Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FREE-STANDING HANGING INFANT BASKETTE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] The present invention relates to an infant support structure, and, more
particularly, to a hanging baskette suspended from a support such as a free-
standing
frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] As much of an infant's first year of life is spent sleeping, many
devices
have been designed to accommodate the needs of parents for providing a
convenient and comfortable place for their infant to rest. For example, these
devices
may include cribs, or bassinet style cradles, having a flat base and sleeping
section
with surrounding walls. While there is value in devices having flat or
horizontal
sleeping positions, these traditional sleeping areas have their drawbacks. For
example, it is debatable whether flat, horizontal sleeping is at all
comfortable for
infants. As many parents would attest, several inserts are typically used to
improve
the comfort of the infant, or to configure the infant into a specifically
desired sleeping
position. Additionally, horizontal sleeping positions, if left unassisted, may
possibly
increase the chance of sudden infant death, or SIDS. A need exists to provide
an
improved infant resting position in a device that allows for simple assembly,
disassembly and portabiiity.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE NNVENTION:
[0003] The present invention relates to a hanging baskette assembly. The
baskette assembly can be suspended from a variety of supporting structures. In
the
examples below, the baskette assembly includes a frame having a base member,
an
upright member extending upwardly from the base member, and a support member
extending away from the upright member, where the support member is positioned
substantially centrally above the base member, and a baskette su.spended
spatially
between the base member and the support member of the frame, where the
baskette includes at least one fabric unit, such that the at least one fabric
unit forms
two sidewalls and a sleeping area when the baskette is suspended from the
support
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member of the frame, and a suspension mechanism for suspending the baskette
from the support member.
[0004] The sidewalis may have front edges and rear edges, with the front
edges and rear edges connected to the sleeping area at first ends and to the
suspension point at second ends. Accordingly, adjusting the length of the
front edges
or rear edges allows the angle of the sleeping portion to be varied as
desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0005] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made
to the following description and accompanying drawings, while the scope of the
invention is set forth in the appended claims:
[0006] Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] Figure 2 is a side view of the baskette portion of the present
invention;
[0008] Figure 3A is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] Figure 3B is a back view of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] Figure 3C is a back view of an alternate embodiment of the present
invention with a central adjustment tie for adjusting the length of the rear
edges of
the baskette;
[0011] Figure 4 is a side view of an alternate configuration of the baskette
portion of the present invention;
[0012] Figure 5a shows the a hangar bar in accordance with the invention;
and
[0013] Figure 5b shows the a hangar bar installed in an exemplary baskette in
accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014J It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present
invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a
clear
understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of
clarity,
many other elements found in typical infant support structures. Those of
ordinary
skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable
and/or
required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements
and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a
better
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understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and
steps is
not provided herein.
[0015] The present invention provides a hanging baskette for supporting a
child placed within it. Referring now to Figure 1 , a first exemplary
embodiment of
the present invention is described. Hanging baskette assembiy 5 may generally
include a frame 100, suspension mechanism 200 and baskette 300. While the
present invention may be used and scaled for any sort of living creature, such
as
people and pets of any size, it may be preferably designed for supporting
infants
under the care of an adult. The overall construction of the hanging baskette
may be
such that it can be readily assembled or disassembled, and thus easily
transportable. It is understood that the baskette can be suspended from a
variety of
fixed or free standing supporting structures.
[0016] In this example, frame 100 is free standing and suitable for evenly
distributing the weight of the present invention, such that the present
invention may
sit on a level surface without tipping or sliding when a child is positioned
in baskette
300, or during the process of a child being placed in, or removed from,
baskette 300.
For example, frame 100 may. include a base member 12, upright member 14, and
support member 16. Base member 12 may comprise a tubular crosspiece 13 having
end pieces 15 that may be turned approximately 90 with respect to crosspiece
13.
Crosspiece 13 and end pieces 15 may be separate components, or alternatively,
crosspiece 13 may have turned ends providing the same structural effect as the
combination of crosspiece 13 and end pieces 15. Base member 12 may also
include
a pair of tubular side members 19 attached at one end to end pieces 15, and
attached to the opposite end, an end piece 21 angled upwardly for attachment
to
upright member 14. In this embodiment, base member 12 may form a substantially
U-shaped support base. Base member 12 may alternatively be rectangular,
triangular or any other shape suitable for supporting the remaining portions
of frame
100, suspension mechanism 200 and baskette 300.
[00171 Upright member 14 may comprise a pair of tubular shafts 23 that attach
to base member 12 by engaging upright ends 21 of side members 19. Upright
member 14 may further be angled inward, such that the angle between base
member 12 and upright member 14 may be less than 90 , to aid in the
positioning of
support member 16 generally and centrally above base member 12. The length of
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tubular shafts 23 and the angle between them and base member 12 may vary, such
that the height and position of support member 16 may be adjustable.
[0018] Similar to the basic shape of base member 12, support member 16
may be substantially U-shaped, having downwardly angled ends 25, where ends 25
engage the ends of tubes 23. Support member 16 may also have a crosspiece 27
having end pieces 29 that may be turned approximately 90 with respect to
crosspiece 27, and where end pieces 29 may engage downwardly angled ends 25
opposite that of ends 25 engaging the ends of tubes 23. In alternative
embodiments,
any turned end pieces, or elbow pieces, such as end pieces 15, 21, and 29, may
be
either separate components, or simply turned extensions of the tubular shaft
to
which they would theoretically require attachment to.
[0019] The ends of each tubular component of frame 100 may have aligning
holes and fasteners to secure the joints formed (e.g., threaded fasteners,
clips and
the like). The ends of any particular tubular component of frame 100 may also
be
tapered, such that a component having a tapered end may snugly engage a
receiving, non-tapered component. Additionally, a spring loaded detent, or any
other
interlocking mechanism as may be understood by those skilled in the art may be
used, provided such interlocking mechanism allows for simple assembly and
disassembly of the tubular components of frame 100, or for that matter, any
component of hanging baskette assembly 5.
[0020] Frame 100 may be composed of metal, and preferably a light weight
metal typically used for constructing hollow, tubular shafts. Frame 100 may
alternatively be composed of any other sort of material that may be desirable
as
understood by those skilled in the art, provided that such material is
relativeEy light
weight and maintains the required amount of rigidity or sturdiness for
supporting the
weight of an infant or object placed within baskette 300.
[0021] Suspension mechanism or system 200 may include an elastic unit such
as a spring 31, an upper attachment eyelet 33 (optional) and lower hook 35.
Spring
31 may be constructed as understood by those skilled in the art, such as from
stainless steel, and having a stiffness such that the weight of baskette 300
and any
infant or object placed within it would cause only a slight extension of
spring 12.
Springs may be covered by various forms of protectors (e.g., fabric sleeves)
to
minimize the risk of pinching as generally shown in Figures 2 and 3A. Upper
eyelet
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33 may be secured to crosspiece 27 in any manner understood by those skilled
in
the art, such as by a threaded end of eyelet 33 engaging a drilled hole in
crosspiece
27, with a nut placed on the threaded end. Upper eyelet 33 and spring 31 may
be
separable, for example, with spring 31 having a separate hooking mechanism to
attach and detach from upper eyelet 33, or they may be manufactured so as to
be
inseparable. Lower hook 35 may be separably or inseparably attached to the
lower
end of spring 31, opposite upper eyelet 33, such that lower hook 35 may be
suitable
for engaging and securing baskette 300 in a suspended position. It is
understood
that the suspension mechanism in it simplest form may include only coupling or
hook
that joins the baskette to a support member.
f00221 Suspension mechanism 200 may include any number of spring, eyelet
and hook units. In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, two units may
be
employed, where each unit is hung on opposite ends of crosspiece 27. The
number
and positioning of the units of suspension system 200 will depend largely on
the type
of baskette 300 used, and the general shape of support member 16.
[0023] Baskette 300 may typically be formed of a flexible material such as a
woven cloth, and may be constructed from either a single piece of material, or
from
separate pieces stitched or otherwise attached together to form the final
baskette
structure. For example, Figure 2 illustrates a side view of baskette 300. In
this
embodiment, baskette 300 may contain a hole 310 for attachment to lower hook
35
of suspension system 200. Hole 310 may be reinforced within baskette 300, such
as
with a reinforcing grommet or ring 301 (see e.g., Figure 5b). As noted above,
suspension system 200 may include a spring 31, upper attachment eyelet 33 and
lower hook 35. In the alternative, suspension system 200 can include a hangar
bar
500 as shown in Figure 5a, At least a portion of the hangar bar 500 is load
carrying.
However, the load on hangar bar is primarily vertically disposed (as opposed
to
horizontal or compression loading). The hangar bar can be made from a variety
of
materials suitable for such loading such as metal, plastic and the iike. The
hangar
bar includes a generally horizontal portion 501 and two ends 503, 505. Each
end
503, 505 is formed with an upper portion 507, 509 having an opening 511, 513
for
receiving the lower end of the spring 31. Each end 503, 505 can also be formed
with
a lower portion 515, 517 that joins with the horizontal load carrying portion
501. In
this example, the lower portion 503, 505 is generally S shaped so as to
provide a
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retaining well 519, 521 for receiving corresponding holes 310 of baskette 300.
It is
understood that the horizontal portion 501 and/or the retaining wells 519, 521
of
hangar bar 500 can be load carrying (e.g., depending on the placement of holes
310).
[0024] Figure 5b shows the hangar bar 500 installed in an exemplary baskette
300. For purposes of clarity, only the upper portion of the baskette 300 is
shown. It
is understood that the upper end of springs 31 are generally secured to a
support
such as crosspiece 27 (not shown). It is also understood that in some
embodiments,
springs 31 may be omitted and the hangar bar may be attached to a support
(e.g.,
via a coupling or hook) without any elastic unit or springs. Continuing with
the
current example, the lower end of springs 31 are secured to the upper portions
507,
509 of each end of hangar bar 500 as shown by the vertical dashed lines, The
holes
310 of the baskette are reinforced with rings 301. Holes 301 (and rings 301)
are
generally spaced from the top edge of baskette (generally corresponding to the
shape of the lower ends of the hangar bar 500). This allows each ring 301 to
rest in
a corresponding retaining well 519, 521. This configuration is advantageous in
that
the top edge of the baskette is spread across the hangar bar 501 since rings
301 are
generally captured in retaining wells 519, 521. This configuration is also
advantageous in that either the retaining wells 519, 521 or the horizontal
portion 501
of hangar bar 500 (or both) can be load carrying.
[0025] Baskette 300 may also include a mesh portion 315 forming part of the
sidewalls 318 of baskette 300 when baskets 300 is attached to suspension
system
200 and hanging in the suspended position. Mesh portion 315 may provide for
better airflow and temperature regulation within baskette 300. Baskette 300
may
utilize such a mesh material anywhere in baskette 300 as desired. Baskette 300
may further include a base panel or sleeping panel 320 which hangs via
sidewalls
318 below end points 325 when baskette 300 is attached to frame 100 and
suspension system 200. This configuration may assist in forming the sleeping
or
resting area, and further support an infant within the sleeping or resting
area of
baskette 300 in a more secure manner, and lessen the likelihood of an infant
climbing out.
[00261 The angle of the sleeping panel 320 relative to the ground may be
varied by adjusting the length of the front 323 or rear 324 edges of the
sidewalls,
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such that the length of the front edges 323 is different that the length of
the rear
edges 324, preferably such that the rear edges 324 are equal to or shorter
than the
front edges 323. Where the rear edges 324 of the sidewalls are shorter than
the front
edges 323, the rear portion 326 of the sEeeping panel 320 will be higher than
the
front portion 327.
(0027] The sleeping panel 320 of the baskette 300 may preferably be formed
from a flexible material. The sidewalls 318 may preferably have a curved lower
edge
322, such that the sleeping panel 320 forms an arcuate shape as a result of
the
curved lower edges 322 of the sidewails 318. The sleeping panel may have a
stiffener (not visible in image) incorporated, to reduce the likelihood of
sharp bends
being formed in the sleeping panel 320 as a result of weight placed on the
sleeping
panel 320.
[0028] As the baskette 300 will position itself at an equilibrium position
relative
to the center of mass of an occupant of the baskette 300, the existence of
front 323
and rear 324 edges having the same length, and wherein curved lower edge 22
forms an arcuate shape having a radius substantially equal to the length of
the front
edges, will generally result in the angle of an occupant of the sleeping panel
to be
constant, whether the occupant is placed to the front or rear of the sleeping
panel. If
the length of the rear edges 324 of the sidewalls 318 are reduced relative to
the
length of the front edges 323, the rear portion 326 of the sleeping panel 320
will have
a greater angle with respect to the ground than the front portion 327 of the
sleeping
panel 320. Furthermore, the greater the difference in the lengths, the greater
angle
that will be created.
[0029] Additionally, the position of an occupant on the sleeping panel 320
(i.e.,
more forward or rearward) will also affect the apparent angle of the occupant
with
respect to the ground, because again, the baskette 300 will move to a position
wherein the center of mass of the occupant is at a lowest point. Moving the
occupant
rearward may allow the rear portion 326 to have an angle allowing the head of
an
occupant to be elevated, while the feet of the occupant may be elevated as
well. The
further the rear edges are shortened the greater the effect of the head being
raised.
Accordingly, optimal angles for an occupant may be achieved by adjusting the
fore/aft position of the occupant, as well as the length of the rear edges.
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[00301 Baskette 300 may also one or more adjustment ties that adjust the
length of the front edge or rear edges baskette. For example, the baskette can
include a grommet and drawstring 330, drawstring sleeve 335. The drawstring in
attached to the sidewall 318 at the upper end of the sleeve 340. The
drawstring
sleeve may extend along the rear edge of one or both of the sidewalls 318,
such that
the distance between the rear portion 326 of the sleeping panel 320 and the
connection point to the suspension system may be adjusted by adjusting the
length
of the drawstring, and accordingly the angle of the sleeping portion. It is
understood
that adjustment ties can be implemented with a variety of materials including
nylon
webbing, straps, cords and the like. The lower ends of the adjustment ties can
be
fitted with various forms of cord or strap engaging elements, cord locks,
buckles and
the like.
[0031] Figure 3C is a back view of an alternate embodiment of the present
invention with a central adjustment tie 331 located in a back panel 322 for
adjusting
the length of the rear edges of the baskette. The central adjustment tie 331
has an
upper end 333 that is anchored to the back panel 322. The lower end 334 of the
adjustment tie passes though a grommet 336. The lower end 334 can be fitted
with
various forms of cord or strap engaging elements such as cord locks, buckles
and
the like as discussed above. It is understood that the baskette can include
several
adjustment ties in various locations. For example, the baskette can include a
central
adjustment 332 as well as side mounted adjustment ties as disclosed above.
This
configuration is advantageous in that the length of both edges can be adjusted
simultaneously by setting the length of the central adjustment tie 331. Then
side
adjustment ties can then be easily adjusted thereby providing increased
stability.
The side adjustment ties can also be constructed of heavier materials such as
nylon
webbing or straps with adjustable buckle assemblies on their lower ends for
increased safety.
[0032] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, front and back views of hanging
baskette assembly 5 are shown, respectively. As illustrated in Figure 3A, a
front lip
350 may be extendible upwards, partially covering the lower end of the opening
of
baskette 300 into which an infant may be placed. In one embodiment, front lip
350
may comprise two flaps with a zipper 355 between them, such that, in the
unzipped
position, an infant may be easily placed within the opening, and then front
lip 350
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may be zipped closed to provide a barrier from the infant rolling or falling
out of
baskette 300 after the infant has been placed within. As shown in Figure 3B, a
cover
or top flap 360 may attach to the top of baskette 300, such as near the top
rear
portion, via any attachment means, such as Velcro, for example. Top flap 360
may
provide shading from direct light, wind, or other elements when top flap 360
is
extended over the top of baskette 300. Top flap 360 may cover all or any
portion of
the opening to baskette 300.
[0033] As shown in Figure 4, another exemplary embodiment is illustrated,
wherein baskette 300 may be in a more upright position, resembling that of a
hanging chair. In this embodiment, baskette 300 may include a stitched-in top
cover
or roof 365 in place of a top flap. In this embodiment, a front flap (not
shown) could
additionally be used to cover all or any portion of the opening to baskette
300.
Adjustment ties or drawstrings 410, or any other sort of adjustment mechanism,
may
be used to shorten or otherwise adjust the length of the rear edges, thus
adjusting
the position or angle at which sleeping panel 320 is suspended. For example,
drawstring 410 may be anchored to the side wall or the sleeping panel at its
lower
end and may be pulled and secured to draw the rear of baskette 300 towards the
suspension point. In another alternative embodiment, Adjustment ties or an
additional set of drawstrings (not shown), could be attached to the front of
baskette
300, such that the front of baskette 300 is drawn towards the suspension point
when
pulled and secured. It should be understood that the style and positioning of
baskette 300 may be designed to allow for virtually any desired positioning of
an
infant placed within.
[0034] In other exemplary embodiments, baskette 300 may include additional
support structures for keeping the sides of baskette 300 substantially
parallel. Such
supporting structure may include a crossbar at the bottom and/or top of
baskette 300
(not shown) or.. any sort of internal framing within the fabric material of
baskette 300.
[00351 Baskette 300 may include other items, such as internal padding or
bedding, placed within the sleeping or resting area to provide added comfort
to an
infant. Such padding may be designed to be removable, such as by Velcro
attachment, or it may be permanently stitched into baskette 300. Any number or
style of safety belts 351 may also be included, Toys, mobiles, and other
entertaining
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devices may also be . attached to baskette 300 either directly or via a
crossbar or
arm (not shown) that extends from the baskette and into the sieeping or
resting area.
[0036] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms other
than the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit or
essential
attributes of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made to the
appended
claims, rather than the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of
the
invention.
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