RECONFIGURABLE CHILDREN'S FURNITURE

Abstract

Reconfigurable children's furniture has a supportive framework comprising a pair of side A-frames cooperating to support a foldable base beneath vertical midpoints of the A-frames. The base has a pair of baseboards configured for folding between a daybed configuration wherein the baseboards each are adjacently horizontal thereby forming a bed surface therebetween and a stowed configuration. Supports are each connected between a respective outer corner of a respective baseboard and an upper edge of a net and each support is extendable. In the stowed configuration, each support is contracted and lies against a respective baseboard. In the daybed configuration, each support is extended and stands perpendicularly with respect to the respective baseboard.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to reconfigurable children's furniture. More particularly, this invention relates to reconfigurable children's furniture configurable at least between a stowed configuration and a daybed cot configuration and, in embodiments, a feeding chair and change table configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reconfigurable children's furniture of various configurations exist, including WO 2017/153980 A1 (TAMOOZ C.S. LTD.) which discloses a convertible stroller having a foldable framework supporting wheels and a horizontal bifurcated base which folds upwardly when the framework is collapsed and which lies horizontally when the framework is opened. A front pivot arm can suspend the net around the base, thereby forming a daybed in one configuration.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,461 B2 (EMERSON) discloses a multiuse convertible infant carrying device that can convert to a stroller, a walker, a high chair, a carrier, a bassinet and a backpack which discloses a substantially A-frame wheeled framework and various attachment points to which various accessories may be attached, such as bassinets, capsules and the like.

US 2014/0014791 A1 (SHAN) discloses an A-frame framework joint which facilitates the folding and unfolding of the framework and to which seats, bassinets and the like may be selectively engaged.

EP 1493361 A1 (COOPER, HOWARD LEE; WAGSTAFF, STEVEN) discloses a foldable bassinet having collapsible support members which support a peripheral frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,138,070 B1 (DELTA ENTERPRISE CORP.) discloses a collapsible bassinet having an A-frame and a bifurcated base and framework attached thereto which each fold upwardly when the A-frame is collapsed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,697 A (ROVIDA) discloses a foldable crib having an A-frame which supports a bifurcated foldable base. Pivotable framework members extending horizontally from apex of the framework suspend netting therefrom to enclose the base.

The present invention seeks to provide reconfigurable children's furniture, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

There is provided herein reconfigurable children's furniture comprising a supportive framework comprising a pair of side A-frames supporting a foldable base therebetween.

A connection is provided at each A-frame apex for the releasable attachment of an accessory including, in embodiments, a reconfigurable seat.

The foldable base comprises a pair of baseboards configured for folding between a daybed configuration wherein the baseboards each are adjacently horizontal thereby forming a flat bed surface therebetween and a stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the baseboards may be substantially vertical.

The furniture further comprises four supports each connected between a respective outer corner of a respective baseboard and an upper edge of a net. Furthermore, each support is extendable.

As such, in the stowed configuration, each support is contracted and lies against a respective baseboard as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in the daybed configuration, each support is extended and stands perpendicularly with respect to the respective baseboard is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 such that the net has a length less than twice the height thereof.

Whereas the arrangement of TAMOOZ as a foldable bed and netting therearound, TAMOOZ uses a pivoting arm to hold a front edge of the netting up with the rear of the netting suspended from the rear handle of the framework.

Furthermore, whereas the arrangements of SHAN, COOPER and DELTA ENTERPRISE CORP. disclose a foldable bed and a collapsible framework for suspending netting therearound, these arrangements at least differ from the configuration of the present supports being connected at outer corners of the baseboard and the location of the baseboards between lower regions of the A-frames being connected beneath the vertical midpoints of the A-frames such that the net can have a length less than twice the height thereof. In other words, the present configuration provides netting of sufficient height to therefore meet relevant safety standards (as compared to the arrangements of SHAN, COOPER and DELTA ENTERPRISE CORP. which do not) which is yet foldable into a conveniently stowed configuration.

Furthermore, the configuration of ROVIDA, whilst having a baseboard connected at lower regions between A-frames and a foldable base, does not disclose the present arrangement of extendable supports which lie flat against the baseboards in the stowed configuration.

According to one aspect, there is provided reconfigurable children's furniture comprising a supportive framework comprising a pair of side A-frames cooperating to support a foldable base beneath vertical midpoints of the A-frames, the base comprising a pair of baseboards configured for folding between a daybed configuration wherein the baseboards each are adjacently horizontal thereby forming a bed surface therebetween and a stowed configuration and supports each connected between a respective outer corner of a respective baseboard and an upper edge of a net and wherein each support is extendable and wherein, in the stowed configuration, each support is contracted and lies against a respective baseboard and wherein, in the daybed configuration each support is extended and stands perpendicularly with respect to the respective baseboard.

In the daybed configuration, the net may have a length less than twice the height thereof.

Each support may be telescopic.

Each support may be biased towards an extended configuration.

Each support may be pivotally coupled to the respective outer corner.

Each support may be biased towards a perpendicular orientation with respect to the respective baseboard.

Each A-frame may comprise a converging pair of vertical sidebars and the framework may comprise a pair of horizontal cross bars extending between corresponding lower ends of the vertical sidebars.

Each A-frame further may comprise a horizontal sidebar extending between lower ends of each A-frame.

The horizontal sidebar may comprise a pivotable arrangement of adjacent horizontal sidebar members which pivot upwardly at a centre pivot thereof.

The baseboards may be pivotally coupled between horizontal sidebars.

The reconfigurable children's furniture may further comprise a soft bed extending across the baseboards.

The soft bed may comprise edging which diminishes at a central region between the baseboards.

The reconfigurable children's furniture may further comprise a connection at an apex of each A-frame.

The connection may comprise a vertical slot within which a corresponding interlocking tab of an accessory may be slidably retained.

The reconfigurable children's furniture may further comprise a releasable locking mechanism between the vertical slot and the interlocking tab.

The reconfigurable children's furniture may further comprise a reconfigurable seat connectable between the connections wherein the reconfigurable seat may comprise a seat portion and a back portion and a lower portion pivotally coupled thereto such that the reconfigurable seat may be configurable in a seat configuration wherein the back portion may be pivoted upwardly with respect to the seat portion of the lower portion may be pivoted downwardly with respect to the seat portion and a change table configuration wherein the back portion may be pivoted downwardly to define a substantially coplanar change table surface with respect to the seat portion and the leg portion may be pivoted upwardly to define a substantially coplanar change table surface with respect to the seat portion.

The reconfigurable children's furniture may further comprise sidearms extending from the seat portion and wherein the sidearms may be configured for connection to the connections.

The lower portion may be extendable.

The lower portion may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion and wherein the lower portion of slidably retained by the upper portion.

The reconfigurable children's furniture may further comprise releasable locking mechanisms between the rear portion and the seat and the lower portion and the seat.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of reconfigurable children's furniture in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the furniture in the stowed configuration;

FIG. 3 shows a side elevation view of the furniture in an open daybed configuration;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the furniture in the open daybed configuration;

FIGS. 5 and 7 show front and rear perspective views respectively of a reconfigurable seat in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 6 shows an A-frame connection in accordance with an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reconfigurable children's furniture 100 comprises a supportive framework comprising a pair of side A-frames 101.

Each A-frame 101 may comprise converging vertical sidebars 103 meeting at an apex thereof. Lower ends of each vertical side bar 103 may be connected by a horizontal cross bar 104. Rubber bumpers 105 may cover distal ends of the horizontal cross bars 104 or lower ends of each vertical side bar 103 for frictional enhancement.

Lower ends of each vertical side bar 103 may be connected by a horizontal sidebar 106. In embodiments, horizontal side restraints 110 may connect between adjacent vertical sidebars 103.

The furniture 100 comprises a foldable base 111 supported between the A-frames 101. The foldable base 111 are supported from lower regions between the A-frames 101 so as to be able to provide an enclosure of a particular configuration as alluded to below. In this regard, the term “lower region” should be construed as being connected beneath a vertical midpoint of the A-frames 101.

The base 111 comprises a pair of baseboards 112 configured for folding between a daybed configuration as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 when the baseboards 112 are each adjacently horizontal, thereby forming a bed surface therebetween. The baseboards 112 are further configured for folding to a stowed configuration is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiment shown, the baseboards 112 are substantially vertically arranged but, in embodiments, angles between horizontal and vertical are envisaged which also compactly stow the baseboards 112 in the stowed configuration.

In the embodiments shown, the baseboards 112 are pivotally coupled so as to fold upwardly at outer edges thereof. The baseboards 112 may be pivotally coupled from the horizontal sidebar 106.

In embodiments, the baseboards 112 are pivotally connected at a centrepoint of the horizontal sidebar 106. However, in the embodiment shown, each baseboard 112 is pivotally connected at a connection point between a centrepoint of the horizontal sidebar 106 and a respective end thereof.

In embodiments, the horizontal sidebar 106 may comprise a pivotable arrangement of horizontal sidebar members 107 which are able to pivot upwardly between a central pivot 108 and respective outer pivots 109 such that the A-frame 101 is collapsible.

The furniture 100 further comprises four supports 113 each connected between a respective outer corner 114 of a respective baseboard 112 and an upper edge of a net 115 or other flexible enclosure. Furthermore, each support 113 is extendable.

In the stowed configuration, the supports 113 are contracted and lie against each respective baseboard 112. However, in the daybed configuration, the supports 113 are extended and stand substantially perpendicularly from each respective corner 114, thereby supporting the net is shown in FIG. 3 wherein the length L thereof is less than twice the height h thereof.

The net 115 may comprise an upper edge 116 which, with reference to FIG. 6, may be connected to an adjacent A-frame 101 by connection points 117 at each vertical sidebar 103. The connection points 117 may comprise press stud fasteners such that the upper edge 116 can be easily connected thereto by pressing male fasteners thereof against female fasteners on the vertical sidebar 103. In alternative arrangements, different types fasteners may be used at the connection points 117, such as hooks.

The upper edge 116 may be less flexible than that of netted material of the net 115 so as to hold the upper edge 116 substantially horizontal as shown.

In a preferred embodiment, each support 113 is telescopic comprising a slidable arrangement of telescopic members. However, in alternative embodiments, each support 130 may be foldable in comprising at least two bars which are pivotally coupled at a pivot which are unfolded into alignment.

In embodiments, the telescopic members may be biased towards the extended configuration by virtue of compression spring, gas strut or the like. Alternatively, the telescopic members may comprise an interlocking detent and aperture arrangement therebetween allowing each support 113 to be locked in an extended configuration and collapsed by disengaging the detent from the aperture.

In embodiments, each support 113 may be pivotally coupled from each respective corner 114. However, in alternative embodiments, each corner 114 may comprise an aperture within which a lower distal end of each support 113 is inserted.

In embodiments, each support 113 may be biased perpendicularly or beyond the perpendicular so as to hold the upper edge 116 of the net 115 taught. In embodiments, the lower end of each support 113 may be connected from the corner 114 by a torsion spring which biases the support 113 outwardly.

In alternative embodiments, the lower end of each support 113 and the corner 114 is supported by a diagonal strut (not shown) to hold each support 113 perpendicularly. Each strap may be collapsible such as by comprising a foldable arrangement of pieces or alternatively disengageable at an end thereof by way of a detent and aperture interlocking arrangement.

The furniture 100 may further comprise a soft bed 117 such as foam or similar padding laid across the baseboards 112 and comprising a length substantially twice that of each baseboard 112 so as to lie flat across the entire length of the furniture 100 in the manner shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The soft bed 117 may comprise edging 118 comprising a central avoidance 119 which assists the folding of the soft bed 117 at the centre thereof in the stowed configuration as shown in FIG. 1.

Each corner 114 may comprise a right-angled lower bumper 120 such as a plastic, rubber or foam. Furthermore, each upper end of each support 113 may comprise a right-angled upper bumper 121 similarly of plastic, rubber or foam.

In embodiments, adjacent supports 113 at each end of the furniture 100 are adjoined by a horizontal upper bar 122 such that the adjoining supports 113 extend in unison.

Each apex of each A-frame may comprise an A-frame connector 123 as shown in FIG. 6. In embodiments, the A-frame connector 123 allows pivotable movement between the vertical sidebars 103.

The connector 123 may comprise a vertical slot 124 within which a corresponding tab 125 of an accessory device is slidably retained. An interlocking mechanism may lock the tab 125 within the slot 124.

In embodiments, the furniture 100 comprises a reconfigurable seat 125. The seat 125 may comprise a back portion 126, seat portion 127 and lower portion 128. The back portion 126 and the lower portion 128 may be pivotally coupled to the seat portion 127. As such, the reconfigurable seat 125 may be configured in a seat configuration as substantially shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 wherein the back portion 126 is pivoted upwardly with respect to the seat portion 127 and the lower portion 128 is pivot down from the seat portion 127.

However, in embodiments, the portions 126 and 128 may be pivoted horizontally with respect to the seat portion 127 so as to define a change table surface therebetween.

A pushbutton locking mechanism 129 may be provided between the seat portion 127 and the lower portion 128. Similarly, a push-in locking mechanism 130 may be provided at a rear of the back portion 126 to release a locking mechanism between the back portion 126 and the seat portion 127. Furthermore, a rear of the back portion 126 may comprise a rear netted pocket 131.

In embodiments, the lower portion 128 may be extendable comprising an upper portion 132 and a lower portion 133 wherein the lower portion 133 is slidably retained by the upper portion 132. With reference to FIG. 7, the upper portion 132 may comprise a pair of channels 134 within which respective pins 135 of the lower portion are slidably retained. The upper portion 132 may comprise padding 136.

The reconfigurable seat 125 may comprise a shoulder harness 137 and the back portion 126 and the seat portion 127 may similarly be padded with padding 138.

The reconfigurable seat 125 may further comprise a releasable table 139 having a centre leg piece 140 therebetween and a downwardly extending sidearms 141 that engage out a rising edges 142 of the seat portion 127.

The reconfigurable seat 125 may comprise sidearms 143 extending sideways from the seat portion 127 and which have the downwardly extending interlocking tabs 125 there underneath which engage within the respective slots 124 of the connections 123.

In the stowed configuration, the furniture 100 may comprise a locking mechanism, clips or the like to hold the A-frames 101 or the baseboards 112 together.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Reconfigurable children's furniture comprising a supportive framework comprising a pair of side A-frames cooperating to support a foldable base beneath vertical midpoints of the A-frames, the base comprising a pair of baseboards configured for folding between a daybed configuration wherein the baseboards each are adjacently horizontal thereby forming a bed surface therebetween and a stowed configuration and supports each connected between a respective outer corner of a respective baseboard and an upper edge of a net and wherein each support is extendable and wherein, in the stowed configuration, each support is contracted and lies against a respective baseboard and wherein, in the daybed configuration each support is extended and stands perpendicularly with respect to the respective baseboard.

2. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the daybed configuration, the net has a length less than twice the height thereof.

3. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein each support is telescopic.

4. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein each support is biased towards an extended configuration.

5. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein each support is pivotally coupled to the respective outer corner.

6. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 5, wherein each support is biased towards a perpendicular orientation with respect to the respective baseboard.

7. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein each A-frame comprises a converging pair of vertical sidebars and the framework comprises a pair of horizontal cross bars extending between corresponding lower ends of the vertical sidebars.

8. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein each A-frame further comprises a horizontal sidebar extending between lower ends of each A-frame.

9. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 8, wherein the horizontal sidebar comprises a pivotable arrangement of adjacent horizontal sidebar members which pivot upwardly at a centre pivot thereof.

10. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 8, wherein the baseboards are pivotally coupled between horizontal sidebars.

11. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a soft bed extending across the baseboards.

12. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 11, wherein the soft bed comprises edging which diminishes at a central region between the baseboards.

13. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a connection at an apex of each A-frame.

14. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 13, wherein the connection comprises a vertical slot within which a corresponding interlocking tab of an accessory is slidably retained.

15. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a releasable locking mechanism between the vertical slot and the interlocking tab.

16. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a reconfigurable seat connectable between the connections wherein the reconfigurable seat comprises a seat portion and a back portion and a lower portion pivotally coupled thereto such that the reconfigurable seat is configurable in a seat configuration wherein the back portion is pivoted upwardly with respect to the seat portion of the lower portion is pivoted downwardly with respect to the seat portion and a change table configuration wherein the back portion is pivoted downwardly to define a substantially coplanar change table surface with respect to the seat portion and the leg portion is pivoted upwardly to define a substantially coplanar change table surface with respect to the seat portion.

17. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 16, further comprising sidearms extending from the seat portion and wherein the sidearms are configured for connection to the connections.

18. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 16, wherein the lower portion is extendable.

19. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 18, wherein the lower portion comprises an upper portion and a lower portion and wherein the lower portion of slidably retained by the upper portion.

20. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 16, further comprising releasable locking mechanisms between the rear portion and the seat and the lower portion and the seat.