| Crib having movable and stationary sides, multiple bases, and a base connector -> Monitor Keywords |
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  Crib having movable and stationary sides, multiple bases, and a base connectorRelated Patent Categories: Beds, CribThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060225206. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the crib according to an embodiment of the invention. [0002] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the crib being converted into two separate cribs. [0003] FIG. 3 is a top view of the crib base portion according to an embodiment of the invention. [0004] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an arrangement of the crib side sections according to an embodiment of the invention. [0005] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the crib base portion according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0006] In this section we shall explain several preferred embodiments of this invention with reference to the appended drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions and other aspects of the parts described in the embodiments are not clearly defined, the scope of the invention is not limited only to the parts shown, which are meant merely for the purpose of illustration. [0007] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of a crib for more than one infant. The crib may be assembled to allow the infants to move from one section of the crib to another. In another embodiment, the crib may be assembled into two separate, smaller cribs. [0008] In one embodiment, the crib 10 may have a base portion, crib side sections and crib legs for supporting the base portion and the crib side sections above the ground. The base portion, the crib side sections and the crib legs may be assembled to provide a comfortable area for infants to sleep or play without constant adult supervision. The crib parts may be of any materials and may be assembled in compliance with the crib safety regulations set forth by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission in the Code of Federal Regulations. In one embodiment, referring now to FIG. 2, the base portion may have a first base 22a and a second base 22b connected to each other by a base connector 24. The base connector 24, the first base 22a and the second base 22b, once assembled as shown, are preferably planar such that the base portion has a top surface that is all within the same plane. The first base 22a and the second base 22b are preferably essentially identical, and the base connector 24 perimeter conforms to the shapes on either side of it. When the first base 22a, the second base 22b and the base connector 24 are shaped in the preferred manner shown, the perimeter of the base portion is shaped essentially like a figure eight. As an alternative, the perimeter of the base can be of a different shape (such as rectangular), and the base connector in that case would have a perimeter that conforms to the straight sides of the two bases. The first base 22a may be secured to the base connector 24 by inserting a bolt through one side of the base connector 24 and one side of the first base 22a. The other side of the base connector 24 may then be secured to the second base 22b by a similar fastening mechanism. In another embodiment, the base connector 24 may be removed so that each of the first base 22a and the second base 22b may be used as a base for the smaller cribs. In still another embodiment, the base portion may have additional bases and base connectors coupled to each other in sequence. [0009] In one embodiment, a plurality of crib side sections may extend from the base portion. When the first base 22a and the second base 22b are connected by the base connector 24, the crib side sections may extend from the perimeter of the first base 22a, the second base 22b and the base connector 24. The crib side sections may be of a height (above the base portion) that prevents an infant from climbing over the crib side sections. The crib side sections may be of the same size and shape. Thus, when the dimensions of one crib side section are determined, the remaining crib side sections may be efficiently manufactured by duplicating the crib side section. When the first base 22a and the second base 22b are curved (e.g., circular as shown in the figures), the crib side sections may be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the base portion such that the crib appears as two connected round cribs in a side by side configuration. This is in contrast to arranging two standard cribs in a stacked configuration with one crib positioned above the other. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the two cribs are symmetrical. Thus, once the dimensions of a first crib are determined, the second crib may be manufactured advantageously by merely duplicating the dimensions of the first crib. [0010] In one embodiment, a front stationary crib side middle section 16a may extend vertically from the base portion. In the example shown, the front stationary crib side middle section 16a also runs horizontally along portions of the sides of the first base 22a, the second base 22b and the base connector 24. As an alternative, the middle section 16a may conform essentially only to the base connector's perimeter, if the base connector 24 is deep enough (such as shown in FIG. 5). The front stationary crib side middle section 16a may have a horizontal top rail 54a and a horizontal bottom rail 54b. A number of bars 66 may extend vertically between and are permanently attached to the top rail 54a and the bottom rail 54b. The bars 66 may be spaced at distances from each other to prevent a child's head from fitting between the bars 66, and to allow the child lying in the crib to be easily seen from outside the crib. [0011] The front stationary crib side middle section 16a is preferably curved as shown (conforming to the front side of the base connector 24), so as not to present any sharp angles to the child inside the crib. [0012] The bottom rail 54b may be secured to portions of the first base 22a, the second base 22b and the base connector 24. Any acceptable securing mechanism, such as bolts, nails, screws or brackets, may be used to secure the bottom rail 54b to the first base 22a, the second base 22b and the base connector 24. In one embodiment, the front stationary crib side middle section 16a may be removed from the base portion so that the crib may be converted into two separate cribs. [0013] In one embodiment, a back stationary crib side middle section 16b may extend from the base portion, at a location that is directly opposite the front middle section 16a. The back stationary crib side middle section 16b may conform to the perimeter of the first base 22a, the second base 22b in FIG. 3 and the base connector 24 as shown. The back stationary crib side middle section 16b may be preferably of the same shape and size as the front stationary crib side middle section 16a such that one may be used in place of the other. The back stationary crib side middle section 16b may have a horizontal top rail 56a and a horizontal bottom rail 56b. Bars 66 may extend vertically between and may be permanently attached to the top rail 56a and the bottom rail 56b. In one embodiment, the bottom rail 56b may be secured to portions of the first base 22a, the second base 22b and the base connector 24 that are directly opposite those to which the bottom rail 56a may be attached. Any acceptable securing mechanism, such as bolts, nails, screws or brackets, may be used to secure the bottom rail 56b to the first base 22a, the second base 22b and the base connector 24. In one embodiment, the back stationary crib side middle section 16b may be removed from the base portion so that the crib may be converted into two separate cribs. [0014] The back stationary crib side middle section 16b is preferably curved as shown (conforming to the back side of the base connector 24), so as not to present any sharp angles to the child inside the crib. [0015] A first movable crib side section 18a may extend vertically from the base portion. In one embodiment, the first movable crib side section 18a is a separate piece located adjacent to the first base 22a and runs (horizontally) along a part but not all of the complete perimeter of the base 22a. In the example shown, the section 18a cuts an arc of about ninety degrees around the complete circle defined by the perimeter of the base 22a. The first movable crib side section 18a may have a horizontal top rail 58a and a horizontal bottom rail 58b. A plurality of bars 66 may extend vertically between and are permanently attached to the top rail 58a and the bottom rail 58b. In another embodiment, the plurality of bars 66 may be positioned in any direction between the top rail 58a and the bottom rail 58b. The bars 66 may be spaced at any distance from each other sufficient to prevent a child's head from fitting between the bars 66, and to allow the child lying in the crib to easily see outside the crib all around herself. The bottom rail 58b may be secured to the base portion. The bottom rail 58b may preferably be secured to the first base 22a. Any acceptable securing mechanism, such as bolts, nails, screws or brackets may be used to secure the bottom rail 58b to the base portion. [0016] A second movable crib side section 18b may extend vertically from the base portion. In one embodiment, the second movable crib side section 18b is a separate piece located adjacent to the second base 22b and runs (horizontally) along a part but not all of the complete perimeter of the base 22b. In the example shown, the section 18b cuts an arc of about ninety degrees around the complete circle defined by the perimeter of the base 22b. The second movable crib side section 18b may be preferably of the same shape and size as the first movable crib side section 18a such that one may be used in place of the other. In one embodiment, the second movable crib side section 18b may have a horizontal top rail 60a and a horizontal bottom rail 60b. A plurality of bars 66 may extend vertically between and are permanently attached to the top rail 60a and the bottom rail 60b. In another embodiment, the plurality of bars 66 may be positioned in any direction between the top rail 60a and the bottom rail 60b. The bars 66 may be spaced at any distance from each other sufficient to prevent a child's head from fitting between the bars 66. The bottom rail 60b may be secured to the base portion. The bottom rail 60b may preferably be secured to the second base 22b. Any acceptable securing mechanism, such as bolts, nails, screws or brackets may be used to secure the bottom rail 50b to the base portion. [0017] A first stationary crib side end section 14a may extend vertically from the base portion. In one embodiment, the first stationary crib side end section 14a is a separate piece located adjacent to the first base 22a and runs (horizontally) along a part but not all of the complete perimeter of the base 22a. In the example shown, the section 14a cuts an arc of about ninety degrees around the complete circle defined by the perimeter of the base 22a. The first stationary crib side end section 14a may be of the same shape and size as the movable sections 14a, 14b. The first stationary crib side end section 14a may have a horizontal top rail 50a and a horizontal bottom rail 50b. A plurality of bars 66 may extend vertically between the top rail 50a and the bottom rail 50b. In another embodiment, the plurality of bars 66 may be positioned in any direction between the top rail 50a and the bottom rail 50b. The bars 66 may be spaced at distances from each other to prevent a child's head from fitting between the bars 66, and to meet other useful features described above including full view of the outside by the child lying in the crib, as well as full view by those outside the crib. The bottom rail 50b may be secured to the base portion. The bottom rail 50b may preferably be secured to the first base 22a. Bolts, nails, screws, brackets or any other similar securing mechanism may be used to secure the bottom rail 50b to the base portion. [0018] A second stationary crib side end section 14b may extend vertically from the base portion. In one embodiment, the second stationary crib side end section 14b is a separate piece located adjacent to the second base 22b and runs (horizontally) along a part but not all of the complete perimeter of the base 22b. In the example shown, the section 14b cuts an arc of about ninety degrees around the complete circle defined by the perimeter of the base 22b. The second stationary crib side end section 14b may be preferably of the same shape and size as the first stationary crib side end section 14a such that one may be used in place of the other. The second stationary crib side end section may have a horizontal top rail 52a and a horizontal bottom rail 52b. A plurality of bars 66 may extend vertically between the top rail 52a and the bottom rail 52b. In another embodiment, the plurality of bars 66 may be positioned in any direction between the top rail 52a and the bottom rail 52b. The bars 66 may be spaced at distances from each other to prevent a child's head from fitting between the bars 66. The bottom rail 52b may be secured to the base portion. The bottom rail 52b may preferably be secured to the second base 22b. Bolts, nails, screws, brackets or any other similar securing mechanism may be used to secure the bottom rail 52b to the base portion. [0019] A first crib side back section 20a may extend vertically from the base portion. In one embodiment, the first crib side back section 20a is a separate piece located adjacent to the first base 22a and runs (horizontally) along a part but not all of the complete perimeter of the base 22a. In the example shown, the section 20a cuts an arc of about ninety degrees around the complete circle defined by the perimeter of the base 22a. The first crib side back section 20a may be of the same shape and size as the movable and end crib side sections 14a, 14b, 18a, 18b. The first crib side back section may have a horizontal top rail 62a and a horizontal bottom rail 62b. A plurality of bars 66 may extend vertically between the top rail 62a and the bottom rail 62b. In another embodiment, the plurality of bars 66 may be positioned in any direction between the top rail 62a and the bottom rail 62b. The bars 66 may be spaced at distances from each other to prevent a child's head from fitting between the bars 66. The bottom rail 62b may be secured to the base portion. The bottom rail 62b may preferably be secured to the first base 22a. Bolts, nails, screws, brackets or any other similar securing mechanism may be used to secure the bottom rail 62b to the base portion. In one embodiment, the first crib side back section 20a may be movable. [0020] A second crib side back section 20b may extend vertically from the base portion. In one embodiment, the second crib side back section 20a is a separate piece located adjacent to the second base 22b and runs (horizontally) along a part but not all of the complete perimeter of the base 22b. In the example shown, the section 22b cuts an arc of about ninety degrees around the complete circle defined by the perimeter of the base 22b. The second crib side back section 20b may be preferably of the same shape and size as the first crib side back section 20a such that one may be used in place of the other. The second crib side back section 20b may have a horizontal top rail 64a and a horizontal bottom rail 64b. A plurality of bars 66 may extend vertically between the top rail 64a and the bottom rail 64b. In another embodiment, the plurality of bars 66 may be positioned in any direction between the top rail 64a and the bottom rail 64b. The bars 66 may be spaced at distances from each other to prevent a child's head from fitting between the bars 66. The bottom rail 64b may be secured to the base portion. The bottom rail 64b may preferably be secured to the second base 22b. Bolts, nails, screws, brackets or any other similar securing mechanism may be used to secure the bottom rail 64b to the base portion. In one embodiment, the second crib side back section 20b may be movable. [0021] In one embodiment, the crib legs 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h may be adjacent to the base portion. The crib legs may be preferably of the same shape and size such that they support the base portion evenly above the floor. The crib legs 12a, 12b, 12g, 12h may be secured to the perimeter of the first base 22a. The crib legs 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f may be secured to the perimeter of the second base 22b. In one embodiment, a set of holes 38, 40, 42 may be formed in the crib legs 12a-h so the base portion may be secured to the crib legs 12a-h at various heights to allow the parent to adjust the distance between the base portion and the top rail of the crib side sections. Bolts, nails, screws, brackets or any other similar securing mechanism may be used to secure the crib legs 12a-h to the base portion and crib side sections. [0022] In one embodiment, the crib legs 12a-h may be adjacent to the crib side sections. The crib legs 12a-h may be secured to their adjacent crib side sections. The crib legs 12a-h may be secured to the top rail and the bottom rail only of an adjacent crib side section. In still another embodiment, the crib legs 12a-h may be secured to a vertically extending bar positioned between a top rail and a bottom rail of an adjacent crib side section. [0023] In one embodiment, the crib side sections may be adjacent to one another such that a crib in the shape of two side by side cribs is formed. In one embodiment, one end of the first stationary crib side end section 14a may be adjacent to one end of the first movable crib side section 18a. One end of the second stationary crib side end section 14b may be adjacent to one end of the second movable crib side section 18b. One end of the front stationary crib side middle section 16a may be adjacent to another end of the first movable crib side section 18a. Another end of the front stationary crib side middle section 16a may be adjacent to another end of the second movable crib side section 18b. One end of the back stationary crib side middle section 16b may be adjacent to one end of the first crib side back section 20a. Another end of the back stationary crib side middle section 16b may be adjacent to one end of the second crib side back section 20b. Another end of the first stationary crib side end section 14a may be adjacent to another end of the first crib side back section 20a. Another end of the second stationary crib side end section 14b may be adjacent to another end of the second crib side back section 20b. Continue reading... Full patent description for Crib having movable and stationary sides, multiple bases, and a base connector Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Crib having movable and stationary sides, multiple bases, and a base connector patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Crib having movable and stationary sides, multiple bases, and a base connector or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Clips for mounting accessories to play yards and methods of operating the same Next Patent Application: Rockable sleeping compartments attachable to play yards and methods of operating the same Industry Class: Beds ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Crib having movable and stationary sides, multiple bases, and a base connector patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.20234 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Tyco , Unilever , Warner-lambert , 3m |
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