U.S. patent application number 12/120521 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-19 for combination bassinet and toddler chair.
This patent application is currently assigned to BABY PLANET LLC. Invention is credited to Peter Jonathan Myers.
Application Number | 20090284050 12/120521 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41315473 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090284050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Myers; Peter Jonathan |
November 19, 2009 |
Combination Bassinet and Toddler Chair
Abstract
A combination bassinet and toddler chair is disclosed. One
dual-purpose frame is provided which is capable of supporting both
the bassinet and the toddler chair with minimal reconfiguration
effort by the parent or caretaker. In one configuration, a bassinet
is held horizontally onto one or more frame members by coupling
members mounted to the frame members and mounting mechanisms
mounted on either side of the bottom panel of the bassinet.
Easy-to-use lever mechanisms are provided on the sidewall of the
bassinet that release the latches and allow for removal of the
bassinet. With the bassinet removed, a toddler chair, with fabric
loops on either side of the seating area, slides over the frame
members and is frictionally held in place and suspended between the
frame members.
Inventors: |
Myers; Peter Jonathan;
(Wheaton, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MILLER, MATTHIAS & HULL
ONE NORTH FRANKLIN STREET, SUITE 2350
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
BABY PLANET LLC
Glen Ellyn
IL
|
Family ID: |
41315473 |
Appl. No.: |
12/120521 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/118 ;
297/440.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 1/00 20130101; A47D
9/00 20130101; A47D 11/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/118 ;
297/440.11 |
International
Class: |
A47D 11/00 20060101
A47D011/00; A47D 1/00 20060101 A47D001/00; A47D 7/00 20060101
A47D007/00 |
Claims
1. A combination toddler chair and bassinet assembly, comprising: a
bassinet; a toddler chair comprising a middle seating surface
disposed between two opposing loops; a support frame comprising a
horizontal base connected to two spaced-apart frame members
extending upward from the base and terminating at two spaced-apart
distal ends; one or more coupling members connected to each frame
member proximal the distal end of each frame member, the distal end
of each frame member being detachably connected to a head rail with
the head rail extending between and connecting the distal ends of
the frame members; the coupling members being detachably connected
to the bassinet when the frame members, coupling members and head
rail support the bassinet on top of the frame members; upon removal
of the head rail from the frame members, the frame members
receiving the opposing loops of the toddler chair and supporting
the toddler chair between the frame members.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the bassinet comprises a bottom
panel, the bottom panel being connected to two spaced-apart latches
disposed on either side of the bottom panel, the latches being
detachably coupled to the coupling members when the bassinet is
detachably connected to the coupling members and supported above
the frame members by the coupling members, frame members and head
rail.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein each latch is connected to a
release cable, each release cable being connected to a lever,
movement of each lever causing each latch to move from a locked to
an unlocked position with respect to its respective coupling
member.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein each lever is disposed within a
handle assembly mounted on either side of the bassinet above the
latches.
5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein each latch is accommodated in a
housing connected to opposing sides of the bottom panel of the
bassinet, each latch housing accommodating a spring, the springs
biasing the latches towards a locked position.
6. The assembly of claim 2, wherein each coupling member comprises
a traverse rod received by one of the latches when the latches are
in a locked position and the bassinet is detachably connected to
the coupling members.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein each latch comprises one or
more spaced-apart fingers including a lower finger and upper
finger, the traverse rod of each coupling member being disposed
between the fingers when the latch is in a locked position and the
bassinet is detachably connected to the coupling members.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein each latch is pivotally
connected to its respective housing by a pin, and wherein upward
tension on each release cable causing the upper finger of each
latch to pivot downward past the traverse rod of its respective
coupling member to unlock the latches and detach the bassinet from
the coupling members.
9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an accessory shelf
removably mounted to the base when the bassinet is detachably
connected to the frame members.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the accessory shelf comprises
one or more spaced-apart downwardly extending posts and the
horizontal base comprises one or more spaced-apart holes for
receiving the posts of the accessory shelf.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the horizontal base comprises
lower horizontal portions of the frame members that are connected
by a rear cross rail and a front cross rail, the spaced-apart holes
for receiving the posts of the accessory shelf being disposed along
the front cross rail.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling members are
detachably connected to each frame element and the coupling members
are removed prior to the frame members receiving the opposing loops
of the toddler chair.
13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling members are
secured to the frame members by at least one removable
fastener.
14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame members are
separated by a greater distance at their distal ends than at the
horizontal base.
15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the toddler chair is
frictionally held in place on the frame members as lower portions
of the frame members that are spaced apart by a greater distance
than distal ends of the frame members apply tension to the opposing
loops of the toddler chair as the toddler chair is slid downward
over the frame members.
16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the opposing loops of the
toddler chair are tubular with lower openings that each receive one
of the distal ends of the frame members and upper openings through
which the distal ends of the frame members extend when the toddler
chair is disposed on the frame members and ready for use.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the loops of the toddler
chair and the coupling members are sized so removal of the coupling
members prior to installment of the toddler chair on the frame
members is not required.
18. The assembly of claim 16 further comprising a second head rail
for attachment to the distal ends of the frame members when the
toddler chair is installed over the frame members, the second head
rail and padding disposed on an upper end of the toddler chair
serving as a head rest.
19. A combination toddler chair and mounting frame for the toddler
chair, comprising: a base connected to one or more spaced-apart
frame members that extend upward from the base, the frame members
each comprising a distal end and bottom end connected to the base;
the toddler chair comprising left and right loops with a seat area
disposed there between, each loop being tubular with a bottom
opening for receiving a distal end of one of the frame members so
the seat area is suspended between the frame members when the frame
members are inserted through the loops of the toddler chair, the
bottom ends of the frame members being spaced apart by a greater
distance than the distal ends of the frame members and by a greater
distance than the loops of the toddler chair thereby enabling the
toddler chair to be frictionally held in space on the frame members
when the toddler chair is slid downward over the frame members.
20. A combination toddler chair and bassinet assembly, comprising:
a bassinet comprising a bottom panel connected to a continuous
sidewall extending upward from the bottom panel, the bottom panel
being connected to two downwardly extending latch mechanisms
disposed on either side of the bottom panel, the sidewall being
connected to two handles disposed on either side of the sidewall
and above the latch mechanisms, the handles each comprising a
lever, each lever being connected to a cable, each cable being
connected to one of the latch mechanisms for releasing the latch
mechanisms from a locked position; a toddler chair comprising a
middle seating surface disposed between two opposing loops, each
loop comprising a bottom opening; a support frame comprising a
horizontal base connected to two spaced-apart frame members curving
upward from the base and terminating at two spaced apart distal
ends, the frame members being spaced apart by a first distance at
the base and a second distance at the distal ends of the frame
members, the first distance being greater than the second distance,
the bottom openings of the toddler chair being separated by a third
distance that is at least as great as the second distance and less
than the first distance; one or more coupling members connected to
each frame member proximal the distal end of each frame member, the
distal end of each frame member being detachably connected to a
head rail with the head rail extending between and connecting the
distal ends of the frame members; the coupling members been
detachably connected to the bassinet when the frame members,
coupling members and head rail support the bassinet on top of the
frame members; upon removal of the head rail from the frame
members, the frame members receiving the opposing loops of the
toddler chair and frictionally supporting the toddler chair between
the frame members as the bottom openings of the loops of the
toddler chair are slid downward towards the base.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Furniture for infants and small children is disclosed. More
particularly, a combination bassinet/toddler chair assembly is
disclosed with a single frame that is capable of functioning as a
bassinet in one configuration and that can be easily and quickly
converted to a toddler chair in a second configuration.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Baby and child accessories such as bassinets and toddler
chairs are well known. Bassinets are used provide a safe
environment in which an infant can rest or sleep. Bassinets are
typically elevated with a frame or stand and include a padded
horizontal sleeping surface with enclosed with sidewalls or a
continuous sidewall enclosure. Bassinets also normally include a
canopy above the sidewall to shade the infant from excess
light.
[0003] On the other hand, toddler chairs are generally used to
comfortably support an infant or toddler in an upright, seated
position when the child is awake and wishes to sit up to
participate in surrounding activities. Typically, the toddler chair
is covered with a soft fabric, is inclined slightly and the
supporting frame may permit some type of rocking or bouncing
motion.
[0004] It is not uncommon for families with a small child to
purchase both a bassinet and a toddler chair. However, all of these
units occupy storage or closet space, and the costs of purchasing a
bassinet and a toddler chair can be prohibitive or burdensome to
some families. Bassinet-playpen combinations are known which fill
the need for a compact, easy-to-store piece of furniture that
provides multiple ways for the child to play and rest.
Bassinet-changing table combinations, bassinet-bedside sleeper
combinations, bassinet-bouncer combinations, and stroller-toddler
chair combinations are also known.
[0005] However, there is a need for a combination bassinet and
toddler chair that is easy to configure by a parent or caretaker.
Moreover, a single combination assembly that functions as both a
bassinet and toddler chair is desirable as separately purchased
devices create additional costs and require more storage space,
which is a limited commodity in many households.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] Accordingly, a combination bassinet and toddler chair
apparatus is disclosed which is easy to store, easy to switch
between bassinet and toddler chair configurations, and which
provides both a sleeping area and sitting area for a small child or
infant.
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a
combination toddler chair and bassinet assembly is disclosed which
comprises a bassinet, a toddler chair and a support frame. The
toddler chair comprises a middle seating surface disposed between
two opposing loops, loops or means of attachment. The support frame
comprises a horizontal base connected to one or frame members that
extend upward from the base and that terminate at two space-apart
distal ends. The assembly further comprises one or more coupling
members connected to each frame member proximal the distal end of
each frame member. The distal end of each frame member is
detachably connected to a head rail. The head rail extends between
and connects the distal end of the frame member(s). The head rail
also supports and protects one end of the bassinet, where the
infant's head is typically placed. The coupling members are
detachably connected to the bassinet when the frame member(s),
coupling members and head rail support the bassinet on top of the
frame member(s). Upon removal of the head rail and coupling members
from the frame member(s), the frame member(s) receive the opposing
loops of the toddler chair and frictionally support the toddler
chair between the frame member(s).
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a
combination toddler chair and mounting frame for the toddler chair
is disclosed which comprises a base and a toddler chair. The base
is connected to one or more frame members that extend upward from
the base. The frame member(s) each comprise a distal end and bottom
end connected to the base. The toddler chair comprises left and
right loops with a seat area disposed there between. Each loop is
preferably tubular with a bottom opening for receiving a distal end
of one of the frame members so the seat area is suspended between
the frame when the distal ends of the frame are inserted through
the loops of the toddler chair. The bottom ends of the frame are
spaced apart by a greater distance than the distal ends of the
frame and by a greater distance than the loops of the toddler
chair. As a result, the toddler chair is frictionally held in space
on the frame or suspended between the frame when the toddler chair
is slid downward over the frame.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the
sidewall of the bassinet includes one or more fabric layers
supported by an internal side frame that provides a soft continuous
sidewall with structural integrity. The bottom panel is connected
to two downwardly extending latch mechanisms disposed on either
side of the bottom panel. The sidewall, or more accurately, the
internal frame of the sidewall, is connected to two handles
disposed on either side of the sidewall and above the latch
mechanisms. The handles each comprise a lever. Each lever is
connected to a cable. Each cable is connected to one of the latch
mechanisms for releasing the latch mechanisms from a locked
position with respect to the coupling members mounted near the
distal ends of the frame.
[0010] It will be noted that the bassinet may be secured to the
frame by a variety of means including hook and loop fasteners,
magnetic couplers, snap fit connectors, etc. The latch mechanism
disclosed here is just one of many exemplary ways to secure the
bassinet on top of the frame in a secure horizontal position.
[0011] These and other aspects and features of the disclosure will
become more readily apparent upon reading the following detailed
description when considered with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame for alternatively
supporting a bassinet and toddler chair, configured to hold a
bassinet with an accessory shelf disposed below the bassinet;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the frame, bassinet and
accessory shelf shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a partial view illustrating the coupling member
and latch mechanism used to secure the bassinet to the frame
member;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of a handle and lever
mechanism used to release the bassinet from the frame and coupling
member;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of one of the latching or
mounting mechanisms mounted on either side of the bottom panel of
the bassinet and which is used to detachably connect the bassinet
to the coupling members disposed on either frame member;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one of the coupling
members;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partial exploded and perspective view of the
coupling member of
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrating the use of fasteners to secure the
coupling member to the frame;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective and exploded view of the frame,
toddler chair and coupling members, particularly illustrating the
attachment of the toddler chair after the coupling members are
removed;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the toddler chair cross
piece assembly, removed from the frame;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the cross piece assembly
of FIG. 9 connected to one of the frame;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a partial bottom view of the cross piece of FIG.
9 connected to one of the frame;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective and partial exploded view
illustrating the frame with the bassinet and accessory shelf
removed, the toddler chair installed on the frame and further
illustrating the installment of a cross piece behind the toddler
chair; and
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the assembly in the toddler
chair configuration.
[0026] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative
embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be
described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that
there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the
appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring now to the drawings and with specific reference to
FIGS. 1-2, a combination bassinet and toddler chair 20 is shown,
configured for use as a bassinet. The bassinet 25 includes standard
bassinet features such as a canopy 21 supported by a plurality of
U-shaped support members 22 and a sleeping pad 32. The canopy 21
may be elevated in the raised position shown or it may be collapsed
so that its frame rests on top of the sidewall 34. The sidewall 34
comprises one or more fabric layers with a supporting frame covered
by the fabric layers.
[0028] A base 30 comprises a cross rail 31, two bottom base legs
29, with a rear cross member 35 for enhanced stability. An outer
head support 33 at the rear of the bassinet 25 provides stability
and security for the bassinet 25. A music device 26 is attached to
the sidewall 34 by means of a clamp 27. An accessory shelf 37 is
provided beneath the bassinet to hold items such as diapers and
baby wipes, and is detachably connected to opposing end pieces 39
of the cross rail 31 by the downwardly extending posts 38 that are
received in holes 36 in the end pieces 39 (FIG. 2).
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, the bassinet 25 is detachably connected
to the frame 28 by one or more coupling members 40 that are
disposed near the distal ends 28a of the frame 28. One or more
handles 24 is connected to top of the sidewall 34 of the bassinet
25. As discussed below in connection with FIG. 3, enclosed within
the handles 24 are levers 23 which, when squeezed, release the
bassinet 25 from the coupling members 40. One or more fasteners 41
holds the coupling members 40 to the frame 28. After removal of the
bassinet 25 from the base 30, the outer head support assembly 42
with outer head support board 33, head rail 43, and ends 44 of the
head rail 43 are slid outward from the frame 28 and removed. The
connection between the ends 44 of the head rail 43 from the distal
ends 28a of the frame 28 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 which
describe the connection between the head rail 81 of the toddler
chair 85 and the distal ends 28a of the frame 28.
[0030] The connection between the latches 51 disposed on either
side of the bottom panel 50 of the bassinet 25 and the coupling
members 40 of the frame member(s) 28 is shown in greater detail in
FIG. 3. The coupling member 40 is held to the frame member 28 by
the fasteners 41 (FIG. 2). Each coupling member 40 comprises a
traverse rod 56. The elongated opening 55 of the latch mechanism 51
receives the traverse rod 56 as shown in FIG. 5. Returning to FIG.
3, the latch mechanism 51 and its housing 54 are connected to the
bottom panel 50 of the bassinet 25. Two sides 54a, 54b of the latch
mechanism housing 54 on either side of the elongated opening 55 are
received in the aperture 59 formed in the coupling member 40.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 4, the support members 22 are connected
pivotally to the supporting frame 34a of the sidewall 34 via a
pivotal connection between the end member 62 and a lockable collar
63 mounted to the frame 34a. Within the handle 24 is a lever 23
which, when squeezed, exerts an upward force on the release cable
64. Slack for the release cable 64 is taken up within the housing
24a of the handle 24.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates how the release cable 64 applies force to
the latch 69. In the latched position shown in FIG. 5, the latch 69
is biased upward by the spring 67 such that the lower finger 70
engages the underside of the traverse rod 56 and the transverse rod
56 is securely disposed between the fingers 68, 70. When the
release cable 64 is pulled upward in the direction of the arrow
200, the latch 69 pivots downward about the pin 72 in the direction
of the arrow 201 thereby enabling the curved upper finger 68 of the
latch 69 to move downward past traverse rod 56. When the upper
finger 68 has pivoted past the traverse rod 56, the cut-out area
202 of the latch 69 provides sufficient clearance between the latch
body 69 and a transverse rod 56 thereby releasing the latch
mechanism 71 from the coupling member 40 and enabling the bassinet
25 to be lifted off of the coupling members 40 and head rail
assembly 42.
[0033] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the coupling member 40 in greater
detail. The coupling member 40 comprises a bottom panel 78 and
split top portions 77 which together form a tubular slot 79 for
receiving the frame member 28. Fastener orifices 76 in the bottom
panel 78 of the coupling member 40 receive the fasteners 41 for
fastening the coupling member 40 to the frame member 28 as shown in
FIG. 7. Removal of the fasteners 41 may or may not require the use
of the heat and tool. Also, in other embodiments, removal of the
coupling members 40 may not be required as the toddler chair 85 can
be installed over the coupling members 40.
[0034] FIGS. 8-13 illustrate the features of the assembly in the
toddler chair 85 configuration. In FIG. 8, the toddler chair 85 is
installed by removing the coupling members 40 from the frame
member(s) 28. Then, the toddler chair 85 is mounted over the frame
member(s) 28 by inserting the distal ends 28a of the frame
member(s) 28 into the lower ends 87a of the loops 87 disposed on
either side of the toddler chair 85. As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and
13, the distance D1 between the distal ends 28a of the frame
member(s) 28 is smaller than the distance D2 between the bottom
ends 28b of the frame member(s) 28. Further, the distance D3
between the loops 87 of the toddler chair 85 is less than the
distance D2 but greater than the distance D1. As a result, the
toddler chair 85 is frictionally held in place and suspended
between the frame member(s) 28 as the loops 87 are slid downward
over the frame member(s) 28.
[0035] Turning to FIG. 9, the male ends 95 of the second head rail
81 slide telescopically into the distal ends 28a of the frame
member(s) 28 after the head rest 91 has been pulled downward as
shown in FIG. 12. The second head rail 81 may or may not be of the
same configuration as the head rail 43 of FIG. 2. However, the
connection mechanism between the header rails 43, 81 and the ends
28a of the frame member(s) 28 are the same and it is described in
FIGS. 9-11. The spring clips 96 are each connected to a release
button 82 which, as shown in FIG. 10, are received in holes 82a
disposed in each frame member 28. When the ends 95 of the head rail
81 are inserted into the female distal ends 28a of the frame
member(s) 28, the spring-biased buttons 82 will eventually line up
with the holes 82a in the ends 28a of the frame member(s) 28 and
snap into place as shown in FIG. 10. To remove the second head rail
81, the release buttons 82 are pressed and the head rail 81 is
pulled to the right in FIG. 10 to release the clips 96 and ends 95
from the ends 28a of the frame member(s) 28. The snaps 97 seen in
FIG. 11 are used to hold the head rest 91 in place over the second
head rail 81 when the toddler chair 85 is installed as shown in
FIG. 12.
[0036] FIG. 12 further illustrates how the toddler chair 85 slides
onto the frame member(s) 28. Before installation of the toddler
chair 85, coupling members 40 are preferably removed from the frame
member(s) 28. While traditional screws 41 are illustrated (FIG. 7),
it is anticipated that the coupling members 40 can be connected to
the frame member(s) 28 using a quick-disconnect mechanism. Further,
it is also anticipated that the loops 87 of the toddler chair 85
could be designed so that removal of the coupling members 40 is not
necessary. Fabric loops 87 then slide onto the frame member(s) 28.
The frame member(s) 28 are closer together at the top (D1) than at
the bottom (D2) as illustrated in FIG. 8. As the distance D3
between the fabric loops 87 falls between D1 and D2, the loops 87
are able to fit onto the frame member(s) 28 but are not able to
slide all the way down to the bottom 28b of the frame member(s) 28
and are frictionally held in place above the base 30.
[0037] FIG. 13 depicts the assembled toddler chair 85. The loops 87
are made of fabric, and the sidewalls of the seat have vents 88.
Sidewalls 89 contain side vents 88 embedded therein to allow the
child to view his or her surroundings peripherally and to provide
air flow. A restraining belt 100 is provided with straps attached
to the lower portion of the sidewalls 89. The restraining belt 100
somewhat restrains the child in the toddler chair 85. A head rest
91 is provided for larger children.
[0038] Accordingly, a bassinet 25 and toddler chair 85 are provided
in one assembly, using a common frame 30 that saves space and
cost.
[0039] While only certain embodiments have been set forth,
alternatives and modifications will be apparent from the above
description to those skilled in the art. These and other
alternatives are considered equivalents and within the spirit and
scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.
* * * * *