U.S. patent application number 13/007655 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for bedrail for convertible crib.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lorne Jason Clute. Invention is credited to Thomas M. Hayano, Sung Hae Lee, Bruce P. McKendry.
Application Number | 20110179569 13/007655 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44307804 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110179569 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hayano; Thomas M. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2011 |
BEDRAIL FOR CONVERTIBLE CRIB
Abstract
A bed rail including first and second legs for attachment to a
bed or crib. The legs fit between the mattress and the mattress
support frame extending transversely from one side of the crib to
the other. The proximate end of each leg is pivotally attached to a
respective lower corner of an elongated side panel. Raised, the
side panel extends vertically above the mattress to provide a
safety restraint on one side of the crib. Unlocked, the panel may
be swung into a lowered position. Means is also provided for
securing the distal end of the legs to the mattress support frame
at a location on the other side of the crib. Also disclosed is a
safety bolster for use with the bed rail including an upper head
portion extending above the mattress and a lower foot portion
extending between the mattress and said side panel.
Inventors: |
Hayano; Thomas M.; (Oakley,
CA) ; Lee; Sung Hae; (Elk Grove, CA) ;
McKendry; Bruce P.; (Benicia, CA) |
Assignee: |
Clute; Lorne Jason
Antioch
CA
|
Family ID: |
44307804 |
Appl. No.: |
13/007655 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61297757 |
Jan 23, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/426 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 21/08 20130101;
A47D 15/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/426 |
International
Class: |
A47D 7/00 20060101
A47D007/00; A47C 21/08 20060101 A47C021/08 |
Claims
1. A bed rail for use with a bed having a mattress and an
underlying mattress support frame comprising: a. a first leg and a
second leg, said first and second legs being adapted to fit between
the mattress and the mattress support frame, each of said legs
having a proximate end and a distal end and extending transversely
from one side of the bed to the other side of the bed; b. means for
securing said distal end of said first and second legs to the
mattress support frame; and, c. an elongated side panel, said side
panel having a first lower corner connected to said proximate end
of said first leg and a second lower corner connected to said
proximate end of said second leg, said side panel extending
vertically from said lower corners to an elevation above the
mattress to provide a safety restraint on said one side of the
bed.
2. A bed rail as in claim 1 in which said first and second legs
comprise rigid tubes.
3. A bed rail as in claim 1 in which said means for securing said
distal end to the mattress support frame comprises a clamp
connected to a portion of the support frame located on the other
side of the bed.
4. A bed rail as in claim 1 in which said means for securing said
distal end to the mattress support frame comprises a flexible strap
connected to each said distal end of said legs wrapped around a
portion of the support frame located on the other side of the bed
and extending underneath the support frame to the one side of the
bed.
5. A bed rail as in claim 1 in which the mattress support frame
comprises a substantially rigid planar structure extending from one
side of the bed to the other side of the bed and from the head end
of the bed to the other foot end of the bed, and in which said
means for securing said distal end to the mattress support frame
comprises at least one connector extending between each said distal
end and said planar structure.
6. A bed rail as in claim 1 further including a bolster, said
bolster being substantially the same length as said side panel and
having an upper head portion extending above the mattress and a
lower foot portion extending between the mattress and said side
panel.
7. A bed rail as in claim 6 in which said bolster is manufactured
from a resilient material.
8. A bed rail as in claim 6 in which said upper head portion of
said bolster includes an angled face.
9. A bed rail as in claim 1 in which said side panel includes a
perforated surface.
10. A bed rail as in claim 1 in which said one side of the bed is
open and said other side of the bed is closed, having a bed rail
upstanding from the mattress support frame.
11. A bed rail for use with a bed having a mattress and an
underlying mattress support frame comprising: a. a first leg and a
second leg, each of said legs having a proximate end and a distal
end and a length substantially identical to a transverse dimension
of the mattress, each of said legs being located between the
mattress and the mattress support frame and extending transversely
from one side of the bed to the other side of the bed; b. means for
securing said distal end of each said leg to the portion of the
mattress support frame adjacent the other side of the bed; c. an
elongated side panel, said side panel having a first lower corner
connected to said proximate end of said first leg and a second
lower corner connected to said proximate end of said second leg,
said side panel extending vertically from said lower corners to an
elevation above the mattress to provide a safety restraint on said
one side of the bed.
12. A bed rail as in claim 11 in which said means for securing said
distal end to the mattress support frame comprises a clamp.
13. A bed rail as in claim 11 in which the mattress support frame
comprises a substantially rigid planar structure extending from one
side of the bed to the other side of the bed and from the head end
of the bed to the other foot end of the bed, and in which said
means for securing said distal end to the mattress support frame
comprises at least one connector extending between each said distal
end and said planar structure.
14. A bed rail as in claim 13 in which said planar structure
comprises a plywood sheet.
15. A bed rail as in claim 11 further including a bolster, said
bolster being substantially the same length as said side panel and
having an upper head portion extending above the mattress and a
lower foot portion extending between the mattress and said side
panel.
16. A bed rail as in claim 11 in which said side panel includes a
perforated surface.
17. A bed rail for use with a convertible crib, comprising: a. a
first leg and a second leg, each of said legs having a proximate
end and a distal end and being adapted to fit between a mattress
and a mattress support frame of a convertible crib, the convertible
crib having an open side lacking a bed rail and a closed side
including a bed rail, said proximate end of each leg being adjacent
said open side and said distal end being adjacent said closed side;
b. means for securing said distal end of each of said legs to the
mattress support frame on said closed side, so that said legs are
transversely oriented with respect to a longitudinal axis of the
mattress; c. an elongated side panel, said side panel having a
first lower corner pivotally connected to said proximate end of
said first leg and a second lower corner pivotally connected to
said proximate end of said second leg, said side panel being
selectively lockable into a raised position in which it extends
vertically and upwardly from said lower corners to an elevation
above the mattress, and releasable into a lowered position in which
it extends vertically and downwardly from said lower corners to
provide ready access to said open side of the convertible crib.
18. A bed rail as in claim 17 in which said means for securing said
distal end to the mattress support frame comprises a clamp
connected to a portion of the support frame located on the other
side of the convertible crib.
19. A bed rail as in claim 17 in which said means for securing said
distal end to the mattress support frame comprises a flexible strap
connected to each said distal end of said legs wrapped around a
portion of the support frame located on said closed side of the
convertible crib and extending underneath the support frame to said
open side of the bed.
20. A bed rail as in claim 17 in which the mattress support frame
comprises a substantially rigid planar structure extending from
said open side of the convertible crib to the closed side of the
convertible crib and from the head end of the convertible crib the
foot end of the convertible crib, and in which said means for
securing said distal end to the mattress support frame comprises at
least one connector extending between each said distal end and said
planar structure.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] Pursuant to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e)(1),
Applicants claim the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/297,757, filed Jan. 23, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to improvements in bed rails
for beds and convertible cribs. More particularly, the invention
pertains to an improved anchoring system for such bed rails, and an
accessory safety bolster for use therewith.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Bed rails are generally employed for safety purposes,
namely, to prevent a person from falling from a bed onto the floor
and being injured. They maybe used in hospitals or long-term care
facilities, where patients are unconscious or otherwise unable to
stay within the confines of the bed. Additionally, bed rails may be
used to confine infants or toddlers within a bed, so they are
prevented from rolling off the mattress during sleep or exuberant
play. Exemplary of the latter class is the device shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,990,697, issued to Clute, for A Bed Rail With
Entrapment-Resistant Side Panel. This bed rail includes a side
panel provided with an intermediate restraining rod to lessen the
likelihood of infant entrapment between the side panel and the
mattress. In this construction, flexible anchor straps extend
between the outer ends of support legs, adjacent the side panel,
and an anchor plate on the opposite side of the bed, to maintain
the bed rail in place.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,353, granted to Waldman et al.,
discloses an Adjustable Bed Rail employing two pairs of square
tubing in one embodiment, to secure the bed rail in place. In other
embodiments, different arrangements of flexible straps extending to
one or more anchors on the far side of the bed, are used to hold
the bed rail support structure snugly against the bed mattress.
[0007] A Bed Rail And Clamp is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.
7,028,354, issued to Nygren et al. This device includes feet that
extend between the mattress and the box spring, and a support
portion that is adjustable to grip the mattress. When desired, the
side panel can also be pivoted down and away from the mattress, as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of this reference.
[0008] An accessory for use in combination with a bed rail is shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,666, granted to Zigmont for a Gap-Filling
Pad Disposable Between A Mattress And A Bed Rail. The pad
construction is designed to prevent patient entrapment between a
mattress supported by a bed frame and a bed rail movable with
respect to the bed frame. A plurality of elastic straps is employed
to secure the pad around either the bed frame, the bed rail, or the
mattress.
[0009] However, the need exists for a bed rail that can be used
advantageously with both a bed and the popular convertible crib,
and which exhibits improved stability and security over
conventional bed rails.
[0010] The need also exists for a bed rail that can securely be
attached to various forms of mattress support frames, such as metal
frames provided with cross-wire springs or plywood boards known as
"bunkie boards."
[0011] The need further exists for an improved safety bolster
accessory to prevent infant and toddler entrapment between the
mattress and the side panel of the bed rail. Such an improved
bolster eliminates the need for attachment straps, and allows quick
installation and removal of the bolster.
[0012] These and other objects of the present bed rail construction
will be described more fully in the specification and detailed
description to follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The bed rail described herein includes first and second
legs, providing a secure means of support for the other bed rail
components, and different options for affixation to a mattress
support frame. The legs are preferably constructed from a rigid,
tubular material, adapted to fit between the mattress and the
mattress support frame of a bed or a convertible crib. The legs are
arranged in parallel spaced relation, extending transversely from
one side of the bed to the other side of the bed.
[0014] The proximate end of each leg is pivotally attached to a
respective lower corner of an elongated side panel. When locked
into a fully raised position, the side panel extends vertically to
an elevation above the mattress to provide a safety restraint on
one side of the bed or crib. When placed into an unlocked
condition, the panel may be pivoted downwardly, about the proximate
ends of the legs, into a fully lowered position. This position
allows easy access to the toddler, or ingress to and egress from
the bed or crib.
[0015] The bed rail also includes means for securing the distal end
of the first and second legs to the mattress support frame at a
location on the other side of the bed or crib. One such means is a
clamp, adapted to interconnect each distal end to a peripheral
portion of the mattress support frame. Another means disclosed
comprises an elongated flexible strap extending from the distal end
of each leg, wrapping around the peripheral portion of the adjacent
mattress support frame, and then returning under the spring portion
of the mattress support frame for attachment to the opposite side
of the bed or crib. Yet another means disclosed uses at least one
connector extending between the distal ends of the legs and an
underlying planar structure comprising an alternative construction
for the mattress support frame.
[0016] Also disclosed is an improved safety bolster for use with
the bed rail. The bolster is substantially the same length as the
side panel, and includes an upper head portion extending above the
mattress and a lower foot portion extending between the mattress
and said side panel. The upper head portion includes an angled
face, directed downwardly and inwardly toward the inner portion of
the mattress. The angled face is adapted to prevent the head or
other parts of the infant or toddler from being entrapped between
the side panel and the mattress. The lower foot portion secures the
safety bolster in place without straps or the like, while allowing
quick removal as needed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible crib with one
side rail and its mattress removed, the bed rail being shown with
its side panel in a raised position in solid line and in a lowered
position in broken line, the mattress being shown in broken line
for clarity;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bed rail showing the
mattress support frame clamps on the distal ends of the first and
second legs;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the first leg
with the clamp on its distal end attached to the peripheral portion
of the mattress support frame;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the leg and clamp
arrangement shown in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the clamp
components, the distal end of the first leg, and a fragment of the
peripheral portion of the mattress support frame;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a convertible crib with
its mattress in place and fitted with the bed rail, the safety
bolster accessory being installed between the mattress and the side
panel;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the safety bolster, showing
the vertically extending foot portion;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary end elevational view of the crib,
showing the foot portion of the bolster wedged between the side
panel and the mattress;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative construction
for the leg securing means, including a flexible strap extending
from the distal end of each leg;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the alternative
construction for the securing means shown in FIG. 9, the outline of
the mattress being shown in broken line;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative
construction for the leg securing means, including at least one
bolt and nut connector extending between the distal end of each leg
and the planar structure of the mattress support frame; and, FIG.
12 is a side elevational view of the alternative construction for
the securing means shown in FIG. 11, the outline of the mattress
being shown in broken line.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the bed rail 11 of the present
invention is particularly well adapted for use with the popular
convertible crib 12. The convertible crib 12 is aptly named because
it functions as a crib in a first configuration (not shown), but
can be converted into a toddler bed in the second configuration
shown in FIG. 1. Typically, in the crib configuration all four
rails are in place, two end rails 13 and two side rails 14
providing a completely walled-in area. Also in this configuration,
the mattress 16 is positioned in a relatively high location within
the crib, so the parents can access the baby.
[0029] When the baby grows older, taller, and stronger into a
toddler, an adjustable mattress support frame 17 is relocated
downwardly to place the mattress 16 at a lower height within the
crib. A common construction for mattress support frame 17 comprises
a rectangular peripheral portion 18 surrounding and suspending a
spring portion 19. Angle braces 21 extending between end rails 13
and peripheral portion 18 provide the means for adjusting the
height of mattress 16.
[0030] At the same time as the height of the mattress 16 is
adjusted, one of the side rails 14 is removed, allowing easier
access to the toddler and to allow the toddler to climb into and
out of the bed on her own. In this second configuration, the
convertible crib 12 is commonly termed a toddler bed, having some
of the characteristics of a crib and a bed. However, the need still
exits for a selectively positionable bed rail 11 for use with the
convertible crib 12 in the toddler bed configuration. For example,
at night when the toddler is sleeping, a secure bed rail llthat can
be raised into a vertical position above the mattress surface
ensures that the toddler cannot fall out of the bed onto the floor.
And, when used in combination with a convertible crib 12, bed rails
of this type are also useful to keep the toddler in the toddler bed
when the parent is busy doing other tasks.
[0031] For the purpose of securing bed rail 11 to the convertible
crib 12, a first leg 22 and a second leg 23 are provided. First leg
22 and a second leg 23 are preferably made from a rigid, tubular
material, adapted to fit between the mattress 16 and the mattress
support frame 17. For the purpose of adjustability in length, legs
22 and 23 may be of telescoping construction, as shown in the
drawings. Both legs 22 and 23 have a proximate end 24 and a distal
end 26, and extend transversely, in spaced, parallel relation, from
one open side 27 of the convertible crib 12 to the other closed
side 28 of the convertible crib. The telescoping feature mentioned
above, may be used advantageously to adjust the length of legs 22
and 23 so they substantially span the transverse dimension of the
mattress 16 and the support frame 17.
[0032] To ensure that legs 22 and 23 cannot shift or slide, first
means 29 is provided for securing distal ends 26 of first leg 22
and second leg 23 to the peripheral portion 18 of the mattress
support frame 17 located on the other side 28 of the crib 12. First
means 29 for securing distal ends 26 includes a clamp 31, a bolt
32, and a wing nut 33. A plurality of apertures 34 is provided in
each of the distal ends 26 to accommodate clamps 31 of different
lengths and configurations adapted to encircle peripheral portion
18. A passageway 36 may also be provided in the wall of clamp 31 to
allow distal ends 26 to pass through the clamp 31 and form a more
secure assembly. FIGS. 4-6, inclusive, show the manner of
assembling clamp 31, distal end 26, and peripheral portion 18.
[0033] Bed rail 11 also includes an elongated side panel 37,
comprising an inverted U-shaped frame 38, a cross-brace member 39,
a first lower corner connector 41, and a second lower corner
connector 42. Side panel 37 has a perforated cover 43 surrounding
frame 38 and cross-brace member 39. Cover 43 is usually
manufactured from a combination of polyester and mesh materials.
First lower corner connector 41 is affixed to proximate end 24 of
first leg 22, and second lower corner connector 42 is affixed to
proximate end 24 of second leg 23, as shown most clearly in FIG. 2.
A short strap 40 may optionally be secured around cross-brace
member 39 and peripheral portion 18 of the support frame 17, for
additional stability for the rail assembly. So installed on
convertible crib 12, a lower portion of side panel 37 is maintained
in snug relation against corresponding portions of mattress 16.
[0034] The side panel 37 is selectively lockable in a raised
position in which it extends vertically and upwardly to an
elevation above the upper surface of mattress 16. The conventional
locking mechanism employed is best appreciated in FIG. 2, where the
arrow lines 46 indicate lowering the panel 37 so the lower ends of
frame 38 engage first and second corner connectors 41 and 42. In
this position, panel 37 provides a safety restraint for toddlers on
open side 27 of the crib 12. Arrow lines 46 also indicate raising
the panel 37, so that it is released from the locking mechanism and
maybe rotated about connectors 41 and 42 into a lowered position,
providing ready access to open side 27 of the crib 12. The lowered
position is shown in broken line in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIGS. 6 through 8, inclusive, disclose an improved safety
bolster 47 for use with the bed rail 11. The bolster 47 is
manufactured from a resilient material, such as foam or other
cushion material, and extends substantially the same length as the
side panel 37. Bolster 47 includes an upper head portion 48
extending above the mattress 16, and a lower foot portion 49
extending between the mattress 16 and the side panel 37. Upper head
portion 48 includes an angled face 51, inclined downwardly and
inwardly toward the central portion of the mattress 16. The angled
face 51 is configured to prevent the head or other parts of the
infant or toddler from becoming entrapped between the side panel 37
and the mattress 16. As shown particularly in FIG. 8, the lower
foot portion 49 secures the safety bolster 47 in place without
straps or connectors, while allowing quick removal by merely
pulling upwardly on the head portion 48.
[0036] Second means 52 for securing distal ends 26 of the legs 22
and 23 to the mattress support frame 17 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
Second means 52 comprises a flexible strap 53 which is first
connected to distal end 26 by means of bolt 32 and wing nut 33.
Then, strap 53 is wrapped around the peripheral portion 18 of the
support frame 17 located on the other side 28 of the crib 12. Strap
53 is next drawn underneath the spring portion 19 of the support
frame 17 to one side 27 of the crib 12 where it is wrapped around
member 39, pulled tight, and then attached to itself by hook and
loop fasteners on facing surfaces.
[0037] Third means 54 for securing distal ends 26 of the legs 22
and 23 is useful in connection with cribs or beds employing an
alternative mattress support frame 56, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
Mattress support frame 56 is known in the trade as a "bunkie
board." Mattress support frame 56 comprises a substantially rigid
planar structure, such as a piece of plywood, extending from one
side of the crib to the other side of the crib and from the head
end of the crib to the foot end of the crib. A metal frame or
surround (not shown) may also be employed under the periphery of
the piece of plywood to provide additional support. Third means 54
includes at least one connector, such as bolt 32 and wing nut 33,
to secure each distal end 26 to the underlying support frame 56.
This is readily accomplished by drilling a hole through frame 56
using existing aperture 34 as a drilling guide, and then passing
bolt 32 through the distal end and fastening and tightening wing
nut 33.
* * * * *