US2742651A

US2742651A - Infant accessories

Info

Publication number: US2742651A
Application number: US315713A
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas C Ward
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1952-10-20
Filing date: 1952-10-20
Publication date: 1956-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 1973-04-24

Description

April 24, 1956 T. c. WARD 2,742,651 INFANT ACCESSORIES Filed Oct. 20, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet l Q a liyit a-i F l lif Thomas 6. Ward INVENTOR.

April 24, 1956 T. c. WARD INFANT ACCESSORIES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001;. 20, 1952 li i Thomas 6. Ward INVENTOR. wad-2: BY ZWW April 24, 1956 T. c. WARD INFANT ACCESSORIES 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 20, 1952 m mm M W 6m 8 S m gm 0 w m Va Y B w April 24, 1956 T. c. WARD 2,742,651

INFANT ACCESSORIES Filed Oct. 20, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INFANT ACCESSORIES Thomas C. Ward, Waco, Tex. Application October 20, 1952, Serial No. 315,713

" 2 Claims c1. -98

' This invention relates in general to infant accessories, and more specifically to means for supporting and restraining infants.

Theprimary object of this invention is to provide a flexible member which may be selectively utilized either in combination with aframe or with a vehicle interior to provide a suitable bed for a baby.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved supporting frame which may have selectively engaged therewithinterchangeable flexible members whereby'jthe' flexible members in combination with the supportingframe may form a baby bed, a baby bath, or a baby'seat.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved supporting frame'which includes a pair of spaced end" frames connected together at their upper ends by longitudinal frame members, the relationship between the end frames and the longitudinal frame members beiiig' such that the end frames are free to pivot with respect to the longitudinal frame members in outward direction only whereby a rigid supporting frame may be formedby restraining movement of the end frames away from each other. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved supporting frame which is formed of readily obt'ain'ablej materials and which is of a relatively simple construction whereby the same is economically feasible.

Another" object of this invention is to provide an improved supporting frame which includes a pair of identical X-shaped' end frames which are pivotally connected to ends of longitudinal frame members, the opposite ends ofthe longitudinal frame members being differently configurat'ed so as'to receive portions of angle members of ther'end franies and function. as stops therefor.

LA further object of this invention is to provide an i'mprovedflexible member which has secured to the edges thereof" elongated straps, certain of said straps being provided with'retaining elements adapted to be disposed between adjacent seat cushions and side panels of a vehicle whereby the flexible member may be utilized as arestraining device for preventing a baby from rolling off a seat of the vehicle. 7

@These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details (if construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described f-and claimed, reference being bad to the accompanyingdrawings forming a part hereof, wherein likenumerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 7 Figur'e lis aplan view of a preferred form of flexible member which may be utilized in combination with either a vehicle interior or a frame for forminga baby bed, the outline and construction of the flexible net member being clearly'illustrated;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an'interior of a conventional'vehicle and shows the flexible member secured with respect to the front seat thereof to form a baby bed; "Figured-is a fragmentary top plan view of the rear of, the. rear seat having associated therewith the flexible,

member of Figure 1 for forming a baby bed, the roof of the vehicle being broken away in order to clearly illus-' trate the rear seat and the flexible member;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 4-4 of Figure 3 and shows the manner in which the flexible member is positioned with respect to the rear seat of the vehicle;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modified form of baby bed'which is formed by a supporting frame which is supporting the flexible member of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of one upper corner of the supporting frame and shows the manner in which the upper end of one frame element of an end frame is pivotally connected to one end of a longitudinal frame member, the longitudinal frame member forming a stop to prevent inward movement of the lower end of the frame element; V i 4 Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the joint of Figure 6;

Figure 8"is a perspective view of an opposite end of the longitudinal frame member of Figures 6 and 7 and shows the manner in which it is pivotally connected to a second frame element at the opposite end thereof;

-Figure 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of the joint of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially-upon the plane indicated by the sectionline 1010 of Figure 5 and shows the manner in which the flexible member is removably secured to one of the longitudinal frame members of the supporting frame;

Figure 11 is a perspective view on a reduced scale of the supporting frame of Figure 5, the supporting frame having associated therewith a slightly modified form of flexible member, said modified form of flexible member and said supporting frame combining to formv a babys bath; v

Figure 12 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially through the center of the baby bath of Figure 11 and shows the arrangement of the same when a pivotally mounted cover is moved into overlying relation with respect tothe modified form of flexible member; I

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the supporting frame of Figure 5 and shows the same combination with a seat to form a baby seat; and

Figure 14 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the connection between a lowerframe member and frame elements of one of the X-shaped end frames, the lower frame member being adapted to have supported thereon a shelf for use in combination with either the baby bath of Figure 11 or the baby seat of Figure 13.

Referring now to Figure l in particular, it will be seen that there isillustramd the flexible-member, which is a major element of. this invention, the flexible member being referred to in general by the reference numeral 10; The flexible member 10 is in/the form of an elon-v gated rectangular piece of flexible material 12 which is provided along its edges with a border- 14. It should be understood that the flexible material 12 may either be in the form of a net, rubberized or other type water-. resistant material, or any other suitable material.

In order that the flexible materiallZ may be suitably secured to a suitable support, sides of the border 14 are provided with a plurality of eyelets .16 which are adapted to have received tl'lerethrough suitable fasteners to be described in more detail hereafter. The ends of the border 14 are also provided with eyelets, the eyelets ,P;:emd A e, 24,. 1956 being referred to by the reference numeral 18 and being portions of snap fasteners.

In order that the flexible member may be suitably mounted within a vehicle, in a manner to be described in more detail hereinafter, for forming a baby bed, there is provided a plurality of outwardly extending straps along one side edge thereof. The straps 20 have secured therein elongated flexible retaining members 22 which are preferably formed of sponge rubber or the like. Also extending outwardly from the border 12 is a pair of oppositely directed straps 24 which are connected to the border 14 intermediate the ends thereof, and disposed adjacent the side to which the straps 20 are connected. Carried by the straps 24 are flexible retaining members 26 which are identical with the retaining members 22. In order tofurther facilitate the securing of the flexible member 10 within a vehicle, there is extending from one end of the remaining side of the border 14 a short strap 28 which has connected thereto a suitable L-shaped member 30. The other end of the remaining side of the 1 border 14 is provided with a buckle 32 which has adjustably connected thereto an elongated strap 34. An outwardly projecting end of the elongated strap 34 is pro vided with an L-shaped member 36 which is identical to the L-shaped member 30.

Referring now to Figure 2 in particular, it can be seen that the flexible member 10 is illustrated as being mounted in overlying relation with respect to a front seat 38 of a vehicle, which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 40, to form a baby seat. In addition to the front seat 38, the vehicle 40 also includes a front seat back rest 42, a right hand front door 44, and a steering post 46. It will be also understood that the vehicle 40 includes other standard equipment which will not be itemized inasmuch as they are not directly associated with the flexible member 10.

If it is desired to form a baby bed in the front seat of the vehicle 40, the side of the flexible member 10 to which the straps 20 are connected is passed through the space between the back rest 42 and the seat 38, this space being referred to by the reference numeral 48. The restraining members 22 pass out through the rear of the space 48 and are induced to engage the backs of the back rest 42 and the seat 38 to prevent forward movement of the flexible member 10.

One of the straps 24 and its associated restraining member 26 is positioned adjacent the door 44 and passed downwardly between the associated edge of the front seat 38 and the interior panel of the door to retain the associated end of the flexible member 10 in the proper posi- 1 tion. The L-shaped strap member is hooked over a window sill portion of the door 44 in order to retain its associated corner of the flexible member 10 in an elevated position. An inner end of the elongated strap 34 is wrapped about the steering column 46 and is secured to the buckle 32 for retaining the other corner of the flexible member 10 in an elevated position.

When the flexible member 10 is so positioned within the vehicle 40, a baby may be laid directly upon the flexible material 12 adjacent the back rest 42 and be supported by the front seat 38. In the event that the baby should have a tendency to roll off the front edge of the seat 38, movement towards that edge will be prevented by the upward sloping of the front portion of the flexible member 10. It will be therefore seen that a baby may be comfortably rested upon the front seat of the vehicle and at the same time be prevented from accidentally rolling off the same. In fact, the baby may be rested thereon when the vehicle is in motion and be prevented from being thrown off the front seat in event of sudden stopping of the vehicle.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a rear portion of the vehicle 40 which includes a rear seat 50 and an associated back rest 52. The rear seat 50 extends between side panels 54 of the rear portion of the vehicle 40 and is separated from the back rest 52 by a narrowspace 56. The side panels 54 are positioned beneath rear windows 58. When it is desired to utilize the back seat 50 as a babys bed and at the same time ensure against the accidental rolling of the baby off the rear seat, the flexible member 10 is installed therein. A rear side portion of the flexible member 10 is passed through the opening 56 between the rear seat 50 and its associated back rest 52 with the restraining members 22 associated with the straps 20 being disposed behind the back rest 52 and the rear of the rear seat 50 to prevent forward movement of the rear side of the flexible member 10. Also, the straps 24 and restraining members 26 connected to the ends of the flexible material 12 which forms a major portion of the flexible member 10 are disposed between ends of the rear seat 50 and the side panels 54.

In order that a forward side of the flexible member 10 may be elevated above the rear seat 50 to prevent. the accidental rolling of the baby off the same, the L-shaped

straps

30 and 36 are hooked over the edges of sill portions of the windows 58. It will be understood that the front side of the flexible member 10 will be pulled taut through the use of the elongated strap 34 connected to the L-shaped strap member 36.

Referring now to Figure 5 in particular, -it is seen that the flexible member 10 is associated with a supporting frame, which is referred to generally by the reference numeral 60, to form a portable baby bed. The supporting frame includes a pair of spaced parallel, identical X-shaped end frames which are referred to in general by'the reference numeral 62. Each of the end frames 62 is formed by a pair of intersecting, angle-shaped cross sectional frame elements 64 which are pivotally connected together intermediate their ends by adjustable fasteners 66. The lower ends of the frame elements 64 are provided with suitable castors 68 to permit the baby bed to be easily moved from one place to another. 7

Extended between and pivotally secured to the uppe ends of the frame elements 64 are longitudinal frame members 70. The longitudinal frame members 70 are also angle-shaped in cross section and are adapted to have connected thereto sides of the flexible member 10. In order that the end frames 62 may not move outwardly with respect to each other, they are connected together by a flexible strap 72 which is secured to the end frames intermediate the ends.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a connection between one end of one of the longitudinal framemembers 70 and an upper end of one of the frame elements 64 of a firstone of the end frames 62. It will be noted that the longitudinal frame member 70 includes a generally horizontal flange 74 and a generally vertical flange 76. It will also be noted that the frame element 64 includes a longitudinally directed flange 78 and a transversely directed flange 80.

The upper portion of the longitudinally directed flange is pivotally connected to an upper corner portion of the vertical flange 76 by a suitable pivot pin 82. In order that the

flanges

78 and 76 may be so connected, the horizontal flange 74 is provided with an elongated cut-out 84, one end thereof adjacent the vertical flange 76. The flange 78 passes through the cut-out 84 to provide an interlocking of the longitudinal frame member 70'with the upper end of the frame element 64. y

In order that the end frame 62 may be prevented from swinging inwardly past a vertical position, the end of the flange 74 associated with the above-mentioned frame element 64 is so proportioned as to abut transversely ex tending flange 80 thereof. It will be seen that the frame element 64 may have its lower end pivoted outwardly-with respect to. the longitudinal frame member 70, but not inwardly.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 7 in particular, it'will be seen that the upper ends. of the. armaments. of. each end frame 62 are'prevented fromswingingapart a distance further than that illustrated in.Fig'ure 5 by a flexible strap 85. The flexible strap provided-witha clip 86 on each end which is pivotally connectedtoan upper portion of an associated frame. element by a suitable fastener 88. The fastener 88 removably-secured:v to the transversely extending flange lill 1 I Y ,It will be also noted that provided at'sll td intervals on the flexible strap 85 is a plurality of malesnap ,elements, 90. The male snap elements 9flaarefadapt'ed to engage wtih the eyelets 18 f the flexiblementber ,10 for securingthe same in place with. respect to the supporting frame-60. p r L,

Referring now to Figures 8 and--9 inparticulan; it is seen that the upper end of a frame elementfl-of theiother of the end frames 62 is pivotally connected; toptheopposite end of the longitudinal frame member 70 which is illustratedinFigures 6 and 7. The end of the longitudinal frame 78 of the frame element 64 is pivotally connected to an upper corner'portiomofi awertical flange 76 of the longitudinal frame member 70 by a suitable pivot pin 92. Inasmuch as the transvcrselyextending flange 80 of the frame element 64 is positioned inwardly of the end of the longitudinal frame member 70. In order to provide clearance for th'e"sam'e, an end portion of the flange'74 is cut away short of the endiof the flange 76. Asis'best viewed in Figure 9', it is 'seenthat the length of the portion removed from the end of: the flang'e 74 is equal to the width of theframe element 64. .Ihe; relationship between the longitudinal frame member 70. and the frame element 64 is such that the frame element 64 is restrained from further pivoting about the pivot-pin 92 after thesame abuts the cut end of theflange 74 andis in a substantially vertical position. I

I It will be noted that theupper ends 'of theframe element 64' of the second end frame 62 are also connected together by a strap 85' which Iir'nits movement of the upper ends of the frame elements'away from each other.

Referring nowto Figure in particular, it will be seen that the horizontal flange 74 of the longitudinal. frame member {70 is provided at spaced intervals with-a plurality of fasteners 94. Each of the fasteners 94 is threadedly engaged in an internally threaded bore 96 formed in the horizontal flange 74. The fastener 94 has received thereover an associated eyelet 16 of the flexible material 12 and serves to support the flexible material with respect to the supporting frame 60.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a babys bath, which is referred to in general by reference numeral 98, the baby's bath comprising the supporting frame 60 in combination with a modified form of flexible member which is referred to by the reference numeral 100. The modified form of flexible member 100 is provided along its sides with a plurality of eyelets 102 adapted to engage fasteners 94 of the suporting frame 60, and along its ends with a plurality of eyelets 104 which are halves of snap fasteners and adapted to engage with the corresponding halves of snap fasteners 90 carried by the flexible straps 85. The flexible member 100 is formed of rubberized or other types of water resistant materials. I

Referring now to Figure 12 in particular, it is seen that a front portion of the flexible member 100 is reversely folded upon itself and depends downwardly below a front longitudinal frame member 70. The extreme edge portion of the flexible member 100 is reversely folded upwardly to form a plurality of pockets which are referred to by the reference numeral 106. It will be understood that the pockets are formed by a plurality of fasteners 107 which secure the extreme forward edge of the flexible member to an associated portion. It will be noted also that the pocket forming portion of the flexible member 100 is ofv alwidth less than thewidth of an adjacent. portion thereof. 1 ,It will also be-noted that a central part of the rear portion of the flexible member1'00 isreversely folded upon itself and extends transversely of. the supporting frame 60 and is-secured to an opposite longitudinal frame member 70 thereof. This portion is referred to by the reference numeral 108 and overlies the central portion of the flexible member 100 in spaced vertical relation thereto to form a baby support; :It will be notedthat the folded part of the portion 108 passes under the rear longitudinal framemember 70, as is best illustrated in Figure 12.

Pivotally connected to an upper portion of each rear frame element 64 of the end frames 62 by a suitable fastener 110 is a sleeve 112. Slidably mounted in each sleeve 112 is an L-shaped'rod 114 which has end portions thereof connected to longitudinally extending supportlnrernbers 116. Extending between and secured to the longitudinally extending support members 116 is-a cover-118.

'Itwill be noted that the cover and its associated elementsareintended to normally be disposed at the "rear of the supporting frame 60 and in parallel relation tothe rear frame element 64 thereof when the baby bath is being used. However, when the baby bath is not being used, the cover 118 and its supporting elements arepivot'ed and slid to the position illustrated in Figure 12 whereby the cover 118 overlies the other elements of the baby bath -98. Referring now to Figures 13 and 14 in particular, it will be seen that extending between the end frames 62 and supported thereby is a lower frame member 120. The lower frame member includes a horizontal flange 124 and a vertical flange 122. The ends of each of the flanges 1 22 and 124 are provided with notches 126'and 128, respectively, which receive intermediate portions of the frame element 64. It will be noted that the ends of the lower frame member are disposed immediately above the intersections of the frame elements 64 and" are supported thereby.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 13 in particular, it is seen-'thatjoverlying the lower frame member 120 and supported thereby is an elongated rectangular shelf 1 30. The shelf is removably secured to the horizontal flange 124 of the lower frame member 120 by clips 132 which are pivotally connected to the flange 124 and overlie the shelf 130.

It will be noted that in Figure 13, which illustrates a baby seat, which is referred to in general by the refer ence numeral 134, the shelf is intended to form a foot rest and has a forward edge thereof supported by a strap 136. The strap 136 has an upper end thereof connected to a front longitudinal frame member 70 and a lower end thereof adjustably connected to a buckle 138 carried by the shelf 130.

It will be understood that the baby seat 134 includes the supporting frame 60 and a flexible seat member which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 140. The flexible seat member 140 is formed of an open top rectangular receptacle and is provided at its top edges with eyelets 142. The eyelets 142 are engaged with fasteners 94 carried by the longitudinal frame members 70 and the flexible seat member 140 retained in position. In order that a child may be suitably seated within the flexible seat member 140, a front side thereof is provided with a pair of leg receiving openings 144.

In view of the foregoing, it is seen that by providing a kit containing a relatively few elements, a possessor of the kit may selectively form a car bed, a portable bed, a baby bath, and a baby seat, the baby bath and baby seat also being portable. It will also be understood that all of the elements of the assembly may be easily knocked down or folded whereby the assembly may be stored in a relatively small space.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to'those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A supporting frame for a baby support comprising a pair of spaced vertically disposed transverse X-shaped end frames, longitudinal frame members, each of said end frames being formed of a pair, of L-shaped cross section end frame members pivotally connected together intermediate their ends in back to back relation, each of said end frame members including a transversely disposed flange and a longitudinally disposed flange, said longitudinal frame members extending between upper ends of said end frame members, each of said longitudinal frame members being L-shaped in cross section and including an inwardly directed flange and an outwardly directed flange, each end of said outwardly directed flange being pivotally connected to an upper end of the longitudinally disposed flange of one of said end frame members in face to face engagement therewith, ends of said inwardly directed flange being in abutting engagement with upper portions of the transverse flanges of associated end frame members to limit pivoting of lower ends of said end frames towards each other, means connecting said end frames to limit pivoting away from each other, one end of said inwardly directed flange terminating short of an adjacent end of said outwardly directed flange to provide clearance for the associated one of said end frame members, the opposite end of said inwardly directed flange being provided with a notch for receiving the longitudinal flange of an associated one of said end frame members.

2. A supporting frame for a baby support comprising a pair of spaced vertically disposed transverse X-shaped end frames, longitudinal frame members, each of said end frames being formed of a pair of L-shaped cross section end frame members pivotally connected together intermediate their ends in back to back relation, each of said end frame members including a transversely disposed flange and a longitudinally disposed flange, said longitudinal frame members extending between upper ends of said end framemembers, each of said longitudinal frame 'memb'ers'being L-shaped in cross section and including an inwardlydirected flange and an outwardly directed flange, each end of said outwardly directed flange being pivotally connected to an upper end of the longitudinally disposed flange of-one of said end frame members in face to face engagement therewith, ends of said inwardly directed flange being in abutting engagement with upper portions of the transverse flanges of associated end frame members to limit pivoting of lower ends of said end frames towards each other, means connecting said end frames to limit pivoting away from each other, one end of said inwardly directed flange terminating short of an adjacent end of said outwardly directed flange to provide clearance for the associated one of said end frame members, the opposite end-of said inwardly directed flange being provided with anotch for receiving the longitudinal flange of an associated one of said end frame members, said end frame members being identical and said longitudinal frame members being identical.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 198,869 Bradley Jan. 1,1878 322.947 Mazergue July 28, 1885 653,409 Bachand July 10, 1900 1,577,204, Davis Mar. 16,1926 1,702,015 Maudv Feb. 12, 1929 1,735,513 W Stalter Nov. 12,1929 1,941,333 Whalley Dec. 26, 1933 1,941,902 Lewis Ian. 2,1934 1,959,974 Westgate May 22, 1934 2,253,995 Baxter Aug. 26, 1941 2,378,231 Logan June 12,1945 2,483,789 Smith Oct. 4,1949 2,564,480 Jones Aug. 14,1951 2,607,044 Kennedy Aug. 19, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 3,700 Great Britain 1907 658,595 France Jan. 26,1929