PORTABLE ROCKING NAPPER

Abstract

A foldable frame that may be configured for use as an infant napper or an infant seat. The frame apparatus includes a first pair and a second pair of upstanding legs, each pair being connected to a respective, longitudinally spaced-apart folding joint device and extend generally downwardly therefrom. Distal ends of opposing legs may be connected by arched members to enable the frame apparatus to “rock” when positioned on a level surface. A supporting frame to which soft goods may be attached to support an infant is connected to the frame support members. The folding joint devices each may include a latching mechanism and may be individually repositioned. When both are configured to orient both frame extension members either upwardly or downwardly, the supporting frame is oriented generally level with respect to a surface upon which the foldable frame rests. Positioning the folding joint devices so that the respective frame extension members are oppositely oriented angles the supporting frame in relation to the surface allowing the frame apparatus to function as a chair.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of seats and enclosures for infants, and, more particularly to a portable infant napper that is easily reconfigurable to support an infant in a more upright, seated position.

Nappers allows infants to sleep in way that generally keeps them face up and inhibits significant rolling by the infant. Infant seats offer similar restraint of the infant while providing a more upright, seated position. Parents and caregivers require products that are adaptable to fulfill multiple purposes. A single infant supporting device that may be configured to serve as both a napper and a seat fulfills this need.

Portability of infant care accessories is also important consideration among consumers. While collapsible frames are well-known in the art, frames that are easily reconfigured or collapsed into a compact package continue to push manufactures for innovation. Awkwardly reconfigurable frames or latching mechanism and frames requiring significant space when folded do not meet consumer demands. Consequently, the need to improve portability, compactness, and ease of use of collapsible frames is a growing concern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention, in any of the embodiments described herein, may provide one or more of the following advantages:

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable and reconfigurable frame apparatus for use as an elevated infant napper suitable for use on a floor surface, an infant seat suitable for use on a floor or suitable elevated surface, or an infant napper suitable for positioning on a suitable elevated surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a foldable and reconfigurable frame apparatus for use as an infant napper or an infant seat. The frame apparatus comprises a first pair and a second pair of upstanding legs, each pair being connected to a respective, longitudinally spaced-apart folding joint device. Each pair of legs connected to a folding joint device extend generally downwardly therefrom. A frame extension member extends from the folding joint device and may be moveable from an orientation extending upwardly in a direction opposite of the direction of the legs, or downwardly in the same direction of the support legs. A supporting frame to which soft goods may be attached to support an infant is connected to the frame support members. The folding joint devices may be individually repositioned. When both are configured to orient both frame extension members either upwardly or downwardly, the supporting frame is oriented generally level with respect to a surface upon which the foldable frame rests. Positioning the folding joint devices so that the respective frame extension members are oppositely oriented angles the supporting frame, the angled orientation allowing the frame apparatus to function as a chair.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a foldable and reconfigurable frame apparatus for use as an infant napper or an infant seat capable of compacting into a substantially smaller space when folded than is occupied in the unfolded configuration. The soft goods supporting frame connections to the frame extension members allow the soft goods support frame to be folded about a longitudinal axis. Positioning the folding joint devices so that both extension members are downwardly oriented positions the soft goods supporting frame in space between the support legs for compactness.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a foldable and reconfigurable frame apparatus for use as an infant napper or an infant seat that is easily moveable between configurations. Folding joint device pivots about a generally transversely aligned axis to enable the upward/downward orientation of its respective extension member. A latching mechanism may be provided in each folding joint device to retain the device in one of a plurality of pre-determined positions to preclude inadvertent reconfiguration of the frame apparatus while in use.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a foldable and reconfigurable frame apparatus for use as an infant napper or an infant seat that may also include provision allowing the napper to be rocked as an infant is sleeping. The distal ends of the support legs may be connected by longitudinally aligned rockers. The connections to the legs are hinged to permit sufficient flexibility as the folding joint devices are reoriented. These hinge connections may include biasing elements to assist in reconfiguration of the frame apparatus between useful configurations and to enhance stability when in the fully deployed configuration. The rockers may be arched to allow the frame apparatus to rock when positioned on a level surface or they may be generally straight in which case they merely strengthen the frame apparatus.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a foldable and reconfigurable frame apparatus for use as an infant napper or an infant seat that is durable in construction, inexpensive of manufacture, carefree of maintenance, easily assembled, and simple and effective to use.

These and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a frame apparatus that may be configured for use as an infant napper or an infant seat. The frame apparatus comprises a first pair and a second pair of upstanding legs, each pair being connected to a respective, longitudinally spaced-apart folding joint device. Each pair of legs connected to a folding joint device extend generally downwardly therefrom. Distal ends of opposing legs may be connected by arched members to enable the frame apparatus to “rock” when positioned on a level surface. A frame extension member extends from the folding joint device and may be moveable from an orientation extending upwardly in a direction opposite of the direction of the legs, or downwardly in the same direction of the support legs. A supporting frame to which soft goods may be attached to support an infant is connected to the frame support members. The folding joint devices each may include a latching mechanism and may be individually repositioned. When both are configured to orient both frame extension members either upwardly or downwardly, the supporting frame is oriented generally level with respect to a surface upon which the foldable frame rests. Positioning the folding joint devices so that the respective frame extension members are oppositely oriented angles the supporting frame, the angled orientation allowing the frame apparatus to function as a chair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of the invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the foldable frame apparatus of the present invention configured as a high-standing napper;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foldable frame apparatus of FIG. 1 shown configured as a low-standing napper;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the foldable frame apparatus of FIG. 1 shown configured as an infant seat;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the foldable frame apparatus illustrating folding of the soft goods support frame; and

FIGS. 5 and 6 provide a partial view of a folding joint device illustrating the latching mechanism and one embodiment of the leg connections to the device shown folded and extended.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art, and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail. Also, any reference herein to the terms “up” or “down,” or “top” or “bottom” are used as a matter of mere convenience and are determined as the frame assembly would normally rest on the floor or a similarly level surface. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application of any element may already be widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail. When referring to the figures, like parts are numbered the same in all figures.

Referring to the figures, an exemplary foldable frame 10 incorporating principles of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 comprising a plurality of generally upstanding support legs including a first pair of support legs 12, a second pair of support legs 14, and first and second folding joint devices 11, 13 connected respectively to the first and second pairs of support legs to define a longitudinal axis 100 of the foldable frame. Though the support legs are shown in pairs at each end, the support leg may comprise a unitary structure having an interface with the supporting surface suitable configured to maintain stability of the frame. Each folding joint device 11, 13 includes an extension member 15, 17 to which is connected a platform support frame 20. Soft goods (not shown) may be connected to the platform support frame 20 and configured to cradle an infant child.

The connection of each folding joint device 11, 13 to the respective pair of support legs includes a first hingeable connection 22, 24 that enables movement of each folding joint device 11, 13 relative to the legs about a respective first transverse pivot axis 110. The connection of each extension member 15, 17 to the platform support frame is also moveable, including a second hingeable connection 26, 28 which permit each of the folding joint devices 11, 13 to move in relation to the platform support frame 20 about a second transverse pivot axis 120, parallel to the first transverse pivot axis 110. The combined movement about the first and second transverse pivot axes 110, 120 allows each folding joint device to be folded, preferably inwardly, by rotation about the first transverse axis 110 between the raised configuration (FIG. 1) to a fully folded configuration (FIG. 4). Each first pivot axis 110 may also translate outwardly during the rotation of the folding joint device. The folding joint devices 11,13 may be folded to intermediate positions as necessary to support the various configurations of the foldable frame 10. Travel stops 308 (FIGS. 5 & 6) may be provided to limit the extent of leg rotation in relation to the folding joint devices.

The folding joint devices 11,13 are individually moveable enabling one to be positioned in a raised configuration while the other is positioned in a lowered configuration. In so doing, the attitude of the platform support frame 20 is changed from generally parallel to the floor or support surface to angled relative to the floor or support surface, best illustrated in FIG. 3. In the angled configuration, the foldable frame 10 may be used as an infant seat, the angled orientation of the platform support frame being conducive to a more upright positioning of an infant seated therein. Depending upon the soft goods configuration, a specific preference for the relative positioning of the folding joint devices (e.g., which one should be raised vs. lowered) may be necessary.

Second hingeable connection 26, 28 may be configured as an articulated joint incorporating an additional pivot about axis 120A parallel to and spaced apart from second transverse pivot axis 120 to improve frame folding capability enable a more compact folded configuration. In the context of the second transverse axis the inclusion of an additional pivot provides additional articulation in the function of the second hingeable connection.

Each folding joint device 11,13 includes a latching mechanism 30 with a user-operable release handle 32 enabling selective unlatching of the device to permit folding movement thereof. In an exemplar embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the latching mechanism 30 may comprise a plurality of detents 302 coupled to the support legs 12, 14 for rotation therewith about the first transverse pivot axis 110. Detents 302 are engageable by a stop structure 304 moveable by the release handle 32 to fix the angular orientation of the folding joints in one of a finite number of preferred orientations supporting the desired configuration of the foldable frame 10. The number and position of the detents 302 is variable, but minimally includes a positive latching function when the folding joint device 11, 13 is in the fully raised position (FIG. 1) to preclude inadvertent dropping of the platform support frame 20. The stop structure 304 preferably includes a resilient member 306 to bias its position towards engagement with the detents 302; actuation of the release handle 32 withdraws the stop structure 304 from engagement with the detent 302 and allows rotation of the support legs 12,14 about the first pivot axis 110.

The distal ends of the opposing support leg pairs may be connected by a longitudinal member 41, 42. The longitudinal members 41, 42 may be generally straight which allows the foldable frame 10 to rest stably on the floor or support surface or they may be arched, as illustrated, to allow the foldable frame to be moved in an oscillating manner (rocked) on the floor or supporting surface. Flexible connectors 36 are provided at the connections between the ends of the longitudinal members 41, 42 and the support legs 12,14 to provide flexibility for reconfiguration of the frame 10 as the folding joint devices 11,13 are moved between raised and lowered positions. The movement of flexible connectors 36 may be limited to pivoting movement about respective transverse axes 130.

Springs or the like may be provided in the flexible connectors 36 to bias the movement between the longitudinal members 41, 42 and the support legs 12, 14 inwardly from the longitudinal members 41, 42, moving the proximal ends of the legs adjacent to the folding joint devices inwardly towards the legs at the opposite end of the frame. Biasing forces applied to the support legs may be used to urge desired movement of the frame 10 as it is repositioned between configurations. Further, these biasing forces may drive the desired motions in the frame and eliminate the need for additional biasing elements in the folding joint devices, simplifying manufacture thereof.

The foldable frame 10 may also include folding means in the platform support frame 20 to reduce the spatial requirements of the frame when it is folded. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the platform support frame may comprise first and second lateral portions 21, 23 that are hingedly connected at each end to the first and second folding joint devices 11,13. These hinged connections may be aligned on folding axes 142, 144 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 100 of the foldable frame 10. When folded, the first and second lateral portions are arranged in generally parallel planes; when unfolded, the first and second lateral portions are arranged in a single plane that defines a perimeter of the platform support frame supporting the soft goods.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the folding frame 10 may be further compacted for storage by the inclusion of a moveable connection 122 in the support legs 12, 14 connections to the folding joint device 11, 13. Movement of support legs requires alignment of the moveable connections 122 so that the respective fourth folding axes 152, 154 are aligned. Alignment of these axes is occurs when both of the folding joint devices 11, 13 are moved into their lowest position, a configuration not occurring in the useful frame configurations. Moving the support legs 12, 14 and connected longitudinal members 41, 42 inwardly toward a central vertical plane of the frame also mis-aligns the pivot connections in flexible connectors 36 which inhibits movement at the flexible connectors 36 and maintains the legs in a generally fixed relationship to the rest of the fame, shown as misaligned axes 130A, 130B in FIG. 4. This pivot mis-alignment maintains the frame in the folded configuration until the legs are pivoted outwardly to realign the pivots in the flexible connectors 36 and restore flexibility of movement in the frame. The moveable connections may include a pivot that a support leg 12 and its opposing support leg 14 that are connected by a longitudinal member 41, 42, to be moved as an assembly by pivoting about respective fourth folding axes 152, 154, allowing the support legs and longitudinal members to move inwardly toward a central plane of the folding frame 10. An interlock apparatus may be provided in the connection of the support legs 12, 14 to the folding joint device 11, 13 to inhibit movement of the legs about the fourth axis when the foldable frame 10 is not in the folded configuration.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but it can also be modified in many ways without departing from the basic concepts. Changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A foldable frame for supporting an infant above a surface comprising: a top frame rail having a generally planar periphery;a first support member;a second support member;a first elevating joint connecting the first support member to a first end of the top frame rail; anda second elevating joint connecting the second support member to a second end of the top frame rail at a position longitudinally opposite of the first end;each elevating joint having an upper pivoting connector adjacent to the connection to the top frame rail and a lower pivoting connector adjacent to the connection of the support member, the upper and lower pivoting connectors having spaced-apart parallel upper and lower pivot axes, each elevating joint being rotatable about the lower pivot axis from an elevated position to a lowered position by inwardly movement of the upper pivot axis, the movement vertically displacing the respective end of the top frame rail between corresponding elevated and lowered positions, the elevating joints being independently moveable enabling the top frame rail to be generally oriented generally parallel to the surface in either an elevated or lowered position or in an angled orientation in relation to the surface.

2. The foldable frame of claim 1, wherein the first and second elevating joints pivot axes are transversely aligned to the top frame rail.

3. The foldable frame of claim 2, wherein the first and second elevating joints each include a releasable latching mechanism to retain the first and second elevating joints in at least the elevated position.

4. The foldable frame of claim 3, wherein the top frame rail includes a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion each joined to the first and second elevating joints by a foldable joint enabling the top frame to be pivoted about a longitudinal axis between a deployed configuration in which the first and second lateral portions top frame rail lie in the planar periphery and a stowed configuration in which the first and second lateral portions lie in generally parallel planes.

5. The foldable frame of claim 1, wherein the first and the second support members each further comprise a pair of support legs extending from the respective elevating joint toward the surface, each of the support legs coupled to the elevating joint by a moveable connector enabling pivoting movement of the respective support leg laterally inwardly and outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.

6. The foldable frame of claim 1, further comprising an elongate longitudinal member connected at opposing ends to respective distal ends of the first and second support legs, each connection between the longitudinal member and the distal ends permitting pivoting movement between support leg and longitudinal member end and including a biasing element to urge the support legs inwardly towards the opposite support leg.

7. The foldable frame of claim 6, wherein the longitudinal member is curved to enable the foldable frame to be rocked on the surface.

8. A foldable frame for supporting an infant above a surface, the frame moveable between a folded configuration and a plurality of deployed configurations, the frame comprising: a top frame rail;a first support structure connected to a first end of the top frame rail;a second support structure connected to a second end of the top frame rail longitudinally opposite of the first end;a first elevating joint connecting the first support structure to the first end of the top frame rail, the first elevating joint having an upper pivoting connector adjacent to the connection to the top frame rail and a lower pivoting connector adjacent to the connection of the support structure, the upper and lower pivoting connectors having parallel pivot axes transverse to the frame and being inwardly moveable about the pivot axes, movement of the first elevating joint between elevated and lowered positions moving the first end of the top frame rail between elevated and lowered positions, respectively; anda second elevating joint connecting the second support structure to a second end of the top frame rail at a position opposite of the first end, the second elevating joint having an upper pivoting connector adjacent to the connection to the top frame rail and a lower pivoting connector adjacent to the connection of the support structure, the upper and lower pivoting connectors having parallel pivot axes transverse to the top frame rail and being inwardly moveable about the pivot axes, movement of the second elevating joint between elevated and lowered positions moving the second end of the top frame rail between elevated and lowered positions, respectively, the elevating joints being independently moveable enabling the top frame rail to be oriented generally parallel to the surface in either an elevated configuration or a lowered configuration, or in an angled configuration wherein a plane defined by the top frame rail is angled in relation to the surface.

9. The collapsible frame of claim 8, wherein the first and second elevating joints each include a releasable latching mechanism to retain the first and second elevating joints in at least the elevated position.

10. The collapsible frame of claim 9, wherein the top frame rail includes a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion each joined to the first and second elevating joints by a foldable joint enabling the top frame to be pivoted about a longitudinal axis between a deployed configuration in which the first and second lateral portions top frame rail are co-planar and a stowed configuration in which the first and second lateral portions are aligned in generally parallel planes.

11. The collapsible frame of claim 8, wherein the first and the second support structures each further comprise a pair of support legs extending from the respective elevating joint toward the surface, each of the support legs coupled to the elevating joint by a moveable connector enabling pivoting movement of the respective support leg laterally inwardly and outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis.

12. The collapsible frame of claim 11, further comprising an elongate longitudinal member connected at opposing ends to respective distal ends of the first and second support legs, connection between the longitudinal member and the distal ends permitting pivoting movement between respective support legs and longitudinal member ends and including a biasing element to urge the support legs inwardly towards the opposite support legs.

13. A foldable frame for supporting an infant above a surface comprising: a top frame rail supported by first and second support members disposed at respective longitudinally opposing first and second ends of the top frame rail;a first elevating joint disposed in the first support member and being moveable between elevated and lowered positions, the movement varying the height of the first end above the surface; anda second elevating joint disposed in the second support member and being moveable between elevated and lowered positions, the movement varying the height of the second end above the surface;the first and second elevating joints being independently moveable to position the top frame rail generally parallel to the surface in one of an elevated position or a lowered position, or in an angled orientation in relation to the surface.

14. The foldable joint of claim 13, wherein each elevating joint includes an upper pivoting connector and a lower pivoting connector, the upper and lower pivoting connectors having transversely aligned parallel upper and lower pivot axes, each elevating joint being rotatable about the lower pivot axis from the elevated position to the lowered position by inwardly movement of the upper pivot axis.

15. The foldable frame of claim 14, wherein the first and the second support members each further comprise a pair of support legs extending from the respective elevating joint toward the surface, each of the support legs coupled to the elevating joint by a moveable connector enabling pivoting movement of the respective support leg laterally inwardly and outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.

16. The foldable frame of claim 15, further comprising an elongate longitudinal member connected at opposing ends to respective distal ends of the first and second support legs, connection between the longitudinal member and the distal ends permitting pivoting movement between respective support leg and longitudinal member end, each connection further including a biasing element to urge the support legs inwardly towards the opposite support leg.

17. The foldable frame of claim 13, wherein the first and second elevating joints each include a releasable latching mechanism to retain the first and second elevating joints in at least the elevated position.