U.S. patent application number 09/764091 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-17 for combination folding play pen with changing table and bassinet.
Invention is credited to Essex, Richard, Warner, Robert J. JR..
Application Number | 20010001162 09/764091 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22193312 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010001162 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Warner, Robert J. JR. ; et
al. |
May 17, 2001 |
Combination folding play pen with changing table and bassinet
Abstract
A combination play pen, bassinet and changing table includes a
bassinet assembly removably supported on the upper frame assembly
of the play pen. The bassinet assembly includes a pair of bassinet
frame assemblies, each consisting of a pair of J-tube assemblies
joined by a cross tube. The J-tube assemblies include outer ends
adapted to overly the upper frame. Bassinet side panels and end
panels extend upwardly from the floor panel to form a coffer-like
enclosure. An adapter supports the J end of the bassinet tube that
overlies a collapsible joint assembly at the midpoint of one upper
rail assembly. A changing table assembly includes a tubular frame
comprised of paired side tubes and end tubes joined in a
rectangular configuration. Two vertices of the changing table frame
are adjacent to the adapters of the bassinet assembly. A keyed
elbow connector at each vertex includes a T-shaped key received in
a key slot of an adapter in supporting fashion. The changing table
frame includes a pair of second elbow connectors, each including a
pair of lugs projecting therefrom. Each second elbow connector
impinges on the web of the adjacent upper corner bracket in
supported relationship, and the lugs are received in the concave
pocket of the web to retain the vertex of the changing table frame
in the upper corner of the play pen frame assembly.
Inventors: |
Warner, Robert J. JR.;
(Akron, OH) ; Essex, Richard; (New Royalton,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mary Michelle Kile
FOLEY & LARDNER
Washington Harbour
3000 K Street, N.W., Suite 500
Washington
DC
20007-5109
US
|
Family ID: |
22193312 |
Appl. No.: |
09/764091 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09764091 |
Jan 19, 2001 |
|
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|
09085690 |
May 27, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/99.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 11/007 20130101;
A47D 5/006 20130101; A47D 7/04 20130101; A47D 13/063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/99.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/00; A47D
007/00 |
Claims
1. In a play pen having upper side rail assemblies in spaced apart
disposition, the improvement comprising a bassinet assembly
removably supported on the upper side rail assemblies, said
bassinet assembly including: a pair of bassinet frame assemblies;
means for supporting each of said pair of bassinet frame assemblies
by the upper side rail assemblies; means for joining said pair of
bassinet frame assemblies; and, a bassinet enclosure adapted to be
supported on said joined pair of bassinet frame assemblies.
2. The improved play pen of claim 1, wherein each bassinet frame
assembly includes a pair of hook tube assemblies, and a crosstube
joining said pair of hook tube assemblies.
3. The improved play pen of claim 2, wherein each hook tube
assembly includes an upper hook portion extending over a respective
portion of the upper side rail assemblies and a depending portion
extending from said upper hook portion.
4. The improved play pen of claim 3, further including a pair of
elbow connectors, each joined between a lower end of said depending
portion of each hook tube assembly and a respective end of said
crosstube.
5. The improved play pen of claim 4, wherein said means for joining
said bassinet frame assemblies includes at least one fabric sleeve
formed in said bassinet enclosure to position said crosstubes in a
generally horizontal disposition.
6. The improved play pen of claim 5, wherein said bassinet
enclosure is supported on said crosstubes and by said bassinet
sides and floor.
7. The improved play pen of claim 3, further including a
collapsible hinge joint at a medial portion of each of the upper
side rail assemblies, one of said upper hook portions of each of
said bassinet frame assemblies overlying said collapsible hinge
joint.
8. The improved play pen of claim 7, further including adapter
means for supporting each of said upper hook portions on a
respective collapsible hinge joint.
9. The improved play pen of claim 8, wherein said adapter means
includes an adapter assembly.
10. The improved play pen of claim 9, further including a channel
disposed in an upper portion of said adapter assembly, said channel
configured to receive therein a segment of said upper hook
portion.
11. The improved play pen of claim 10, further including a recess
disposed in a lower portion of said hub adapter assembly, said
recess configured to engage said collapsible hinge joint.
12. The improved play pen of claim 11, wherein said adapter
includes a pair of side walls disposed in parallel, spaced apart
relationship, and at least one web portion extending between said
side walls.
13. The improved play pen of claim 12, wherein said channel is
defined between upper portions of said sidewalls.
14. The improved play pen of claim 13, wherein said channel
includes a floor portion defined by a segment of said web
portion.
15. The improved play pen of claim 12, wherein said recess is
comprised of cutout portions formed in lower portions of said
sidewalls.
16. The improved play pen of claim 9, wherein said adapter assembly
includes a sidewall, and further including a keyhole formed in said
sidewall.
17. The improved play pen of claim 16, further including a changing
table assembly removably secured atop the upper side rail
assemblies and disposed adjacent to said bassinet assembly, and key
means extending from said changing table assembly for engaging said
keyhole of said adapter and supporting a portion of said changing
table assembly.
18. The improved play pen of claim 3, further including means for
selectively adjusting the length of said hook tube assembly.
19. The improved play pen of claim 18, wherein said means for
selectively adjusting includes a bushing slidably received about
said depending portion, and spring detent means for joining said
bushing and depending portion in variable length fashion.
20. In a play pen having an upper frame assembly, the improvement
comprising: a bassinet assembly removably supported on the upper
frame assembly; and, a changing table assembly removably supported
on the upper frame assembly in side-by-side relationship to said
bassinet assembly.
21. The improved play pen of claim 20, wherein said changing table
assembly includes a rectangular frame, and means for securing a
changing table surface to span said rectangular frame.
22. The improved play pen of claim 21, wherein the upper frame
includes at least two adjacent corners, and at least one pair of
upper corner brackets, each disposed at one of said adjacent
corners.
23. The improved play pen of claim 22, wherein each upper corner
bracket includes first and second bracket body portions extending
from a common vertex in generally orthogonal relationship, and
further including a web extending generally horizontally in the
included angle between said first and second body portions.
24. The improved play pen of claim 23, wherein said rectangular
frame includes a first pair of elbow connectors disposed at
adjacent vertices of said rectangular frame, each of said first
pair of elbow connectors disposed to impinge on a respective web of
one of said upper corner bracket.
25. The improved play pen of claim 24, further including a pair of
concave pockets, each formed in a respective web of said upper
corner bracket.
26. The improved play pen of claim 24, further including at least
one post extending from each of said first pair of elbow
connectors, said post being configured to be received and retained
in said concave pocket of said web.
27. The improved play pen of claim 26, wherein said post is
provided with a triangular prism configuration, and said concave
pocket is formed in complementary triangular recess fashion.
28. The improved play pen of claim 21, wherein said rectangular
frame includes a second pair of elbow connectors disposed at
adjacent vertices of said rectangular frame, and further including
means for releasably securing said second pair of elbow connectors
to said bassinet assembly.
29. The improved play pen of claim 28, wherein said bassinet
assembly includes a pair of adapter assemblies, each adapter
assembly disposed adjacent to said changing table assembly.
30. The improved play pen of claim 29, wherein said means for
releasably securing said second pair of elbow connectors includes a
keyhole formed in each of said hub adapter assemblies, and a key
extending from each of said second pair of elbow connectors, said
key configured to releasably engage said keyhole in supported
relationship.
31. The improved play pen of claim 29, wherein said bassinet
assembly includes hook portions disposed to extend over the upper
frame assembly, and said adapters each include means for securing
said hook portions.
32. The improved play pen of claim 31, wherein the upper frame
assembly includes a pair of collapsible hinge joints, and each of
said adapter assemblies includes means for engaging and retaining
one of said collapsible hinge joints.
33. The improved play pen of claim 21, wherein said rectangular
frame includes a pair of lateral tubes joined to a pair of tubular
side assemblies.
34. The improved play pen of claim 33, wherein said means for
securing a changing table surface includes a stiffening panel
secured within a fabric enclosure, said fabric enclosure includes
peripheral sleeves configured to receive therethrough said lateral
tubes and said side assemblies.
35. The improved play pen of claim 33, further including means for
selectively adjusting the length of said tubular side
assemblies.
36. An elbow connector for a play pen combination, including: first
and second tubular body portions extending generally orthogonally
from a common vertex; first and second receptacles extending in
respective first and second body portions, each receptacle
comprising a bore extending coaxially in the respective tubular
body portion; and, a key extending outwardly from said common
vertex.
37. The elbow connector of claim 36, wherein said key includes a T
configuration comprised of a stem extending from said common vertex
and a pair of flanges extending in opposed relationship from an
outer end of said stem.
38. The elbow connector of claim 37, wherein said first and second
tubular body portions extend in a common plane, and said opposed
flanges extend along an axis disposed in said common plane.
39. An elbow connector for a play pen combination, including: a
tubular body portion having opposed ends and a bore extending
coaxially in one of said ends; a tubular anchor extending
orthogonally from said tubular body and disposed at the other end
thereof; at least one post protruding from said tubular body, said
post extending along a post axis generally orthogonal to the axes
of said tubular body and said tubular anchor.
40. The elbow connector of claim 39, wherein said post comprises a
triangular prism.
41. The elbow connector of claim 39, further including a pair of
said posts extending in opposed fashion from said tubular body.
42. The elbow connector of claim 39, wherein said post is disposed
adjacent to said other end of said tubular body.
43. A hub adapter for a play pen combination, including: a pair of
sidewalls disposed in parallel, spaced apart fashion; at least one
web extending between said sidewalls; a channel defined between
like upper portions of said sidewalls; and, a keyhole formed in one
of said sidewalls.
44. The hub adapter of claim 43, wherein said keyhole includes a
wide upper portion and a narrow lower portion centered with respect
to said upper portion.
45. The hub adapter of claim 43, wherein said sidewalls each
include continuously curved peripheral edges extending
thereabout.
46. An upper corner bracket for a play pen combination, including:
first and second bracket body portions extending from a common
vertex in generally orthogonal relationship; a web extending
generally horizontally in the included angle between said first and
second body portions; and, a concave pocket formed in a medial
portion of said web.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. This invention generally relates to a collapsible play yard or
play pen apparatus, and more particularly to an improved play pen
that may be converted to accomplish other baby caretaking
functions. One exemplary apparatus in the prior art is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,570 to Cheng, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
2. Folding play pens are well known in the prior art and comprise a
standard item in parenting and baby caretaking. A play pen enables
a baby or toddler to play within a controlled and protected space
without requiring continual attention by a responsible adult. Such
play pens can be folded into a small space for easy storage and
transport and are therefore convenient items for use in high
mobility situations.
3. However, the standard play pen does not address other baby
caretaking functions, such as the continual need for changing
diapers and dressing, and the need to provide adequate nap space
for the child. As a result, parents or caretakers in mobility
situations must transport other portable baby furniture, or must
improvise these functions with whatever furniture is found at hand.
For example, the changing and dressing function may be accomplished
on top of an adult bed or table, or on a bathroom sink countertop.
These improvisations are fraught with unknown and unseen perils for
the child, such as exposure to falling hazards, soaps and
chemicals, electrical hazards, and the like. In addition, the
frequent naps which small children require are often taken on the
floor of the play pen, which is not designed for comfort in such
use. Moreover, many small children sleep best in a smaller, cozier
space, which the standard play pen does not provide.
4. There are known in the prior art various forms of play pens that
may be combined with a removable bassinet structure. These
structures generally are suspended over the upper opening of the
play pen and fill the entire opening. A bassinet of such size may
be unsuitable for newborn and infant use, due to the fact that a
smaller, cozier sleeping space is preferred for such young
children. Moreover, the large prior art bassinet structures do not
allow any opportunity to provide a changing table in addition to
the bassinet itself.
5. The choice for many traveling parents or caretakers often is to
transport a portable play pen, portable changing table or pad, and
folding bed or the like for naps. This is a daunting logistical
problem, and a discouragement for many parents who would otherwise
wish to have greater mobility. Clearly there is a need in the prior
art for meeting these disparate apparatus requirements in a more
compact, transportable form.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
6. The invention generally comprises an improved play pen or play
yard apparatus. A significant feature of the invention is that it
is easily converted to use as a baby bassinet and a changing table,
whereby it may be used to carry out many of the typical baby
caretaking functions.
7. A typical play pen collapsible frame structure generally
includes an upper frame assembly comprised of two pair of parallel
collapsible rail assemblies which are supported by corner leg
assemblies. The rail assemblies support the side panels of the play
pen, while a lower frame assembly is secured to the leg assemblies
to support the floor portion of the apparatus. The particular
construction of these frame assemblies does not form part of the
invention, except for the components described hereinafter.
8. At each corner of the upper frame assembly, the invention
provides an upper corner bracket, each upper corner bracket
including diverging body portions extending in orthogonal
relationship and adapted to engage a respective collapsible rail
assembly. A web extends across the included angle between the
diverging body portions, and a concave pocket is formed in the top
surface of the arcuate web.
9. In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a bassinet
assembly that is removably supported on a portion of the upper
frame assembly. The bassinet assembly includes a pair of bassinet
frame assemblies, each consisting of a pair of J-tube assemblies
joined by a cross tube. The J-tube assemblies include outer ends
that are adapted to overly the upper rail assemblies and be
suspended therefrom. The bassinet floor panel is disposed below the
upper rail assembly and above the floor of the play pen, and is
supported on the cross tubes. Bassinet side panels and end panels
of soft fabric extend upwardly from the bassinet floor panel to
form a coffer-like enclosure that is sufficiently small and cozy
for the resting and napping functions of a bassinet. Sleeves formed
in the end panels and floor panel secure portions of the cross
tubes and J-tube assemblies.
10. Regarding the pair of J-tube assemblies that comprise each
bassinet frame assembly, one outer J end overlies a respective
upper corner bracket. The other outer J end is secured in a hub
adapter that supports the J end of the bassinet tube, the hub
adapter being configured to rest on and be supported by a
collapsible joint assembly located generally at the midpoint of a
respective upper rail assembly of the playpen frame structure. Thus
the bassinet assembly is supported entirely by suspension from the
upper frame portion of the playpen, and may be installed and
removed as a single unit. The bassinet assembly is also readily
disassembled and collapsed for easy transport.
11. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
changing table assembly that is removably supported on a portion of
the upper frame assembly adjacent to the bassinet assembly. The
changing table assembly includes a tubular frame comprised of
paired side tubes and paired end tubes joined in a rectangular
configuration. Two vertices of the rectangular changing table frame
are disposed adjacent to the hub adapters of the bassinet assembly.
The changing table frame includes a pair of first elbow connectors,
each disposed at a respective vertex of the rectangular frame and
adapted to join a side tube and end tube in orthogonal
relationship. Each first elbow connector further includes a
T-shaped key extending outwardly therefrom, and each hub adapter is
provides with a key slot to receive the key of the adjacent first
elbow connector, whereby the hub adapter of the bassinet assembly
supports the adjacent vertex of the changing table frame.
12. The changing table frame further includes a pair of second
elbow connectors, each disposed adjacent to one upper corner
bracket of the play pen and adapted to join a side tube and end
tube in orthogonal relationship. Each second elbow connector
includes a pair of lugs projecting therefrom in opposed fashion
along an axis generally transverse to the changing table frame.
Each second elbow connector is disposed to impinge on the web of
the adjacent upper corner bracket in supported relationship, and
the lugs are each configured to be received in the concave pocket
of the web to locate and retain the vertex of the changing table
frame with respect to the upper corner of the play pen frame
assembly. Thus the changing table frame is supported at two corners
by the upper corner brackets of the play pen frame assembly and at
the other two corners by the adjacent hub adapters of the bassinet
assembly.
13. The changing table assembly further includes a horizontal table
panel joined to fabric side panels and end panels, which in turn
are provided with sleeves to engage the changing table frame in
suspended relationship. The table panel is supported slightly below
the upper frame assembly of the play pen, and significantly higher
than the floor of the bassinet assembly. The table panel provides a
changing and dressing surface at a height convenient for those
purposes. Due to the fact that changing and dressing often occurs
before and after napping, which takes place in the bassinet, the
changing table is placed in the most convenient possible location.
And, like the bassinet assembly, the changing table assembly may be
removed as a unit from its supported position on the play pen, and
may be readily disassembled and collapsed for easy transport. When
both the bassinet assembly and changing table assembly are removed,
the upper opening of the play pen is unobstructed and the play pen
is available for the purpose of permitting a baby or toddler to
play within its controlled and protected interior space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
14. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the combination play pen with
bassinet and changing table in accordance with the present
invention.
15. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the upper frame assembly of the play
pen, together with the bassinet frame assembly and the changing
table assembly.
16. FIG. 3 is a partial end elevation showing the engagement of the
bassinet frame assembly with the corner brackets of the upper frame
assembly of the play pen.
17. FIG. 4 is a partial end elevation showing the engagement of the
bassinet frame assembly with a portion of the changing table frame
assembly.
18. FIG. 5 is a partial side elevation depicting the engagement of
the hub adapter and changing table frame assembly with the upper
frame assembly of the play pen.
19. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the upper corner bracket
assembly of the play pen, showing the relationship thereto of the
changing table frame assembly.
20. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation showing the engagement of
the changing table frame assembly and the upper corner bracket
assembly, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
21. FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a hub adapter assembly
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
22. FIG. 9 is a cross-section elevation of the hub adapter shown in
FIG. 8.
23. FIG. 10 is an end elevation of the hub adapter shown in FIGS. 8
and 9.
24. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the first elbow connector of the
changing table frame assembly of the invention.
25. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional plan view of the first elbow
connector as shown in FIG. 11.
26. FIG. 13 is an end view of the first elbow connector shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12.
27. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the second elbow connector of the
changing table frame assembly of the invention.
28. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional plan view of the second elbow
connector shown in FIG. 14.
29. FIG. 16 is a partially broken away side elevation of the second
elbow connector shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.
30. FIG. 17 is an end view of the second elbow connector shown in
FIGS. 14-16.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
31. The invention generally comprises an improved play pen or play
yard apparatus. A significant feature of the invention is that it
is easily converted to use as a baby bassinet and a changing table,
thereby making more efficient use of space and apparatus.
32. With regard to FIG. 1, a typical collapsible, portable play pen
21 includes a pair of fabric and mesh side panels 22 joined to a
pair of fabric (or mesh) end panels 23 to form a rectangular
enclosure. A floor panel (not shown) spans the lower edges of the
side and end panels, and is supported by a lower frame structure.
The lower frame structure may include legs 24 and/or wheels 26
joined to lateral struts 25. A quartet of vertical struts 28 extend
upwardly through panel sleeves from the lower frame structure at
the corners of the apparatus, and are joined to a quartet of upper
corner brackets 30. This generically described play pen defines a
coffer-like configuration having upper opening.
33. The present invention provides a bassinet assembly 31 and a
changing table assembly 32 that may be supported on the upper frame
assembly of the play pen 21 and disposed to span the upper opening
thereof. Both assemblies 31 and 32 are independent units that are
easily installed and removed from the play pen, whereby the
structure may be adapted for baby naps and baby changing and
dressing functions. Thus the combined structures comprise a
complete infant care center that is optimally efficient in use of
space, apparatus, and resources.
34. With regard to FIG. 2, the upper frame assembly of the play pen
21 generally includes the upper corner brackets 30 which join upper
frame side rail assemblies 36 with upper frame end rail assemblies
37. The assemblies 36 and 37 are each provided with hinges 38 at
mid-span that are selectively locked or rotatable to allow the
upper frame assembly to be rigid or collapsed. With additional
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bassinet assembly 31 includes a
pair of bassinet frame assemblies 41. Each assembly 41 includes a
pair of J-tube assemblies 42, consisting of a J-tube 43 having an
upper hook end 44 and a linear tubular portion depending therefrom
and received in telescoping fashion in a bushing 45. A spring
detent assembly 46 secured to the bushing 45 permits length
adjustment and rotation of the telescoping engagement of the J-tube
and bushing.
35. An elbow 47 is secured to the lower end of each bushing 45, and
oriented to secure a crosstube 48 in a horizontal disposition
between each pair of assemblies 42. Sleeves sewn on the bassinet
sides and floor join the pair of bassinet frame assemblies 41. With
the J hook ends 44 hanging on the upper frame rail assemblies, the
assemblies 42 depend into the upper opening of the play pen 21. The
crosstubes 48, the sewn sleeves on the bassinet sides and the sewn
sides and floor of the bassinet form a stable horizontal base for
the floor of the bassinet, and side panels and end panels of soft
fabric extend upwardly from the bassinet floor panel to form a
coffer-like enclosure that is sufficiently small and cozy for the
resting and napping functions of a bassinet.
36. One J-tube assembly 42 of each frame assembly 41 is disposed
adjacent to a respective upper corner bracket 30, and the J-hook
portion 44 thereof rests thereon in a supported relationship. The
other end of the J-tube assembly 42 is disposed so that the J-hook
end 44 thereof passes over the hinge 38 of the upper rail assembly
36, and is supported thereby. Thus the bassinet assembly is
supported entirely by suspension from the upper frame portion of
the playpen, and may be installed and removed as a single unit. The
bassinet assembly is also readily disassembled and collapsed for
easy transport.
37. The invention provides an adapter 51 which functions in part to
secure the J-hook portion 44 to the hinge 38. With reference to
FIGS. 8-10, the adapter 51 includes a pair of sidewalls 52 disposed
in parallel, spaced apart fashion, and transverse web portions 53
and 54 extending between the sidewalls. The sidewalls 52 define
therebetween a channel 55 having a width dimension sufficient to
receive the J-hook end 44 therein in a minimal clearance fit. Upper
portions 56 of web 53 and upper portion 57 of web 54 form the floor
of the channel 55 upon which the J-hook end 44 may be supported.
Aligned holes 58 extend through the sidewalls to receive a fastener
such as a screw and nut assembly (not shown) that anchors the
adapter 51 to the J-hook end 44. The outer perimetrical surface of
the sidewalls is generally smoothly curved in convex fashion,
except for a lower rectangular inset portion 59 that is configured
to rest on the hinge 38 in a stable engagement.
38. Each adapter 51 further includes a keyhole 61 extending into
one sidewall 52. The keyhole 61 includes a wide, generally
rectangular upper portion 62 and a narrow slot portion 63 centered
at the lower edge of the upper portion. The keyhole 61 is spaced
laterally between the web portions 64 and 66 and vertically above
the web portion 67. The purpose of the keyhole is clarified in the
following description.
39. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the changing table assembly 32
includes a tubular rectangular frame that supports a changing panel
at a height equal to or slightly below the upper frame assembly of
the play pen. The rectangular frame includes a pair of extendable
assemblies 71, comprised of a tube 72 received in telescoping
fashion in a larger tube 73. A spring detent assembly 74 permits
selective length adjustment of the assembly 71. The outer end of
each tube 72 is joined to a keyed elbow connector 76, and a lateral
tube 77 is joined to the keyed elbow connectors 76 to span the
sides of the play pen 21.
40. With reference to FIGS. 11-13, each keyed elbow connector 76 is
comprised of tubular body portions 78 and 79 joined in orthogonal
relationship. Cylindrical receptacles 80 and 81 are formed
concentrically in respective body portions 78 and 79. Receptacle 80
is dimensioned to receive therein lateral tube 77, and receptacle
81 is dimensioned to receive telescoping tube 72. Screw holes 82
and 83 accommodate fasteners to retain the tubes in their
respective receptacles. A T-shaped key 84 extends from the elbow,
the key 84 including a narrow stem 86 extending generally coaxially
with the receptacle 81. Outer flanges 87 extend from the stem 86
and are aligned generally parallel to the axis of receptacle
80.
41. The flanges 87 are slightly narrower than the width of portion
62 of keyhole 61 (FIG. 8), so that the flanges 87 may be inserted
into the portion 62. The width of slot 63 of the keyhole is greater
than the diameter of stem 86 of the key 84, but the slot 63 is
significantly narrower than the width of the flanges 87. As a
result of these dimensional relationships, the key 84 may be
inserted into opening 62 and the stem may be urged into slot 63,
whereby the key 84 is lodged in the keyhole 61 (FIG. 10). This
releasable engagement serves to support the elbow connectors 76 on
the hub adapters 51, and thus to support two corners of the tubular
rectangular frame of the changing table assembly.
42. Returning to FIG. 2, each tube 73 is joined to an elbow
connector 91, and a lateral tube 90 is joined to the keyed elbow
connectors 91 to span the sides of the play pen 21. With reference
to FIGS. 14-17, each elbow connector 91 includes a tubular body 92
having a coaxial receptacle 93 formed therein and dimensioned to
accept the lateral tube 90. Aligned screw holes 94 are disposed to
receive appropriate fasteners to retain the tube 90 in the
receptacle 93. A cylindrical anchor 96 extends from one end of the
body 92, and is disposed concentrically within an annular flat 97.
The anchor 96 has an outer diameter dimensioned to be received
within tube 73, and a screw hole 98 accepts a fastener to secure
the tube 73 about the anchor 96.
43. A salient feature of the elbow connector 91 is the provision of
a pair of posts 99 extending therefrom in opposed relationship. The
posts 99 are aligned along an axis extending orthogonally to both
the axis of the tubular body 92 and the axis of the cylindrical
anchor 96. As shown best in FIG. 14, each post 99 is configured as
a triangular prism, for purposes detailed in the following
description. The posts 99 are disposed at the end of the tubular
body 92 and are generally adjacent to the anchor 96.
44. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, each upper corner bracket 30
of the play pen 21 includes body portions 101 and 102 diverging
from a common vertex in orthogonal relationship. Each body portion
101 and 102 includes sockets (not shown) for receiving and securing
converging ends of the upper rail assemblies 36 and 37. In
addition, a vertical receptacle 103 is provided to secure the upper
end of a respective vertical strut 28.
45. A salient feature of the upper corner bracket 30 is the
provision of a web 104 extending horizontally between the body
portions 101 and 102 and disposed in the included angle
therebetween. The web 104 includes a smoothly curved interior edge
106. A concave pocket 107 is formed in a medial portion of the web
104. The pocket is provided with a triangular configuration and is
dimensioned to receive one of the triangular posts 99 of one of the
elbow connectors 91. The connector 91 is adapted to rest on the web
104 in supported relationship, and the engagement of the post 99 in
the pocket 107 firmly secures the elbow connector 91 with respect
to the corner of the play pen 21. Thus the two corners of the
changing table assembly 32 that are adjacent to two corners of the
play pen are supported vertically and stabilized horizontally.
46. The changing table assembly 32 in FIG. 7 may be provided with a
floor assembly 108 that includes a stiffening panel 109 secured
within a fabric enclosure that is formed of waterproof or
stain-resistant material, as is known in the prior art. Fabric
panels 111 extend upwardly a short distance, and are provided with
sewn sleeves 112 that extend about the lateral tubes 77 and 90, as
well as about the assemblies 71. The panels 111 thus support the
floor assembly 108 proximate to the upper extent of the play pen
21, whereby the changing table floor 108 is disposed at a height
convenient for changing and dressing a baby or infant.
47. In the interests of manufacturing efficiency and simplicity in
deployment of the apparatus, all of the upper corner brackets may
be fashioned as depicted in FIG. 6, even though only two of the
upper corner brackets are engaged by the changing table assembly at
any one time. Likewise, the elbow connectors 47 of the bassinet
assembly may be made identical to the elbow connectors 91 of the
changing table assembly.
48. The side-by-side relationship of the bassinet assembly 31 and
the changing table assembly 32 facilitates convenient changing and
dressing of a baby before and after naps, as the changing surface
is directly adjacent to the napping location. In addition, the
bassinet is self-supporting atop the play pen structure, whereby it
is easily installed or removed as needed. Likewise, the changing
table assembly is easily installed or removed on demand, and is
cooperatively supported by the play pen structure and the adjacent
bassinet assembly.
49. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching without
deviating from the spirit and the scope of the invention. The
embodiment described is selected to best explain the principles of
the invention and its practical application to thereby enable
others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the
particular purpose contemplated. It is intended that the scope of
the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.
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