U.S. patent application number 15/082680 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for child support system for a play yard.
This patent application is currently assigned to KIDS II, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is KIDS II, INC.. Invention is credited to Stephen R. BURNS, Eric A. LANGE, Jacob SCLARE, Joseph W. STALEY, John Matthew THOMSON.
Application Number | 20160286978 15/082680 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57014948 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160286978 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCLARE; Jacob ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
CHILD SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A PLAY YARD
Abstract
A child support system for infants or small children. The child
support system includes a child containment device and at least one
child support unit detachably mounted to the child containment
device. The child containment device includes a frame, liner and,
optionally, a raised bassinet mattress. The at least one child
support unit may take the form of a bassinet and/or a changing
table. The child containment device frame may be collapsible for
storage and transport.
Inventors: |
SCLARE; Jacob; (Dacula,
GA) ; LANGE; Eric A.; (Alpharetta, GA) ;
THOMSON; John Matthew; (Johns Creek, GA) ; STALEY;
Joseph W.; (Atlanta, GA) ; BURNS; Stephen R.;
(Cumming, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIDS II, INC. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KIDS II, INC.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
57014948 |
Appl. No.: |
15/082680 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62139994 |
Mar 30, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/06 20130101;
A47D 9/00 20130101; A47D 7/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 7/00 20060101
A47D007/00; A47D 13/06 20060101 A47D013/06 |
Claims
1. A child support system comprising: a child containment device
defining a containment space bounded by at least one sidewall and a
floor; a first child support unit configured for use in connection
with the child containment device mounted to the child containment
device in a first position; and a second child support unit
configured for use in connection with the child containment device
mounted to the child containment device in a second position, the
second child support unit supported at a first subframe component
by the first child support unit, and supported at a second subframe
component by the child containment device.
2. The child support system of claim 1, wherein the child
containment device is a children's play yard comprising four
sidewalls and defining a generally rectangular containment
space.
3. The child support system of claim 1, wherein the first child
support unit is configured for use with or without the second child
support unit.
4. The child support system of claim 3, wherein the second child
support unit is configured for use only with the first child
support unit.
5. The child support system of claim 1, wherein the first child
support unit is supported by removable attachment to corner posts
of the child containment device.
6. The child support system of claim 5, wherein the second child
support unit is supported on the first subframe component by
detachable coupling with the first child support unit, and wherein
the second child support unit is supported at the second subframe
component by a support member extending into contact with the child
containment device.
7. The child support system of claim 6, wherein the second child
support unit comprises a support sub-frame, and wherein the support
member is pivotally coupled to the support sub-frame.
8. The child support system of claim 6, wherein the child
containment device comprises a bassinet floor, and wherein the
support member of the second child support unit extends into
contact with the bassinet floor of the child containment
device.
9. The child support system of claim 1, wherein the first child
support unit comprises a changing unit, and the second child
support unit comprises an infant sleeper unit.
10. The child support system of claim 1, wherein the first subframe
component of the second child support unit is supported by the
first child support unit by a sliding coupling engaged between the
first and second child support units.
11. The child support system of claim 1, wherein the first subframe
component of the second child support unit is supported by the
first child support unit by a rotational coupling engaged between
the first and second child support units.
12. The child support system of claim 1, wherein the first subframe
component of the second child support unit is supported by the
first child support unit by a detachable coupling engaged between
the first and second child support units.
13. A child support system comprising: a children's play yard
comprising four corner posts, sidewalls extending between the
corner posts, and a floor, the sidewalls and floor defining a
generally rectangular containment space within the play yard; a
first child support unit having a first support sub-frame and frame
attachment members extending from a first sub-frame component of
the first support sub-frame, the frame attachment members
configured for attachment to the corner posts of the play yard, and
further comprising at least one first detachable coupling element
along a second sub-frame component of the first support sub-frame
generally opposite the first sub-frame component; and a second
child support unit having a second support sub-frame, at least one
second detachable coupling element along a first sub-frame
component of the second support sub-frame, and at least one support
member at a second sub-frame component of the second support
sub-frame; wherein the first and second detachable coupling
elements releasably engage one another to support the first
sub-frame component of the second support sub-frame of the second
child support unit, and wherein the at least one support member
engages the children's play yard to support the second sub-frame
component of the second support sub-frame of the second child
support unit.
14. The child support system of claim 13, wherein the second child
support unit is removable upon disengagement of the second
detachable coupling elements from the first detachable coupling
elements.
15. The child support system of claim 14, wherein the first child
support unit is configured for use with or without the second child
support unit.
16. The child support system of claim 14, wherein the second child
support unit is configured for use only in connection with the
first child support unit.
17. The child support system of claim 13, wherein the at least one
support member is pivotally coupled to the second support
sub-frame.
18. The child support system of claim 13, wherein the children's
play yard comprises a bassinet floor, and wherein the at least one
support member of the second child support unit extends into
contact with the bassinet floor when deployed.
19. The child support system of claim 13, wherein the first child
support unit comprises a changing unit, and the second child
support unit comprises an infant sleeper unit.
20. A method of supporting a child in at least first and second
positions relative to a children's play yard, the method
comprising: mounting a first child support unit to the play yard by
attaching a first subframe component of the first child support
unit to the play yard; mounting a second child support unit to the
play yard by attaching a first subframe component of the second
child support unit to the first child support unit, and by
supporting a second subframe component of the second child support
unit upon the play yard.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first subframe component of
the second child support unit is removably attached to the first
child support unit.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the first subframe component of
the first child support unit is mounted to corner posts of the play
yard.
23. The method of claim 20, comprising use of the first child
support unit with or without the second child support unit.
24. The method of claim 20, comprising use of the second child
support unit only with the first child support unit.
25. The method of claim 20, further comprising removing at least
one of the first and second child support units from the play yard.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/139,994 filed Mar. 30, 2015, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for
all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
children's accessories and child containment devices, and more
particularly to a child support system for a play yard or other
child containment device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Child containment devices such as play yards, play pens,
cribs, sleepers, and the like are commonly used to provide a safe
and comfortable area for infants and small children to play and
rest. Such devices commonly include a frame, a horizontal floor and
vertical walls. The frame may be a foldable structure for
portability and ease of use. Care of infants and small children
often also involves use of a changing table for supporting the
child during diaper changes or clothes changing. Smaller infants
and children also often use an enclosed bassinet or cradle-like
structure for sleeping.
[0004] In some instances, it may be desirable to provide parents or
other adult caregivers with an integrated system including a
changing table and/or a bassinet or sleeper in combination with a
play yard or other child containment device. Continuing
improvements in this field of endeavor are sought. It is to the
provision of an improved child support system meeting these and
other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention provides an improved child support
system, which in example embodiments provides parents or other
adult caregivers with an integrated system for positioning and
supporting an infant or small child for play, rest and care. In
example forms, the system includes a first child support unit such
as a changing table, and a second child support unit such as a
bassinet or sleeper, configured for use in combination with a play
yard or other child containment device. One or both of the first
and second child support units are optionally repositionable and/or
removable to allow the caregiver to customize the system to a
variety of applications and user preferences.
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a child
support system. The child support system preferably includes a
child containment device defining a containment space bounded by at
least one sidewall and a floor. The child support system preferably
also includes a first child support unit configured for use in
connection with the child containment device mounted to the child
containment device in a first position, and a second child support
unit configured for use in connection with the child containment
device mounted to the child containment device in a second
position. The second child support unit is preferably supported at
a first subframe component by the first child support unit, and
supported at a second subframe component by the child containment
device.
[0007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a child
support system, the child support system preferably including a
children's play yard having four corner posts, sidewalls extending
between the corner posts, and a floor, the sidewalls and floor
defining a generally rectangular containment space within the play
yard. The child support system preferably also includes a first
child support unit having a first support sub-frame and frame
attachment members extending from a first subframe component of the
first support sub-frame. The frame attachment members are
preferably configured for attachment to the corner posts of the
play yard. The first child support unit preferably also includes at
least one first detachable coupling element along a second subframe
component of the first support sub-frame generally opposite the
first subframe component. The child support system preferably also
includes a second child support unit having a second support
sub-frame, at least one second detachable coupling element along a
first subframe component of the second support sub-frame, and at
least one support member at a second subframe component of the
second support sub-frame. The first and second detachable coupling
elements preferably releasably engage one another to support the
first subframe component of the second support sub-frame of the
second child support unit, and the at least one support member
preferably engages the children's play yard to support the second
subframe component of the second support sub-frame of the second
child support unit.
[0008] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
of supporting a child in at least first and second positions
relative to a children's play yard. The method preferably includes
mounting a first child support unit to the play yard by attaching a
first subframe component of the first child support unit to the
play yard, and mounting a second child support unit to the play
yard by attaching a first subframe component of the second child
support unit to the first child support unit and by supporting a
second subframe component of the second child support unit upon the
play yard.
[0009] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of
example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of
the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child support system with
a child containment device and child support units according to an
example embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a frame of a child containment device according
to an example embodiment, with the wall panels, floor and child
support units removed.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a child support system
according to another example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows an alternate configuration of the child support
system of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a child support system with
a child containment device and child support units according to
another example embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of the child support
system of FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a coupling between the child
containment device and a child support unit of FIG. 5, according to
another example embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a child support system
according to another example embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 shows an exploded assembly view of the child support
system of FIG. 8.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a child support system
according to another example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a child support system
according to another example embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view a child support system
according to another example embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 shows an alternative configuration of the child
support system of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description taken in connection
with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this
disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not
limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters
described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of
example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed
invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in
this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully
set forth herein.
[0024] Also, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural,
and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least
that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment.
[0025] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-13 show example embodiments of child support
systems for a play yard or other child containment device, the
system including a child a first child support unit and,
optionally, a second child support unit. The child containment
device is depicted as a play yard, but in alternate embodiments may
take the form of a crib, playpen, sleeper, or other form of child
containment or resting device. In example embodiments, the first
child support unit comprises a changing table for supporting the
child during diaper changing or clothes changing. In example
embodiments, the second child support unit comprises a bassinet or
cradle-like enclosure for receiving an infant or small child. One
or both of the child support units are preferably detachably
coupled to the frame of the child containment device.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a child support system 100 according to an
example embodiment of the invention. The system 100 includes a
child containment device comprising a foldable frame 102 with a
liner 120, a first child support unit 150 and a second child
support unit 170. FIG. 2 shows a foldable or collapsible support
frame structure 102 for a play yard system according to an example
form, with the wall panels, floor and support devices removed. The
foldable frame 102 comprises four generally upright corner posts
104, first and second upper side cross-members 110, and first and
second upper end cross-members 112, forming a generally rectangular
three-dimensional housing bounding an internal contained volume or
space for structurally supporting a liner 120 to receive a child
therein. In the depicted embodiment, the side cross-members 110 are
longer than the end cross-members 112, defining a containment
having a length greater than its width. In alternate embodiments,
the length and width are generally equal, or the width is greater
than the length. In other embodiments, the child support unit 100
has a circular, triangular, or otherwise shaped upper frame. The
frame 102 may be collapsible or foldable for more efficient storage
and transport when not expanded and set up for use. For example, in
the depicted embodiments, the frame 102 includes a plurality of
hinges or joints 116 that allow the frame 102 to be folded into a
collapsed configuration. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/047,912 is incorporated by reference as showing an example of a
collapsible frame 102 for a child containment device. In alternate
embodiments, the frame can be a substantially rigid frame that is
not foldable or collapsible.
[0027] The liner 120 of the child containment device comprises one
or more side walls, for example a plurality of side walls 122 and a
floor panel 124 which define an enclosure for receiving a child. In
the example embodiment, the frame 102 includes mounting sleeves 130
which are attached to upper portions of the corner posts 104. The
child containment device may optionally also include a raised
bassinet mattress or raised floor panel 140 spaced a distance above
the main floor panel 124, for use with an infant or smaller child
who is not yet standing. Some example embodiments include a
removable, zip-in bassinet. In example embodiments, one or more
fasteners positioned around the perimeter of the mattress or
bassinet. The fastener is configured to removably mate with a
corresponding mating fastener located on the play yard or child
containment device, for example on the liner 120. The fasteners can
comprise interengagable rows of zipper teeth that are fastened by
zipping them together about the perimeter of the bassinet or
mattress. Alternative fasteners such as snaps, clips, buttons,
hook-and-loop materials, and/or the like may be utilized instead of
or in addition to the zipper. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/021,934 is incorporated by reference as showing an example of a
child containment device with a raised bassinet mattress or floor
panel 140. Optionally, one or more accessory trays or bins 190 are
mounted to the frame 102 for holding toys, diaper supplies, a
pacifier, or other items. Optionally, the frame 102 comprises one
or more wheels 192 to aid in transporting the child support system
100.
[0028] As depicted in FIG. 1, the first child support unit 150
includes a generally rectangular subframe 152 with one or more
subframe components such as side and/or end subframe components,
and a generally planar support panel 154 mounted onto the subframe
to form a platform for supporting a child placed in or on the first
child support unit 150, for example for use as a changing table or
changing station for changing diapers or dressing the child. In
example embodiments, the subframe 152 comprises two side sub-frame
components, forming the length of the subframe, coupled to end
sub-frame components, forming the width of the subframe, defining a
generally rectangular subframe. In alternate embodiments, different
subframe component arrangements and subframe shapes are provided.
The second child support unit 170 includes a subframe 172 with one
or more subframe components comprising a generally rectangular
periphery and soft-goods 174, such as fabric and padding, installed
onto the subframe 172 to form a sling, bassinet, bed or cradle for
supporting a child placed in or on the second child support unit
170, for example to support and contain the child when sleeping or
resting. In example embodiments, the subframe 172 comprises two
side components, forming the length of the subframe, and coupled to
end components, forming the width of the subframe. In example
embodiments, the first child support unit 150 is supported through
engagement with one or more side cross-members 110 and/or an end
cross-member 112 of the frame 102, and the second child support
unit 170 is supported through engagement with one or more upright
corner posts 104 of the frame 102. Alternatively, the first child
support unit 150 can be supported through engagement with one or
more of the upright corner posts 104, and the second child support
unit 170 can be supported through engagement with one or more side
cross-members 110 and/or end cross-member 112. In yet another
embodiment, both the first and second child support units 150, 170
can be supported through engagement with one or more of the upright
corner post 104, and in still another embodiment, both the first
and second child support units can be supported through engagement
with one or more side cross-members 110 and/or an end cross-member
112.
[0029] The first child support unit 150 is removably attached to
the frame by one or more couplings 156. In the example embodiment,
the couplings 156 are support struts with engagement clips or
collars for releasable engagement with support tubes or other
portions of the support frame 102 of the child containment device.
In example embodiments, the first child support unit 150 is
configured such that its length is parallel with the end
cross-members 112 of the frame 102. In example embodiments, the
first end of the each support strut 156 is attached to a component
of the sub-frame 152, such as a side or end sub-frame component,
and the free end of the support strut contains an engagement clip.
The engagement clip end of the coupling 156 is snapped onto the
child containment device frame 102. In the depicted embodiment, two
couplings 156 are attached to a side components of the sub-frame
152 and engage with an end cross-member 112 of the frame 102, and
one coupling 156 is attached to each end of the subframe 152 and
engages with the respective side cross-member 110 of the frame 102.
In alternate embodiments, various alternative coupling elements may
be utilized for permanently or detachably mounting the first child
support unit 150 to the frame 102. For example, the couplings 156
can comprise engagement clips at both ends of the support struts
and can be detachably coupled with both the child containment
device frame 102 and the first child support unit subframe 152.
Other embodiments comprise alternative arrangements of couplings
156.
[0030] The system 100 optionally further comprises a second child
support unit 170. In the depicted embodiment, the second child
support unit 170 is mounted to the frame 102 with two sleeve mounts
130 and L-shaped mounting bars 160, as shown in FIG. 1. The second
child support unit 170 is configured such that its length is
parallel with the end cross-members 112 of the frame 102. The first
end of each mounting bar 160 attaches to the second child support
unit subframe 172 with a ferrule coupling. The second end of the
mounting bars 160 attach to the sleeve mounts 130 on the upright
corner posts 104 of the frame 102. The sleeve mounts 130 are
located on the upright corner posts 104 on the opposite side of the
frame 102 from the end cross-member 112 supporting the first child
support unit 150. The sleeve mounts 130 comprise a cylindrical
channel or receiver that is open at the top, closed at the bottom
and has a diameter that will accommodate the mounting bar 160. The
second end of each mounting bar 160 is coupled with a sleeve mount
130 by inserting the end of the bar 160 into the open top of the
sleeve mount 130. In alternative embodiments, the sleeve mount 130
includes a releasable engagement feature designed to keep the
mounting bar 160 engaged with the sleeve mount 130 until the
engagement feature is released. Optionally, the mounting bars 160
are rotationally engaged with the sleeve mount 130 to facilitate
compact storage when removed from the frame 102. In alternative
embodiments, the mounting bar 160 is releasably attached to the
subframe 172, for example with engagement clips.
[0031] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a child support system 200 according to
another example embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the
first child support unit 250 is supported through engagement with
one or more side cross-members 210 and/or an end cross-member 212
of the frame 202. The second child support unit 270 is supported on
one side by a pivotal coupling with the first child support unit
250 and on the other side by a support member 276 which extends
downwardly to engage the raised bassinet mattress 240. In this
embodiment, the first child support unit 250 and second child
support unit 270 are engaged with a pivotal coupling 262 which
allows the second child support unit 270 to be moved between an
in-use position (FIG. 3) and a storage position (FIG. 4).
[0032] As depicted in FIG. 3, the first child support unit 250 is
removably engaged with the side cross-members 210 of the frame 202
through couplings 256 attached to the end components of the first
child support unit subframe 252. The first child support unit 250
is configured such that its length is parallel with the end
cross-members 212 of the frame 202. The couplings 256 at the ends
of the subframe 252 releasably engage with the respective side
cross-members 210 of the child containment device frame 202.
Alternate embodiments comprise alternative arrangements of
couplings.
[0033] The second child support unit 270 is coupled to the first
child support unit 250 with a pivotal support coupling 262. The
second child support unit 270 is configured such that its length is
parallel to the length of the first child support unit 250. The
second child support unit 270 is positioned adjacent to the first
child support unit 250. The pivotal coupling 262 is attached to the
first child support unit subframe 252 and the second child support
unit subframe 272. The pivotal coupling 262 has a range of motion
such that the second child support unit 270 can be rotated from its
in-use position, depicted in FIG. 3, to its storage position,
depicted in FIG. 4. When in-use, the second child support unit 270
is positioned next to the first child support unit 250 and is
horizontal, with the subframe 272 parallel with the child
containment device floor 224 and the opening of the second child
support unit 270 facing upwards. In the storage position, the
second child support unit 270 is also in a horizontal position with
the subframe 272 parallel with the child containment device floor
224, but with the opening facing downward. In the depicted
embodiment, the second child support unit 270 in the storage
position is positioned directly above and resting on the first
child support unit 250, moving the second child support unit out of
the way to permit access to and from the main containment area of
the play yard. In alternative embodiments, the second child support
unit 270 is pivoted below the first child support unit 250 in the
storage position. In other embodiments, the pivotal coupling 262
includes a lock or catch to prevent the second child support unit
270 from pivoting beyond the in-use position or storage position.
Optionally, the pivotal coupling 262 includes a releasable locking
mechanism that holds the second child support unit 270 in the
in-use or storage position until the releasable lock is disengaged.
Further, the sling portion 274 of the second child support unit 270
can be folded when the second child support unit 270 is in the
storage position, giving it a substantially flat profile.
[0034] Example embodiments also include a support member 276, one
end of which attaches to a side subframe component of the second
child support unit 270, and the other end of which engages with the
bassinet mattress 240 to support the second child support unit 270
in its use position, as depicted in FIG. 3. In the depicted
embodiment, the support member 276 comprises a single support leg.
The support member 276 is hingedly attached to the second child
support unit subframe 272 on the opposite side from the pivotal
coupling 262. When in use, the support leg 276 is in a generally
vertical position so that it engages with the bassinet mattress 240
and supports the second child support unit 270 in the in-use
position. As depicted in FIG. 4, the attachment of the support leg
276 to the sub-frame 272 is hinged or pivotal so that the support
leg 276 can be folded into a horizontal or flat position when the
second child support unit 270 is pivoted to the storage
position.
[0035] FIGS. 5-7 show a child support system 300 for a play yard or
other child containment apparatus, according to another example
embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the first child
support unit 350 is supported through engagement with one or more
channel mounts 330 on the upright corner posts 304 of a play yard
frame 302. The second child support unit 370 is supported through
engagement with the first child support unit 350 and a support
member 376 which engages with the raised bassinet mattress 340 or
other portion of the play yard. The first support unit 350, for
example, comprises a generally rectangular support sub-frame 352
having first and second side support sub-frame components and first
and second end support sub-frame components. A fabric or soft-goods
covering is attached to the support frame of the first child
support unit 350, for example to provide a changing table or other
support surface for positioning an infant or small child upon. The
second child support unit 370 also comprises a generally
rectangular support sub-frame 372 having first and second side
support sub-frame components and first and second end support
sub-frame components. A fabric or soft-goods covering is attached
to the support frame of the second child support unit 370, for
example in the form of a sling or hammock, or a four-sided bed
receiver to provide a bassinet, sleeper unit or other smaller
containment or resting space for an infant or small child.
[0036] As depicted in FIG. 5, the first and second child support
units 350, 370 attach with one another in a first or deployed
configuration, wherein the first and second child support units are
connected and alongside one another over the contained space of the
play yard. When attached and in the deployed configuration, the
first and second child support units 350, 370 are coupled to one
another along their confronting or inboard sides, and are
separately supported by the play yard at their opposite or outboard
sides. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the first child
support unit 350 is supported at its outboard side on corner posts
of the play yard frame, and the second child support unit 370 is
supported at its outboard side by the upper bassinet mattress or
panel 340 of the play yard. In example embodiments, the first child
support unit 350 is generally self-supporting (i.e., does not
require support from the second child support unit) when mounted to
the play yard, whereas the second child support unit 370 is
supported on one side by its attachment to the first child support
unit. In this manner, the first child support unit 350 can be used
with or without the second child support unit 370, but the second
child support unit is not configured for use apart from the first
child support unit. In this manner, a caregiver cannot use the
second child support unit 370 independent of the play yard on a
potentially unsafe support surface. In alternate embodiments,
either or both of the first and second child support units can be
configured for use independently and separate from the other, or
alternatively relying on one another for support.
[0037] In example embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 5, the first
child support unit 350 is mounted to the frame 302 of the play yard
with two channel mounts 330 and L-shaped mounting bars 360. The
first child support unit 350 is configured such that its length is
parallel with the end cross-members 312 of the frame 302 when
mounted to the play yard. The first end of each mounting bar 360
attaches to the first child support unit subframe 352. The second
end of each mounting bar 360 includes a female channel coupling
portion 332 of the channel mount 330. A corresponding male rib
portion 334 of the channel mount 330 is attached to each of two
upright corner posts 304 on either side of the width of the play
yard frame 302. Each mounting bar 360 is engaged with the
corresponding corner post 304 by engaging the female portion 332
and male portion 334 of the channel mount 330, as shown in FIG. 7.
In alternate embodiments, the second end of the mounting bar 360
comprises a male rib and the upright corner posts 304 comprise the
female channel portion of the channel mount 330, or other coupling
formats can be utilized.
[0038] The second child support unit 370 is attached for support on
one side (its inboard side) to the first child support unit 350
with one or more detachable couplings, and in the depicted
embodiment by two dove-tail joint detachable couplings 362
positioned at confronting spaced locations on adjacent inboard
sides of the first and second child support units. The second child
support unit 370 is configured such that its length is generally
parallel to the end cross-members 312 of the frame 302, and
generally parallel with the first child support unit 350, when
deployed for use. As depicted in FIG. 6, the couplings 362 comprise
a first coupling element attached to the side sub-frame component
of the first child support unit subframe 352 and a cooperatively
engaging second coupling element attached on an adjacent
corresponding position of the side sub-frame component of the
second child support unit subframe 372. Alternatively, the
couplings can be configured to support between end, side or other
sub-frame components of the first and or second child support
units. The couplings 362 are attached to the first child support
unit subframe 352 on the side opposite from which the corner post
mounting bars 360 extend. In example embodiments the couplings 362
comprise slidingly engaging dovetail joint couplings, snaps,
channel and rib couplings, clips, hooks, magnetic couplings or
other detachable coupling members, which allow the second child
support unit 370 to be securely connected to the first child
support unit 350 when deployed for use in connection with the play
yard, and to be easily detached and removed from the first child
support unit when not in use to allow access to the play yard.
[0039] When deployed for use, the second child support unit 370 is
also supported on its other side (its outboard side) by an upright
support member 376. In the depicted embodiment, the support member
376 is a U-shaped bar with its ends attached to the second child
support unit sub-frame 372 on the side opposite from which the
corner-post coupling bars 360 extend. When the second child support
unit 370 is deployed for use in the play yard, the cross bar of the
U-shaped support member 376 extends downwardly, generally
perpendicular to the second child support unit sub-frame 372, into
contact with the bassinet mattress 340 or other portion of the play
yard to support the second child support unit 370 in a
substantially horizontal position over the play yard. The support
member 376 of the second child support unit 370 is optionally
pivotally or hingedly mounted to the second child support unit
sub-frame 372, so that it can be folded flat with the sub-frame for
compact storage or transport when detached from the play yard and
not in use. In example embodiments, the first child support unit
350 is a changing table or other child support element intended for
longer term use in connection with the play yard, and thus
configured for use independent of the second child support unit
370; whereas the second child support unit is a sleeper or small
bassinet, intended for shorter term use so that it can be removed
from connection with the play yard when a child outgrows the second
child support unit, to allow easier access to the main containment
area of the play yard.
[0040] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a child support system 400 according to
another example embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment,
the first child support unit 450 is supported through engagement
with one or more side cross-members 410 and/or an end cross-member
412 of the play yard frame 402. The second child support unit 470
is supported through engagement with the first child support unit
450 and a support member 476 which engages with the raised bassinet
mattress 440.
[0041] As depicted in FIG. 8, the first child support unit 450 is
removably engaged with the side cross-members 410 of the frame 402
through couplings 456 attached to each end sub-frame component of
the first child support unit subframe 452. The first child support
unit 450 is configured such that its length is parallel with the
end cross-members 412 of the frame 402. The couplings 456 at the
ends of the subframe 452 releasably engage with the respective side
cross-member 412 of the child containment device frame 402.
Alternate embodiments comprise alternative arrangements of
couplings.
[0042] The second child support unit 470 is releasably mounted to
the first child support unit 450 using two mounting bars 460. The
second child support unit 470 is arranged so that its length is
parallel to the end cross-members 412 of the frame 402 and it is
positioned adjacent to the first child support unit 450. The first
end of each mounting bar 460 is releasably attached to the first
child support unit subframe 452 such that the mounting bars 460 are
parallel with the side cross-members 410 of the frame 402. The
second end of each mounting bar 460 is releasably engaged with the
subframe 472 of the second child support unit 470. The mounting
bars 460 attach at the ends of the sub-frames 452, 472. In
alternate embodiments the mounting bars 460 are permanently
attached to either the first child support unit 450 or second child
support unit 470 and releasably attached to the other. The second
child support unit 470 is also supported by a support member or
stand 476. The support member 476, shown in FIG. 9, has two
L-shaped bars and a U-shaped base. The ends of the L-shaped bars
attach to the second child support unit subframe 472. The base of
the support stand 476 rests on the raised bassinet mattress 440 and
supports the second child support unit 470 in a substantially
horizontal position. The support member 460 is configured so that
when the second child support unit 470 is detached from the first
child support unit 450, it can be used independently of the child
support system 400 supported only by the support stand 476.
[0043] FIG. 10 shows a child support system 500 according to
another example embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment,
the first child support unit 550 is supported through engagement
with one or more side cross-members 510 and/or an end cross-member
512 of the frame 502. The second child support unit 570 is
supported through engagement with the first child support unit 550
through mounting bars 560.
[0044] The first child support unit 550 is removably attached to
the side cross-members 510 of the frame 502 with detachable
couplings 556. The first child support unit 550 is configured such
that its width is parallel with the side cross-member 510 of the
frame. Each coupling 556 comprises two engagement clips. The first
engagement clip is snapped onto the end sub-frame component of the
first child support unit subframe 552 and the second engagement
clip is snapped onto the side cross-member 510 of the frame 502.
The couplings 556 have a trapezoidal shape so that the subframe 552
is held in a horizontal position despite a curve in the side
cross-member 510.
[0045] The second child support unit 570 is releasably mounted to
the first child support unit 550 using two mounting bars 560. The
second child support unit 570 is arranged so that its length is
parallel to the end cross-members 512 of the frame 502 and it is
aligned with the first child support unit 550. The first end of
each mounting bar 560 is releasable attached to one of the
couplings 560 which attach the first child support unit 550 to the
frame 502. The second end of each mounting bar 560 is demountably
attached to the second child support unit subframe 572 of. In
alternative embodiments the mounting bars 560 are permanently
attached to the second child support unit subframe 572.
[0046] FIG. 11 shows a child support system 600 according to
another example embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment,
the first child support unit 650 is supported through engagement
the child containment device frame 602. The second child support
unit 670 is supported through engagement with the first child
support unit 650 and a support member 676 which engages with the
raised bassinet mattress 640. The second child support unit 670 is
positioned perpendicular to the first child support unit 650.
[0047] In this example embodiment, the first child support unit 650
is removably engaged with the upright corner posts 604 of the child
containment device frame 602 via corner couplings 656. The first
child support unit 650 is configured such that its length is
parallel with the end cross-members 612 of the frame 602. The
corner couplings 656 are attached to the top of two upright corner
posts 612 on opposite ends of a width of the frame 602. The corner
couplings 602 releasably engage with the corners of the first child
support unit subframe 652.
[0048] The second child support unit 670 is releasably coupled to
the first child support unit 650. The second child support unit 670
is configured so that its length is perpendicular with the end
cross-members 612 of the frame 602 and the length of the first
child support unit subframe 652. The second child support unit 670
is positioned so an end sub-frame component of its subframe 672 is
adjacent to the side sub-frame component of the first child support
unit subframe 652 opposite the corner couplings 656. An attachment
662 couples that side sub-frame component of the first child
support unit subframe 652 to the adjacent end sub-frame component
of the second child support unit subframe 672. The second child
support unit 670 is also supported by a support member 676. The
support member 676 has two L-shaped bars with a U-shaped base. The
ends of the L-shaped bars attach to the second child support unit
subframe 672 on the end opposite the attachment to the first child
support unit 650. The base of the support member 676 engages with
the raised bassinet mattress 640. The height of the support member
676 is such that the second child support unit 670 is angled, with
the end coupled to the first child support unit 650 higher than the
end attached to the support member 676. In alternative embodiments,
the support member 676 positions the second child support unit 670
is a substantially horizontal position.
[0049] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a child support system 700 according to
another example embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment,
the first child support unit 750 is supported through engagement
with one or more upright corner posts 704 of the frame 702. The
second child support unit 770 is slidably coupled to rails 778
which engage with the first child support unit 750 and the raised
bassinet mattress 740. The second child support unit 770 slides
horizontally on the rails 778, inwardly and outwardly like a
drawer, between an extended in-use position and a retracted storage
position.
[0050] In this embodiment, the first child support unit 750 is
mounted to the frame 702 with two mounting attachments 730 and
L-shaped mounting bars 760. The first child support unit 750 is
configured such that its length is parallel with the end
cross-members 712 of the frame 702. The first end of the mounting
bars 760 is secured to the first child support unit subframe 752.
The second end of the mounting bars 760 engages with the mounting
attachments 730 which are each affixed to an upright corner post
704 of the frame 702. Attached to the bottom of the first child
support unit's planer support panel 754 are two U-shaped hanging
mounts 758 for mounting the sliding rails 778 described below. The
ends of the hanging mounts 758 are attached to the widths of the
planer support panel 754 at opposite ends so that the cross-bar of
each hanging mount 758 is below and parallel to the bottom of the
planer support panel 754 and the side cross-members 710 of the
frame 702. In alternative embodiments the hanging mounts 758 are
attached to the mounting bars 760.
[0051] The second child support unit 770 is coupled to the
abovementioned sliding rails 778. The sliding rails 778 are
U-shaped. The ends engage with the raised bassinet mattress 740 and
the cross bars engage with the cross bars of the hanging mount 758.
The rails 778 are positioned so that they are parallel with the
side cross-members 710 of the frame 702. The hanging mounts 758 are
coupled to an end of the rail 778 so that a substantial portion of
the rail 778 extends beyond the width of the first child support
unit 750. The second child support unit 770 engages with the
sliding rails 778 through multiple sliders 780. The sliders 780 are
attached to the end sub-frame components of the second child
support unit subframe 772 and engage with the cross-bar of the
sliding rails 778. The sliders 780 are configured to allow the
second child support unit 770 to slide along the rails 778 between
an in-use position, depicted in FIG. 12, and a storage position,
depicted in FIG. 13. When in-use the second child support unit 770
is positioned at the opposite end of the sliding rails 778 from the
hanging mounts 758 so that the second child support unit 770 is
adjacent to the first child support unit 750. In the storage
position, the second child support unit 770 is positioned under the
first child support unit 750.
[0052] In the described embodiments, the support members and
sliding rails are described as engaging the raised bassinet
mattress. In alternative embodiments the support members are
sufficient length to engage the floor of the child containment
device. In other embodiments the support members comprise a
telescoping feature so the same support member can engage the floor
of the child containment device when expanded and the raised
bassinet mattress when collapsed.
[0053] In its various embodiments, the child support system of the
present invention enables methods of use by an adult caregiver to
support a child in one or more positions or intended applications,
in connection with a play yard, crib, playpen or other child
containment apparatus. In example embodiments, the method includes
mounting a first child support unit to the play yard or other child
containment apparatus in a first position and for use in a first
intended application. For example, the first child support unit may
be attached at a first end of a play yard over the containment
space of the play yard, for example supported by attachment to
corner posts of the play yard, for use as a changing table for
diapering or dressing an infant or small child. In example
embodiments, the method further includes mounting a second child
support unit to the play yard or other child containment apparatus
in a second position and for use in a second intended application.
For example, the second child support unit may be attached at a
middle area or over an opposite second end of the play yard over
the containment space of the play yard, for example supported by
attachment on one side or end to the first child support unit and
supported on the other side or end by the play yard, for use as a
sleeper or small bassinet for receiving an infant or small child.
In example embodiments, the method includes use of the first child
support unit independently in connection with the play yard, with
or without the second child support unit. In example embodiments,
the method further includes use of the second child support unit in
connection with the play yard and only with the first child support
unit (i.e., not configured for independent use of the second child
support unit); or alternatively permitting use of the second child
support unit with or without the first child support unit. In
example embodiments, the method further comprises removal of the
second child support unit, and/or removal of the first child
support unit, from the play yard for improved access to the main
containment area of the play yard, and optionally folding or
retracting a support element of one or both of the first and second
child support units from an extended use position to a retracted or
compact storage position.
[0054] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and
deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the
following claims.
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