CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional patent applications no. 63/339,411 titled “MULTI-STAGE CONVERTIBLE CRIB” filed on May 6, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a multi-stage convertible crib. More specifically, the present invention relates to modular furnishings, and more particularly to a convertible crib that is compactly enlargeable as an infant using it continues to grow.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Convertible cribs are commonplace in the market today, including “4 in 1” or “3 in 1” as convertible stages for a crib. Most often 4 in 1 means that the crib has 4 stages: crib, toddler bed, day bed, and full sized bed. Most often 3 in 1 means that the crib has 3 stages: crib, toddler bed, and day bed.

[0004] Convertible cribs have gained popularity through the years and have become a standard in the market. During the crib stage, a parent can use the product for approximately 2 years. Now with a toddler bed conversion stage, a day bed, and even a full-sized bed, the product can be used well into the teenage years and beyond.

[0005] One crucial stage that these 4 in 1 cribs are missing is the bassinet stage which is usually a more mobile friendly, smaller footprint product more appropriate for a newborn. Because of this, most families would buy a separate bassinet for the first 6 months of a baby’s life and transition to a crib when the bassinet is too small.

[0006] Another problem with typical convertible cribs is the inability for all homes and rooms to use the crib because of its sheer size. Many parents are living in smaller spaces and homes and a crib with a smaller footprint is an important decision-making factor. On the market today are “mini cribs”, which are about 75% of the size of a full-sized crib. Because of the size, most mini cribs are either not convertible or 2 in 1's (mini crib and mini toddler bed) so the convertibility is limited. Moreover, as the child grows, families will have to buy additional furniture to support the growth of the child.

[0007] Thus there is a need for a convertible crib that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of those presently available. i SUMMARY

[0008] The multistage convertible crib of the present invention meets the above needs by conveniently providing additional stages. Mini cribs are considered to be “non full-sized cribs” as an official category of product. In one aspect of the present invention, the non full-sized stage is not the same size as the mini crib and as a result, as used herein, “midi” corresponds to mini as used in the prior art. More particularly “midi” stage is more square whereas a the mini crib is more of a rectangle: Midi size is 35.8” x 28”; and a typical mini crib is 37” x 24”.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, no crib on the market, and possibly in the world, has the ability to convert from a bassinet to a non full-sized crib to a full-sized crib as in the currently descibed system. It not only extends the usage life of the product by including a bassinet stage but it also comprises a product that is suitable for smaller spaces. No crib has the versatility of the present invention that can fit in so many different nurseries.

[0010] The present invention meets this need by providing modular furnishings, and more particularly, a convertible crib that is compactly enlargeable as an infant using it continues to grow.

DRAWINGS

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded elevational perspective view of a bassinet according to the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is an elevational perspective view of the bassinet FIG. 1 in an assembled condition;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the bassinet FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the bassinet of FIG. 1

[0016] FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the bassinet of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded elevational perspective view of a mini day bed according to the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 7 is an elevational perspective view of the mini day bed of FIG. 6 in an assembled condition;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the mini day bed of FIG. 6;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the mini day bed of FIG. 6; [0021] FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the mini day bed of FIG. 6;

[0022] FIG. 11 is an exploded elevational perspective view of a mini toddler bed according to the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 12 is an elevational perspective view of the mini toddler bed FIG. 11 in an assembled condition;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the mini toddler bed of FIG. 11;

[0025] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the mini toddler bed of FIG. 11;

[0026] FIG. 15 is an end elevational view of the mini day bed of FIG. 11;

[0027] FIG. 16 is an exploded elevational perspective view of a mini mini crib according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 17 is an elevational perspective view of the mini mini crib of FIG. 16 in an assembled condition;

[0029] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the mini mini crib of FIG. 16;

[0030] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the mini mini crib of FIG. 16;

[0031] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of Full-Size configuration according to one embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 2 lis an exploded perspective view of the toddler bed configuration according to one embedment;

[0033] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the day bed configuration according to one embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the toddler junior bed configuration according to one embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the medi bed configuration according to one embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the midi toddler bed configuration according to one embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the midi day bed configuration according to one embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the bassinet configuration according to one embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 28 is an illustration of the bolt connection system for connecting the panels and side poles; and

[0040] FIG. 29 is an illustration of the mattress hight adjustment. DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention is directed to a multi-stage crib that is convertible from a bassinet to a non-full-sized crib to a full-sized crib. With reference to FIGs 1-5, a bassinet 10 includes a pair of side walls 12, a pair of end walls 14, four corner posts 16, a bassinet panel 18, and a bassinet mattress 20. The end walls 14 are preferably each formed of respective half-walls 15. Optionally, the bassinet 10 also includes four casters 22 that are removably attachable proximate respective bottoms of the comer posts 16. Preferably a plurality of supports 24 are removably attachable to the side walls 12 and/or the end walls 14 for supporting the bassinet panel 18 in a desired elevated position within the bassinet 10.

[0042] With further reference to FIGs 6-10, a mini day bed 30 includes an elongate counterpart side wall 12’, elongate one-piece counterparts of the end wall, designated 14’, the four corner posts 16, a day bed panel 32, and a day bed mattress 34. Optionally, the bassinet 10 also includes the four casters 22 that are removably attachable proximate respective bottoms of the corner posts 16. Pairs of elongate supports 36 and 37 are for supporting the mini day bed panel 32, one of the supports 36 is attachable proximate the bottom of the side wall 12’, the other being attachable to a kick rail 38 that extends between the corner posts 16 opposite the side wall 12’. The elongate supports 37 are attached or attachable proximate bottoms of the end walls 14’

[0043] With further reference to FIGs 11-15, a mini toddler bed 40 includes a counterpart of the side wall 12’, counterparts of the end walls 14’, the four comer posts 16, and counterparts of the day bed panel 32, and day bed mattress 34. A pair of closure walls 44 are attachable to respective comer posts 16 opposite the side wall 12’, and optionally, the closure walls can be counterparts of the end walls 15. Optionally, the toddler bed also includes the four casters 22 that are removably attachable proximate respective bottoms of the comer posts 16. Pairs of elongate supports 34 and 35 are for supporting the mini day bed panel 32, one of the supports 34 is attachable proximate the bottom of the side wall 12’, the other being attachable to the closure walls 44 opposite the side wall 12’. The elongate supports 35 are attached or attachable proximate bottoms of the end walls 14’.

[0044] With further reference to FIGs 16-20, a mini crib 50 includes counterparts of the side wall 12’, being used as end walls, elongated counterparts of the side walls, designated side walls 52, the four corner posts 16, and counterparts of the day bed panel and day bed mattress, respectively designated mini crib panel 54 and mini crib mattress 56. Optionally, the mini crib 50 also includes the four casters 22 that are removably attachable proximate respective bottoms of the corner posts 16. Counterparts of the elongate supports 36 are attached or attachable proximate bottoms of the (now) end walls 12’for supporting the mini crib panel 54, and respective elongate supports 58 are attachable proximate respective bottoms of the side walls 52. Preferably, additional panel supports 59 are provided for elevated support of the mini crib panel 54.

[0045] Ajunior bed 60 includes a pair of the end walls 62, counterparts of the end walls 14’, the four comer posts 16, and enlarged counterparts of the day bed panel 32, and day bed mattress 34. Four counterparts of closure walls 44 are attachable to respective comer posts 16 opposite the side wall 12’, and optionally, the closure walls can be counterparts of the end walls 15. Optionally, the toddler bed also includes the four casters 22 that are removably attachable proximate respective bottoms of the corner posts 16. Pairs of elongate supports are attached or attachable as described above for supporting the panel and mattress as described above..

[0046] In one mebodiment, the multistage crib can transform into at least 8 distinct stages for extended usage through a baby’s growth from newborn to 6 years old. The may comprise: 1) Bassinet; 2) Non full-sized crib; 3) Non full-sized toddler bed; 4) Non full-sized day bed; 5) Full-sized crib; 6) Full-sized toddler bed; 7) Full-sized day bed; and 8) Junior bed.

[0047] At each stage, there are multiple mattress 20, 34, 56 positions to further adjust the height of the mattress 20 to the top of the crib. In other words, within each stage there are adjustments that can be made to support the child’s growth. For the crib stage, for example, there are three mattress 20 positions. When the child grows and can pull themselves up with on the railing, the parent can lower the mattress support to prevent this from happening. In the non-full sized the bassinet, there are four mattress positions available for each stage. The ability to adjust the mattress supports within the same product is a novel concept.

[0048] In one embodiment, the user can convert to all stages of the crib with everything included in the box. The ability to co-use nearly every single major wooden part through multiple stages is provided.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 20, an exploded perspective view of the full-size configuration according to one embodiment is shown. The previously described side wall panels 12 are used as the side panels 12 in the full-size configuration. The end walls 14 desceribed above are used as midi side panels 14 in the full-size configureation. Two full size panels 212 are added in the full size configuration. The cornor posts 16 are further used as shown in the full-size configuration.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 21, an exploded perspective view of the toddler bed configuration according to one embodiment is shown. The previously described side wall panels 12 are used as the side panels 12 in the toddler bed configuration. The end walls 14 described above are used as midi side panels 14 in the toddler bed configureation. One full size panel 212 is added in on one side of the toddler bed configuration (one is removed from the full-size configuration). The comor posts 16 are further used as shown in the full-size configuration.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 22, an exploded perspective view of the day bed configuration according to one embodiment is shown. The previously described side wall panels 12 are used as the side panels 12 in the day bed configuration. The end walls 14 described above are used as midi side panels 14 in the day bed configureation, but only on one side of the day bed. One full size panel 212 is added in on one side of the day bed configuration. The comor posts 16 are further used as shown in the day bed configuration.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 23, an exploded perspective view of the toddler junior bed configuration according to one embodiment is shown. The previously described side wall panels 12 are used as the side panels 12 in the day bed configuration. The end walls 14 described above are used as midi side panels 14 in the day bed configureation on both sides of the toddler junior bed. Both size panels 212 are left out of the toddler junior bed configuration. The cornor posts 16 are further used as shown in the toddler junior bed configuration.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 24, an exploded perspective view of the medi bed configuration according to one embodiment is shown. The previously described side wall panel 12 are used as the side panels 12 in the midi bed configuration. The end walls 14 are not used in the mdi bed configuration. The two full size panels 212 are added in the midi bed configuration. The comor posts 16 are further used as shown in the midi bed configuration. Instalation of the casters 22 is also shown in Fig. 24.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 25, an exploded perspective view of the midi toddler bed configuration according to one embodiment is shown. The previously described side wall panels 12 are used as the panels 12 in the midi toddler bed configuration. The end walls 14 used above are used as midi side panels 14 in the midi toddler bed configureation in the front of the bed. One full size panel 212 is added in the midi toddler bed configuration. The cornor posts 16 are further used as shown in the midi toddler bed configuration. Instalation of the casters 22 are also shown in Fig. 25.

[0055] With reference to FIG. 26, an exploded perspective view of the midi day bed configuration according to one embodiment is shown. The previously described side wall panels 12 are used as the panels 12 in the midi day bed configuration. The end walls 14 are not used in the midi day bed configureation. One full size panel 212 is added in midi day bed configuration. The cornor posts 16 are further used as shown in the midi day bed configuration. Instalation of the casters 22 is also shown in Fig. 26. Instalation of the casters 22 are also shown in Fig. 26.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 27, an exploded perspective view of the bassinet configuration according to one embodiment is shown. The previously two described side wall panels 12 are used in the bassinet configuration as snown. The end walls 14 are used in the bassinet configureation as shown. The full size panels 212 are not used in the bassinet configuration. The cornor posts 16 are further used as shown in bassinet configuration. Instalation of the casters 22 is also shown in Fig. 27. Instalation of the casters 22 are also shown in Fig. 27.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 28, the bolt connection system for connecting the panels and side poles is shown. The panels and side poles have an aligned series nuts and holes to screw through and receive bolts 292 secure the panels together in the various configurations.

[0058] With reference ot FIG. 29, the mattress hight adjustment system is shown according to one embodiment. A series of bolts are embeded in selected panels to support the mattress platform. The elongate supports 36 and 37 have holes in them that fit bolts 292 therethrough to screw into nuts in the panels at different heights as needed for each stage.

[0059] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only, and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.