Assembly kit for building a crib-curtain support frame

Abstract

The present invention discloses an assembly kit for building a crib-curtain support frame mountable on a baby crib. The assembly kit includes a plurality of elongated supports members and a plurality of clamping members. When the support frame is assembled, each clamping member retains an individual support member in an upright position, whereby upper ends of the support members support a section of the crib curtain thereupon.

Claims

1. An assembly kit for building a crib-curtain support frame mountable on a baby crib, the assembly kit comprising: a plurality of elongated supports members, each of the support members having an upper end and a lower end; and a plurality of clamping members, each of the clamping members having an outer surface and an inner surface; wherein the lower ends of individual support members are attached to the outer surface of respective clamping members; wherein each of the clamping members is detachably mountable to the baby crib; and wherein, when the support frame is assembled, the upper ends of the support members support a section of the crib curtain thereupon.

2. The assembly kit of claim 1, further comprising at least two fasteners; wherein the plurality of elongated support members comprises at least two vertical support members and at least two angular support members; wherein the plurality of clamping members comprises at least two clamping members, each of the clamping members is attached to the lower end of a respective one of the vertical support members; and wherein the lower end of each angular support member is detachably connectable to a respective vertical support member at a point proximate to its lower end, whereby, when the support frame is assembled, the vertical support members are vertically aligned and the angular support members extends upward and outward from the vertical support members, forming an angle.

3. The assembly kit of claim 2, further comprising at least a first lateral support member having two ends and a second lateral support member having two ends; wherein the first lateral support member is detachably connectable to and extendible between the upper ends of two of the vertical support members; and wherein the second lateral support member is detachably connectable and extendible between the upper ends of two of the angular support members.

4. The assembly kit of claim 3, wherein the upper end of each of the two vertical support members includes one socket of a first pair of sockets, each of the first pair of sockets is shaped and sized to receive a respective end of the first lateral support member; wherein the first lateral support member is slidably receivable within the first pair of sockets, whereby, when the support frame is assembled, the first lateral support member is suspended between the upper ends of the vertical support members; wherein the upper end of each of the two angular support members includes one socket of a second pair of sockets, each of the second pair of sockets is shaped and sized to receive a respective end of the second lateral support member; and wherein the second lateral support member is slidably receivable within the second pair of sockets, whereby, when the support frame is assembled, the second lateral support member is suspended between the upper ends of the angular support members.

5. The assembly kit of claim 2, wherein the upper ends of the vertical support members are aligned with the upper ends of the angular support members.

6. The assembly kit of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of support bands configured to extend between and releasably couple to the first lateral support member and the second lateral support member.

7. The assembly kit of claim 2, wherein each of the vertical support members comprises a first section having a top end and a bottom end, and a second section having a top end and a bottom end; wherein the second section is slidably receivable within the bottom end of the first section; and wherein the lower end of each angular support member is detachably connectable to the first section of a respective one of the vertical support members at a point proximate to its bottom end.

8. The assembly kit of claim 1, further comprising the crib cover, the crib cover comprising a first layer and a second layer, the first layer comprising a blackout layer or a noise reduction layer.

9. The assembly kit of claim 8, wherein the first layer comprises an outside-facing blackout layer and an inner noise reduction layer, and wherein the second layer comprises an inside-facing fabric layer.

10. The assembly kit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elongated support members comprises at least four vertical support members; and wherein the plurality of clamping members comprises at least four clamping members, each of the clamping members is attached to the lower end of a respective one of the vertical support members, whereby, when the support frame is assembled, the vertical support members are vertically aligned.

11. The assembly kit of claim 10, wherein at least two of the at least four vertical support members are telescoping legs, the telescoping legs comprising at least a first section having a top end and a bottom end, and a second section having a top end and a bottom end; and wherein, the second section is slidably receivable within the bottom end of the first section.

12. The assembly kit of claim 11, wherein the telescoping legs further comprise a third section having a top end and a bottom end; wherein the third section is slidably receivable within the bottom end of the second section; and wherein each of the at least four clamping members is attached to the lower end of the third section of a respective telescoping leg.

13. The assembly kit of claim 12, wherein individuals telescoping legs are adjustable independent of the other telescoping legs.

14. The assembly kit of claim 10, wherein the upper end of each of at least two of the at least four vertical support members includes a gripping member.

15. The assembly kit of claim 10, further comprising at least a first lateral support member having two ends and a second lateral support member having two ends; wherein the at least four vertical support members comprises a first pair of cooperating support members and a second pair of cooperating support members; wherein the upper end of each of the first pair of cooperating support members includes one socket of a first pair of sockets, each of the first pair of sockets is shaped and sized to receive a respective end of the first lateral support member; wherein the first lateral support member is slidably receivable within the first pair of sockets, whereby, when the support frame is assembled, the first lateral support member is suspended between the upper ends of the first pair of cooperating support members; wherein the upper end of each of the of the second pair of cooperating support members includes one socket of a second pair of sockets, each of the second pair of sockets is shaped and sized to receive a respective end of the second lateral support member; and wherein the second lateral support member is slidably receivable within the second pair of sockets, whereby, when the support frame is assembled, the second lateral support member is suspended between the upper ends of the second pair of cooperating support members.

16. The assembly kit of claim 15, wherein the upper ends of the first pair of cooperating support members are aligned with the upper ends of the second pair of cooperating support members.

17. The assembly kit of claim 11, further comprising at least four fixed vertical support members, each of the fixed vertical support members having an upper end and a lower end; wherein the first section of each of the telescoping legs is detachably connectable to a point proximate to the lower end of a respective fixed vertical support member in an overlapping configuration, whereby, when the support frame is assembled, each of the telescoping legs extends downward from the lower end of the respective fixed vertical support member in a non-linear alignment.

18. The assembly kit of claim 15, further comprising at least four fixed vertical support members, each of the fixed vertical support members having an upper end and a lower end; wherein the first section of each of the telescoping legs is detachably connectable to a point proximate to the lower end of a respective fixed vertical support member in an overlapping configuration, whereby, when the support frame is assembled, each of the telescoping legs extends downward from the lower end of the respective fixed vertical support member in a non-linear alignment.

19. A blanket support frame mountable on a baby crib, the support frame comprising: at least two elongated vertical support members, each of the vertical support members having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of each of the two vertical support members including one socket of a first pair of sockets; at least two clamping members, each of the clamping members being detachably mountable to the baby crib; at least two elongated angular support members, each of the angular support members having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of each of the two angular support members includes one socket of a second pair of sockets; at least a first elongated lateral support member having two ends, the first lateral support member being detachably connected to and extending between the upper ends of two of the vertical support members; at least a second elongated lateral support member having two ends, the second lateral support member being detachably connected to and extending between the upper ends of two of the angular support members; and a plurality of support bands extending between and releasably coupling to the first lateral support member and the second lateral support member; wherein each of the clamping members is attached to the lower end of a respective one of the vertical support members; wherein the lower end of each angular support member is detachably connected to a respective one of the vertical support members at a point proximate to its lower end, whereby the angular support members extends upward and outward from the vertical support members, forming an angle; wherein each socket of the first pair of sockets is configured to receive a respective end of the first lateral support member and each socket of the second pair of sockets is configured to receive a respective end of the second lateral support member; wherein the first lateral support member is configured to be slidably received within the first pair of sockets, whereby, the first lateral support member is suspended between the upper ends of the vertical support members; wherein the second lateral support member is configured to be slidably received within the second pair of sockets, whereby, the second lateral support member is suspended between the upper ends of the angular support members; and wherein, the upper ends of the vertical support members and the upper ends of the angular support members are configured to support a crib curtain thereupon.

20. A blanket support frame mountable on a baby crib, the support frame comprising: a plurality of elongated vertical support members, each of the vertical support members having an upper end and a lower end; and a plurality of clamping members, each of the clamping members being detachably mountable to the baby crib; wherein each of the clamping members is operatively coupled to the lower end of a respective vertical support member; wherein, when the support frame is mounted to the baby crib, the upper ends of the vertical support members support a section of the crib curtain thereupon; wherein each of the elongated vertical support members comprises a telescoping leg, each of the telescoping legs comprising a first section having a top end and a bottom end, a second section having a top end and a bottom end, and a third section having a top end and a bottom end, the second section being slidably receivable within the bottom end of the first section, the third section being slidably receivable within the bottom end of the second section, wherein individuals telescoping legs are adjustable independent of the other telescoping legs; wherein each of the clamping members is attached to the bottom end of the third section of a respective one of the telescoping legs; further comprising a plurality of fixed vertical support members, each of the fixed vertical support members having an upper end and a lower end; wherein the first section of each of the telescoping legs is detachably connected to the side of a respective fixed vertical support member in an overlapping configuration, whereby, each of the telescoping legs extends downward from the respective fixed vertical support member in a non-linear alignment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying figures illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes that the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a partial side view of a partially assembled crib-curtain support frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled crib-curtain support frame of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a partial side view of an assembled crib-curtain support frame, supporting a crib curtain thereupon, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a front partially exploded view an assembled crib-curtain support frame, supporting a crib curtain thereupon, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial side view of an assembled crib-curtain support frame, supporting a crib curtain thereupon, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 6 a side view of a crib curtain according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a isometric partially exploded view of the assembled crib-curtain support frame of FIG. 4, supporting a crib curtain thereupon.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of a clamp according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a clamp according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a side view of the clamp of FIG. 9.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a side view of a vertical support member connected to the clamp of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 11A is another side view of a vertical support member connected to the clamp of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a side view of a vertical support member connected to the clamp of FIGS. 9-10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective partially exploded view of part of an assembled crib-curtain support frame according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective partial view of part of an assembled crib-curtain support frame according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

[0024] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate embodiments of a crib-curtain support frame structure that can be assembled, disassembled, rearranged, stored and transported in a quick and efficient manner with minimal effort. The figures also illustrate embodiments for easily detachably mounting the support frame to different crib configurations.

[0025] The crib-curtain support frames of the disclosed embodiments may be sold in kits, or as partially or fully preassembled units. For the purposes of this disclosure, the description of the components being in connection with one another is intended to encompass not only the fully preassembled state, but also the partially assembled state where some components are already in connection, as well as the unassembled state where the components are merely detachably connectable as part of an assembly kit.

[0026] Each kit (or partially/fully preassembled unit) includes a plurality of elongated support members and a plurality of clamping members, each clamping member is configured to secure a respective elongated support member in an upright (vertical) position. When the elongated support members are in such upright position, the support frame is capable of supporting a crib curtain thereupon. The crib curtains are suspended across the tops or upper ends of the elongated support members. In particular, a central portion (i.e., supported section) of the crib curtain is suspended over a desired area of the crib (e.g., at least opposite the head and chest of the sleeping baby) inward of, or in-between, the elongated support members. The remainder of the crib curtain overhangs to the front, back and sides of the support frame.

[0027] In addition to the support frame, the kits may come equipped with a crib curtain. The presence or absence of a crib curtain in any of the drawings is not intended to convey that the assembly kit of that embodiment necessarily includes or excludes a crib curtain.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1, an assembled crib-curtain support frame 100 is shown mounted to the upper rail 140 of a baby crib, in accordance with an embodiment. The kit associated with this embodiment includes a plurality of elongated supports members (110, 116) and a plurality of clamping members 114. In particular, the plurality of elongated support members includes two vertical support members 110 and two angular support members 116. (Since FIG. 1 presents a side view of support frame 100, it should be understood that the kit or assembled support frame 100 includes two of each shown element.) Each of the vertical support members 110 has an upper end 111a and a lower end 111b. Each of the angular support members 116 has an upper end 117a and a lower end 117b. The canopy supports 100 are designed to be placed in positions that would allow the curtain crib (canopy) (230) to most effectively block unwanted light from reaching the crib, such as light from ceiling fixtures, sunlight, or streetlights shining through a window. As a result, the supports can be installed at various points around the cribsuch as at the head, along one of the sides, at the back, or on a cornerdepending on where the light is coming from.

[0029] Vertical and angular support members (110, 116) may be formed and shaped as square or annular tubes (or having another shape). Alternatively, one or both of vertical and angular support members (110, 116) may be partially solid and partially annular pipe, which transitions from a solid cross-section to a hollow, annular cross-section along its length. A solid pipe is equipped with one or more holes for insertion of a fastener (described below) in order to secure the support member to another component.

[0030] In some embodiments, vertical support member 110 has an upper body section 112a and a lower body section 112b. In one embodiment, lower body section 112b is an extension rod, whose upper end is slidably received within the lower end 111c of upper body section 112a. In this embodiment, lower end 111c is an emergence point. In another embodiment, lower body section 112b is fixedly attached to lower end 111c of upper body section 112a, such that its position relative to upper body section 112a is permanent and non-adjustable. In this embodiment, lower end 111c is a junction point. Alternatively, an upper portion of lower body section 112b is contained within a lower portion of upper body section 112a, but in a fixed and non-adjustable manner.

[0031] Each clamping member 114 is connected to a lower end 111b of a respective one of the vertical support members 110. (The upward-facing side of clamping member 114, at which it is connected to a vertical support member 114, and may also referred to herein with numeral 111b.) Clamping members 114 are detachably mountable to upper railing 140 of the baby crib. Clamping member 114 may have a U-shape or C-shape (see FIG. 8), or a more tubular shape (see FIG. 9-10), depending on the type of upper railing of the crib. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the clamping members have a medial jaw orientation (i.e., an inward-facing jaw). However, in other embodiments, the clamping member may have a lateral jaw orientation (i.e., an outward-facing jaw) or an inferior jaw orientation (i.e., a downward-facing jaw), or a combination of two or more of the aforementioned inward-facing, outward-facing and downward-facing jaws.

[0032] The clamping members described in connection with some of the embodiments herein are integrally formed with the lower end of an elongated support member. In other embodiments, the clamping member is detachably connected to the lower end of an elongated support member.

[0033] The lower end 117b of each angular support member 116 is connected to a respective one of the vertical support members 110 at a point proximate to lower end 111c of upper body section 112a. When support frame 100 is assembled, the vertical support members 110 are vertically aligned and the angular support members 116 extend upward and outward from respective vertical support members 110 (i.e., upper body section 112a), each pair forming an angle. In another embodiment, lower end 117b of angular support member 116 is connected to vertical support member 110 at a point proximate to upper end 111a of upper body section 112a. In yet another embodiment, lower end 117b of angular support member 116 is connected to lower body section 112b of vertical support member 110. Fastener 118, which may be a bolt or pin or the like, may be inserted through aligned holes to secure angular support member 116 to vertical support member 110.

[0034] As described above, a kit in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may or may not include a crib curtain. Such crib curtain may be suspended across the tops or upper ends 111a and 117a such that a supported section of the crib curtain covers a portion of the crib, while the remainder of the crib curtain drapes or overhangs over the front, back and sides of support frame 100.

[0035] In one embodiment (not shown), the plurality of elongated support members may include more than two vertical support members 110 and two or more angular support members 116. For instance, three or more vertical support members 110 may be mounted on one side of the crib, each having a respective or counterpart angular support member 116 extending transversely across the width of the crib. In yet another embodiment (not shown), four or more vertical support members 110 may be mounted, two on each side of the cribi.e., an anterior pair (proximate to the head of the crib) and a posterior pair (proximate to the midpoint of the crib), with a pair of respective or counterpart angular support members 116 coupled to either of the anterior pair or posterior pair. In this embodiment, the length of the support frame may be greater as compared to the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0036] FIG. 2 depicts a modified version of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, with some of the same components retaining their corresponding reference numerals. However, FIG. 2 also includes additional features and elements not present in the configuration of FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 2 further includes a first lateral support member 210 having two ends 211, a second lateral support member 212 having two ends 213, three support bands 214 extending between the first and second lateral support members (210, 212), and a crib cover 230 supported thereupon. First lateral support member 210 extends between and connects to upper ends 111a of the two of the vertical support members 110. Second lateral support member 212 extends between and connects to the upper ends 117a of the two angular support members 116.

[0037] Although not prominently depicted in FIG. 2, each of the upper ends 111a of the two vertical support members 110 includes one socket of a first pair of sockets, and each of the upper ends 117a of the two angular support members 116 includes one socket of a second pair of sockets. An exemplary socket (1314) of this type is illustrated in FIG. 13, which provides a more detailed illustration of such socket and its configuration within a support frame (1300). In particular, FIG. 13 shows socket (1314) to be sized and shaped to slidably receive a correspondingly sized and shaped lateral support member (1320) therein. Accordingly, in connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, it should be understood that the first pair of sockets (associated with the two vertical support members 110) are sized and shaped to slidably receive a correspondingly sized and shaped respective end of first lateral support member 210 therein, and that the second pair of sockets (associated with the two angular support members 116) are sized and shaped to slidably receive a correspondingly sized and shaped respective end of second lateral support member 212 therein.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 (described above), lateral support member (1320) is a cylinder that maintains a constant cross-sectional diameter along its entire length. In another embodiment (not shown), each of first lateral support 210 and second lateral support member 212 includes a main (tubular) body section and two reduced diameter end sections. Each of the end sections of first lateral support member 210 and second lateral support member 212 terminates in a respective end 211 and 212. In this embodiment, the first and second pairs of sockets are sized and shaped to slidably receive a correspondingly sized and shaped end section.

[0039] In one embodiment, upper ends 111a of vertical support members 110 are aligned with upper ends 117a of angular support members 116. In another embodiment, upper ends 111a are not aligned with upper ends 117a, such that when crib curtain 230 is suspended thereupon, it forms an incline.

[0040] Support bands 214 are shown in FIG. 2 as forming a closed or continuous loop around first and second lateral support members (210, 212). In another embodiment, the support bands have a two-ended strap configuration, with each end of the strap band attaching to a respective one of the first and second lateral support members (210, 212). In both embodiments, the spacing and parallel orientation of first and second lateral support members (210, 212) result in the support bands being tensioned.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an assembled crib-curtain support frame 300 that is mounted to the upper rail 340 of a baby crib, in accordance with an embodiment. The kit associated with this embodiment includes four elongated vertical support members 310 and four associated clamping members 314. (Since FIG. 3 presents a side view of support frame 300, it should be understood that the kit or assembled support frame 300 includes four of each element that is shown in pairs.) Each of the vertical support members 310 has an upper end 311a and a lower end 311b. When support frame 300 is assembled, the vertical support members 310 are vertically aligned. In another embodiment (not shown), the kit or assembled support frame includes varying height vertical support members 310, such that when crib curtain 330 is suspended thereupon, it forms an incline.

[0042] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, each of upper ends 311a includes a gripping member 312. Gripping member 312 may include, but is not limited to, a friction layer, a textured surface, a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro), or a combination thereof. In an embodiment in which gripping members 312 include a hook-and-loop fastener, crib cover 330 has a complimentary inside-facing surface for mating with gripping member 312.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a partially exploded view of an assembled (or pre-assembled) crib-curtain support frame 400 that is mountable to the upper rails 440 and 444 of a baby crib, in accordance with an embodiment. The baby crib includes a railing side to which upper rail 440 is attached, and a solid wall 442 side to which upper rail 444 is attached. The kit associated with this embodiment includes four telescoping vertical support members 410 (also referred to herein interchangeably as telescoping legs 410) and four associated clamping members 414. (Since FIG. 4 presents a front view of support frame 400, it should be understood that the kit or assembled support frame 400 includes four of each element that is shown in pairs.) Each of the telescoping legs 410 including a first (or upper) section 410a having a top end and a bottom end, a second (or middle) section 410b having a top end and a bottom end, and a third (or lower) section 410c having a top end and a bottom end. The top end of first section 410a is also the upper end 412a of telescoping vertical support member 410. The bottom end of third section 410c is also the lower end 412d of telescoping vertical support member 410. The second section 410b is sized and shaped to be slidably disposed within a correspondingly sized and shaped cavity in first section 410a. An emergence point 412b is provided where second section 410b exists first section 410a. The third section 410c is sized and shaped to be slidably disposed within a correspondingly sized and shaped cavity in second section 410b. An emergence point 412c is provided where third section 410c exists second section 410b.

[0044] In one embodiment, each of the telescoping legs 410 is adjustable independent of the other telescoping legs 410.

[0045] In one embodiment, each of first section 410a, second section 410b, and third section 410c is adjustable independent of the other two sections.

[0046] FIG. 4 further illustrates that telescoping leg(s) 410 associated with upper rail 440 and telescoping leg(s) associated with upper rail 444 are in asymmetric extension. Upper railing 444 has an elevated height (owing to solid wall 442) as compared with upper railing 440. The relative lengths of telescoping legs 440 are adjusted accordingly, with telescoping leg(s) 410 associated with upper railing 440 having greater deployment as compared telescoping leg(s) 410 associated with upper railing 444.

[0047] In one embodiment (not shown), a gripping member such as described above in connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 (i.e., gripping member 312) is provided attached to the upper end 412a. Crib cover 430 includes an outside-facing layer 432 and an inside-facing layer 434. In this embodiment, crib cover 430 is has a complimentary inside-facing surface on at least part of inside-facing layer 434 for mating with the gripping member.

[0048] FIG. 5 depicts a modified version of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an assembled crib-curtain support frame 500 mounted to the upper rails 540 of a baby crib, in accordance with an embodiment. Similar to embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the kit associated with this embodiment includes two elongated vertical support members 510, two associated clamping members 514, and two angular support members 517. (Since FIG. 5 presents a side view of support frame 500, it should be understood that the kit or assembled support frame 500 includes a pair of each element shown of the support frame.) Each of the vertical support members 510 has an upper end 511a and a lower end 511b. Each of the angular support members 516 has an upper end 517a and a lower end 517b. Although not shown, vertical and angular support members (510, 516) are connected with a fastener or other suitable mechanism. Vertical support members 510 each include an upper body section 512a and a lower body section 512, with an emergence point or junction point 511c therebetween. Also similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, numeral 511c is an emergence point where lower body section 512b is extension rod that is slidably received within a lower portion of upper body section 512a. Alternatively, numeral 511c is a junction point where lower body section 112b has a position relative to upper body section 112a that is permanent and non-adjustable.

[0049] Unlike in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, angular support members 516 are longer than vertical support members 510. The advantage of this configuration is that when crib cover 530 is arranged upon and supported by upper surfaces 511a and 517a, the supported section of crib cover 530 spans a larger area of the crib along its longitudinal axis as compared to the embodiment described above in connection with FIG. 1.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates a crib cover 600, which includes an outside-facing layer 602, an inner layer 604, and an inside-facing layer 606. In one embodiment, outside-facing layer 602 is a blackout layer, inner layer 604 is a sound absorbing liner layer, and inside-facing layer 606 is a fabric layer arranged opposite the interior of the crib (i.e., facing the baby). In another embodiment, the blackout layer and noise-canceling layer are reversed, such that the outside-facing layer 602 is the noise canceling layer and the inner layer 604 is the blackout layer. In one embodiment, the fabric layer is a hypoallergenic layer.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment that is the same or substantially similar to the embodiment described above in connection with FIG. 4, with the same components retaining their corresponding reference numerals. In this embodiment, the four telescoping legs 410 are shown in an exploded view connection with either of upper railings 440 or 444. As described above, the pair of telescoping legs 410 associated with upper railing 440 have greater deployment as compared with the pair of telescoping legs 410 associated with upper railing 444.

[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates a U-shaped clamp in accordance with an embodiment. U-shaped clamp 800 includes a base of fixed jaw section 802, an extender or sliding jaw section 804, and a detent pin 806 for locking the sliding jaw section.

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates a tubular clamp 900 in accordance with an embodiment. Tubular clamp 900 includes a body 902 and a pair of opposing adjustment wings 904 that, when actuated, cause clamp 900 to open or expand and when released, cause clamp 900 to close. FIG. 10 is a front view of tubular clamp 900 attached to a vertical support member.

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates a vertical support member 1100 in accordance with an embodiment. Vertical support member 1100 has an extension rod 1102, which is connected to U-shaped clamp 800 of FIG. 8, similar to an embodiment described above in connection with FIG. 1.

[0055] FIG. 11A illustrates a U-shaped clamp in accordance with an embodiment. The U-shaped clamp 800 is positioned perpendicularly to the extension rod 1102 and is configured to clamp over the top of a rail or wall (1340). The U-shaped clamp shown contains a base of fixed jaw section 802, an extender or sliding jaw section 804, and a detent pin 806 for locking the sliding jaw section. It is preferably that the inner clamping surface 807 comprise cushioning material such as foam or rubber to achieve a better seal with the surface supporting the clamp. The cushioning material may exist in the inner clamping surfaces of all clamp embodiments shown in FIGS. 8-10, as well as in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0056] FIG. 12 illustrates a vertical support member 1200 in accordance with an embodiment. Vertical support member 1200 has an extension rod 1202 and a detent pin 1204. Extension rod 1202 is connected to tubular clamp 900 of FIGS. 9-10, similar to an embodiment described above in connection with FIG. 1.

[0057] FIG. 13 illustrates an assembled (or pre-assembled) crib-curtain support frame 1300 that is mountable to upper rails 1340 and 1344 of a baby crib, in accordance with an embodiment. The kit associated with this embodiment includes at least four elongated vertical support members 1310 and at least four associated clamping members 1318. (In connection with FIG. 13, it should be understood that the kit or partially assembled support frame 1300 includes at least four of each element that is shown in pairs, such as shown in FIG. 14. Accordingly, the pair of support members 1310 shown is merely a first of two identical pairs.) Each of the support members 1310 including a first (or upper) fixed leg 1312 and a second (or lower) telescoping leg 1314. Telescoping leg 1314 is secured externally to the side of the fixed leg 1312 at an attachment point located in the bottom half of fixed leg 1312. This arrangement enables telescoping leg 1314 to extend and retract independently of fixed leg 1312 while remaining fixedly connected to it in an overlapping side-by-side configuration.

[0058] Each of fixed legs 1312 has an upper end 1313a and a lower end 1313b. In some embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, each of upper ends 1313a includes one socket 1314 of a first pair of sockets. Sockets 1314 are sized and shaped to slidably receive a correspondingly sized and shaped lateral support member 1320 therein. (The second pair of fixed legs 1314 and lateral support member 1320, which are not shown, are identical in configuration to the first pair described above.) A plurality of support bands (not shown) are configured to extend between and releasably couple to the two lateral support members 1320.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, lateral support member 1320 is a cylinder that maintains a constant cross-sectional diameter along its entire length. In another embodiment (not shown), lateral support member 1320 includes a main (tubular) body section and two reduced diameter end sections. Each of the end sections of lateral support member 1320 terminates in a respective one of end 1321. In this embodiment, the first pair of sockets are sized and shaped to slidably receive a correspondingly sized and shaped end section.

[0060] Each of the telescoping legs 1314 including a first (or upper) section 1314a having a top end (1315a) and a bottom end (1315b), a second (or middle) section 1314b having a top end and a bottom end (1315c), and a third (or lower) section 1314c having a top end and a bottom end (1315d). The top end 1315a of first section 1314a is also the upper end of telescoping vertical support member 1314. The bottom end 1315d of third section 1314c is also the lower end of telescoping vertical support member 1314. The second section 1314b is sized and shaped to be slidably disposed within a correspondingly sized and shaped cavity in first section 1314a. An emergence point (1315b) is provided where second section 1314b exists first section 1314a. The third section 1314c is sized and shaped to be slidably disposed within a correspondingly sized and shaped cavity in second section 1314b. An emergence point (1315c) is provided where third section 1314c exists second section 1314b.

[0061] In one embodiment, each of the telescoping legs 1314 is adjustable independent of the other telescoping legs 1314.

[0062] In one embodiment, each of first section 1314a, second section 1314b, and third section 1314c is adjustable independent of the other two sections.

[0063] As noted above, support frame 1300 is mountable to a baby crib that includes a railing side to which upper rail 1340 is attached, and a solid wall 1342 side to which upper rail 1344 is attached. The pair of telescoping legs 1314 associated with upper railing 440 have greater deployment as compared with the pair of telescoping legs 1314 associated with upper railing 444 due to the height difference between the two railings.

[0064] FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment that is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, with the same components retaining their corresponding reference numerals. Support frame 1400 has a pair of coplanar upper railings 1340. However, upper end 1313a of fixed leg 1312 has a cut line to indicate that it may be configured with an upper socket (see FIG. 13), with a gripping member (see FIG. 3), or as a flat surface (see vertical support member 110 in FIG. 1 or vertical support member 510 in FIG. 5). A crib cover may be arranged and supported on the support frame 1300 shown in FIG. 14 configurations of upper end 1313a in FIG. 14 result in different arrangements of the crib cover may be mounted to support frame 1300 of FIG. 14 differently depending on the variation

[0065] The term connect or connected as used herein implies that the elements may be directly connected together or may be connected through one or more intervening elements. While the connections are easily detachable, the assembled support frame is sufficiently sturdy to meet applicable government and voluntary safety standards.

[0066] Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventionssuch as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so onmay be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parameters identified as approximate or about a specified value are intended to include both the specified value and values within 10% of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims, as currently written or as amended or added in the future. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

[0067] The following is a list of reference numerals and associated parts as used in this specification and drawings:

TABLE-US-00001 Part Reference numeral Support frame 100 Vertical support member 110 Upper end (of Vertical support member) 111a Lower end (of Vertical support member) 111b Emergence point or Junction point 111c Upper body section 112a Lower body section (e.g., extension rod) 112b Clamping member 114 Angular support member 116 Upper end (of Angular support member) 117a Lower end (of Angular support member) 117b Fastener 118 Upper rail of crib 140 Support frame 200 First Lateral support member 210 Ends (of First lateral support members) 211 Second Lateral support member 212 Ends (of Second lateral support members) 213 Support band(s) 214 Crib cover 230 Support frame 300 Vertical support member 310 Upper end (of Vertical support member) 311a Lower end (of Vertical support member) 311b Gripping member 312 Clamping member 314 Crib cover 330 Upper rail of crib 340 Support frame 400 Telescoping vertical support member 410 First section 410a Second section 410b Third section 410c Upper end (of Telescoping vertical support member) 412a Emergence point (between first and second sections) 412b Emergence point (between second and third 412c sections) Lower end (of Telescoping vertical support member) 412d Clamping member 414 Crib cover 430 Outside-facing layer 432 Inside-facing layer 434 Upper rail of crib 440 Solid side panel of crib 442 Railing on solid side of crib 444 Support frame 500 Vertical support member 510 Upper end (of Vertical support member) 511a Lower end (of Vertical support member) 511b Emergence point or Junction point 511c Upper body section (of Vertical support member) 512a Lower body section (extension rod) 512b Clamping member 514 Angled support member 516 Upper end (of Angular support member) 517a Lower end (of Angular support member) 517b Crib cover 530 Upper rail of crib 540 Crib cover 600 Outside-facing layer 602 Inner layer 604 Inside-facing layer 606 U-shaped clamp 800 Base or Fixed jaw 802 Extender or Sliding jaw 804 Detent pin 806 Inner clamping surface 807 Tubular clamp 900 Body 902 Wings 904 Vertical support member 1000 Vertical support member 1100 Rod 1102 Hole(s) 1104 Vertical support member 1200 Rod 1202 Detent pin 1204 Support frame 1300 Vertical support member 1310 Fixed leg 1312 Upper end (of Fixed leg) 1313a Lower end (of Fixed leg) 1313b Telescoping (lower) vertical support member 1314 First section 1314a Second section 1314b Third section 1314c Upper end (of Telescoping vertical support member) 1315a Emergence point (between first and second sections) 1315b Emergence point (between second and third 1315c sections) Lower end (of Telescoping vertical support member) 1315d Detent pin 1316 Clamping member 1318 Socket or eyelet 1319 Lateral support member 1320 Upper rail of crib 1340 Solid side panel of crib 1342 Railing on solid side of crib 1344 Support frame 1400