US3235890A

US3235890A - Bassinet construction

Info

Publication number: US3235890A
Application number: US392680A
Authority: US
Inventors: Zalicovitz Morris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-08-28
Filing date: 1964-08-28
Publication date: 1966-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 1983-02-22

Description

Feb. 22, 1966 M. zALIcovlTz 3,235,890

BASSINET CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 28, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet l 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /24 94/ /gg/Z M. ZALICOVITZ BASSINET CONSTRUCTION Feb. 22, i966 Filed Aug. 28, 1964 United States Patent Utilice 3,235,890 Patented Feb. 22, 1965 3,235,890 BASSINET CUNSTRUCTION Morris Zalicovitz, Ventnor, NJ., assigner of one-half to Emanuel D. Brodsky, Atlantic City, NJ. Filed Aug. 28, 1964, Ser. No. 392,680 Claims. (Cl. 5 98) This invention relates generally to bassinets, and is especially concerned with unique structural improvements in bassinets.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide a highly improved bassinet construction which is extremely well adapted for use in institutions, say hospital nurseries, and which is also admirably well suited for use at home by the new parents.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a bassinet construction which is extremely inexpensive, so as to economically justify disposal after use by a single baby, and which is staunch and durable throughout a long useful life, thereby permitting of initial usage in hospital nurseries as =well as for transportation of newborn babies from the hospitals and continued usage after th-e baby has been brought home. Thus, use of a bassinet according to the teachings of the instant invention insures initial sterility for every newborn baby, to eliminate the danger of cross-contamination, and further encourages the healthful use of such bassinet after the baby has been brought home.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a bassinet construction of the type described which effects substantial savings in hospital labor time and supplies, the instant bassinet construction requiring no linens, rubber sheet, or the like, to save the cost thereof as well as laundering and handling.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a bassinet having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, which is highly sanitary, capable of quick and easy cleansing, and provides proper and effective support and protection to a contained infant.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a bassinet construction of the type described which is relatively light in weight for easy portability, capable of use in many varied locations such as in automobiles, and which further includes an air pocket under the mattress for minimizing problems of moisture, dust accumulation, and the like.

The instant invention further contemplates the provision of storage space beneath the mattress, affording convenient location of necessary supplies, as well as to permit of distribution for advertising purposes of samples of baby needs by sponsoring manufacturers.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view showing a bassinet construction of the present invention in its closed or inoperative condition;

FIGURE 2 is a top perspective view showing the bassinet of FIGURE 1 in an open, operative condition;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 3 3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a longitudinal sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 4 4 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing a corner portion of mattress support and mounting means therefor apart from the remainder of the structure, and broken away for clarity of understanding;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional elevational view similar to FIGURE 4, but showing only the mattress support, mounting means therefor, and mattress;

FIGURE 7 is a top perspective view showing a slightly modified embodiment of bassinet constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the bassinet being closed;

FIGURE 8 is a partial top perspective View showing the bassinet of FIGURE 7, but in open condition;

FIGURE 9 is a longitudinal .sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 9 9 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE l0 is a partial sectional elevational view taken generally along the line N l of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE ll is a partial sectional elevational view, somewhat enlarged, taken generally along the line 11-11 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE l2 is a partial end elevational view, somewhat enlarged, of the bassinet as shown in FIGURES 7-11;

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary top plan view showing a feature of construction of the bassinet of FIGURE 7; and

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View taken generally along the line 14 14 of FIGURE 9.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGURES 1 6 thereof, the bassinet is there generally designated 20, and includes an upwardly opening boxlike base 21 having supported therein a mattress 22, and being provided with longitudinal retaining walls 23 and traverse retaining 'walls 24, the retaining walls all being swingable between an operative upstanding position shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, and an inoperative position shown in FIGURES 1 and 4 -overlying the mattress 22.

More specically, the base 21 may be completely fabricated of cardboard, such as pasteboard or corrugated stock, or other suitable material, and may include a generally rectangular, elongate bottom wall 26 adapted to rest on a suitable horizontal supporting surface. Upstanding from opposite longitudinal sides of the bottom wall 26, longitudinally `coextensive therewith, are a pair of generally parallel side walls 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 27 may extend upwardly integrally from the bottom wall 26, each terminating at a generally horizontal upper edge 28. Each upper edge 28 may be defined by a bend, with the material thereof extending downward, as at 29, on the inner side of respective wall 27 to the bottom wall 26 and thence -being bent at 3i) to extend horizontally inward, as at 31, seated on the bottom wall. The side walls 27 may thus be of a two-ply construction having smooth upper edges.

Similarly, a pair of end walls 33 may extend in substantial parallelism, upward from opposite ends of the bottom wall 26, see FIGURE 4, integral with the bottom wall. The end walls 33 each extend upward to an upper edge 34 preferably defined by a bend, with the material thereof depending at 35 along the inner surface of the end wall to the bottom wall 26, there being bent at 36 to extend generally horizontally inward at 37 seated on the bottom wall. The end Walls 33 are of a height equal to that of the side Walls 27, so that the -upper end wal-l edges 34 and upper side wall edges 28 are substantially copl-anar; and, the end walls 33 extend laterally or transversely between the side walls, preferably being secured thereto by any suitable means, such as interengaging tabs, adhesive, or otherwise. As best seen in FIGURE 4, the end walls 33 are of a two-ply -or double-thickness construction, by virtue of the inner ply or layer 35; an-d, there may be advantageously formed a through opening 38 cent-rally in each end wall 33, communicating from the exterior thereof through the inner ply 35 to the interior of the base 21. The through openings 3S may be configured for -receiving a holders hand, to provide a handhole.

The longitudinal retaining walls 23 each include a lower upstanding portion 40 closely adjacent to the inner side of wall 27, with a lower flap or extension 41 seated on the lower flap or extension 31. The flap or extension 31 may be adhesively secured to the bottom wall 26, and the flap or extension 41 may be adhesively secured to the underlying flap 31 to maintain the assembled relation. From each lower portion 40, the respective longitudinal retaining wall 23 extends upwardly, as at 42, considerably above the adjacent upper side wall edge 28 to a generally horizontal upper edge 43. The upper edges 43 may each be defined by a bend, the material of which depends, as at 44 along the inner face of wall portion 42 and terminates at a level proximate to the upper side wall edge 28. The

wall portions

40, 42 and 44 of each longitudinal retaining wall 23 -may be integral, and there formed a crease or score line 45 at the juncture of wall portions 40 and 42 extending closely along the adjacent `upper side wall edge 28 to facilitate inward swinging movement of the upper portions 42 and 44 about the crease as a hinge.

The longitudinal retaining walls 23 are each substantially longitudinally coextensive with the adjacent side wall 27 and provided at their ends with flaps or wings 46. The flaps or wings 46 may be lof single or double ply, as desired.

Extending along the upper edge 43 of each longitudinal retaining wall 23, on the outer surface of each wall portion 42, is an elongate -strip or rib 48. Each rib 48 is suitably fastened to its respective longitudinal retaining wall 23, as by adhesive or fasteners, and includes opposite end portions 49 extending slightly beyond adjacent end portions of the respective longitudinal retaining wall. The end aps or wings 46 may be integral with the upper wall portions 42, being hinged thereto by a fold line G extending generally between the crease or fold 45 and strip extension 49.

The transverse retaining walls 24 may each include a lower portion 52 upstanding inward'of the inner end wall Ilayer 35, `having a lower extension or flap 53 seated on the adjacent nethe-r flap or extension 37, Each transverse retaining wall 24 includes an upper portion 54 extending integrally from the upper edge of lower portion 52, being hingedly connected thereto by a fold line or bend 55 which extends generally along the adjacent upper end wall edge 34. The upper Wall portion 54 terminates in an upper edge 56 defined by a 180 degree bend, the mate-rial of which extends at 57 along the inner surface of wall portion 54 and terminates proximate to the bend 55. Each transverse retaining Wall is thus swingable between its upstanding position of FIGURES 2 and 3 and its generally horizontal, inoperative position of FIGURES l and 4.

Each lower wall portion 52 may advantageously be apertured or cut out, as at 58, in registry with the handhole opening 38 of the adjacent end wall 33. Also, the

lower end flap or extension 53 may be adhesively secured on the nether ap or extension 37, which may in turn be adhesively secured to the bottom wall 26.

A rigidifying member or strip 60 may advantageously 4be fastened along the upper edge S6 of each transverse retaining wall 24, on the outer side of wall portion 54, being substantially coextensive with the associated retaining wall. In practice, the longitudinal and transverse retaining walls may each be integrally fabricated of suitable material, such as cardboard, corrugated stock, or the like, while the rigidifying strips 43 and 6@ may, if desired, be of stiffer material.

Suitably secured on the inner surface of each longitudinal retaining wall 23 is a layer of padding 61, which may substantially completely cover the inner surfaces of wall portions 44 and 4t?. Similarly, a layer of padding 62 may substantially completely cover the inner surfaces of wall portions 57 and 52 of each transverse retaining wall 24. The padding 6l and 62 may advantageously be of quilted plastic, as for its moisture resistance, ease of cleaning, softness and durability, Covering the upper surface of bottom wall 26 may be a facing sheet 64, which may substantially completely overlie the bottom wall with its marginal regions secured to the upper surfaces of extensions 41 and 53. Thus, the extensions 41 and S3 are sandwiched between the bottom wall 26 `and its facing sheet 64.

The mattress 22 may include a generally horizontal, backing sheet 66 of rectangular configuration so as to confor-mably enga-ge within the lower portions 46 and 52 of

retaining walls

23 and 24. The backing sheet 66 may incl-nde depending side extensions 67 along respective longitudinal wall portions 4t? depending to the bottom facing sheet 64; and, mattress padding 68 may be secured on the upper side of and in covering relation with the backing sheet 66 and on the outer surfaces of its depending -side extensions 67. The mattress padding 68 may be of any suitably soft, resiliently yieldable material 69. preferably covered with plastic sheeting 7i), or the like.

A mattress support is generally designated 72, and disposed in supporting engagement beneath the backing sheet 66 of the mattress 22. More particularly, the mattress support 72 may include -a generally rectangular sheet 73 having its upper surface in facing engagement with the underside of mattress backing sheet 66, extending lat erally between the depending mattress elements 67, and extending longitudinally to ends 74 adjacent to but short of respective mattress ends. That is, the mattress support sheet 73 is formed at its opposite ends with laterally extending bends 74, from each of which extends a generally vertical depending portion 75 laterally coextensive with the support sheet and having at its lower edge a generally horizontal longitudinally outward extension 76 freely seated on the bottom-wall facing sheet 64 and terminating proximate to the end edge thereof. The mattress support '72 may 'be integrally fabricated of a sing-le sheet of cardboard, or other suitable material, to provide an airspace 77 beneath the mattress 22.

In order to further support the mattress 22, and structurally reinforce the mattress support 72 without excessively s-tifening the cushioning effect thereof, there may be provided end suppont elements, generally designated 80, adjacent to and outward of each vertical wall 75. One such support element Si) is shown in detail in FIGURES 5 and 6, as of a boxlike configuration disposed outward of a respective mattress support Wall 75 and having one side open toward the adjacent end wall 33. The boxlike support elements 80 may each include a generally vertical back wall 81 adhesively secured to the longitudinally' outwardly facing surface of adjacent vertical wall 75, as by adhesive 82. Extending from the upper edge of back wall 81 may be a top wall S3 in supporting engagement with the underside of mattress backing 66 adjacent to an end thereof, and a bottom wall 84 seated on and adhesively secured to the nether extension 76. In addition,

side walls 85 may extend from the back wall 81 adjacent to opposite sides of the base 21, and tabs 86 and 87 may extend respectively downward and upward from top and

bottom walls

83 and 84 in substantial coplanarity with each other and in adhesively secured facing engagement with an adjacent wall 85. The edges of

walls

83, 84 and 85 toward the adjacent end wall 33 may be substantially coplanar with the end edges of backing sheet 66 and extension 76.

Provided on the flaps or wings 45 and the adjacent overlapped portions of retaining walls 24 are separable fastener means, generally designated 90. The separable fastener means 90 may be of any suitable type, and are each illustrated as including a through opening or socket 91 on each flap `or wing 46, and a swingable arm or stud 92 on the adjacent underlapped portion removably engageable through the socket. Thus, as shown in FIG- URE 2, the wings or aps 46 are firmly secured in their overlapped relation with adjacent portions of transverse retain-ing walls 24.

Further, by the projections or end portions 49 of strips 48, which extend beyond the adjacent ends of longitudinal retaining walls 23, there is formed a stepped end formation. In interitting relation with each such stepped end formation of longitudinal retaining walls 23 -is the adjacent end of the respective transverse retaining ywall strip 60. This interiitting relation further serves to rigidity and strengthen the retaining walls in their upstanding or operative condition.

Provided on each transverse retaining wall 24, adjacent to the upper edge 34 of adjacent end w-all 33 is an elongate elastic tie member or loop 94. The loop 94 has its opposite ends secured to the associated retaining wall 24 and is resiliently distensible for engagement about the adjacent pair of projecting strip ends 49 when the longitudinal retaining walls 23 are in their inoperative, horizontal position overlying the mattress 22. This is seen in FIGURE 1. This arrangement effectively retains the entire bassinet in closed condition for convenient storage and transit.

It will now be understood that the bassinet 20 may be quickly and easily converted from its closed, inoperative condition of FIGURE 1 to its open, operative condition of FIGURES 2 and 3 by merely distending the loops 94 over the strip end portions 49 to release the longitudinal retaining walls 23 for upward swinging movement. The transverse retaining walls 24 are then released from their inoperative condition underlying the longitudinal retaining walls for upward swinging movement. Upon upward swinging movement of the transverse retaining walls, the interitting relationship of adjacent wall ends is assumed, and the fastener arms 92 are engaged through respective fastener sockets 91 and swung to their holding position.

With the mattress 22 in position on its support 72 and the mattress support mounting means 80 upstanding from the bottom-wall facing sheet 64, the bassinet is in condition for safely and comfortably containing an infant. Should it be desired to use the bassinet with less than all of the retaining walls erect, one of the transverse walls 24 may be collapsed by release of the fastener means 90 and disengagement of the interfittin-g retaining wall relationship to swing one transverse retaining wall downward. ln some instances this may facilitate certain operations, such as diapering, or the like.

While the mattress support 72 is effectively mounted in mattress-supporting position by the boxlike mounting elements 80, to provide the airspace 77, it will be appreciated that the mattress 22, mattress support 70 and mounting ele-ments 80 may all be removed upward from the base 21, there being no permanent securement thereto, to afford convenient access to the interior of the base. Thus, the airspace 77 may provide storage, as of baby supplies and the like; and further, this space may advantageously carry advertising samples of sponsoring manufacturers, if desired.

By means of the handholes 38, and the open-ings 58 registering with the handholes, it is understood that the bassinet is conveniently portable in both its inoperative and operative conditions. The quilted padding material 62 of transverse retaining walls 24 is flexible and readily deectable into the open side of the adjacent mounting element upon the insertion of ones fingers through the handholes.

A slightly modified embodiment of bassinet is shown in FIGURES 7-14, there being generally designated 20a, and including an upwardly open, generally boxlike base 21a, a mattress 22a, longitudinal retaining Walls 23a, and transverse retaining walls 24a.

More specifically, the base 21a includes a generally rectangular, elongate bottom wall 26a. having an external, nether facing sheet 100. Upst-anding along longitudinal side edges of the bottom wall 26a are side walls 27a, longitudinally coextensive with the bottom wall. The bottom-wall facing sheet may include side Wall facing portions 101 extending upward about the exterior of respective side walls 27a and covering the generally horizontal, upper side-wall edges, as at 28a. Generally medially between opposite ends of the bottom Wall 26a, there is formed of the material thereof a generally upstan'ding liap or rib 102 extending laterally or transverse of the longitudinal dimension of the bottom wall.

Disposed within the base 21a is a mattress support, generally designated 72a. The mattress support 72a includes a generally horizontal wall 73a substantially conformably overlying the bottom wall 26a and disposed in spaced relation between the bottom Wall and the upper edges 28a of the side walls 27a. The support wall 73a extends longitudinally, substantially coextensive with the bottom wall 2da, and extends laterally to opposite side walls 27a, where it is provided with a pair of depending mounting elements or walls 80a each depending closely adjacent to the inner side of a respective side wall 27a to edge engagement with the bottom wall 26a. The depending side walls or mounting elements 80a may be suitably secured in facing engagement with the inner side of the respective adjacent side wall 27a. While the horizontal mattress support wall 73a is longitudinally substantially coextensive with the bottom wall 26a, the depending side Walls or mattress support mounting elements 80a extend longitudinally of the base 21a but terminate adjacent to and spaced inward from the ends of the bottom wall 26a and side walls 27a, as best seen in FIGURE 14. The terminal end edge of a wall or mounting element 80a is there designated 103, and it is appreciated that the four ends of the two mounting elements 80a terminate in similar relation to the adjacent ends of bottom wa1l26a and side walls 27a.

At each end of the mattress support sheet 73a, upstanding therefrom and extending laterally thereacross between the side walls 27a is -an extension 33a defining an end wall at each end of the base 21a. Each end Wall or extension 33a may be externally covered with a facing sheet 105, adhesively or otherwise secured to the end Wall, and extending on the underside of the mattress support 72a, as at 106. Each facing sheet 105 may also cover the upper edge of its respective end wall 33a, as at 34a. Thus, each facing-sheet portion 34a defines the upper edge of a respective end wall 33a, which upper edges are substantially horizontal and coplanar with the upper edges 28a of the side walls 27a. It will now be apparent that each end of the base 21a is provided with an opening 38a communicating between the exterior and interior of the base, and defined within the end edges of the bottom wall 26a, side walls 27a and end Wall 33a.

The longitudinal retaining walls 23a each include a lower portion 40a, see FIGURE 11, extending closely along the inner side of a respective side Wall 27a, upstanding from the mattress support '73a and substantially longitudinally coextensive therewith, terminating at the end walls 33a. From the lower Aend of each lower wall portion 40a extends a securement flap 41a seated on the upper surface of mattress support wall 73a and secured thereto, as by adhesive or other suitable fastening means. Each longitudinal retaining Wall 23a extends from its lower portion 40a upward beyond the upper edge 28a of the adjacent side wall 27a, as by an upper portion 42a hingedly connected to the lower portion 40a by suitable means, such as a crease or score La extending longitudinally along and proximate to the adjacent upper side-wall edge 28a. The longitudinal retaining walls 23a are each thereby swingable between the upstanding operative position of FIGURES 8-12, and the generally horizontal, inoperative or closed position of FIGURE 7 overlying the mattress 22a. That is, the longitudinal retaining walls 23a are each substantially identical, the upper portion thereof terminating in :an upper edge 43a and being of a height above the score 45a so -as to overlie substantially half of the mattress 22a in the closed position. Hence, the upper edges 43a of the longitudinal retaining walls 23a swing toward each other in their closed, inoperative position, and combine to substantially completely cover the mattress.

The longitudinal retaining walls 23a each further include an elongate member or strip 48a extending along the edge 43a and secured to the outer face of the upper wall portion 42a. The strip 48a has end portions 49a projecting slightly beyond the ends of the respective wall 23a. On the inner side of each upper wall portion 42a is a padding 61a which may include an inner sheet or .board 108, say of corrugated cardboard or the like, and about which may be wrapped a quilted plastic sheeting 109. That is, the plastic quilted sheeting or padding 109 may be secured over the inner face of the board 108, extending about the edges thereof, as at 110, and the board may be adhesively or otherwise secured to the respective upper wall portion 42a. A lower extension of the plastic sheeting 109 may extend beyond the lower edge of the board 108 on the inner side of lower wall portion 40a, as at 111, and thence extend laterally inward seated on the upper side of securement ap 41a, as at 112. The extension 112 may be adhesively or otherwise secured to the flap 41a, or the horizontal wall 73a. Thus, the board 108 affords body to the quilted sheeting 109, and combines therewith to define the longitudinal wall padding 61a. As best seen in FIGURE 8, the padding 61a terminates at its opposite ends 113 adjacent to but short of the ends of the respective associated longitudinal retaining wall. Thus, each edge 113 of the ,padding 68a combines with the adjacent end of the associated longitudinal retaining wall to provide a stepped formation, for a purpose appearing presently.

The transverse retaining walls 24a are of similar construction to the longitudinal retaining walls, each including a lower portion 52a upstanding along the inner side of a respective end wall 33a and having a lower extension or securement ap 53a seated on the mattress support wall 73a and suitably secured thereto, as by adhesive or other means. Each transverse retaining wall 24a includes an upper portion 54a extending from the lower portion 52a beyond the upper edge 34a of the adjacent end wall 33a, and connected to the lower portion by a hinge crease or fold 55a. The upper portion 54a terminates in a generally horizontal upper edge 56a which extends horizontally at a height substantially equal to that of the lupper edges 43a of the longitudinal retaining walls. On the outer side of each upper wall portion 54a may be secured a rigidifying member or strip 60a extending along the upper edge 56a. Padding 62a is carried on the inner side of each transverse retaining wall 24a, including a sheet or board 115, say of corrugated cardboard or the like, about which is wrapped a padding sheet 116, such as of quilted exible plastic. That is, a board 115 may be secured on the inner surface of each upper wall portion Sea, and the quilted plastic 116 may be wrapped about the inner face and edges of the board. Further, the exible plastic sheeting 116 may extend downward beyond the board along the inner side of lower wall portion 52a, as at 117, and thence inward at 118 seated on and suitably secured to the flap 53a or support sheet 73a. The board 115 thus gives body to the padding 62a and is substantially coextensive with the upper wall portion 54a, terminating at the edges thereof, as best seen in FIGURE 8. It will there be observed that the contiguous side edges of each upper wall portion 54a and associated padding 62a engage in an interfitting relation with the stepped formation dened by the adjacent end edge 113 of padding 61a terminating short of the end of its associated longitudinal retaining Wall.

In order to releasably hold the

retaining walls

23a and 24a in their upstanding, operative Icondition, suitable detachable connection means is provided, as at 90a. Particularly, detachable connection means 90a is provided at each corner or juncture of the retaining walls and may include a flap or wing 46a extending from each end of each longitudinal retaining wall 23a, being hingedly connected along the end edge thereof, as by a fold or crease 50a. Each wing or ilap 46a may extend generally from the fold or crease 45a to the strip 48a, and be swingable to overlap the adjacent external portion of a transverse retaining Wall 24a. Suitable fastener means may be .provided for releasably securing each flap 46a to its adjacent transverse retaining wall, such as a socket or through opening 91a in the ap, and a pivotal arm, catch or buckle 92a engageable in the socket and swingable to a positive locking position. Thus, the connection means 90a serves to hold the retaining walls in their upstanding, operative condition and maintain the interitting relation therebetween, to provide a staunch and sturdy structure in the operative condition.

Provided on the outer `side of each transverse retaining wall 24a, laterally medially thereof and adjacent to the ,upper end-wall edge 34a is a tie member or loop 94a, advantageously of elastic material. That is, the tie member or loop 94a may have its ends 'secured to the respective associated transverse retaining wall 24a and extend generally parallel to the adjacent end-wall edge 34a.

In the closed condition, as `seen in FIGURE 7, the transverse retaining walls 24a are swung downward and inward, and the longitudinal retaining walls 23a are swung downward and inward to overlie the transverse retaining walls. In this condition, the stiffening strips 48a of the longitudinal retaining walls 23a extend in proximate relation, and their adjacent end portions 49a project ybeyond -the ends of the longitudinal retaining walls. In this condition, each tie member 94a may be resiliently distended and engaged about the adjacent pair of projecting end portions 49a to effectively retain the retaining walls in their closed, inoperative condition.

Removably insertable through each end opening 38a is a drawer, generally designated 120. The drawers may be substantially iden-tical, and of any suitable boxlike construction, being shown as including a bottom Wall 121 -of generally rectangular coniiguration and having side walls 122 upstanding about the periphery of the bottom wall. The side walls 122 may each include an extension 123 Idepending from the upper edge of the respective rside wall along the inner surface thereof; and, 4an inner bottom wall 124 may be engaged within the side walls 122 to retain the inner layers 123 in their depen-ding relation. Suitable connection between the adjacent ends of side walls 122 may be provided, as -by interttng tabs, or the like. Also, one side wall 125, which may serve as the front wall, may have its ends extend beyond the adjacent side walls, see FIGURE 14, for abutting engagement with the ends of depending walls or mounting elements 80a. Thus, the drawers 120 are slidable through their respective open ends 38a into a position of limiting engagement between the end extensions of front wall 125 and end edges 103 of mounting elements 80a. Exteriorly on each front wall 125 may be provided suitable hand-actuable means, such as a knob 126.

Additional stop means for the drawers 120 may be provided in the form of depending ribs or flaps 128 formed of the support sheet 73a and bent to depend therefrom, extending longitudinally thereof. The flaps or ribs 128 are located and configured for intertitting engagement with the upstanding iiap or rib 102; and, the end edges of flaps 128 are engageable with the respective drawers 120 to limit insertion thereof.

Resting on the upper surface of support sheet 72a is the mattress 22a, which may be of any suitable construction, advantageously covered with exible plastic sheeting for sanitary purposes. The mattress 22a may be conformably engaged within the lower portions of the longitudinal retaining walls 23a and transverse retaining walls 24a, and of a height approximately equal to or below the upper edges of side walls 27a and end wall 33a, to permit of folding the retaining walls to their horizontal, inoperat-ive position.

Of course, the drawers 129 serve as convenient storage for various items required in conjunction with use of the bassinet.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a bassinet construction which is entirely safe, sanitary and easy to use, well adapted to meet practical conditions of both hospital and private use, and which otherwise fully accomplishes its intended objects.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modiiications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a bassinet construction, the combination comprising a hollow upwardly opening boxlike base having a bottom wall and upstanding side and end walls, a mattress support in said base spaced over said bottom wall and extending between said side and end walls, mounting means mounting said mattress support in position within said base, a pair of parallel spaced transverse retaining walls upstanding from respective ends of said mattress support and swingable into and out lof overlying relation with said mattress support, a pair of parallel spaced longitudinal retaining walls upstanding from respective sides of said mattress support and swingable into and out of overlying relation with said mattress support, and detachable connection means on said longitudinal and trans- Verse retaining walls for connecting the same together in their upstanding condition.

2. The combination according to claim 1, in combination with interfitting formations on adjacent edges of adjacent retaining walls for rigidifying the latter in their upstanding condition.

3. The combination according to claim 1, sa-id mounting means mounting said mattress support in spaced relation between said bottom wall and the upper edges of said side and end walls, said longitudinal and transverse retaining walls being swingable about axes proximate to the upper edges of respective adjacent side and end walls for overlying a mattress on said mattress support.

4. The combination according to claim 1, said longitudinal retaining walls being of a combined height approximately equal to the transverse dimension of said mattress support, to thereby substantially completely cover said mattress support when in said overlying relation.

5. The combination according to claim y1, said end walls being provided with openings for communication between the interior and exterior of said base.

6. The combination according to claim 5, said endwall openings being coniigured for handholes.

7. The combination according to claim 5, in combination with drawers slidably insertable and withdrawable through said end-wall openings into and out of the space beneath said mat-tress support.

'8. The combination acco-rding to claim 1, said mounting means comprising a boxlike mounting element at each end of said mattress support extending transversely there/across and removably seated on said bottom wall contiguous to a respective end wall, said mounting elements each being open adjacent .to a respective end wall, and said end walls being provided with handholes opening int-o said mounting elements.

9. The combination according to claim 1, said mounting means comprising a pair of mounting elements depending from opposite sides of said mattress support longitudinally therealong into engagement with said bottom wall.

10. The combination according to claim 9, said end walls being provided with openings, drawers slidably insertalble and withdrawable through said end-wall openings between said mounting elements and into and out of the space beneath said mattress support, and stop means depending from said mattress support toward said bottom wall for limiting engagement with said drawers.

1-1. The combination according to claim 1, said detachable connection means comprising a flap at each end of each longitudinal retaining wall swingable between a storage position underlying `the associated longitudinal retaining wall and an `operative position overlapping the adjacent transverse retaining wall, and separable fastener means on each of said aps and the adjacent transverse retaining wall.

12. The combination according to claim 1, in combination with longitudinal extensions at opposite ends of each longitudinal retaining wall, and tie means adjacent to each end of said base and detachably engageable with the adjacent longitudinal extensions to hold said longitudinal retaining walls in said overlying relation.

13. A bassinet comprising an elongate bottom Wall, parallel side walls upstanding ifrom said bottom wall along opposite sides thereof, parallel end walls upstanding along opposite ends of said bottom wall extending between and to a height substantially equal to said side walls, a mattress support sheet substantially conformably disposed over said bottom wall in spaced relation between the latter and upper edges of said side and end walls, mounting means mounting said mattress support sheet in position, a pair of transverse retaining walls each extending along and inward of a respective end wall and upstanding thereabove, said transverse retaining Walls each being provided with a hinge extending along the upper edge of the adjacent end wall for swinging movement of said transverse retaining walls between an operative upst'anding position and an inoperative position overlying said mattress support sheet, a pair of longitudinal retaining walls each extending along and inward of a respective vside wall and upstanding thereabove, said longitudinal retaining walls each being provided with a hinge extending along the upper edge of the adjacent side wall for swinging movement of said longitudinal retaining walls between an operative upstanding position and an inoperative position overlying said mattress support sheet, stepped :formations on adjacent edges of said longitudinal andv means on each of said aps and the adjacent transverse retaining Wall.

1S. A lbassinet according to claim 14, in combination with longitudinal extensions at opposite ends of each longitudinal retaining Wall, and tie means carried by each transverse retaining Wall adjacent tothe hinge there-of and detachably engageable with the adjacent longitudinal extensions to hold said longitudinal retaining Walls in their inoperative position overlying said transverse retaining Walls in the inoperative position of the latter.

' References Cited by the Examiner 10 FRANK B.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1925 Boelman et al. 217-15 12/1952 C-oles 5-98 FOREIGN PATENTS 11/1954 Canada.

11/1953 Great Britain.

SHERRY, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A BASSINET CONSTRUCTION, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A HOLLOW UPWARDLY OPENING BOXLIKE BASE HAVING A BOTTOM WALL AND UPSTANSING SIDE AND END WALLS, A MATTRESS SUPPORT IN SAID BASE SPACED OVER SAID BOTTOM WALL AND EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID SIDE AND END WALLS, MOUNTING MEANS MOUNTING SAID MATTRESS SUPPORT IN POSITION WITHIN SAID BASE, A PAIR OF PARALLEL SPACED TRANSVERSE RETAINING WALLS UPSTANDING FROM RESPECTIVE ENDS OF SAID MATRESS SUPPORT AND SWINGABLE INTO AND OUT OF OVERLYING RELATION WITH SAID MATTRESS SUPPORT, A PAIR OF PARALLEL SPACED LONGITUDINAL RETAINING WALLS UPSTANDING FROM RESPECTIVE SIDES OF SAID MATTRESS SUPPORT AND SWINGABLE INTO AND OUT OF OVERLYING RELATION WITH SAID MATTRESS SUPPORT, AND DETACHABLE CONNECTION MEANS ON SAID LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSE RETAINING WALLS FOR CONNECTING THE SAME TOGETHER IN THEIR UPSTANDING CONDITION.