US20070101493A1

US20070101493A1 - Collapsible crib

Info

Publication number: US20070101493A1
Application number: US11/267,091
Authority: US
Inventors: David Campbell; Corey Campbell; James Geeslin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Foundations Worldwide Inc
Priority date: 2005-11-05
Filing date: 2005-11-05
Publication date: 2007-05-10

Abstract

A folding headboard collapsible crib is provided including front and rear walls and collapsible left and right end walls. Safety hinge mechanisms are provided at the left and right end wall portions of the crib and a stop block system on the mattress support to eliminate pinch points and snag points at the foldable headboard and/or footboard locations. A mattress support platform is hingedly connected to a rear wall of the crib and is supported substantially around its entire periphery for enhanced maximum load bearing capacity. A strangulation proof strap system is carried on the mattress support platform for holding the crib in a collapsed configuration when not in use.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present exemplary embodiments relate to collapsible furniture. They find wide application in conjunction with collapsible juvenile furniture, particularly baby cribs, playpens for children and the like, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiments are also amenable to other like applications including any applications in which foldable or collapsible closures, playpens or containment devices would be useful.
Prior art foldable headboard cribs include hinged headboard and footboard portions which are selectively movable inwardly to allow front and rear end walls of the crib to be collapsed together. However, some of those prior art devices may have inadvertently presented multiple pinch points or other areas which can create containment risks or catch point hazards. One area of concern is in the crease areas of the headboard and footboard whereat the hinged portions can present pinch point areas at their butt ends. Further, snag points may be created as a result of the location and placement of the hinge devices coupling the headboard and footboard portions.
In addition to the above, collapsible headboard cribs have typically included a pivotable or otherwise movable mattress support platform adapted for supporting an infant mattress from below. Typically, the support platforms are anchored or otherwise attached to one or more of the crib frame areas during use such as by using hooks, locks, latches, or small blocks. However, prior art foldable headboard cribs typically have low maximum weight capacity ratings. One reason for this is that the mattress support platforms are often made of lightweight materials to help reduce the overall weight of the crib. Further, the mattress support platforms are often supported by frame portions of the crib by means of contact areas having a relatively small surface area. The hooks, locks, latches and small contact areas are insufficient to properly distribute the load supported by the mattress platform. This results in localized stress in the platform reducing its overall weight carrying capacity.
In further addition, collapsible furniture including cribs often include a fastening strap or other belt-like device for holding the article in a collapsed condition to facilitate storage and handling. Strangulation accidents can result, however, from poorly designed strap systems.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a collapsible headboard crib which does not present pinch points or snag points at the foldable headboard and/or footboard locations.
Further, there is a need in the art for a collapsible crib with a mattress support platform which is supported substantially around its entire periphery for enhanced maximum load bearing capacity.
Still further, there is a need in the art for a strap system for holding a collapsible crib in a folded condition without presenting any strangulation potential. That is, there is a need for a strangulation proof strap system. For strap systems carried on the crib, this need extends to cribs in both the folded condition as well as the opened condition and further, in positions in between.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a collapsible crib is provided including pairs of rear and front corner posts, a rear wall attached with the pair of rear corner posts and a front wall attached with the pair of front corner posts. Left and right end walls extend between and connect the rear and front corner posts to define a rectangular enclosure having a central opening. A mattress platform having opposite front and rear edges and opposite left and right edges is provided. The rear edge of the mattress platform is operatively connected with the lower rail of the rear wall for pivotal movement between a vertical folded position and a horizontal opened position. A locking system is operatively associated with the mattress platform and the right and left end walls for holding the pair of end walls in mutually coextensive arrangements respectively, when the mattress platform is in the horizontal position.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, the locking system is operatively associated with the mattress platform and the lower rails of the left and right end walls for urging the end walls outwardly away from the central opening when the mattress platform is moved toward the horizontal opened position. The locking system engages the lower rails as the mattress platform nears its final resting horizontal opened position on the rails. This allows more clearance between the side ends of the mattress platform and the inside surfaces of the crib end panels. In that way, contact between the mattress platform and the left and right end walls is easily avoided during the major portion of pivotal mattress platform travel when opening the crib.
Still further in accordance with yet another aspect of the application, the locking system is adapted to engage the lower rails of the left and right end walls as the mattress platform is moved from the vertical position towards the horizontal open position. In one embodiment, the locking system includes a pair of spaced apart block members carried on the bottom surface or underside of the mattress platform. An oblique ramp surface adapted to engage and urge the left and right end walls outwardly is provided on the block members.
Still further in accordance with another aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, a Y-shaped strap fastener is provided for selectively connecting the front wall of the crib with the mattress platform to hold the left and right end walls between the front wall and the mattress platform of the crib. This helps facilitate storage and handling of the crib in a collapsed condition. The strap fastener includes a base portion attached to the crib platform and a pair of extension members carrying, on their free ends, fasteners for permitting the free ends of the extension members to be selectively connected together. The extension members form a closed loop adapted to surround a portion of the front wall to hold the crib in a collapsed condition. In one embodiment, the fasteners include fabric hook and loop fastener patches carried thereon and the length of the extension members are limited so that, in an attached closed loop condition, a maximum circumferential length of no greater than 7.5 inches is defined. This reduces the potential for entanglement and strangulation hazards.
Still further in accordance with yet another aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, the lower rails of the front and rear walls and left and right end walls define a mattress platform support surface area for supporting the mattress platform substantially around its entire periphery for enhanced maximum load bearing capacity.
In accordance with yet one further aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, a safety hinge system is provided for a coupling hinged portions of the left and right end wall members. A plurality of hinges are mortised into end panels of the left and right end walls to a depth sufficient to prevent snags by associated articles passed against the hinges on a side of the crib opposite from the central opening.
These and other aspects of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding of the detailed specification as set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a collapsible crib in an open position;
FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are top plan views of the collapsible crib according to the present application showing the mattress platform in a raised vertical position and a lowered horizontal position, respectively;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged portion of the collapsible crib illustrated in FIG. 2 showing a safety hinge system thereof;
FIG. 3 a is a perspective schematic illustration of the safety hinge system of FIG. 3 showing an associated string passing thereover;
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along 4-4 in FIG. 1 illustrating a stop block system for holding the crib end walls in a mutually spaced apart and individually co-extensive relationship in accordance with the present application;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the subject collapsible crib illustrated in an intermediate state between the open and folded positions;
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view substantially taken along 4-4 of FIG. 1 similar to FIG. 4 but instead illustrating the stop block system in an intermediate position urging the crib end walls outwardly as the mattress support is lowered;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the subject collapsible crib illustrated in a folded or collapsed position for storage; and,
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the subject collapsible crib in the folded position illustrated in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawing FIGURES for a clearer understanding of the embodiments of the application, it is seen that subject collapsible crib 10 comprises a free standing article of furniture movable between an open position shown in FIGS. 1, 2 b and a collapsed or folded position shown in FIGS. 7, 8. In the open position shown in FIG.1, the subject collapsible crib provides a safe and stable sleep or play structure for infants and the like. In addition, the subject crib is easily handled and conveniently stored when arranged in the collapsed position illustrated in FIG. 7.
With particular reference first to FIG. 1, the subject collapsible crib 10 generally comprises rear and front walls 12 and 14, respectively, left and right end walls 16 and 18, respectively, and a mattress support member 20 adapted to support an associated mattress 22 (shown only in FIGS. 7 and 8). The rear wall 12 and the left end wall 16 are each connected to a left rear corner post 30. As well, the rear wall 12 and right end wall 18 are connected to a right rear corner post 32. Similarly, the front wall 14 and the left end wall 16 are connected to a common left front corner post 34 and the front wall 14 and right end wall are connected to a common right front corner post 36.
It is to be appreciated that the rear and front walls 12,14 are pivotably connected with the left and right end walls 16,18 so that the subject collapsible crib 10 can be moved between the open position illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 b and the folded or collapsed position illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8. To that end, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the left and right end walls 16,18 are carried on one or more hinges relative to the their respective corner posts. More particularly, preferably, the left end wall 16 is carried on the left rear corner post 30 using upper and lower hinge joints 30 a, 30 b, respectively. Further, the left end wall 16 is carried relative to the left front corner post 34 using upper and lower hinge joints 34 a and 34 b, respectively. Similarly, the right end wall 18 is pivotally carried relative to the right rear corner post 32 and right front corner post 36 on a set of upper hinge joints 32 a, 36 a and lower hinge joints 32 b, 36 b, respectively. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the rear and front walls 12,14 are rigidly attached with the corner posts 30-36 using suitable joints, fasteners, glue or the like but preferably wood screws. It is to be understood, however, that more or less hinge devices on other structures can be used in the subject collapsible crib 10 to enable relative pivotal movement between all of the walls to enable the crib to be folded and unfolded between the positions illustrated in FIG. 1, 2 b and 7, 8.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 but with further reference to the other drawing FIGURES, the rear wall 12 includes an upper horizontal rail member 40, a lower horizontal rail member 42, and a plurality of vertically oriented slat members 44 extending between and connecting the upper and lower rail members 40, 42. As noted above, the rear wall 12 is preferably rigidly attached with the left and right rear corner posts 30, 32. To that end, the upper and lower horizontal rail members 40, 42 are connected directly with the left and right rear corner posts 30, 32 using suitable fasteners such as screws, nails, glue, or the like. The vertical slat members 44 are carried between the rail members 40, 42.
As best shown in FIG. 2 b, the lower horizontal rail member 42 of the rear wall 12 is coupled with the mattress support member 20 using one or more hinge members 24 to enable the mattress support member 20 to be pivotally moved relative to the rear wall 12 between a horizontal orientation illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 b, 4 and a vertical orientation illustrated in FIGS. 2 a, 7, 8. Still further, in the preferred embodiment, for reasons to be described in greater detail below, the lower horizontal rail member 42 is wider in a horizontal plane relative to the upper horizontal rail member 40.
Similar to the above, the front wall 14 includes an upper horizontal rail member 50, a lower horizontal rail member 52, and a plurality of vertically disposed slat members 54 extending therebetween. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the lower horizontal rail member 52 carries an inwardly extending central bracket member 26 adapted to support the associated mattress 22 when the subject collapsible crib 10 is disposed in the folded orientation illustrated in FIG. 7 for ease of storage and handling in a manner to be described in greater detail below.
The subject collapsible crib 10 is in the style of a “collapsible headboard” article of juvenile furniture. To that end, the left and right end walls 16, 18 are fashioned to collapse inwardly into the space 28 between the front and rear walls 14, 12 when the crib is to be moved into its folded condition. Preferably, as illustrated, the head and foot boards are split and hinged at their center lines for pivoting inwardly into the space between the front and rear walls.
In accordance with the present application, each of the left and right end walls 16, 18 are formed of a plurality of panels selectively collapsible into the central opening 28 defined between the rear and front walls 12, 14 for folding the crib between the open and collapsed positions. Preferably, however, each of the left and right end walls 16, 18 include a single pair of panel members hingedly connected along a single central vertical fold axis. More particularly, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the left end wall 16 includes first and second panel members 60, 62 connected with each other along a fold axis 64 by means of upper and lower safety hinge systems 100, the details of which are shown in FIGS. 3 and 3 a and will be described in greater detail below. The fold axis 64 extends substantially in a vertical direction relative to the horizontal orientation of the mattress support member 20 in the open position illustrated in FIG. 1. The first panel member 60 includes an upper horizontal rail member 60 a, a lower horizontal rail member 60 b, and a plurality of vertically disposed slat members 60 c. Similarly, the second panel member 62 of the left end wall 16 includes an upper horizontal rail member 62 a, a lower horizontal rail member 62 b, and a plurality of vertical disposed slat members 62 c. The upper and lower horizontal rail members 60 a, 60 b of the first panel member 60 are disposed in a mutually coextensive relationship with the upper and lower horizontal rail members 62 a, 62 b of the second panel member 62 when the collapsible crib 10 is manipulated into the open position illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the upper horizontal rail member 60 a of the first panel member 60 is hingedly connected with the upper horizontal rail member 62 b of the second panel member 62 using the safety hinge system permitting pivotal relative movement therebetween along the fold axis 64 for adjusting the crib between the open and folded positions. Similarly, the lower horizontal rail member 60 b is pivotally attached by means of a safety hinge system 100 with the lower horizontal rail member 62 b.
A second fold axis 74 is provided opposite the first fold axis 64. The second fold axis is defined at the interface between first and second panel members 70, 72 comprising the right end wall 18. The first panel member 70 of the right end wall 18 includes upper and lower horizontal rail members 70 a, 70 b as illustrated. Vertically disposed slat members 70 c are provided between the upper and lower rail members. Similarly, the second panel member 72 includes upper and lower horizontal rail members 72 a, 72 b connected by vertically disposed slat members 72 c. The upper horizontal rail members 70 a, 72 a as well as the lower horizontal rail members 70 b, 72 b are mutually coextensive in the open position of the subject collapsible crib 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b. However, the first and second panel members 70, 72 forming the right end wall 18 are pivotally movable on hinges inwardly towards the central opening 28 defined between the rear and front walls 12, 14.
Turning next to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, the subject collapsible crib 10 of the preferred embodiment is shown from a top plan view in an open position with the mattress support member disposed in a vertical orientation (FIG. 2 a) and in a horizontal orientation (FIG. 2 b) adapted for supporting from beneath an associated mattress (not shown). As shown in the FIGURES, one end of the mattress support member 20 is carried on the lower horizontal rail member 42 of the rear wall 12 using the plurality of hinge members 24. It is to be appreciated by inspection of FIGS. 2 a, 2 b that, in accordance with an aspect of the preferred embodiment of the subject collapsible crib, the mattress support member 20 is supported around its entire periphery by the lower horizontal rail members of the front and rear walls and of the left and right end walls. This significantly increases the load carrying capacity of the subject crib by providing stable peripheral support over a large surface area for optimal weight distribution and balance.
More particularly and with reference to FIG. 2 a, the mattress support member 20 is pivoted into a vertical orientation about an axis defined by the hinge members 24 to expose portions of the lower horizontal rail members adapted to provide support. To that end, the lower horizontal rail member 42 of the rear wall 12 includes a support portion 42 a adapted to engage the rear edge region of the mattress support member 20 from below when the mattress support member is folded down into a horizontal orientation. Similarly, the lower horizontal rail member 52 of the front wall 14 includes a support portion 52 a adapted to engage the front edge region of the underside of the mattress support member 20 when the latter is oriented in a horizontal position. Still further, each of the lower horizontal rail members 60 b, 62 b, 70 b, and 72 b include support portions 66, 68, 76, and 78, respectively adapted to engage an underside of the mattress support member 20 about peripheral left and right regions thereof for providing a sound and secure platform adapted to carry an associated mattress thereon. For a standard crib having overall dimensions of 24 in. by 38 in., the mattress platform is supported at approximately 60 sq. in. by the crib frame members.
Turning next to FIG. 3, a safety hinge system 100 formed in accordance with a further aspect of the present application is shown. The safety hinge system 100 is applied by way of example in FIG. 3 to the upper horizontal rail members 60 a, 62 a of the first and second panel members forming the left end wall 16 of the subject collapsible crib 10. It is to be appreciated, however, that the safety hinge system 100 is not so limited but, rather, is preferably applied at each of the connection points formed along the first and second vertical fold axes 64, 74 or at any other selected jointed connection as desired. In the subject crib 10, two (2) safety hinge systems are implemented for use on the upper rail portions 60 a, 62 a and 70 a, 72 a. However, it is to be appreciated that the subject safety hinge system can be applied at all hinge joints as desired such as, for example, to the joints at the lower rail portions 60 b, 62 b and 70 b, 72 b or elsewhere.
In the exemplary safety hinge system 100 illustrated in FIG. 3, the front and rear upper horizontal rail members 60 a, 62 a are movable relative to each other in a horizontal plane substantially in the plane of the drawing figure. A hinge member 102 is disposed in a recess area 104 including a first recess portion 106 defined by the front upper horizontal rail member 60 a and a second recess portion 108 defined by the rear upper horizontal rail member 62 a. The first and second recess portions 106, 108 cooperate to form a recess area 104 having a shape and size adapted to receive the hinge member 102 therein. More particularly, the hinge member 102 includes a first plate 110 received in the first recess portion 106 and a second plate 112 received in the second recess portion 108. In the orientation illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper horizontal rail member 60 a includes a butt end surface 120 disposed in a confronting relationship relative to a corresponding butt end surface 122 of the second upper horizontal rail member 62 a. It is to be appreciated that the rail members 60 a, 62 a are pivotable about a fold axis 64 defined by the hinge member 102 and extending out of the drawing sheet as viewed in FIG. 3. In the crib open position illustrated, the butt ends 120, 122 are disposed in a confronting relationship and in a folded or closed position of the crib, primary surfaces 124, 126 are disposed in a confronting relationship.
A relief interface 118 is provided at an area of abutment between the first and second elongate members. The relief interface 118 defines a gap to reduce the risk of pinching for children disposed in the crib as the first and second elongate members are moved relative to each other in and out of their common plane in the open position. The transition gap of the relief interface 118 includes a first tapered surface 119 on the buft end surface of the first elongate member and a second tapered surface 121 on the buft end of the second elongate member.
It is to be appreciated that, in accordance with an aspect of the present application, the fold axis 64 defined by the hinge member 102 is arranged between a plane defined by the primary surfaces 124, 126 and secondary inner surfaces 128, 130 of the first and second elongate members 60 a, 62 a connected at the hinge member. In that way, the amount of hinge portion 130 extending beyond the first plane defined by surfaces 124, 126 can be reduced to approximately a half semi-circle. This is important in furniture and, particularly, in children's furniture including cribs because catch points on those articles present a substantial risk for injury or death when looped materials or the like snag onto these catch points. In the embodiment illustrated, however, since the hinge portion 130 presents approximately a half semi-circle as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3 a, associated articles 140 such as chains, ropes, strings, or the like freely pass over the hinge portion 130 rather than become entangled thereon.
FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate in partial cross-sectional view a further aspect of the subject collapsible crib formed in accordance with the present application. With reference next to those figures, a stop block system 150 is shown. The stop block system is used in the subject crib 10 first for urging the left and right end walls 16,18 outwardly relative to the central opening 28 and thereafter for holding the left and right end walls outwardly in a secure manner to limit separation between the buft ends 120,122 (FIG. 3) of the first and second elongate members while the subject crib is occupied.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along 4-4 of FIG. 1 illustrating the preferred embodiment stop block system 150 including a block member 152 carried on the underside of the mattress support member 20. The stop block member is fastened to the mattress support member preferably using screws but glue or the like may be used. Also, the stop block may be formed integrally with mattress support members which are made of a composite material such as plastic or the like. The block member 152 includes a blocking surface 154 on a proximal end and a tapered ramp surface 156 on a distal end. The blocking surface 154 is preferably vertically oriented and adapted to engage a corresponding vertical abutment surface 160 provided on the lower horizontal rail members of the left and right end walls 16, 18. As shown in the drawing figure, the blocking surface 154 provided on the block member 152 in the subject stop block system 150 prevents the left and right end walls 16, 18 from moving inwardly toward the central opening 28 when the mattress support member 20 is disposed in a horizontal position.
The stop block system 150 further includes a tapered ramp surface 156 adapted to urge the left and right end walls 16,18 outwardly relative to the central opening when the mattress support member 20 is moved from a vertical folded orientation as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 toward and open position, particularly during intermediate positions thereof such as shown in FIG. 5. In the event that the end user fails to fully open the collapsible crib 10 prior to fully lowering the mattress support member 20 in place, the tapered ramp surface 156 is adapted to engage the contact surface 160 formed on the lower horizontal rail members of the left and right end walls 16, 18 as shown at B in FIG. 6. It is to be appreciated that although the tapered ramp surface 156 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to be substantially planar, other more complicated surface formations can be used as well. Also, in the embodiment illustrated, the ramp surface 156 of the stop block engages the contact surface 160 for only a minor portion of pivotal movement of the mattress support. More particularly, 10% or less of the platform movement range, but preferably about 2% includes contact between the block and rail surface 160.
Turning lastly to FIGS. 7 and 8, the subject collapsible crib 10 is illustrated in a folded or collapsed orientation. In that orientation, the crib system is adapted to hold an associated mattress 22 between the front wall 14 and the first panel members 60, 70 of the left and right end walls 16, 18, respectively. A lower end of the mattress 22 is supported from beneath by the central bracket member 26 described above and carried on the lower horizontal rail member 52 of the front wall 14.
Preferably, the subject collapsible crib 10 is secured in the folded or collapsed orientation illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 using a fastening strap device 80 attached to the underside of the mattress support platform 20. In its preferred form as best illustrated in FIG. 2 a, the fastening strap device 80 is generally “Y” shaped and is formed of a nylon braid strap. The strap device 80 has a proximal end including a base portion 81 attached to the mattress support platform using a suitable fastener or the like. The distal end of the strap 80. divides into a pair of extension members 82, 83 which are each preferably about three inches in length. The first extension member 82 carries a fabric hook fastener patch 84 on a free end thereof. Similarly, the second extension member 83 carries a fabric loop fastener patch 85 on its free end. The hook and loop fastener patches 84, 85 preferably use Velcro technology, however, other hook and latch technologies may be used as well.
In the folded or collapsed orientation of the subject collapsible crib 10, the hook and latch patches 84, 85 are mutually fastened to hold a selected slat member of the front wall 14 securely in place in a folded position, close to the bottom of the mattress support member 20. In the open position illustrated in FIG. 1, the fastening strap device 80 dangles freely beneath the mattress support member 20. The overall length of the fastening strap device 80 together with the lengths of the extension members 82, 83 are selected to prevent accidental strangulation injuries. To that end, the fastening strap device 80 is preferably less than 7.5 in. long and each of the extension members 82, 83 are preferably 3.5 in. long.
The exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A collapsible crib comprising:

a pair of rear corner posts;

a rear wall attached with the pair of rear corner posts, the rear wall including a lower rail;

a pair of front corner posts;

a front wall attached with the pair of front corner posts, the front wall including a front wall lower rail;

left and right end walls extending between and connecting said rear and front corner posts to define a rectangular enclosure having a central opening, each said end wall having a lower rail, a pair of end panels, and a plurality of hinges attaching the end panels to each other and to the adjacent corner posts, the end panels of the left and right end walls being pivotally movable on said hinges inwardly towards said central opening to collapse the crib and outwardly away from the central opening to open the crib;

a mattress platform having opposite front and rear edges and opposite left and right edges, the rear edge of the mattress platform being operatively connected with said rear lower rail for pivotal movement between a vertical folded position and a horizontal opened position; and,

a stop block system operatively associated with the mattress platform and the left and right end walls for holding the pair of end panels of the left end wall and the pair of end panels of the right end wall in mutually coextensive orientations, respectively, when the mattress platform is in said horizontal position.

2. The crib according to claim 1 wherein:

said stop block system is operatively associated with the mattress platform and the lower rails of the left and right end walls for urging the left and right end walls outwardly away from said central opening when the mattress platform is moved toward said horizontal opened position to reduce contact between ends of the mattress platform and the left and right end walls.

3. The crib according to claim 2 wherein:

said stop block system engages the lower rails of the left and right end walls as the mattress platform is moved from said vertical position towards said horizontal position.

4. The crib according to claim 2 wherein:

said stop block system includes a pair of spaced apart block members carried on a bottom surface of the mattress platform, each said block member having a first vertical blocking surface and a first ramp surface, the first vertical blocking surface being adapted to engage said lower rails of the left and right end walls to prevent the left and right end walls from moving inwardly when the mattress platform is in said horizontal opened position, and

the first ramp surface being adapted to urge the left and right end walls outwardly away from said central opening while the mattress platform is moved toward said horizontal opened position.

5. The crib according to claim 1 wherein:

said stop block system includes a pair of spaced apart block members carried on a bottom surface of said mattress platform, the block members being adapted to engage said lower rails of the left and right end walls when the mattress platform is in said horizontal opened position to prevent the left and right end walls from moving inwardly.

6. The crib according to claim 1 further including:

a Y-shaped strap fastener for selectively connecting said front wall with said mattress platform to hold the left and right end walls between the front wall and the mattress platform.

7. The crib according to claim 6 wherein the Y-shaped strap fastener includes:

a base portion at a proximal end of the strap, the base portion being connected with said mattress platform;

a pair of extension members at a distal end of the strap and converging at an end of the base portion; and,

fasteners carried on free ends of the pair of extension members for selectively connecting the free ends to form a closed loop adapted to surround a portion of said front wall.

8. The crib according to claim 7 wherein:

the fasteners include hook and loop fastener patches carried on the free ends of said extension members; and,

said closed loop defines a predetermined circumference of less than about 8 inches to reduce entanglement and strangulation hazards.

9. The crib according to claim 1 wherein:

said plurality of hinges are mortised into said end panels to a depth sufficient to prevent snags by associated articles passed against the hinges on a side of the crib opposite said central opening.

10. The crib according to claim 1 further including:

a mattress platform support area adapted to engage and support the mattress platform in said horizontal opened position, the mattress platform support area being defined by the lower rails of the front wall, the rear wall, and the left and right end walls.

11. The crib according to claim 10 wherein the mattress platform support area supports the mattress platform substantially around the entire periphery of the mattress platform.

12. A safety hinge system in an infant crib, the safety hinge system comprising:

first and second elongate members adapted to be movable relative to each other between a first position in extension of each other and a second position in a side-by-side relationship, the first and second elongate members each having a butt end surface and a primary surface, the buft end surfaces of the first and second elongate members being disposed in a confronting relationship in said first position and the primary surfaces of the first and second members being disposed in a confronting relationship in said second position;

a hinge connecting said first and second elongate members, the hinge including a first plate, a second plate, and at least one hinge joint portion coupling the first plate with the second plate for pivotal movement about at least one pivot axis defined by the hinge joint;

a first anchor area on the first elongate member for receiving the first hinge plate and fastening the first hinge plate with the first elongate member; and,

a second anchor area on the second elongate member for receiving the second hinge plate and fastening the second hinge plate with the second elongate member.

13. The safety hinge system according to claim 12 wherein:

said first anchor area includes a first recess adapted to receive the first hinge plate therein; and,

said second anchor area includes a second recess adapted to receive the second hinge plate therein.

14. The safety hinge system according to claim 13 wherein:

in said first position, the primary surfaces of the first and second elongate members are co-planar.

15. The safety hinge system according to claim 13 wherein:

the first recess is defined in the primary surface of the first elongate member; and,

the second recess is defined in the primary surface of the second elongate member.

16. The safety hinge system according to claim 15 wherein:

the primary surface of the first elongate member defines a first plane; and,

the pivot axis defined by the hinge joint extends along said first plane.

17. The safety hinge system according to claim 16 wherein:

the primary surface of the second elongate member defines a second plane; and,

the pivot axis defined by the hinge joint extends along said second plane.

18. The safety hinge system according to claim 17 wherein:

said pivot axis, said first plane, and said second plane, are coincident when the first and second elongate members are disposed in said first position.

19. The safety hinge system according to claim 12 further including:

a relief interface at an area of abutment between said first and second elongate members, the relief interface defining a transition gap to enable withdrawal of objects from between the butt end surfaces of the first and second elongate members as the first and second elongate members are moved from said second position to said first position.

20. The safety hinge system according to claim 19 wherein the transition gap of said relief interface includes:

a first tapered surface on the butt end surface of the first elongate member; and,

a second tapered surface on the butt end surface of the second elongate member.