Infant Crib With Tensioned Netting For Sidewalls

Abstract

An infant crib with tensioned netting. A frame having corner posts connected by upper and lower rails, is provided. A support arm has a first portion connected to each corner post, and second portion extending inwardly. A mattress support frame is supported by each second portion. A mattress overlies the mattress support frame. A bed skirt has an upper edge engaged by respective skirt rods that engage respective skirt rod receivers on the upper end of the support arms. A plurality of rod hooks is mounted on the inside wall of the lower rail. Netting extends between and around the corner posts and the rails. The upper ends of the netting roll over the upper rail and engage a respective upper rod, extending between adjacent posts. The lower ends of the netting engage a respective lower rod, secured within the rod hooks. Resilient and foraminous crib sidewalls are thereby defined.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates generally to improvements in infant cribs. More particularly, the invention pertains to an infant crib employing tensioned netting defining resilient and foraminous sidewalls in a crib, in lieu of slats, rods, or other rigid sidewall structures.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 2,128,978 represents a typical infant crib that has been in use for many years. For the purpose of confining and restraining an infant, conventional cribs used a plurality of vertical slats 12 in combination with upper and lower frame or rail pieces. The slats 12 are close enough to each other to prevent the infant from slipping between them, and high enough to prevent the infant from crawling over the top rail piece. The peripheral wall created by the vertical slats allows light and air to enter the crib and permits visual contact between the infant and the caretakers. A bottom pad 20 fits within the confines of the peripheral wall, and padded side wings 22, such as that shown in the '978 patent, may be provided to extend above the surface of the bottom pad 20. The resulting padded enclosure is designed to provide a comfortable floor while preventing potentially injurious contact between the infant and the rigid vertical slats 12.

[0005] Crib designs further evolved, because infant deaths resulting from the use of prior art solid wall crib bumpers were reported. The infant's head can become trapped between the mattress and the lower edge of the bumper, presenting the danger of asphyxiation. For example, in Patent Application Publication US 2012/0278995, a Crib Bumper System is shown which includes a bumper having an inner first section and an outer second section. The first section is formed from mesh material to provide improved breathability, and safety, and the second section is formed from a material that can be decorated. Notwithstanding these efforts, the bumpers shown in this application still leave a gap between the bottom of the bumper and the top of the mattress. Owing to the exposed lower portion of the rigid slats 116, entrapment or impact injury is still possible.

[0006] In Patent Application Publication US 2012/0284919, an Aerated Bumper And Liner System For A Baby Crib is shown. This arrangement uses a plurality of vertical posts or bars to form the exterior structure of the crib, and an aerated bumper and liner system on the inside of the exterior structure. The bumper and liner system includes pads with apertures that allow for added air circulation. The apertures extend generally from the median portion of the pad down to the mattress level, the region where a baby would come into contact with the pad while sleeping.

[0007] Yet another approach to minimizing injuries to infants in cribs is shown in U.S. D613,091, showing two embodiments of Infant Cribs. The cribs as disclosed, include what appear to be padded coverings on the vertical rods forming the sides of the cribs. If the padding is sufficiently soft and compliant, some protection against injuries from hitting the rods would be afforded. The padded rods are arranged in spaced relation to provide air circulation and a degree of ingoing and outgoing visibility.

[0008] Entirely eliminating the vertical confining rods or slats in a conventional crib is the design objective of a Slotless Safety Infant Crib, made the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,041, issued to Girdwain. In lieu of rods or slats, the crib of the '041 patent employs a flexible planar member that spans each sidewall and each end wall of the crib. The upper and lower edges of the planar members are attached, respectively, to upper and lower rails by means of receiving slots, adhesive, and mechanical fasteners. See, column 3, lines 52-62. The side panels may also include a central orifice in which a clear plastic panel is located, providing a viewing window.

[0009] Infant playpens are generally related in function to infant cribs, but they tend to be designed for breakdown, fold-up, and portability. Playpens also are characterized by using flexible material such as netting, fabric, or the like, for sidewalls and end walls of the playpen. Typically, the netting material is permanently attached to upper and lower tubular members of the playpen, by providing sewn loops along the upper and lower edges of the material.

[0010] An example of a Portable Playpen is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,318, granted to Cirillo. The playpen in the '318 patent has rectangular upper and lower frames to which a flexible enclosure, made from netting, is affixed. See, column 3, lines 56-62. The fully deployed configuration is shown in FIG. 1, and the broken down and folded up configuration is shown in FIG. 2.

[0011] A Multiple Purpose Convertible Playpen is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,349, issued to Tharalson et al. Owing to its construction, the playpen of the '349 patent may be converted into a bassinet, a changing table, or a bed-side crib, or co-sleeper. This design features a collapsible rigid frame, and sidewalls and endwalls made from netting material.

[0012] In contrast to the above-discussed prior art, it is an object herein to disclose an infant crib construction which entirely eliminates the use of slats, rods, or other rigid vertical members, and replaces such structures with tensioned netting, providing foraminous and resilient crib sidewalls.

[0013] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an infant crib having tensioned netting for sidewalls, in which the netting can be detached from the crib frame for cleaning or replacement.

[0014] It is also an object herein to teach an infant crib with tensioned sidewall netting, which comprises a number of separate parts grouped into a compact package for shipping, which can be quickly assembled on site by the user without special tools or implements.

[0015] It is also an object herein to disclose an infant crib without rigid member sidewalls, in which the mattress elevation can be easily adjusted to a level appropriate for the infant, to provide easy access to the infant while preventing the infant from climbing out of the crib.

[0016] These and other objects will become apparent in the specification and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment, to follow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An infant crib comprises a frame, preferably having four corner posts connected to each other by means of upper and lower bed rails. The bed rails are parallel to each other and arranged in vertically spaced relation. The lower bed rail may include decorative features such as paneling or a fabric covering, on its exposed side.

[0018] The crib also includes a plurality of support arms, preferably U-shaped in configuration. A first portion of each support arm is detachably mounted to the inner corner of each corner post, with the second portion extending inwardly toward the center portion of the crib. At least two vertically offset sets of lug connectors are provided on the corner posts, to mount the arms at two different heights. The upper end of the second portion of each support arm terminates in a horizontal plate. The four horizontal plates of the support arms provide support for a mattress support frame.

[0019] The mattress support frame has a lower side with corners resting upon and engaging a respective one of the horizontal plates. The support frame has a conventional wire and spring construction, adapted resiliently to support a mattress. The mattress overlies the upper side of the mattress support frame, and is generally co-extensive therewith. When initially assembling the crib, or modifying it later as the infant grows stronger and taller, the user chooses the appropriate set of lug connectors on the corner posts to support the mattress at the desired height.

[0020] The sidewalls of the crib are formed by peripheral netting, preferably made from a continuous run of foraminous netting material. The netting is tensioned to provide a restraint barrier, but it is also sufficiently resilient to prevent injury to the infant. The netting includes upper and lower edges provided with respective connectors, preferably in the form of loops, sized and configured to accommodate support and tensioning rods.

[0021] A plurality of rod hooks is mounted on the inside wall of the lower rail. A plurality of rod receivers is mounted on opposing sides of the corner posts, immediately beneath the upper rails. Lower rods are passed through the lower loops in the netting, and placed within respective rod hooks. Upper rods are passed through the upper loops in the netting, then lifted over and around the upper rails to place the netting under tension. Then, the upper rods are placed within respective rod receivers, maintaining the netting in a continuously tensioned condition. Resilient and foraminous crib sidewalls are thereby defined by the tensioned netting.

[0022] The infant crib may also include a bed skirt. The upper edges of the bed skirt include connectors, preferably loops, similar to those provided in the netting. Respective skirt rods are passed through the loops, and then installed within respective skirt rod receivers on the upper end of the support arms. A peripheral decorative skirt for the infant crib is thereby provided.

[0023] The skirt rods also are effective to direct and confine the netting in the important region above the surface of the mattress. This eliminates a gap that might otherwise exist between the netting and the top surface of the mattress, and acts to maintain the netting in spaced relation from the corner posts. Both of these functions provide an additional measure of safety for the infant.

[0024] Lastly, the skirt rods provide the additional utility of laterally restraining the mattress from movement over or off of the mattress support frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the infant crib with the support arms and the mattress support frame in an upper position, with the bed skirt installed and a portion of the mattress being broken away;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a view as in FIG. 1, but with the support arms and the mattress support frame in a lower position;

[0027] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective of selected inner components of the infant crib, including the netting, the mattress, the mattress support frame, and the bed skirt;

[0028] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of selected framework components of the infant crib, including the corner posts, the upper and lower bed rails, and the support arms;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective of a corner post and upper and lower rails, with the support arm in an upper position, also showing the manner of installing the bed skirt rods and the mattress support frame;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective of a corner post and upper and lower rails, showing the manner of installing the support arm into a lower position;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a view as in FIG. 5, but showing the support arm in a lower position;

[0032] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective of a support arm, taken to an enlarged scale, showing lug apertures, skirt rod receivers, and a spring-loaded plunger on the upper end of the arm;

[0033] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective of a corner post and two upper bed rails, showing the manner of installing the upper netting rod into a rod receiver;

[0034] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective of a lower rail fitted with a rod hook, showing the manner of installing the lower netting rod within the hook;

[0035] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective of a corner post and the upper end of a support arm, showing the manner of installing the lug apertures over respective lugs on the post; and,

[0036] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 1, showing the relationship of the netting, the support arm, and the mattress, with the support arm in an upper position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an infant crib 11 of the present construction, particularly designed to provide a safe sleeping and play area for infants. Crib 11 includes frame 12 (See, FIG. 4), comprising a plurality of vertical corner posts 13 connected to each other by side upper rails 14, end upper rails 16, side lower rails 17, and end lower rails 18. Upper rails 14 and 16, and lower rails 17 and 18, are parallel with respect to each other, and are arranged in vertically spaced relation. Lower rails 17 and 18 are preferably pre-assembled into panels at the factory, and they may be provided with an array of vertical slats 19, other ornamental features, or fabric.

[0038] The posts 13 and the rails 14, 16, 17, and 18 may be fastened together by means of screws 15, shown in FIG. 4. Typically, the main components of frame 12 will be fabricated at the factory, and shipped unassembled in a compact package to the consumer who then assembles them at home.

[0039] Crib 11 further includes a plurality of support arms 21, shown in the greatest detail in FIG. 8. Although support arm 21 is shown in FIG. 8 as being formed from two pieces into a generally U-shaped configuration, arm 21 could be of unitary construction and could assume different configurations than U-shaped and provide the same utility. Each support arm 21 has a first portion 22 detachably mounted to a respective corner post 13 and a second portion 23 extending inwardly from the corner post 13 toward the middle region of crib 11 and then upwardly.

[0040] The upper end of first portion 22 includes a pair of upper ears 24 provided with a variety of connectors. The first connectors are a pair of lug apertures 26, one provided within each upper ear 24. Lug apertures 26 are preferably "keyhole" shaped, to facilitate quick initial installation and subsequent removal and relocation of support arms 21. The second connector is a "PEM" spring-loaded plunger 27, press-fit into a bore (not shown) in one of the upper ears 24. The third connectors are a pair of skirt rod receivers 28, extending from each of the upper ears 24. Each receiver 28 includes a finger 29, a cross-member 31, and a spring 32. Both finger 29 and cross-member 31 include respective mating slots, so they can be slid together and spot welded. Spring 32 slides snugly over the assembled finger 29 and cross-member 31.

[0041] The lower end of first portion 22 also includes a pair of lower ears 33. A pair of lug apertures 26 is also provided, one within each ear 33. It should be noted that lower ears 33 are oriented at 90.degree. with respect to each other, and oriented at 45.degree. with respect to the plane of first portion 22. It should also be noted that upper ears 24 are also oriented at 90.degree. with respect to each other, but oriented at 135.degree. with respect to the plane of first portion 22. Lastly, it is evident from FIG. 8 that first portion 22 and second portion 23 lie in the same plane. The importance of these angular relationships will be developed more fully below, in explaining how the support arms 21 are mounted in two different locations along the corner post 13.

[0042] After the corner posts 13 and the upper and lower rails 14, 16, 17 and 18 have been assembled, it is time to install the support arms 21. To install the support arms 21 in an upper position, an upper set of lugs, comprising post lugs 34 and rail lugs 36 is provided. Each post 13 has a pair of upper post lugs 34, while each end of side lower rail 17 and each end of lower rail 18 includes a single upper rail lug 36. (See, FIGS. 6 and 7, where a single corner post 13 is shown assembled with lower side rail 17 and lower end rail 18). Post lugs 34 are mounted on sides 37 of post 13, and rail lugs 36 are mounted on inner sides 38 of rails 17 and 18. FIG. 5 shows a support arm 21 installed over corner post 13, with the post lugs 34 secured within apertures 26 in upper ears 24, and the rail lugs 36 secured within apertures 26 in lower ears 33. Owing to the orientation of the first and second portions 22 and 23 of support arm 21 with respect to upper ears 24 and lower ears 33, second portion 23 is directed inwardly, toward the center portion of the crib 11, at an angle of approximately 45.degree. from each inner side 38.

[0043] For the purpose of providing a safety locking mechanism for support arm 21, previously mentioned spring-loaded plunger 27 is provided. An upper rod bore 39 is provided on one side 37 of corner post 13, immediately above a lug 34. When arm 21 is being installed, plunger 27 is withdrawn until the lugs 34 are secured in lug apertures 26. Then, the plunger 27 is released, and its rod portion (not shown) enters upper rod bore 39. Although this additional safety feature is optional, it does prevent the inadvertent release of support arm 21 from its mounted position.

[0044] To install the support arms 21 in a lower position, a lower set of lugs, comprising post lugs 41 and rail lugs 42 is provided. Each post 13 has a pair of lower post lugs 41 and each end of side lower rail 17 and each end of lower rail 18 includes a single lower rail lug 42. (See, FIGS. 5 and 6). Post lugs 41 are mounted on sides 37 of post 13, and rail lugs 42 are mounted on inner sides 38 of rails 17 and 18. FIG. 7 shows a support arm 21 installed over corner post 13, with the post lugs 41 secured within apertures 26 in upper ears 24, and the rail lugs 42 secured within apertures 26 in lower ears 33. A lower rod bore 43 is provided on one side 37 of corner post 13, immediately above a lug 41, for the purpose of receiving the plunger rod from spring-loaded plunger 27, after arm 21 is mounted in its lower position.

[0045] A horizontal plate 44 is located at the upper termination of the second portion 23 of each support arm 21. The purpose of each plate 44 is to support a corner of a mattress support frame 46 in horizontal relation within the confines of the crib 11. Support frame 46 is of conventional design, including a peripheral frame 47, wires 48, and springs 49. The configuration of plate 44 is not critical, and it can be modified, for example, to engage in a more positive manner with a corner of mattress support frame 46. A simple modification would involve adding a curved corner portion with short sidewalls extending therefrom, to emulate the configuration of the support frame corner. This would assist in maintaining mattress support frame 46 in a locked position.

[0046] At this juncture, it is easiest to install crib sidewall means 51. Crib sidewall means 51 comprises a run of netting 52 of a length and height sufficient to extend around an inner periphery of crib frame 12. This inner periphery is generally defined by corner posts 13, upper rails 14 and 16, and lower rails 17 and 18. The netting 52 is preferably made from a material which is stretchable, so it can be tensioned, and is also sufficiently resilient to provide a measure of "push-back" from impinging forces. Netting 52 includes an upper edge provided with connectors, preferably in the form of upper loops 53, and a lower edge provided with connectors, preferably in the form of lower loops 54. (See, FIGS. 3, 9, and 10). Various types of equivalent connectors may be employed on and along upper and lower edges, such as VELCRO.RTM., snaps, clips, and various male and female couplers. It is desirable, however, that the connectors be detachable, so that netting 52 can be removed as needed.

[0047] Although the netting 52 is preferably a continuous run of material, upper corner cutouts 56 and lower corner cutouts 57 are provided. Upper corner cutouts 56 accommodate the upper ends of corner posts 13. Lower corner cutouts 57 accommodate an arcuate portion 58 of the second portion 23 of support arm 21, when support arm 21 is mounted in its upper position. (See, FIG. 12).

[0048] Netting support and tensioning means are also provided. These support and tensioning means are attached both to connectors such as loops 53 on the upper lower edge of the netting 52 and to connectors such as loops 54 on the lower edge of the netting 52. Support and tensioning means are also mounted on the lower rails 17 and 18, and to corner posts 13, as will be explained below.

[0049] The inside walls of side lower rails 17 and end lower rails 18 include a plurality of lower rod hooks 59. A plurality of lower rods 61 is also provided, each passing through a respective lower loop 54. Cutouts 62 are provided in lower loops 54 and a small portion of netting 52, to provide access to a lower rod 61 therein. As shown most clearly in FIG. 10, each lower rod 61 is engaged within respective lower rod hooks 59, securing the entire lower edge of netting 52. Although hooks 59 are the preferred means of attachment for rods 61, other equivalent securing means such as VELCRO.RTM., snaps, clips, and various male and female couplers, as mentioned above, would also work well.

[0050] A plurality of upper rods 63 is provided, each passing through a respective upper loop 53 and having a short exposed portion at each end of the loop. A plurality of upper rod receivers 64 is mounted on opposing facing sides 37 of corner posts 13, adjacent and just below side upper rails 14 and end upper rails 16. Each upper rod receiver 64 includes a pin 66 and a spring 67 extending around pin 66. A longitudinal groove 68 is preferably located along the lower, outer edge of each rail 14 and 16. The rods 63 may include a small bore (not shown) in each end, or hollow tubes may be substituted for the rods. Also, it is a matter of design choice whether receivers 64 are comprised of male or female coupling structures.

[0051] With the lower edge of netting 52 secured, the upper edge of netting 52, including loop 53 and upper rod 63, is drawn upwardly over and around the top edge of a side upper rail 14, tensioning a portion of netting 52. (See, FIG. 9). One exposed end of upper rod 63 is inserted into or over a respective upper rod receiver 64 in one corner post 13, and the other exposed end of upper rod 63 is inserted into or over a respective upper rod receiver 64 in an opposing corner post 13. Spring 67 provides bias means tending to urge each end of upper rod 63 away from a respective corner post. Longitudinal groove 68 acts further to secure loop 53 and upper rod 63 in place. (See, FIG. 12).

[0052] An alternative construction that could be substituted for the foregoing arrangement calls for rod slots in the top of the corner posts 13, into which upper rod 63 would be placed after netting 52 has been stretched and placed under tension. A locking cap over the tops of corner posts 13 would restrain rod 63 from popping out of the slots. Other structural equivalents for mounting and tensioning the upper edge of netting 52 would be matters of obvious design choice to an artisan of ordinary skill.

[0053] Now that one upper edge of netting 52 has been secured, the user can proceed around the upper edges of crib 11, securing the other upper edges of the netting 52 in place, using an identical method and using the same netting support and tensioning means described above. At this point, netting 52 has been sufficiently tensioned and secured in place, to provide a tensioned and resilient sidewall structure, entirely surrounding and closing off the inner periphery of infant crib 11.

[0054] Since all of the support arms 21 have previously been mounted on a respective corner post 13, the mattress support frame 46 can now be lowered into position within the crib 11, with its lower portion resting over the plates 44. A conventional mattress 69, is then lowered over mattress support frame 46, completing the floor components of the crib 11. It should be noted that the support frame 46 and the mattress 69 are suspended within crib 11 entirely by plates 44 attached to second portion 23 of support arms 21, and they are completely free from any attachment to netting 52. As will be discussed below, this feature allows support arms 21, mattress support frame 46, and mattress 69 to be independently moved into either an upper or a lower position, without concern for interference from netting 52.

[0055] Infant crib 11 further includes a bed skirt 71 having opposing side sections 72 and opposing end sections 73. Skirt 71 typically would include decorative design elements to enhance the visual appeal of the infant crib 11. An upper edge of each skirt section includes a connector, preferably in the form of a loop 74, engaged by a respective skirt rod 76. This construction is shown in greater detail, in FIGS. 5 and 7. Each skirt rod 76 is engaged by a respective skirt rod receiver 28, which has previously been described, and which is located on the upper ears 24 of support arm 21.

[0056] The location of skirt rods 76 is such that they are approximately halfway up the sides of mattress 69, and in contingent relation with the sides of the mattress 69. It is also significant to note that with the skirt rods 76 located along sides of mattress 69, the netting 52 extends between skirt rods 76 and the sides of mattress 69. Thus, in addition to providing support for the skirt 71, the skirt rods 76 also are effective to direct and confine the netting 52 particularly in the important region above the surface of the mattress 69. This direction and confinement of the netting 52 eliminates a gap that might otherwise exist between the netting 52 and the mattress 69, and acts to maintain the netting 52 in spaced relation from the corner posts 13. Both of these functions provide an additional measure of safety for the infant. Lastly, the skirt rods 76 provide the additional utility of laterally restraining the mattress 69 from movement over or off of the mattress support frame 46.

[0057] As is evident from a comparison between FIGS. 1 and 2, mattress 69 can be installed at two different elevations, depending upon the circumstances. When the infant is small and not able to stand up readily, the upper position shown in FIG. 1 would likely be selected. The parent can more readily access the infant, yet the infant is unable to crawl out of the crib owing to limited strength and agility. However, when the infant is older and able to stand up, the lower position shown in FIG. 2 would be appropriate.

[0058] As explained previously, by mounting the support arms 21 at a selected height, the mattress support frame 46 and the mattress 69 will assume a corresponding higher or lower height. Although the present design discloses two sets of lugs at different elevations, that is simply a matter of design choice, and additional lugs at intermediate elevations could easily be added to provide more selections for ultimate mattress height.

[0059] For replacement or cleaning the netting 52, the mattress 69 and the mattress support frame 46 are first removed. This provides easy access to the lower edges of the netting 52, so lower rods 61 can be removed from lower rod hooks 59. Alternatively, upper rods 63 may be released from upper rod receivers 64, allowing the removal of netting 52 from infant crib 11.

Claims

1. An infant crib with tensioned netting for peripheral sidewalls, comprising: a. a frame comprising a plurality of vertical corner posts connected by upper and lower rails, said upper and lower rails being arranged in vertically spaced relation; b. a plurality of support arms, each having a first portion mounted to a respective said corner post and a second portion extending inwardly from said respective corner post; c. a mattress support frame being supported by said second portions of said support arms; d. a mattress overlying and generally coextensive with said mattress support frame; e. crib sidewall means, said sidewall means comprising: a run of netting sufficient to extend around an inner periphery of said frame, said inner periphery being defined by said posts and said upper and lower bed rails, said netting including upper and lower edges provided with respective upper and lower connectors; a plurality of lower rod hooks, said lower rod hooks being mounted on an inside wall of said lower rail; a plurality of upper rod receivers mounted on opposing facing sides of said corner posts, adjacent said upper rails; a plurality of lower rods, said lower rods being attached to said lower edge of said netting by said lower connectors and engaged within respective lower rod hooks; a plurality of upper rods, said upper rods being attached to said upper edge of said netting by said upper connectors, said upper edges of said netting extending over and around said upper rails placing said netting under tension, and said upper rods being placed within respective said upper rod receivers, maintaining said netting in a continuously tensioned condition and defining crib sidewalls.

2. An infant crib as in claim 1 in which said support arms are generally U-shaped in configuration.

3. An infant crib as in claim 1 including lugs on said corner posts and lug apertures on said support arms, for mounting said support arms on said corner posts.

4. An infant crib as in claim 3 in which a first set of said lugs is provided for mounting said support arms in a first upper position, and a second set of said lugs is provided for mounting said support arms in a second lower position.

5. An infant crib as in claim 1 in which each of said support arms includes a spring-loaded plunger with a rod, said rod being directed toward said corner post and being nested within a rod bore in said corner post, when said support arm is mounted thereon.

6. An infant crib as in claim 1 in which said upper rod receivers comprise pins having spring bias means extending around said pins to urge said upper rods away from a respective corner post.

7. An infant crib as in claim 1 further including a bed skirt having an upper edge engaged by respective skirt rods, said skirt rods being engaged by respective skirt rod receivers on upper ends of said first portion of said support arms.

8. An infant crib as in claim 7 in which said skirt rods are located along sides of said mattress, and in which said netting extends between said skirt rods and said sides of said mattress.

9. An infant crib with tensioned netting for peripheral sidewalls, comprising: a. a frame comprising a plurality of vertical corner posts connected by upper and lower rails, said upper and lower rails being arranged in vertically spaced relation; b. a plurality of support arms, each having a first portion mounted to a respective said corner post and a second portion extending inwardly from said respective corner post; c. a mattress support frame being supported by said second portions of said support arms; d. a mattress overlying and generally coextensive with said mattress support frame; e. a run of netting sufficient to extend around an inner periphery of said frame, said inner periphery being defined by said posts and said upper and lower bed rails, said netting including upper and lower edges provided with respective upper and lower connectors; and, f. netting support and tensioning means, said support and tensioning means being attached to said upper and lower connectors on said upper and lower edges of said netting, and being mounted on said lower rails and said corner posts.

10. An infant crib as in claim 9 in which said support and tensioning means comprises: a plurality of lower rod hooks, said lower rod hooks being mounted on an inside wall of said lower rail; a plurality of upper rod receivers mounted on opposing facing sides of said corner posts, adjacent said upper rails; a plurality of lower rods, said lower rods being passed through said lower connectors and engaged within respective lower rod hooks; a plurality of upper rods, said upper rods being passed through said upper connectors, said upper edges of said netting extending over and around said upper rails placing said netting under tension, and said upper rods being placed within respective said upper rod receivers, maintaining said netting in a continuously tensioned condition and defining crib sidewalls.

11. An infant crib as in claim 9 in which said support arms are generally U-shaped in configuration.

12. An infant crib as in claim 9 including lugs on said corner posts and lug apertures on said support arms, for mounting said support arms on said corner posts.

13. An infant crib as in claim 12 in which a first set of said lugs is provided for mounting said support arms in a first upper position, and a second set of said lugs is provided for mounting said support arms in a second lower position.

14. An infant crib as in claim 9 in which each of said support arms includes a spring-loaded plunger with a rod, said rod being directed toward said corner post and being nested within a rod bore in said corner post, when said support arm is mounted thereon.

15. An infant crib as in claim 10 in which said upper rod receivers comprise pins having spring bias means extending around said pins to urge said upper rods away from a respective corner post.

16. An infant crib as in claim 9 further including a bed skirt having an upper edge engaged by respective skirt rods, said skirt rods being engaged by respective skirt rod receivers on upper ends of said first portion of said support arms.

17. An infant crib as in claim 16 in which said skirt rods are located along sides of said mattress, and in which said netting extends between said skirt rods and said sides of said mattress.

18. An infant crib with tensioned netting for peripheral sidewalls, comprising: a. a frame comprising a plurality of vertical corner posts connected by upper and lower rails, said upper and lower rails being arranged in vertically spaced relation; b. a plurality of support arms, each having a first portion mounted to a respective said corner post and a second portion extending inwardly from said respective corner post; c. a mattress support frame supported by said second portions of said support arms; d. a mattress overlying and generally coextensive with said mattress support frame; e. a run of netting sufficient to extend around an inner periphery of said frame, said inner periphery being defined by said posts and said upper and lower bed rails, said netting including upper and lower edges provided with respective loops; and, f. a plurality of lower rod hooks, said lower rod hooks being mounted on an inside wall of said lower rail; a plurality of upper rod receivers mounted on opposing facing sides of said corner posts, adjacent said upper rails; a plurality of lower rods, said lower rods being passed through said lower loops and engaged within respective lower rod hooks; a plurality of upper rods, said upper rods being passed through said upper loops, said upper edges of said netting extending over and around said upper rails placing said netting under tension, and said upper rods being placed within respective said upper rod receivers, maintaining said netting in a continuously tensioned condition and defining crib sidewalls.

19. An infant crib as in claim 18 in which said support arms are alternatively mounted to said corner posts in a first upper position, or in which said support arms are mounted to said corner posts in a second lower position.

20. An infant crib as in claim 18 further including a bed skirt having an upper edge engaged by respective skirt rods, said skirt rods being engaged by respective skirt rod receivers on upper ends of said first portion of said support arms and being located along sides of said mattress, and in which said netting extends between said skirt rods and said sides of said mattress.