CA2034366A1 - Crib with drop-side - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT
A crib assembly having a drop-side member is provided. The assembly comprises a crib having three sides defining an area for receiving a mattress, and a fourth member, the drop-side member, which is movable between vertical positions and horizontal positions.
The drop-side member has two vertical positions, one at a height substantially equal to the height of the other side member, and a second position lower than the first position for allowing easier access into the mattress area. The drop-side member also has horizontal positions, the primary horizontal position being under the mattress area.

Description

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C~ ITH DROP-~ID~

Backaround This invention is directed to a crib assembly having one of its sides being a drop-side. More particularly, the invention relates to a crib assembly having three members defining an area to receive a mattress and a fourth member movable between a position enclosing the ~attress area and a position under the mattress area so that the mattress area is no longer enclosed, but is easily accessible.
Cribs are old in the art. They usually consist of a mattress located approximately three feet off of the ground and surrounded by two slotted side members and two slotted end members. one of the side members is attached between the end members mounted on a rail system. Being so mounted, the side member is movable between two vertical positions; an upper vertical position wherein the two side members are at equal heights, and a second vertical position, approximately six inches below the first vertical position.
The dual positioning of one o~ the sides of a standard crib enabled a parent to more easily reach into the crib when attending to his/her child.
However, the side, while able to be adjusted in height, was fixed on the rail system in a vertical position.
Accordingly, while this type of prior art crib assembly doe~ increase accessibility of a parent attempting to reach his/her child, a number of disadvantages still exist. A person bending over the vertically positioned side member, even when it is in its lowered position, would be continuously bending in such a way as to cause injury to one's back. Further, the lifting motions required to place the child into . ,. ' . '. ' .''': ' ' ' ' .'.~ ''. : ~
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th~ crib, or take the child out of the crib, over the vertically positioned side member, can also cause injury to one's back.
Additional disadvantages relating to prior art crib assemblies are disclosed with reference to the inacce~sibility of the mattress for performing what should be simple tasks, such as changing sheets, or turning the mattress. In both of these cases, the disadvantage of having a fixed vertical side member is quickly appreciated by the person attempting to perform the tasks because the mattress is fully enclosed on all sides.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a crib assembly wherein one of the side members is not fixed in a vertical position, but can move from a vertical position to a horizontal position under the mattress. Such a side member would be secure in its vertical positions while it is also able to be moved to a position completely under the mattress area. The horizontally positioned side member would be out of the way of the parent, and yet, easily accessible for repo~itioning into its Yertical positions so as to securely enclose the child.

8ummary of the ~nvent~on Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a crib assembly having a drop-side mem~er i5 provided. The assembly comprises a crib having three sides defining an area for receiving a mattress, and a fourth member, the drop-side member, which is movable between vertical positions and horizontal positions.
The drop-side member has two vertical positions, one at a height substantially equal to the height of the other side member, and a second position lower ',:
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than the first position for allowing easier access into the mattress area. The drop-side member also has horizontal positions, the primary horizontal position being under the mattress area.
As used, the drop-side member of the crib assembly is secured in its first vertical position to enclose the mattress area for retention of a child within the crib assembly. The drop-side member can then be secured in its second vertical position, below the first vertical position, for access into the mattress area in order to attend to the child.
Finally, the drop-side member can be moved from either its first or second vertical position to its ;~
horizontal position under the mattress area. When the drop-side member is horizontally positioned under the mattress area, it is out of the way of the parent so that the parent can plac~ the child into the crib, remove the child from the crib, change sheets or turn the mattress without injury to his/her back.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved crib assembly.
` Another ob;ect of the invention is to provide a ; crib assembly having a drop-side member which i8 not restricted to movement between one of two vertical positions.
Still a further object of the invention is to provide a crib assembly having a drop-Ride member which while being able to be secured in a number of vertical positions, can also be stored completely ~ under the mattress area of the crib so that it is no i, longer a barrier to access to one's baby or the 1 mattress itself.
.! Yet another ob;ect of the invention is to provide a crib assembly having a drop-side member so that picking a child up out of the crib, placing a child :
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into the crib, changing sheets on the mattress or turning the mattress is made significantly easier and, therefore, safer to a person's back.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The invention accordingly comprises an assembly possessing the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified and set forth hereinafter, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawin~s For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1. is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the crib assembly made in accordance with the subject invention:
Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 and rotated about a hinge;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of a portion of Fig.
5;
Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the supporting means in a first position;
Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing `:
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the supporting means in a second position;
Fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the supporting means in a third positicn;
Fig. 11 is an elevational view of a part of an end member having ~ slot;
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. l;
Pig. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the crib assembly made in accordance with the subject invention;
Fig. 14 is an elevational view of the front drop-side member of the second embodiment;
Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of one of the end members of the second embodiment;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the crib assembly made in accordance with the subject invention showiny the front drop-side member in its upper vertical position;
Fig. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a latch assembly of the second embodiment of the crib assembly when the front drop-side member is in its upper vertical position;
Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along lino 18-18 of Fig. 17;
Fig. 19 is a partial perspective view of the second embodiment of the crib assembly of the subject invention showing the front drop-side me~ber in its lower vertical position;
Fig. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of Fig. 17 when the front drop-side member is in its lower vertical position;
F~g. 21 is a cross-sectional view ta~en along line 21-21 of Fig. 20;
Fig. 22 is a partial perspective view of the second embodiment of the crib assembly of the subject :~.... . .
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invention showing the front drop-side ~ember in a pivotal position between its vertical and horizontal positions;
Fig. 23 is a partial elevational view of the front drop-side ~em~er disengaged from the latch assembly of Figs. 17 and 20;
Fig. 24 is a partial perspective view of a second embodiment of the crib assembly showing the front drop-side member being moved to its horizontal position under the mattress area; and Fig. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the front drop-side member in its horizontal position for the second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Emboaiments Referring first to Fig. 1, a first embodiment of a crib assembly having a drop-side is generally indicated at 10. Crib assembly 10 is mounted on a dresser assembly 15. Dresser assembly 15 is comprised of a substantially horizontal section 16 and a substantially vertical section 17. Section 16 has a plurality of horizontally situated draws 18, while section 17 has a plurality of vertically situated draws 19.
Crib assembly 10 is comprised of a first end member 20, a second end mem~er 21, a rear side member 25 and a front drop-side member 27. Vertical section 17 of dresser assembly 15 acts as second end member 21. End members 20 and 21 and rear side member 25 define an area 26 for receiving a mattress and/or box spring (not shown).
AR is most clearly seen in Fig. 1 by directional arrows 39 and 41, drop-side member 27 can move between a substantially vertical position between end members 20 and 21 where it completes the enclosure defining :

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The mattress and/or box spring is supported within mattress area 26 by carrying means (not ~hown).
The carryin~ means is attached to end members 20 and 21 (not shown) and supports the mattress so that drop-side member 27 can move to its horizontal position below mattress area 26. Further, drop-side member 27 is itself supported when it is in its horizontal position below mattress area 26 by a supporting platform 175. Supporting platform 175 is located above draws 18 of horizontal section 16 and is attached between end members 20 and 21.
Crib assembly 10 is convertible to a young child's bed. Rear side member 25, part of end member 20 and drop-side member 27 are all removable from dresser assembly 15 by releasing retaining Dleans (not shown). A part of end member 20 does not disengage from dresser assembly 15, but remains to perform the ~unction of a foot-board (not shown). Additionally, the above-mentioned carrying means (not shown) is removed when crib assembly 10 is converted to a young child's bed, thereby allowing the mattres~ and/or box spring to be ~upported on supporting platform 175.
Continu~ng with Fig. 1, drop-side member 27 has an upper member 29 and a lower member 30. Upper member 29 has a first upper transverse bar 49 and a first lower transverse bar 50. First upper transverse bar 49 is connected to first lower transverse bar 50 by a plurality of flrst slats 31. Lower member 30 has a second upper transverse bar 55 and a second lower transverse bar 56. Second upper transverse bar 55 is connected to second lower transverse bar 56 by a plurality of second slats 32. Additionally, rear side member 25 has a third upper transverse bar 57 and a . .
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third lower transverse bar 58, connected by a plurality of third slats 33. The slatted member~
allow for a clearer view into the mattress area in order to more easily observe the child.
Extend~ng through first lower transverse bar 50 of upper member 29 and second upper transverse bar 55 of lower member 30 are pins 42. Pins 42 retain upper member 29 and lower member 30 in sub3tantially planar relation.
First lower transverse bar 50 of upper member 29 is connected to second upper transverse bar 55 of lower member 30 by hinges 40. Hinges 40 allow upper member 29 to pivot relative to lower member 30. In order for upper member 29 to pivot relative to lower member 30 on hinges 40, pins 42 must be disengaged from second upper transverse bar 55 of lower member 30. As will be discussed below, pins 42 are slidably retained within an aperture through first lower transverse bar 50 of upper member 29, but are slidably removable from an aperture through upper transverse bar 55 of lower member 30.
As is further seen in Fiq. 1, but is most clearly seen in Figs. 5-7, discussed below, second upper transverse bar 55 of lower member 30 has latch means 85. Latch means 85 retains drop-side member 27 in its vertical position between end members 20 and 21, as discussed below.
When upper member 29 and lower member 30 are retained in their planar relation by pins 42, and when drop-~ide member 27 is retained by latch mean~ 85, drop-side member 27 is in its first substantially vertical position. Alternatively, when upper member 29 pivots around hinges 40 so that upper member 29 and lower member 30 are not in planar relation, and when drop-Yide member 27 is retained by latch means 85, .... .. . .
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. ., drop-side member 27 is in its second substantially vert~cal position.
Finally, with reference to Fig. 1, second lower transverse bar 56 of lower member 30 has dowels 28 of enabling means 24 (discussed below) protruding from the ends thereof.
Turning now to Figs. 2, 3 and 4, it is seen that first lower transverse bar 50 of upper member 29 and second upper transverse bar 55 of lower mem~er 30 are maintained in substantially planar relation through the use of pins 42. Each of pins 42 has a head 43, a body 44 and a plug 45. As stated above, each of pins 42 extends through a first aperture 60 in first lower transverse bar 50 and a second aperture 65 in second upper transverse bar 55. First aperture 60 and second aperture 65 are substantially vertically aligned for receiving pin 42.
As is seen most clearly in Figs. 2 and 3, pin 42 i8 movable between first aperture 60 and second aperture 65. The diameter of plug 45 is such that it is ~ust small enough to fit within first aperture 60 and second aperture 65 and be able to slide. Body 44 of pin 42 i9 shorter in length than first aperture 60.
Accordingly, when pin 42 is fully inserted into aperture~ 60 and 65, such that head 43 touches top surface 74 of first lower transverse bar 50, plug 45 is within both second aperture 65 and first aperture 60. In this position, pin 42 restrains upper member 29 from pivoting around hinges 40, and consequently, upper member 29 and lower member 30 are maintained in a substantially planar relation.
As can be seen in Figs. 3 and 4, when plug 45 is fully withdrawn from second aperture 65, and is therefore fully within first aperture 60, upper member 29 can pivot on hinges 40, as shown in Fig. 4, so that . - :
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upper member 29 and lower member 30 occupy substantially parallel planes.
Pin 42 is retained within first aperture 60 when upper member 29 is pivoted around hinge~ 40, as shown in Fig. 4, by a lip 46. Lip 46 is created because body 44 has a smaller cross-sectional diameter than plug 45, hence where body 44 and plug 45 are joined, lip 46 is created. Since plug 45 and, therefore, lip 46, are able to slide within first aperture 60, a plate having a smaller diameter opening than both first aperture 60 and lip 46, is secured by screws 71 (see Fig. 2) to the top surface 74 of first lower transverse bar 50. Accordingly, lip 46 interacts with plate 70 to retain pin 42 within first aperture 60 when upper member 29 is rotated around hinge~ 40, as seen in Fig. 4.
Accordingly, the hinged relation between upper member 29 and lower member 30, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, is dependent upon the positioning of pins 42 within first apertures 60 and second apertures 65. A
parent who desires to attend to his/her child can lift pins 42 by heads 43 so that plugs 45 are removed upwardly from second apertures 65 and are fully within first apertures 60. With pins 42 in this position, the parent can then rotate upper member 29 around hinges 40 to achieve easier access to the child.
When upper member 29 is rotated around hinges 40, so as to occupy a parallel plane to lower member 30, drop-side member 27 is still maintained in a vertical position, its second substantially vertical position, by latch means 85, discussed below.
Additionally, when drop-side member 27 is moved from its vertical position to its horizontal position (discussed below), upper member 29 and lower member 30 should be in planar relation to one another.

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-- 203~3~g Therefore, as previously stated, in order to keep upper member 29 and lower member 30 in su~stan~ially planar relation, pins 42 should be fully inserted into both apertures 60 and 65, before drop-sid~ member 27 is moved to its horizontal position below mattress area 26.
Turning now to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, latch means 85 is shown. There are two latch means 85, one at each of end mem~ers 20 and 21. As can be seen in Fig. 5, each of latch means 85 is comprised of a receivinq opening 86, a rod so, a handle 95 and a spring 100.
Rod 90 is retained within second upper transverse bar 55 of lower member 30 in a first bore 105 and a second bore 110. ~od 90 has a first section 91 and a second section 92. First section 91 has a larger diameter cross-section than second section 92. Spring 100 is wrapped circumferentially around second section 92, .
and handle 95 is attached to section 91 of rod 90.
First bore lOS has a diameter large enough to receive both sections 91 and 92, while second bore 110 can only receive section 92. Sprinq 100, located around ~ection 92 and within bore 105, is biased aga,inst section 91 at one end and an edge 94 created when bore 105 meets bore 110 at another end.
Latch means 85 maintains drop-side member 27 in its first and second vertical positions when rod 90, biased by spring 100, protrudes from bore 105 into receiving opening 86, which is located in first end member 20, as seen in Fig. 5. In order to remove rod 90 ~rom receiving opening 86, handle 95 is used to push section 91 of rod 90 against the bias of spring 100. As shown in Fig. 7, handle 95 protrudes through a slot 115 in bottom surface 75 of second upper transverse bar 55 and is inserted into a hole (not shown) in section 91 of rod 90. ~ccordingly, when ~.: . . , . . :
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handle 95 moves rod 90 against the b~as of spring lOo, spring loo compresses allowing rod 90 to move to a position out from receiving opening 86.
As stated above and as seen in Fig. 5, spring lOo is coiled around section 92 of rod 90 and is po~itioned within first bore 105 between second bore llO and section 91 of rod 90. Section 92 is moved between first bore 105 and second bore llO when force is applied to handle 95 in a direction away from receiving opening 86. Section 92 is slidable within the coil of spring lo~, and accordingly, when handle 95 is utilized to push section 92 into bore 110, spring 100 is compressed between section 91 and edge 94.
As is further seen in Fig. 5, plates 80 are maintained over receiving opening 86 and the opening created by first bore 105. Plates 80 are used to prevent deterioration of the edges formed when first bore 105 and receiving openi~g 86 are created. Plates 80 are preferably made of metal and are preferably secured by the use of screws 81.
Additionally, as is also seen in Fig. 5, the end of rod 90 which extends out from bore 105 into receiving opening 86, has a surface 87 which is shaved at an angle with respect to a flat end surface 89.
Shaved surface 87 interacts with end member 20 when drop-side member 27 moves from its vertical position to its horizontal position below mattress area 26, as will be discussed below.
Turning now to Figs. 8-12, enabling means 24 is shown. Enabling means 24 includes slots 35 and dowels 28. Each of slots 35 are located on end members 20 and 21, while dowels 28 extend from second lower transverse bar 56 of lower member 30, as previously discussed, into slots 35.

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Referring more specifically to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, the movement of drop-qide member 27 from its vertical position towards its horizontal position is shown. In Fig. 8, drop-side member 27 is vertically positioned with one of dowels 28 located within a vertical leg 36 of slot 35. When dowel 28 is in this position, rod 90 of latch means 85 protrudes from first bsre 105 into receiving opening 86 due to the bias of spring 100.
When handle 95 of latch means 85 is utilized to remove rod 90 from receiving opening 86, as discussed above, drop-side member 27 can move vertically so that dowel 28 is positioned between vertical leg 36 and a horizontal leg 37 of slot 35, as shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 10 shows dowel 28 sliding within horizontal leg 37 of slot 35 while drop-side member 27 is moving from its vertical position to its horizontal position below mattress area 26.
As previously mentioned, each of rods 90 have shaved surface 87 which interact with end members 20 and 21 when drop-side member 27 is moved from its vertical position to its horizontal position below mattress area 26. Rod 90 protrudes from bore 105 whenever a force is not applied to handle 95 to bias sprlng 100. Accordingly, when drop-side member 27 is moved from its vertical to its horizontal position, shaved surface 87 of rod 90 protrudes from bore 105.
When shaved surface 87 comes into contact with an edge 88 of end member 20 or 21 (see Fig. 10), the pressure exerted to push drop-side member 27 under mattress area 26 causes edge 88 to slide across shaved surface 87 and thereby push rod 90 into bore 105. Each of flat end surfaces 89 (see Fig. 5), continually contact end member 20 or 21 while drop-side member 27 is below mattress area 26 due to the bias of spring 100 which pushes rod 90 out of bore 105. ~owever, rod 90 does .,. .. ~ . . ~: .
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not enter slot 35 because rod 9o has a cross-sectional diameter which is larger than the width of slot 35.
Since rods 90 do not enter slots 35, drop-side member 27 is easily removed from below mattress area 26 when it is so desired.
Turning now to Fig. 11, one of slots 35 having vertical leg 36 and horizontal leg 37 ic shown. In Fig. 12, dowel 28, secured within second lower transverse bar 56 of lower member 30, i9 seen to extend into slot 35. Further, plate 82 with screws 83, as shown in Figs. 10 and 12, are secured in end member 20 at the point where vertical leg 36 and horizontal leg 37 meet.
As is further seen in Fig. 12, a "U"-shaped channel 39 can be located within slot 35. Channel 39 is preferably made of metal or plastic, and protects against deterioration of slot 35 due to ware and tear from dowels 28 caused by continual movement of drop-side member 27 between its vertical and horizontal position.
Turning now to Figs. 13-25, a second embodiment of crib assembly 10 is shown at 10'. Fig. 13 shows crib assembly 10' having a drop-side member 27' positioned underneath a mattress area 26'. In this position, a parent could do one of a number of things:
first, the parent could more easily change mattress 150 to ~upply new sheets 155 or change pillowcases 160: a parent could also rotate a mattress 150 more easily with drop-side member 27' located under mattress area 26'; and, a parent, if it were desired, could lie down on the floor next to crib assembly 10' and read the child a story without having a side of the crib intervening between them.
As seen in Figs. 13 and 15, a supporting rod 176 supports drop-side member 27' when it is held in a ~' . : , : : . . - ....... . : , -: ::: . - .: . . .. . - -~03l~3~

horizontal position under mattress area 26'. Further, Figs. 13 and 15 show guides 165 of latch means 85' positioned on each of e~d mem~ers 20' and 21'. Each of guides 165 has two receiving openings, a first receiving opening 185 and a second receiving opening 190. First receiving opening 185 is a hole, while second receiving opening 190 is shown to be a notch, discussed below.
As is seen in Figs. 13, 14 and lS, drop-side member 27' has first upper transverse bar 130 and first lower transverse bar 131 connected by first slats 120. Rear side member 25' has second upper transverse bar 132 and second lower transverse bar 133 (not shown), connected by second slats 121.
Additionally, as seen in Figs. 13 and lS, each of end members 20' and 21' have an upper bar 135 which is a curved member and a lower bar 136. Upper bar 135 is attached to the top of a first side post 140 and a second side post 141, while lower bar 136 is attached between posts 140 and 141, as seen on Fig. 15. ~e-tween upper bar 135 and lower bar 136 are a plurality of slats 125.
Continuing with Fig. 15, it is seen that end member 20' has a slot 35'. End member 21' also has a slot 35', but it is not shown. For both end members 20' and 21', slots 35' have a vertical leg 36' and a horizontal leg 37'. Vertical leg 36' is located on first side post 140, while horizontal leg 37' is substantially located on lower bar 136. Additionally, each of guides 165 are attached to first side post 140 near upper bar 135.
As is seen in Fig. 14, drop-side member 27' has dowels 28' for moving within slots 35' of end members 20' and 21'. Accordingly, drop-side member 27' is supported when dowels 28' are within slots 35'. The ', ~' ' , ` ` ' ;~ . ~' , 2~3~3~

interaction between dowels 28' and slots 35' define enabling means 24', see Fig. 25.
Further, it is seen in Fig. 14, that drop-side member 27' differs from drop-side member 27 of Fig. 1 primarily in that drop-side member 27' i3 not divided into upper member 29 and lower member 30, but is a uniformly constructed member.
Since crib assembly 10' does not have dresser assembly 15 shown in Fig. 1 for crib assembly 10, crib assembly 10' more closely resembles cribs known in the art. More specifically, drop-side member 27' is seen to be able to move from a first vertical position, as shown in Figs. 16-18, to a second vertical position as shown in Figs. 19-21, and therefore achieves a result similar to that achieved by prior art cribs; i.e., drop-side member 27' is vertically slidable between a first and second vertical position to allow easier access to a child within crib assembly 10l. However, as will be disclosed, drop-side member 27' can also achieve a third position, substantially horizontal under mattress area 26'.
Crib assembly 10' is also seen to more closely resemble cribs known in the art because it has wheels 180 attached to the bottom ends of side posts 140 and 141 of end members 20' and 21', respectively, which allow it to be rolled across a floor.
Turning to Figs. 16-18, drop-side member 27' is maintained in its first vertical position between first end member 20' and second end member 21' by a pair of latch means 85'. Latch means 85' is of a similar construction to latch means 85 of crib assembly 10 as shown in Figs. 5-7.
As is seen most clearly in Figs. 17 and 18, a rod 90' of each of latch means 85' is carried by the end most slats 120 of drop-side member 27', and not withLn .- - . ~ . ,. : . .
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first upper transverse bar 130. Rod 90' ha~ a first section 91' and a second section 92' separated by a neck 200. Section 92' is located between neck 200 and a bulbous handle 95'. Section 92' has a spring 100' coiled around it which biases rod 90' toward receiving opening 185. Section 91' extends from neck 200 in a direction away from handle 95'.
As is also seen in Figs. 17 and 18, drop-side member 27' is supported in its first vertical position when rod 90' extends into first receiving opening 185 of guide 165. In order to release drop-side member 27' from its first vertical position, handle 95' is held around a grip 96 and force is applied in a horizontal direction away from end mem~er 21'. As handle 95' is moved, rod 90' is withdrawn from first receiving opening 185. When rod 90' is fully withdrawn from receiving opening 185, drop-side member 27' can be moved to its second vertical position. Rod 90' is forced against the portion of guide 16S between first receiving opening 185 and second receiving opening 190 by the bias of spring 100' when drop-side member 27' is moved between its first and second vertical positions.
While drop-side member 27' is moving between its first and second vertical positions, it is maintained in a vertical orientation by` guide 165 which is maintained within a groove 170 (see Fig. 22) of drop-side member 27'. Groove 170 is also a part o~ latch means 85.
Turning our attention now to Figs. 19-21, drop-side member 27' is seen to be in its second vertical position below its first vertical position. While drop-side member 27' is in its second vertical position, a parent can more easily reach into mattress area 26' in order to attend to his/her child.

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However, as was discussed abo~e, and as will be discussed in more detail below, even in such a lower vertieal position, it is dangerous to a one's back for the parent to attempt to place a child into mattress area 26' or remove a child from mattress area 26'.
Further, attempts to change the linens on a mattress are also signifi~antly more difficult when drop-side member 27' is in one of its vertical positions.
Accordingly, the second vertical position of drcp-side member 27~ is used merely to allow a parent to reach into mattress area 26' in order to attend to the child; possibly to feed, stroke or play with the child.
As seen in Figs. 20 and 21, latch means 85' supports drop-side member 27' in its second vertical position when rod 90' is extended into second receiving opening 190. As was previously disclosed, second receiving opening 190 is a longitudinal notch within guide 165. Second receiving opening 190 starts at point 191, where receiving opening 190 has no depth, and extends in a substantially downward direction, continually increasing in depth until it reaches ledge 192, where second receiving opening 190 has its maxi~um depth. While it is not necessary that the maximum depth of second receiving opening 190 extend all the way through guide 165, it may do so.
When rod 90' is forced into second receiving opening 190 by the bias of spring 100', it moves along a surface 193 connecting point 191 to ledge 192. When drop-side member 27' reaches its second vertical position, rod 90' is supported on ledge 192.
Turning our attention to Figs. 22 and 23, before drop-side member 27' can pivot from its vertical position to its horizontal position, guide 165 must be clear of groove 170. Accordingly, when first upper : - . ,.

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transverse bar 130 of drop-side member 27' is clear of guide 165, drop-side member 27' can pivot as shown in Fig. 22 until it is in a substantially horizontal position as shown in Fig. 24. Further, as shown in Fig. 24, drop-side member 27' is pushed in a horizontal direction under mattress area 26'.
Continuing with Fig. 23, guides 165 have a bottom sloping surface 205 and sections 91' of rods 90' have a bevelled end 195. When drop-side member 27' is moved from its horizontal position to its vertical position, bevelled end 195 slides along sloping surface 205 in order to allow drop-side member 27' to be fixed at either its first or second vertical positions.
Fig. 25 shows drop-side member 27' in its horizontal position under mattress area 26', with dowel 28' located within horizontal leg 37' of slot 35'. Further, supporting rod 176 is shown supporting drop-side member 27' when it is in its horizontal position under mattress area 26'. Supporting rod 176 is also seen in Figs 1~ and 16.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall . ~ . . . . .
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Claims (39)

1. A crib assembly, comprising:
first and second end members;
a rear side member attached between said first and second end members, said end members and said rear side member defining an area for receiving a mattress;
a front drop-side member; and means for enabling said drop-side member to pivotally move between a substantially vertical position between said end members to a substantially horizontal position below said mattress area.

2. A crib assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said drop-side member includes a top and a bottom and wherein said enabling means is located substantially at said bottom.

3. A crib assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said enabling means is disposed along each of said end members and said drop-side member.

4. A crib assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein said enabling means comprises:
a slot located in each of said end members; and dowels located substantially at the bottom of said drop-side member and riding in said slots.

5. A crib assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein each of said slots has a horizontal leg and a vertical leg.

6. A crib assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein when said drop-side member is in its vertical position each of said dowels is in said vertical leg of said slot.

7. A crib assembly as recited in claim 6, further comprising at least one latch means mounted in said end members and said drop-side member for maintaining said drop-side member in said substantially vertical position.

8. A crib assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein each of said latch means comprises:
a rod on one of said end members and said drop-side member;
at least one opening for receiving said rod disposed within the other of said end members or drop-side member;
a spring selectively biasing said rod toward said receiving opening; and handle means on said rod for moving the rod against the bias of said spring, away from said receiving opening.

9. A crib assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for supporting said drop-side member in said substantially horizontal position below said mattress area.

10. A crib assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein said supporting means is a supporting platform located below said drop-side member and mounted between said end members.

11. A crib assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the horizontal leg of each of said slots is sized to prevent reception of said rod of said latch means when said drop-side member is moved from said substantially vertical position to said substantially horizontal position below said mattress area.

12. A crib assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein each of said rods has an end which is shaved at an angle to promote engagement with said respective end member when said drop-side member is moved from said substantially vertical position to said substantially horizontal position.

13. A crib assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein said drop-side member includes an upper member and a lower member, said upper member being pivotally connected to said lower member.

14. A crib assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein said upper member includes a first upper transverse bar and a first lower transverse bar, and wherein said lower member includes a second upper transverse bar and a second lower transverse bar.

15. A crib assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein said first lower upper transverse bar of said upper member is hinged to said second upper transverse bar of said lower member for pivotally rotating about a horizontal axis.

16. A crib assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein said first lower transverse bar of said upper member has at least one first aperture extending substantially vertically therethrough, and wherein said second upper transverse bar of said lower member has at least one second aperture aligned substantially vertically with said at least one first aperture, said apertures adapted for receiving a pin therethrough.

17. A crib assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein said pin includes a plug movable within said apertures for maintaining said upper and lower members in a substantially planar relation.

18. A crib assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein said plug is retained within said first aperture by a plate located on a top surface of said first lower transverse bar when said upper member is pivotally rotated.

19. A crib assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein said rod of said latch means is carried by said second upper transverse bar of said lower member.

20. A crib assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein said second upper transverse bar has a bottom surface having at least one slot for receiving said handle means of said latch means therethrough.

21. A crib assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein said handle means is secured substantially perpendicularly to said rod extending through said slot in said bottom surface of said upper transverse bar.

22. A crib assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein said supporting means is a supporting rod located below said bottom of said drop-side member and attached between said end members.

23. A crib assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein said handle means is a bulbous member extending axially from said rod.

24. A crib assembly as recited in claim 23, wherein said drop-side member is selectively movable between upper and lower vertical positions when said drop-side member is in said vertical position.

25. A crib assembly as recited in claim 24, wherein said latch means further comprises:
a guide runningly attached to each of said end members for engaging said rod; and a groove in said drop-side member for receiving said guide.

26. A crib assembly as recited in claim 25, wherein said guide includes said at least one receiving opening.

27. A crib assembly as recited in claim 26, wherein said at least one receiving opening comprises:
a first receiving opening for maintaining said drop-side member in said upper substantially vertical position;
a second receiving opening for maintaining said drop-side member in said lower substantially vertical position.

28. A crib assembly as recited in claim 27, wherein said guide extends below said second receiving opening.

29. A crib assembly as recited in claim 28, wherein said drop-side member is prevented from pivoting about said enabling means when said guide is received in said groove.

30. A crib assembly as recited in claim 29, wherein said guide has a bottom sloping surface and said rod has a bevelled end for cooperating with said bottom sloping surface of said guide.

31. A crib assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one latch means mounted in said end members and said drop-side member for maintaining said drop-side member in said substantially vertical position.

32. A crib assembly as recited in claim 31, wherein each of said latch means comprises:
a rod on one of said end members and said drop-side member;
at least one opening for receiving said rod disposed within the other of said end members or drop-side member;
a spring selectively biasing said rod toward said receiving opening; and handle means on said rod for moving the rod against the bias of said spring, away from said receiving opening.

33. A crib assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said drop-side member includes an upper member and a lower member, said upper member being pivotally connected to said lower member.

34. A crib assembly as recited in claim 33, wherein said upper member includes a first upper transverse bar and a first lower transverse bar, and wherein said lower member includes a second upper transverse bar and a second lower transverse bar.

35. A crib assembly as recited in claim 34, wherein said first lower upper transverse bar of said upper member is hinged to said second upper transverse bar of said lower member for pivotally rotating about a horizontal axis.

36. A crib assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said drop-side member is selectively movable between upper and lower vertical positions when said drop-side member is in said vertical position.

37. A crib assembly as recited in claim 36, further comprising at least one latch means mounted in said end members and said drop-side member for maintaining said drop-side member in said substantially vertical position.

38. A crib assembly as recited in claim 37, wherein each of said latch means comprises:
a rod on one of said end members and said drop-side member;
at least one opening for receiving said rod disposed within the other of said end members or drop-side member;
a spring selectively biasing said rod toward said receiving opening; and handle means on said rod for moving the rod against the bias of said spring, away from said receiving opening.

39. A crib assembly as recited in claim 33, further comprising at least one latch means mounted in said end members and said drop-side member for maintaining said drop-side member in said substantially vertical position.