rib 501D can be pulled out of the connection component 505 so that the accessory structure 500 can be collapsed and packed more easily. In some embodiments, the first rib 501A, second rib 501B, third rib 501C, and fourth rib 501D have elastic cords running through them, and these elastic cords are coupled to the connection component 505 so that when the first rib 501A, second rib 501B, third rib 501C, and fourth rib 501D are pulled from the connection component 505, they remain attached to it by the elastic cords. This configuration can help to keep the components of the accessory structure 500 from getting lost when the accessory structure 500 has been collapsed for packing.

As shown in FIGS. 17B, 17C, and 17F, in the example of the accessory structure 500, the connection component 505 is situated closer to the front side of the portable crib 100 when the accessory structure 500 is in place. This configuration may provide additional headroom near the front of the portable crib 100 for a child inside of the portable crib 100 when the accessory structure 500 is in place. As shown in FIGS. 17D and 17E, in some embodiments, the accessory structure 500 provides approximately 12 inches of headroom between the connection component 505 and the top of the portable crib 100.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are a closer view of the connection component 505 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the connection component is a central puck 505 and may include a retractable D-ring 507 or other similar component that faces the interior of the portable crib 100 and can be used, for example, to attach items (e.g., a mobile or other hanging item) to the accessory structure 500 so that they are accessible and/or visible to a child in the portable crib 100.

FIGS. 19A through 19C illustrate how the accessory structure 500 can be attached to the portable crib 100 in accordance with some embodiments. Each of the first rib 501A, second rib 501B, third rib 501C, and fourth rib 501D can be inserted in to a respective pocket 190 of the portable crib 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, the fourth rib 501D can be inserted into a pocket 190A, and the 501A can be inserted in to a pocket 190B. The pocket 190A and pocket 190B may be, for example, part of the fabric 120 (e.g., part of the upper strap 221A and upper strap 221B).

FIGS. 19B and 19C illustrate how the accessory structure 500 can be held in place in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 19C, in some embodiments, each rib 501 has a retention nub 509 at its end. The retention nub 509 is inserted into the respective pocket 190 and can be held in place by, for example, friction. As shown in FIG. 19B, the respective pocket 190 can contain an elastic attached to a tab 515. The user can pull the tab 515 to expand the elastic and release the retention nub 509, and the rib 501, from the respective pocket 190.

FIG. 20 shows an example of an accessory structure 500 that has been collapsed. In the illustrated example, each rib 501 is comprised of two tubes connected to each other and to the central puck 505 by an elastic cord, as described above. In the illustrated example, the accessory structure 500 can be collapsed to a length that is no larger than the length of a subassembly 212 when collapsed, thereby making the accessory structure 500 easy to pack and transport.

A number of accessories can be used with the accessory structure 500 to augment the portable crib 100. FIG. 21A illustrates an example of a bug net 510 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, in FIG. 21A, the bug net 510 stretches over the accessory structure 500 and is attached to the feet 116 as described further below.

FIG. 21B illustrates an example of a sun shade 520 in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. 21C and 21D show an example of the portable crib 100 with the accessory structure 500 and a sun shade 520 attached. FIG. 21C shows the portable crib 100 from the side, and FIG. 21D shows the portable crib 100 from the front. Like the bug net 510, the sun shade 520 is supported by the accessory structure 500 and is attached to the feet 116.

FIG. 21E illustrates an example of a blackout shade 530 in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. 21F and 21G show an example of the portable crib 100 with the accessory structure 500 and a blackout shade 530 attached. FIG. 21F shows the portable crib 100 from the side, and FIG. 21G shows the portable crib 100 from the front. Like the bug net 510 and the sun shade 520, the blackout shade 530 is supported by the accessory structure 500 and is attached to the feet 116.

Although FIGS. 21A through 21E show the bug net 510, sun shade 520, and blackout shade 530 separately, in some embodiments, they can be used at the same time. For example, a sun shade 520 or a blackout shade 530 could be situated over a bug net 510. As another example, a sun shade 520 or a blackout shade 530 could be situated under a bug net 510. As another example, all of the bug net 510, sun shade 520, and blackout shade 530 could be used at the same time in any layering order.

FIGS. 22A through 22E show how accessories used in connection with the accessory structure 500 can be coupled to the feet 116 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the accessories (e.g., bug net 510, sun shade 520, blackout shade 530, etc.) can be coupled to the feet 116 using, for example, a ladder lock carabiner 525. Using a ladder lock carabiner 525 can reduce hardware and simplify the process of attaching accessories to the portable crib 100. As shown in FIG. 21A, the ladder lock carabiner 525 can fit through the hole 321 in the feet 116. The ladder lock carabiner 525 can be made of any suitable material (e.g., metal, nylon, etc.). The ladder lock carabiner 525 can be attached to an accessory using various connection mechanisms, such as elastic webbing.

It is to be appreciated that there are other ways to attach accessories to the feet 116. For example, the feet 116 can include a first portion 230 (or a corresponding second portion 231) of a fastener (e.g., a FIDLOCK fastener), and the accessory can have a corresponding second portion 231 (or first portion 230) of that same type of fastener situated so as to engage the first portion 230 (or corresponding second portion 231) when the accessory is put into place over the portable crib 100. As another example, the accessory could have straps that can be tied to the feet 116 (e.g., through the hole 321). The examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

Many of the reference numerals herein have a number followed by a letter. It is to be understood that reference numerals with this format are used to distinguish between multiple instances of an element within a single drawing. Although the numeric portions of the reference numerals are intended to be consistent from drawing to drawing (e.g., it is the intent that the legs 111 are always labeled by the number 111, the feet 116 are always labeled by the number 116, etc.), the letters that follow the numerals are sometimes consistent from drawing to drawing, and sometimes inconsistent from drawing to drawing. As an example of consistent letters, FIG. 8B shows a front view of the fabric 120. The foot on the left hand side is labeled as the foot 116A, and the foot on the right hand side is labeled as the foot 116D, which is consistent with the labeling of FIG. 1A. As an example of inconsistent letters, in FIG. 2, the first subassembly 212A, when viewed from outside of the frame 110, has the leg 111B on the left, and the leg 111A on the right, and the second subassembly 212B, when viewed from outside of the frame 110, has the leg 111D on the left, and the leg 111C on the right. In contrast, FIG. 4A shows a subassembly 212 as viewed from outside of the frame 110. The leg on the left is labeled as the leg 111A, and the leg on the right is labeled as the leg 111B. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the letters that follow the reference numerals are not necessarily consistent from drawing to drawing.

It is understood that embodiments presented herein are meant to be exemplary. Embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed. For instance and not by way of limitation, the appended claims could be modified to be multiple dependent claims so as to combine any combinable combination of elements within a claim set, or from differing claim sets.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the disclosure should not be limited to the versions described above.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation, including meanings implied from the specification and drawings and meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. As set forth explicitly herein, some terms may not comport with their ordinary or customary meanings.

The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as expressed in the appended claims, wherein no portion of the disclosure is intended, expressly or implicitly, to be dedicated to the public domain if not set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A portable crib comprising: a collapsible frame with a top end and a bottom end, and comprising a plurality of end rails, side rails, corner pieces and legs, wherein said plurality of end rails, side rails, corner pieces, and legs are configured to be removably coupled and, when coupled, said plurality of end rails, side rails, corner pieces, and legs define a deployed frame, and an interior and an exterior of said deployed frame;a plurality of feet configured to removably attach to said legs at said bottom end of said deployed frame; andfabric configured to removably attach to said feet from said interior of said deployed frame and to said exterior of said deployed frame through said interior and over said top end.

2. The portable crib of claim 1, wherein each of said corner pieces is connected to one of said legs, and each of said corner pieces comprise a collar that connects said corner piece to said leg.

3. The portable crib of claim 2, wherein said legs are configured to rotatably pivot around said collars and said collars are configured to lock said legs in a collapsed or deployed position.

4. The portable crib of claim 2, wherein said fabric removably attaches over said top end of said deployed frame to said collar.

5. The portable crib of claim 3, wherein said legs and said collars contain a plurality of magnets that hold said legs in said collapsed position.

6. The portable crib of claim 1, wherein said legs are 21 inches or less and said feet are 2.5 inches or greater.

7. The portable crib of claim 1, wherein said fabric comprises a top fabric piece and a bottom fabric piece with a side fabric piece situated between and attached to said top fabric piece and said bottom fabric piece.

8. The portable crib of claim 8, wherein said side fabric piece is removably attached in between said top fabric piece and said bottom fabric piece.

9. The portable crib of claim 8, further comprising a self-inflating mattress configured to removably attach to said bottom fabric piece.

10. The portable crib of claim 1, wherein said bottom fabric piece comprises a plurality of straps configured to connect said bottom fabric piece to said feet.

11. The portable crib of claim 1, wherein said feet are removably connected to said legs through a detent mechanism.

12. The portable crib of claim 7, wherein said bottom fabric piece is configured with a plurality of loops and said feet are configured with attachment points for said loops.

13. The portable crib of claim 1, wherein said feet are capable of being removably connected to the ground.

14. A portable crib system comprising: a portable crib comprising a collapsible frame with a top end and a bottom end, and comprising a plurality of end rails, side rails, corner pieces and legs,wherein said plurality of end rails, side rails, corner pieces, and legs are configured to removably connect and, when connected, said plurality of end rails, side rails, corner pieces, and legs define a deployed frame, and an interior and an exterior of said deployed frame;a plurality of feet configured to removably attach to said legs at said bottom end of said deployed frame; andfabric configured to removably attach to said feet from the interior of said deployed frame and to said exterior of said deployed frame through said interior and over said top end; anda collapsible accessory structure that removably attaches to said top end of said portable crib.

15. The portable crib system of claim 14, wherein said collapsible accessory structure comprises a plurality of ribs that emanate from a connection component, each of said ribs having a crib end configured to removably attach to said top end of said collapsible frame of said portable crib and a connection component end configured to removably attach to said connection component.

16. The portable crib system of claim 14, further comprising at least one accessory configured to be supported by said accessory structure and connect to said portable crib.

17. The portable crib system of claim 16, wherein said at least one accessory is configured to be removably connect to said feet of said portable crib.

18. The portable crib system of claim 17, wherein said accessory removably connects to said feet using a ladder lock carabiner.

19. The portable crib system of claim 16, wherein said at least one accessory is one or more accessories from the following list: a bug net, a black out shade, or a sun shade.

20. The portable crib system of claim 15, wherein said connection component comprises a retractable component configured to attach at least one item to said accessory structure.