Abstract
A leveling infant bed is provided comprising a frame, a support surface, a level attached to the frame configured to indicate whether the support surface is horizontal, and an adjustment mechanism configured to move the frame so that the support surface is horizontal. The level may be a bubble level or an electronic level and is operative to indicate whether the support surface is horizontal within a range of 0+/1 with respect to parallel. The adjustment mechanism can be either manual or automatic. In the case of an automatic mechanism, the motors are responsive to a controller that receives a signal from an electronic level indicating that the support surface is not horizontal. Additionally, the electronic level may feature a lighted display to indicate horizontal. The frame of the leveling infant bed can be a bassinet frame, a crib frame, or a play yard frame.
Claims
1. A leveling infant bed system comprising: a frame; support surface attached to the frame; a level indicator attached to the frame and configured to indicate whether the support surface is horizontal; and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the frame so that the support surface is horizontal.
2. The leveling infant bed system of claim 1, wherein the level indicator is one of a mechanical level and an electronic level.
3. The leveling infant bed of claim 1, wherein the level indicator is operative to indicate whether the support surface is horizontal within +/1 with respect to parallel.
4. The leveling infant bed of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is one of a manual mechanism and an automatic mechanism.
5. The leveling infant bed of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is a manual mechanism comprising one or more adjustment screws.
6. The leveling infant bed of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is an automatic mechanism comprising one or more adjustment screws driven by motors.
7. The leveling infant bed of claim 6, wherein the level indicator is an electronic level and wherein the motors are responsive to a controller configured to receive a signal from the electronic level, the signal indicating that the support surface is not horizontal.
8. The leveling infant bed of claim 1, wherein the level indicator is an electronic level with a lighted display to indicate horizontal.
9. The leveling infant bed of claim 1, wherein the frame is one of a bassinet frame, a crib frame, and a play yard frame.
10. A method for maintaining a horizontal support surface in a leveling infant bed system, the method comprising: providing an infant bed system according to claim 1.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the level indicator is one of a mechanical level and an electronic level.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the level indicator is operative to indicate whether the support surface is horizontal within +/1 with respect to parallel.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the adjustment mechanism is one of a manual mechanism and an automatic mechanism.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the adjustment mechanism is a manual mechanism comprising one or more adjustment screws.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the adjustment mechanism is an automatic mechanism comprising one or more adjustment screws driven by motors.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the level indicator is an electronic level and wherein the motors are responsive to a controller configured to receive a signal from the electronic level, the signal indicating that the support surface is not horizontal.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the level indicator is an electronic level with a lighted display to indicate horizontal.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The system is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a bassinet frame according a first exemplary embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates the frame of FIG. 1 with the support surface lowered;
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts the support surface and a support frame for the support surface;
[0018] FIG. 4 shows the bassinet frame of FIG. 1 in a bassinet configuration with the support surface at a middle height;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the portion of the frame where the slide engages with the tube member;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-section view showing releasing the slide member pawl;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view showing the slide sliding down the tube member;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view showing the slide at the bottom of the tube member;
[0023] FIG. 9A illustrates second embodiment of the bassinet frame;
[0024] FIG. 9B shows the bassinet frame of FIG. 9A and a mid-level height;
[0025] FIG. 9C shows the bassinet frame of FIG. 9A in a play yard configuration;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an end view of a leveling infant bed according to another embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 11 presents a second embodiment of a leveling infant bed;
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates third embodiment of a leveling infant bed;
[0029] FIG. 13 depicts yet another embodiment of a leveling infant bed; and
[0030] FIG. 14 shows the bassinet of FIG. 1 with another mechanism for insuring the support surface level.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The various embodiments of the leveling infant bed and their advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 13 of the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the novel features and principles of operation. Throughout the drawings, like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
[0032] The present disclosure relates to a leveling infant bed system designed to provide a horizontal sleeping surface for infants, thereby enhancing safety and comfort. The system comprises several components, including a frame, a support surface, a level indicator, an adjustment mechanism, and a controller, each of which is described in detail below.
[0033] The frame is configured to support a support surface and may be selected from various types, including a bassinet frame, a crib frame, or a play yard frame. The frame serves as the structural foundation for the system, providing stability and support for the mounted support surface. The support surface is mounted on the frame and is configured to remain horizontal within a range of 0+/1 with respect to parallel. This configuration ensures that the support surface maintains a consistent horizontal alignment, which is critical for the safety and comfort of the infant.
[0034] A level indicator is attached to the frame and is configured to indicate whether the support surface is horizontal within the specified range. The level indicator may be a mechanical level or an electronic level, the latter comprising a lighted display for visual confirmation of levelness. The level indicator provides real-time feedback on the horizontal status of the support surface, enabling precise adjustments as needed.
[0035] The adjustment mechanism is responsible for adjusting the frame to maintain the support surface in a horizontal position. The adjustment mechanism may be either a manual adjustment mechanism or an automatic adjustment mechanism. In embodiments where the adjustment mechanism is manual, it may comprise adjustment screws that are manually operable. Alternatively, in automatic embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include motor-driven adjustment screws. The motors, which may be servo motors or stepper motors, are configured to drive the adjustment screws, facilitating precise and automated leveling of the support surface. The adjustment screws are designed to achieve a high degree of precision in maintaining the support surface within a tolerance of +/1 degree. These screws may feature a fine pitch thread, which allows for incremental adjustments with minimal rotation. The fine pitch thread increases the mechanical advantage, thereby reducing the effort required to achieve the desired adjustment. Additionally, the screws may be fabricated from a material with low thermal expansion properties to ensure stability under varying temperature conditions. The screw heads may be equipped with a knurled surface or a hexagonal socket to facilitate manual operation or tool engagement, respectively. In automatic embodiments, the motor-driven screws may incorporate feedback sensors, such as encoders, to provide real-time position data, enabling precise control over the adjustment process.
[0036] In embodiments featuring an automatic adjustment mechanism, the system further comprises a controller configured to receive signals from the level indicator and activate the adjustment mechanism to adjust the support surface to a horizontal position. The controller processes input from the level indicator and actuates the motors to achieve the desired horizontal alignment. This automated process ensures that the support surface remains within the specified horizontal range, even in the presence of external factors such as uneven floor surfaces or assembly inconsistencies.
[0037] The system may also include a sensor configured to detect horizontality and communicate with the controller. The sensor, which may be an accelerometer, provides additional data on the orientation of the support surface, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment. Additionally, a light display may be included to provide a visual indication of the support surface's level status, further aiding in user awareness and system functionality.
[0038] The leveling infant bed system is adaptable to various frame types and configurations, providing flexibility in application. It addresses the challenges of maintaining a horizontal sleeping surface within a tight tolerance range, considering manufacturing variations and consumer assembly requirements. The integration of both manual and automatic adjustment mechanisms, along with electronic components, offers a reliable and efficient solution for maintaining a horizontal sleeping surface for infants.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows one exemplary embodiment of a leveling infant bed system 1000, which in this case is a bassinet system, comprising a frame 1001 which includes a support arm 1009. A vertical member 1007 extends down from the upper portion of the support arm 1009. Attached to the vertical member 1007 is a bassinet 1015 comprising a support surface 1003, typically on which a mattress or pad is laid. The bassinet is attached to the vertical member 1007 so that the support surface is maintained substantially perpendicular with respect to the vertical member 1007. The bassinet 1015 may be enclosed with soft goods. In this embodiment, a level indicator 1005 is associated with the frame 1001 in such a manner as to accurately indicate whether the support surface is level, or horizontal. Preferably, level 1005 is configured to indicate horizontal to 0+/1, and preferably within 0+/0.5, with respect to parallel. At the bottom of the vertical member 1007 an adjustment mechanism 1011 is mounted. Although, not depicted in this figure, another adjustment mechanism is located on the opposite end of the frame 1001. The adjustment mechanisms, which may be screws, extend from a vertical portion 1009 of the frame 1001 to just beyond the vertical members 1007 such that turning the screws 1011 adjusts the angle of the vertical members 1007 and, therefore, adjusts the angle of the support surface 1003. The screws 1011 are configured to allow minute angle adjustments such that the support surface 1003 may be maintained at horizontal within a range of 0+/1, and preferably within 0+/0.5.
[0040] FIG. 11 shows another exemplary embodiment of a leveling infant bed system 1100, which in this example, is a bassinet. The system 1100 comprises a frame 1101 for supporting a support surface 1003 (not shown in FIG. 11 for clarity). In this embodiment, a support surface 1003 is mounted to a lower portion 1107 of the frame 1101 such that the support surface 1003 is substantially perpendicular to vertical members 1103a, b of the frame 1101. In this case, vertical members 1103a, b comprise adjustment mechanisms 1103a, b which may be adjustment screws. Mounted to the lower portion 1107 of the frame is level indicator 1105, which in this example is an electronic sensor 1109, which may be an accelerometer. The sensor 1109 is mounted to the frame and is configured to detect whether the support surface 1003 is horizontal, within a range of 0+/1, and preferably within 0+/0.5. The sensor 1109 may be in communication with a light display 1111 which visually indicates whether the support surface 1003 is horizontal within a range of 0+/1, and preferably within 0+/0.5. The sensor 1109 and the lighted display 1111, together is considered herein an electronic level 1105. The support surface 1003 may be maintained at horizontal using the vertical adjustment mechanisms 1103a, b, which may be screws, are configured such that turning the screws 1103a, b adjusts the angle of the lower portion 1107 of the frame 1101 and, therefore, adjusts the angle of the support surface 1003. The screws 1103a, b are configured to allow minute angle adjustments such that the support surface 1003 may be maintained at horizontal within a range of 0+/1, and preferably within 0+/0.5.
[0041] Yet another embodiment is depicted in FIG. 12, wherein in this case infant bed system 1100. The system 1100 comprises a frame 1101 for supporting a support surface 1003 (not shown for clarity). In this embodiment, the support surface 1003 is mounted to a lower portion of the frame 1101 such that the support surface 1003 is substantially perpendicular to vertical members 1103a, b of the frame 1101. In this case, vertical members 1103a, b comprise adjustment mechanisms 1103a, b which may be adjustment screws. Mounted to the lower portion of the frame is an electronic sensor 1109, which may be an accelerometer. The sensor 1109 is mounted to the frame and is configured to detect whether the support surface 1003 is horizontal, within a range of 0+/1, and preferably within 0+/0.5. The sensor 1109 may be in communication with a light display 1111 which visually indicates whether the support surface 1003 is horizontal within a range of 0+/1, and preferably within 0+/0.5. The sensor 1109 and the lighted display 1111, together is considered herein an electronic level 1105. The sensor 1109 is responsive to a controller 1201. Additionally, adjustment mechanisms 1103a, b, comprise screws driven by motors 1203a, b both of which are controlled by the controller 1201. Accordingly, when the sensor 1109 detects the support surface 1003 is not within 0+/1 with respect to parallel, it sends a signal to the controller 1201 which energizes the motors 1203a, b to turn the screws 1103a, b in the direction appropriate to return the support surface 1003 to 0+/1.
[0042] FIG. 13 shows another exemplary embodiment of a leveling infant bed system 1300, which in this case is a bassinet system, comprising a frame 1301 which includes a support arm 1309. A vertical member 1007 extends down from the upper portion of the support arm 1009. Attached to the vertical member 1007 is a bassinet 1315 frame for supporting a support surface 1003 (not shown in FIG. 13). The bassinet is attached to the vertical member 1007 so that the support surface 1003 is maintained substantially perpendicular with respect to the vertical member 1007. The bassinet frame 1315 comprises vertical frame members 1303. The support surface 1003 is mounted to a lower portion 1307 of the frame 13101 such that the support surface 1003 is substantially perpendicular to vertical members 1303a, b of the frame 1301. In this case, vertical members 1303a, b comprise adjustment mechanisms which may be adjustment screws. Mounted to the lower portion of the frame is an electronic sensor 1109 (not shown), which may be an accelerometer. The sensor 1109 is mounted to the frame 1307 and is configured to detect whether the support surface 1003 is horizontal, within a range of 0+/1, and preferably within 0+/0.5. The sensor 1109 is responsive to a controller 1201. Additionally, adjustment mechanisms 1103a, b, comprise screws driven by motors 1203a, b both of which are controlled by the controller 1201. Accordingly, when the sensor 1109 detects the support surface 1003 is not within 0+/1 with respect to parallel, it sends a signal to the controller 1201 which energizes the motors 1203a, b to turn the screws 1103a, b in the direction appropriate to return the support surface 1003 to 0+/1.
[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 1 through 8, an example of a bassinet frame 100 adapted to maintain the support surface 104 within 0+/1 with respect to parallel is shown. The bassinet frame 100 is adapted so that the bassinet may be raised or lowered (compare FIGS. 1 and 4), and the support surface 104 may be lowered with respect to the frame 100 to form a play yard (illustrated in FIG. 2). Bassinet frame 100 features an upper surrounding frame 101 from which soft goods are to be suspended. Upper frame 101 is supported by first and second vertical supports 102a, b located at either end of the frame 100. Vertical supports 102a, b are each slidably engaged with respective brackets 113a, b attached to horizontal frame members 109a, b of lower frame 103. Extending downward from each bracket 113a, b is a vertical tube member 108a, b within which vertical supports 102a, b are slidably inserted. FIG. 2 shows vertical tube members 108a, b are configured with a series of vertically aligned holes 204 on a side thereof. There may also be holes defined in the opposite side of the tube members 108a, b. Tube members 108a, b are also configured with vertical slot 202 defined in the inward-facing surfaces thereof.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates how the sleep support surface 104 is associated with the bassinet frame 100. A support frame is formed from two horizontal frame members 301a, b that engage with vertical slides 111a, b. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vertical slides 111a, b are slidably engaged with respective tube members 108a, b. Vertical slides 111a, b are further configured with horizontal tubes 303a, b dimensioned to receive respective ends of horizontal frame members 301a, b. Horizontal tubes 303a, b are formed on vertical slides 111a, b to be within 0+/1 with respect to parallel such that when the horizontal frame members 301a, b inserted in the tubes 303a, b and the support surface 104 is mounted on the frame members 301a, b, the support surface is maintained within 0+/1 with respect to parallel.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the bassinet frame 100 depicting engagement of the slide 111 with the vertical tube member 108 within which is slidably inserted vertical support 102. Vertical support 102 encloses a linkage housing 503 configured to support linkage for extending and withdrawing an engagement pin 509. Engagement pin 509 is dimensioned to be inserted in the vertically aligned holes 204 for vertically adjusting and positioning the bassinet. At the lower portion of the vertical support is a shoulder 507. Pin 509 is connected by linkage to controls housed in upper brackets (FIG. 1: 110a, b) whereby operation of the controls disengages or engages the pin(s) 509 in the vertically aligned holes 204.
[0046] In the inward surface of the vertical support 102 a notch is defined. The slide 111 is configured with a toggle switch 501 having a pawl 505 extending outwardly from an upper end thereof. The toggle switch 501 may be configured such that the pawl 505 is biased outward. The inward surface of the slide 111 comprises a hole 502 for receiving the pawl 505. The hole 202 and the notch 504 are vertically aligned with the vertical slot 202 defined in the vertical tube member 108. When the support surface 104 is in bassinet configuration, the pawl 505 is allowed to be engaged with the notch 504 in the vertical support member 102. The height of the bassinet may be adjusted, as described above, without disengaging the pawl 505 because the pawl 505 is allowed to slide within the vertical slot 202 in the tube member 108.
[0047] The support surface 104 may be placed in a play yard configuration as shown in FIGS. 6 through 8. In FIG. 6, the lower end of the toggle switch 501 may be depressed, rotating the pawl 505 and withdrawing it from the notch 504 and from the slot 202. The slide 111/support surface 104 is released and may be allowed to descend. As the slide slides down the tube member 108, the pawl 505 engages shoulder 507 which forces the pawl to rotate further inward and disengage from the notch 504 and the slot 202. Thereafter, the slide 111 may be allowed to slide downward along the tube member 108 as shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, the slide 111 is at the bottom of the tube member 108, stopped at the bottom by an end cap 801 in the lower end of the tube member 108.
[0048] FIGS. 9A through 9C illustrate another embodiment of a bassinet frame 100 adapted to maintain the support surface 104 within 0+/1 with respect to parallel. In this embodiment, the lower frame 103 provides support for a bracket 113 which supports vertical tube member 108. The bassinet is comprised of upper 101 and lower 301 frame sections. The upper frame section 101 is configured with a downward extending vertical member 903 and the lower frame section 301 is configured with an upward extending vertical member 905. A support surface 104 is supported by the lower frame section 301. The upper and lower frame sections 101, 301 are enclosed in soft goods 907.
[0049] The upward extending vertical member 905 is configured to extend from the lower frame section 301 perpendicular, i.e., 90+/1 with respect to parallel such that when the upward extending vertical member is maintained substantially vertically, the support surface 104 is maintained within 0+/1 with respect to parallel. The two vertical members are slidably engaged with the tube member 108. The tube member 108 is held in a substantially perpendicular orientation of 90+/1 with respect to parallel.
[0050] In bassinet configuration, the downward extending vertical member 903 is connected to the upward extending vertical member 905. This embodiment features positioning pins 901a, b attached to the lower frame section 301 and biased to extend laterally outward to holes defined in the laterally inward surfaces of lower vertical frame members 105a, b. The holes (not shown) are defined in the vertical frame member 105a, b such that they are horizontally aligned with each other within 0+/1 of each other with respect to parallel. Consequently, when the pins 901a, b are engaged with the holes, the support surface 104 is maintained at 0+/1 with respect to parallel. FIG. 9B shows the bassinet frame 100 in a bassinet configuration and the pins 901a, b engaged with another set of horizontally aligned holes (within 0+/1 of each other) in a lower position on the vertical frame members 105a, b. FIG. 9C illustrates the bassinet frame 100 in a play yard configuration where the downward extending vertical member 903 is disconnected from the upward extending vertical member 907 and the pins 901a, b are engaged with holes in defined in the lower portions of the vertical frame members 105a, b. The soft goods 907 are expandable, dimensioned to enclose the frame 100 when it is in a play yard configuration.
[0051] FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the bassinet frame 100 of FIG. 1 and an adjustment strap 1401 attached at one end to the upper frame 101 and support surface 104 horizontal frame 301. Strap 1401 may comprise a buckle which permits a user to make adjustments to the length of strap 1401 in order to help maintain the support surface 104 at 0+/1. A plurality of straps 1401 may be added to other parts of the frame 100. For example, four straps 1401 could be attached between the upper frame 101 and the support surface 104 horizontal frame 301 at the respective corners thereof. Alternatively, four straps 1401 could be attached between the upper frame 101 and the support surface 104 horizontal frame 301 at the respective sides and ends of the frames providing greater control over the orientation of the support surface 104.
[0052] As described above and shown in the associated drawings, the description is directed to a leveling infant bed. While particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood, however, that any invention appertaining to the apparatus/system/method described is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. It is, therefore, contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications that incorporate those features or those improvements that embody the spirit and scope of the invention.
