AU2018100870A4 - Convertible furniture kit - Google Patents

Abstract

A convertible furniture kit for assembling one of a bassinet arrangement, a change table and a tiered storage structure, the furniture kit comprising: a frame assembly having: first and second pair of legs; an upper rail assembly joined to the first and second pair of legs; a middle rail assembly positioned below the upper rail assembly and horizontally spanning between the first pair of legs and second pair of legs; and optionally, a lower rail assembly positioned below the middle rail assembly and horizontally spanning between the first pair of legs and horizontally spanning between the second pair of legs; at least one tray mountable on the rail assemblies; and a bassinet releasably securable to the upper or middle rail assemblies; the components of the kit compatible for assembly as one of: a bassinet arrangement in which the bassinet is secured to the upper rail assembly and the tray is mounted on the middle rail assembly or lower rail assembly; a first change table in which the bassinet is secured to the upper rail assembly and the tray is mounted on the bassinet; a second change table in which the bassinet assembly is secured to the middle rail assembly and the tray is mounted on the upper rail assembly; and a tiered storage structure by mounting a first tray on the upper rail assembly, a second tray on the middle rail assembly and optionally a third tray on the lower rail assembly. Fig. 1 r.J Y-IO 00 r1 aMA U-0

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001 ] The present invention relates to a convertible furniture kit for assembling one of a bassinet arrangement, a change table and a tiered storage structure.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Nursery furniture for children has a limited period of utility. This furniture thus quickly becomes obsolete within the home, in the absence of a younger sibling that can use the furniture.

[0003] Generally baby furniture (including bassinets) are designed to be oneoff discardable items which cannot effectively be reused or adapted for ongoing subsequent use once the infant has outgrown them. This invention has been specially devised in order to provide a lifetime of affordable, cost effective, efficient, and attractive ongoing use in a number of stages consistent with changes in family lifestyle brought on as the direct result of a child growing from infancy right through to adulthood.

[0004] There exist multipurpose furniture knits that are provided in 'flat-pack' form, and allow assembly of different items of furniture depending upon application. Re-assembly involves de-assembling selected components and then assembling the remaining pieces. The work is involved is relatively minimal, but is required in any case.

[0005] There is a need, in light of the foregoing, for a furniture kit that at least attempts to address these and other limitations of existing furniture kits.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The inventive concept arises from a recognition that a furniture kit can be designed so that assembly ensures that the resulting furniture piece can function as a bassinet arrangement, a change table or tiered storage structure, with a minimum if any re-assembly.

[0007] The furniture kit described herein is provided in 'ready-to-assemble' or 'flatpack' form, which has noted cost advantages as regards transport and storage, and relies upon dowels, fasteners and fixings as required to secure assembly.

[0008] The present invention, in one aspect, comprises a convertible furniture kit for assembling one of a bassinet arrangement, a change table in two forms and a tiered storage structure, the furniture kit comprising: a frame assembly having: first and second pair of legs; an upper rail assembly joined to the first and second pair of legs; a middle rail assembly positioned below the upper rail assembly and horizontally spanning between the first pair of legs and second pair of legs; and optionally, a lower rail assembly positioned below the middle rail assembly and horizontally spanning between the first pair of legs and horizontally spanning between the second pair of legs; at least one tray mountable on the rail assemblies; and a bassinet releasably securable to the upper or middle rail assemblies; the components of the kit compatible for assembly as one of: a bassinet arrangement in which the bassinet is secured to the upper rail assembly and the tray is mounted on the middle rail assembly or lower rail assembly; a first change table in which the bassinet is secured to the upper rail assembly and the tray is mounted on the bassinet; a second change table in which the bassinet assembly is secured to the middle rail assembly and the tray is mounted on the upper rail assembly; and a tiered storage structure by mounting a first tray on the upper rail assembly, a second tray on the middle rail assembly and optionally a third tray on the lower rail assembly.

2018100870 26 Jun 2018 [0009] The frame assembly may further comprise wheels positioned proximal to a base portion of the second pair of legs to enable the furniture kit to be rollable.

[0010] The upper rail assembly may be generally rectangular.

[0011 ] Side walls of the bassinet may include mesh or netting.

[0012] The bassinet may further comprise a rigid panel with a plurality of holes, the rigid panel being placed on a base of the bassinet.

[0013] Upper longitudinal portions of the side walls may have fasteners to releasably secure the bassinet to the upper or middle rail assemblies.

[0014] The fasteners may be zippers.

[0015] The tray may comprise a peripheral lip portion that is configured to rest above the upper, middle and lower rail assemblies.

[0016] The second pair of legs may have cut-out portions such that a portion of the wheels is freely rotatable within the cut-out portions.

[0017] The tray may be mountable on the bassinet.

[0018] The present invention, in another aspect, comprises a bassinet arrangement or change table or tiered storage structure assembled from components of the kit as described.

[0019] Other advantages and features according to the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill upon reading this application.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numbers denote like elements and in which:

[0021] Fig. 1 is a perspective image of a convertible furniture kit in a first configuration in which a bassinet is positioned above a tray;

[0022] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a convertible furniture kit in the first configuration;

[0023] Fig. 3 is a perspective image of a convertible furniture kit in a second configuration in which the tray is positioned above the bassinet;

[0024] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a convertible furniture kit in the second configuration;

[0025] Fig. 5 is a perspective image of a convertible furniture kit in a third configuration in which three trays are used to provided a tiered storage structure;

[0026] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a convertible furniture kit in the third configuration;

[0027] Fig. 7 is a perspective image of a convertible furniture kit in a fourth configuration in which the tray is mounted on the bassinet;

[0028] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a convertible furniture kit in the fourth configuration;

[0029] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a convertible furniture kit in the first configuration without the tray;

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[0030] Fig furniture kit;
[0031] kit;	Fig
[0032] Fig furniture kit;
[0033] kit;	Fig
[0034] kit;	Fig
[0035]	Fig
[0036]	Fig
[0037]	Fig
[0038]	Fig
[0039]	Fig
[0040]	Fig
[0041]	Fig
[0042]	Fig

is a perspective view of a frame assembly of the convertible is a side view of the frame assembly of the convertible furniture is a front view of the frame assembly of the convertible is a top view of the frame assembly of the convertible furniture is a perspective view of a bassinet of the convertible furniture is a side view of the bassinet of the convertible furniture kit;

is a top view of the bassinet of the convertible furniture kit;

is a front view of the bassinet of the convertible furniture kit;

is a perspective view of a tray of the convertible furniture kit;

is a side view of a tray of the convertible furniture kit;

is a top view of a tray of the convertible furniture kit;

is a front view of a tray of the convertible furniture kit;

is an image showing a zipper of the bassinet;

2018100870 26 Jun 2018 [0043] Fig. 23 is an image showing a side of the convertible furniture kit;

[0044] Fig. 24 is an image showing a bassinet mattress positioned in the bassinet from above;

[0045] Fig. 25 is an image showing an MDF panel and rods of the bassinet from above; and [0046] Fig. 26 is an image showing a bassinet mattress positioned in the bassinet from above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0047] A preferred convertible furniture kit according to the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 9 and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The convertible furniture kit 10 comprises a frame assembly 20 (shown on its own in Figs. 10 to 13), a bassinet 30 (shown on its own in Figs. 14 to 17) and a tray 40 (shown on its own in Figs. 18 to 21). The bassinet 30 may sometimes be referred to as a bassinet net.

[0048] The frame assembly 20 includes four legs: a first pair of legs 21,22 and a second pair of legs 23, 24. Wheels 25, 26 are connected and positioned proximal to the base of the second pair of legs 23, 24 to enable the furniture kit 10 to be rollable. The second pair of legs 23, 24 is slightly shorter than the first pair of legs 21,22 so that the furniture kit 10 is at a relatively level position when it is positioned on a flat surface to accommodate a portion of the wheels 25, 26 that extends below the base of the second pair of legs 23, 24. In one embodiment, the second pair of legs 23, 24 has cut-out portions 23A, 24A such that a portion of the wheels 25, 26 is freely rotatable within the cut-out portions 23A, 24A. This saves on part costs because the wheel axle 28 for the wheels 25, 26 extend across the cut-out portions 23A, 24A and are connected to the second pair of legs 23, 24. The upper corners of the legs 21,22, 23, 24 may be chamfered or rounded.

2018100870 26 Jun 2018 [0049] The frame assembly 20 has an upper rail assembly 20A, a middle rail assembly 20B and optionally, a lower rail assembly 20C. The upper rail assembly 20A is joined to the first and second pair of legs 21,22, 23, 24. The upper rail assembly 20A is generally rectangular in shape. The middle rail assembly 20B is positioned below the upper rail assembly 20A. The middle rail assembly 20B horizontally spans between the first pair of legs 21,22 and second pair of legs 23, 24. The lower rail assembly 20C is positioned below the middle rail assembly 20B. The lower rail assembly 20C horizontally spans between the first pair of legs 21,22 and horizontally spans between the second pair of legs 23, 24.

[0050] The frame assembly 20 has four vertically oriented struts 27. The struts 27 interconnect the top of the middle rail assembly 20B to the bottom of the top rail assembly 20A. These struts 27 form a side frame which strengthens the structural integrity of the frame assembly 20. The struts 27 also conceal connecting screws 90 or enable the connecting screws 90 to be accessed via the inner sides of the struts 27 of the frame assembly 20 (see Fig. 22). This is considered more visually pleasing than accessing the connecting screws 90 via the outer sides of the legs 21,22, 23, 24 of frame assembly 20 as indicated by the four circles on Fig. 23. Therefore the outer sides of the legs 21,22, 23, 24 of the frame assembly 20 are a smooth and uninterrupted surface. The frame assembly 20 may be made from timber.

[0051 ] During transport and prior to assembly by the user, there are two longitudinal spans of the upper rail assembly 20A, two longitudinal spans of the middle rail assembly 20B, and four struts 27. Each longitudinal span of the upper rail assembly 20A and each longitudinal span of the middle rail assembly 20B are connected by the two struts 27 to form a side frame. The lower longitudinal spans are the middle rail assembly 20B. The first pair of legs 21,22 is connected by two lateral spans to form an end frame. The second pair of legs 23, 24 is connected by two lateral spans form an end frame. The side frames are end frames are fastened using four fasteners, e.g. screws, together by the user for form the frame assembly 20. The lower lateral spans are the lower rail assembly 20C.

2018100870 26 Jun 2018 [0052] The bassinet 30 is releasably securable to the upper rail assembly 20A or middle rail assembly 20B. The four lateral sides of the bassinet 30 comprise mesh or netting that may be stitched together with other fabric to form side walls of the bassinet 30. The side walls may be stitched or integrally joined to the base of the bassinet 30. The mesh or netting promotes good airflow in the bassinet 30 and also enables a certain amount of transparency into and out of the bassinet 30.

[0053] The upper longitudinal portions of the bassinet 30 have fasteners 31 to releasably secure the bassinet 30 to the upper or middle rail assemblies 20A,

20B. The upper longitudinal portions of the bassinet 30 are configured to wrap around the longitudinal spans of the upper rail assembly 20A or the middle rail assembly 20B. The upper longitudinal portions are sized so that when they wrap around the longitudinal spans of the upper rail assembly 20A or the middle rail assembly 20B they are in close contact with the side walls of the bassinet 30 so that they can be fastened to each other and mitigate any sagging between the bassinet 30 and the longitudinal spans of the upper rail assembly 20A or the middle rail assembly 20B. When the fasteners 31 are fastened they close the gap between the upper longitudinal portions and the side walls of the bassinet 30.

[0054] Referring to Fig. 22, in one embodiment the fasteners 31 are positioned on the upper longitudinal portions of the bassinet 30 such that they are accessible proximal to the exterior underside of the longitudinal spans of the upper rail assembly 20A or middle rail assembly 20B. This is a more safe location because it is more difficult for a baby to tamper with the fasteners 31 and accidentally unfasten the bassinet 30 from the upper rail assembly 20A or middle rail assembly 20B. The fasteners 31 may extend in length across nearly all or the entire length of the upper longitudinal portions of the bassinet 30. For instance, conventional fasteners, such as a zipper, button, snap, or hook-and-loop material, could be used. For example, a zipper as taught in US patent 1,219,881. Preferably, the fasteners are zippers 31 to provide a high level of strength when fastened. Zippers 31 may be appropriate if in the future the user decides to use

2018100870 26 Jun 2018 the bassinet 30 to store heavier items instead of a baby. Alternatively, the fasteners may be hook and loop fasteners. One advantage of using releasable fasteners 31 is that it permits convenient and fast removal or re-positioning of the bassinet 30 from the frame assembly 20 without requiring any disassembly of the frame assembly 20 and without requiring tools.

[0055] The upper lateral portions of the bassinet 30 have a hollow structure 36 and are configured to receive a rigid rod or tube 32. Referring to Fig. 25, the rods 32 may be formed from a number of smaller rods 32 that are interconnectable to facilitate easier transport of the furniture kit 10. When the rods 32 are inserted into the hollow structures 36 of the upper lateral portions of the bassinet 30 they maintain the shape of the bassinet 30 and prevent the upper lateral portions from drooping or sagging or folding over each other. Referring to Fig. 24, the rods 32 also releasably connect to the inner sides of the upper rail assembly 20A or middle rail assembly 20B for added stability and securement of the bassinet 30. A removable rigid panel is provided for the base of the bassinet 30 to maintain the rectangular shape for the base of the bassinet 30. The rigid panel 33 is made from medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and has a plurality of holes 34 to promote airflow. The rigid panel 33 prevents the base of the basinet 30 from sagging or bulging when a weight is placed onto the bassinet 30. Referring to Fig. 26, a removable bassinet mattress 35 is placed on the MDF board 33 for the baby to sleep on comfortably. In one example, the base of the bassinet 30 is not secured to the frame assembly 20. However, it may be possible to provide releasable fasteners such as hook and loop cable ties to releasably secure the base of the bassinet 30 to the frame assembly 20 for enhanced securement. The bassinet 30 is securely suspended via the upper longitudinal portions of the bassinet 30 wrapped around the longitudinal spans of the upper rail assembly 20A or the middle rail assembly 20B and the rods 32 connected to the inner sides of the upper rail assembly 20A or middle rail assembly 20B.

[0056] The tray 40 is directly mountable on the rail assemblies 20A, 20B, 20C and also on the bassinet 30. A plurality of trays 40 may be nested within each

2018100870 26 Jun 2018 other for easy storage. The tray may be made from plastic. The tray 40 comprises a peripheral lip portion 41 that is configured to rest on and above the upper, middle and lower rail assemblies 20A, 20B, 20C and also the bassinet 30. The lip 41 also makes the tray 40 easier to grip and handle by the user. The tray 40 has a depressed portion surrounded by a circumferential wall 43 of a predetermined height. The height of the circumferential wall 43 may the same or higher than the height of a changing pad placed in the tray 40 such that the changing pad does not protrude above the tray 40. The size of the lip 41 should preferably be at least sufficient for a finger tip to lift. The size of the lip 41 together with the circumferential wall fix the position of the tray 40 to the rail assemblies 20A, 20B, 20C and also on the bassinet 30. Relative movement is prevented or limited because of the abutment or alignment of the circumferential wall 43 against the rail assemblies 20A, 20B, 20C and bassinet 30. This minimises lateral movement of the tray 40 and only permits lifting of the tray 40 for dismounting. This is convenient if the kit 10 is being wheeled over an inclined floor because the tray 40 will not slide off during transport. In one example, no fasteners are required to fasten the tray 40 to the frame assembly 20 or bassinet 30 is convenient for removal or re-positioning of the trays 40. However, it is possible that releasable fasteners may be provided in other embodiments to enhance safety and securement.

[0057] A removable changing pad may be provided that can sit snugly within the tray 40 to make it comfortable for the baby to lie on when they are being changed. The changing pad may include a foam cushion covered by a waterproof cover. A logo 42 may be embossed or pad printed on the inner surface of the base of the tray 40 which may easily identify that the tray 40 is compatible with the kit 10.

[0058] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, in a first configuration, the components of the kit 10 is compatible for assembly as a bassinet arrangement in which the bassinet 30 is secured to the upper rail assembly 20A and the tray 40 is mounted on the lower rail assembly 40. Fig. 9 shows the first configuration without the tray

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40. The first configuration is advantageous during the early years of a baby because a parent does not need to bend down as much to raise or lower their baby from the bassinet 30.

[0059] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, in a second configuration, the components of the kit 10 are compatible for assembly as a change table and to accommodate an older baby by mounting the tray 40 on the upper rail assembly 20A and securing the bassinet 30 to the middle rail assembly 20B. For the user to change the kit 10 from the first configuration to the second configuration, the bassinet 30 is disassembled from the upper rail assembly 20A by disconnecting the rods 32 and unzipping the zippers 31. The bassinet 30 is then connected the middle rail assembly 20B by connecting the rods 32 to the middle rail assembly 20B and zipping the zippers 31 to the middle rail assembly 20B. The change of the kit 10 from the first configuration to the second configuration will typically be performed once when the baby is older. The tray 40 can be temporarily removed when the bassinet 30 is occupied by the baby. The tray 40 is mounted on the upper rail assembly 20A when a change table is required or when the bassinet 30 is not occupied by the baby. This is advantageous because a parent does not need to bend down as much to change their baby on the tray 40 when used as a change table.

[0060] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, in a third configuration, the components of the kit 10 are compatible for assembly a tiered storage structure by mounting a first tray 40 on the upper rail assembly 20A, a second tray 40 on the middle rail assembly 20B and optionally a third tray 40 on the lower rail assembly 20C. The bassinet 30 is removed. The change of the kit 10 to the third configuration will typically be performed after the baby has outgrown the bassinet 30.

[0061] Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, in a fourth configuration, the components of the kit 10 are compatible for assembly as a change table by mounting the tray 40 on the bassinet 30. The fourth configuration differs from the second configuration because the bassinet 30 is mounted to the upper rail assembly 20A. During the

2018100870 26 Jun 2018 early years of the baby, the kit 10 will typically be frequently switched between the fourth configuration and the first configuration by moving the position of the tray 40 from the lower rail assembly 20C and mounting it on the bassinet 30.

[0062] The netting of the bassinet is machine washable after removing the rods 32 from the hollow structures and removing the MDF board 33.

[0063] When a particular material is identified as being preferably used to construct a component, obvious alternative materials with similar properties may be used as a substitute. Furthermore, unless specified to the contrary, any and all components herein described are understood to be capable of being manufactured and, as such, may be manufactured together or separately.

[0064] Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

[0065] The subject headings used in the detailed description are included only for the ease of reference of the reader and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the disclosure or the claims. The subject headings should not be used in construing the scope of the claims or the claim limitations.

[0066] Although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. In some instances, the terminology and symbols may imply specific details that are not required to practice the technology. For example, although the terms “first” and “second” may

2018100870 26 Jun 2018 be used, unless otherwise specified, they are not intended to indicate any order but may be utilised to distinguish between distinct elements.

[0067] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative examples and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology.

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Claims (11)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A convertible furniture kit for assembling one of a bassinet arrangement, a change table and a tiered storage structure, the furniture kit comprising:

   a frame assembly having:

   first and second pair of legs;

   an upper rail assembly joined to the first and second pair of legs; a middle rail assembly positioned below the upper rail assembly and horizontally spanning between the first pair of legs and second pair of legs; and optionally, a lower rail assembly positioned below the middle rail assembly and horizontally spanning between the first pair of legs and horizontally spanning between the second pair of legs;

   at least one tray mountable on the rail assemblies; and a bassinet releasably securable to the upper or middle rail assemblies; the components of the kit compatible for assembly as one of:

   a bassinet arrangement in which the bassinet is secured to the upper rail assembly and the tray is mounted on the middle rail assembly or lower rail assembly;

   a first change table in which the bassinet is secured to the upper rail assembly and the tray is mounted on the bassinet;

   a second change table in which the bassinet assembly is secured to the middle rail assembly and the tray is mounted on the upper rail assembly; and a tiered storage structure by mounting a first tray on the upper rail assembly, a second tray on the middle rail assembly and optionally a third tray on the lower rail assembly.
2. 2. The furniture kit according to claim 1, wherein the frame assembly further comprises wheels positioned proximal to a base portion of the second pair of legs to enable the furniture kit to be rollable.
3. 3. The furniture kit according to claim 1, wherein the upper rail assembly is generally rectangular.

   2018100870 26 Jun 2018
4. 4. The furniture kit according to claim 1, wherein side walls of the bassinet include mesh or netting.
5. 5. The furniture kit according to claim 1, wherein the bassinet further comprises a rigid panel with a plurality of holes, the rigid panel being placed on a base of the bassinet.
6. 6. The furniture kit according to claim 4, wherein upper longitudinal portions of the side walls have fasteners to releasably secure the bassinet to the upper or middle rail assemblies.
7. 7. The furniture kit according to claim 6, wherein the fasteners are zippers.
8. 8. The furniture kit according to claim 1, wherein the tray comprises a peripheral lip portion that is configured to rest above the upper, middle and lower rail assemblies.
9. 9. The furniture kit according to claim 1, wherein the second pair of legs have cut-out portions such that a portion of the wheels is freely rotatable within the cutout portions.
10. 10. The furniture kit according to claim 1, wherein the tray is mountable on the bassinet.
11. 11. A bassinet arrangement or change table or tiered storage structure assembled from components of the kit of claim 1.

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