Thorley Exhibit No. 1012
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 8, 1998
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`Sheet 1 of 6
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`5,845,349
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`Dec. 8, 1998
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`Sheet 2 of 6
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`5,845,349
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`U.S.Patent
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 8, 1998
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`Sheet 3 of6
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`5,845,349
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 8, 1998
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`Sheet 4 of6
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`5,845,349
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 8, 1998
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`Sheet 5 of6
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`5,845,349
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 8, 1998
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`Sheet 6 of 6
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`5,845,349
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`5,845,349
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`1
`MULTIPLE PURPOSE CONVERTIBLE
`PLAYPEN
`
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
`Application Number 60/039,728 filed on Feb. 19, 1997.
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The instant invention relates to the field of convertible
`
`in
`units for use with babies and very young children;
`particular to units which may be easily converted to a
`playpen, a bassinet, changing table, or child’s bed-side
`sleeping enclosure, hereinafter referred to for convenience
`as a “co-sleeper”, that attaches securely to the parents’ bed.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Play yards and playpens for babies and young children are
`well known and many variations have been marketed over
`the years. Low portable cribs have also been used as
`playpens. For economy of space and finances it has been
`practical to find additional uses for playpens, such as bas-
`sinets and changing tables, by means of easy alterations or
`adjustments that are reversible.
`In U.S. Pat. No. 2,548,769, Burgin teaches a crib that can
`be lowered for use as a playpen. Shamie, in U.S. Pat. No.
`5,339,479 teaches a portable playpen that can be converted
`to a changing table by adding an upper level using zippers
`to hold the upper floor in place. Several levels of zipper teeth
`provide different height for the upper floor. Mariol adds an
`upper level to a playpen to provide a bassinet. The short legs
`of the upper level are inserted into openings in the top of the
`vertical supports of the playpen. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,336).
`Saldana teaches a unit designed for home and travel that may
`be used as a support for a playpen, bassinet or baby chair
`(U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,176). U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,827 to Fong
`et al. discloses a foldable playpen unit.
`Beside cribs that attached to the parents’ bed were known
`at the turn of the century (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,548,005; 620,069;
`1,138,451; 1,283,169; 1,267,244) but fell out of favor for
`many years. Recently there has been a resurgence in the
`practice of having babies sleep adjacent the parents’ bed.
`Such bed-side cribs are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,435 to
`Griffin et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,561 to Tharalson et al; and
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,655 to Van Winkle et al.
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a single
`unit that with quick and easy adjustments can be adapted for
`several different purposes, including a playpen, a bassinet, a
`changing table and a co-sleeper.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`unit that can be converted to a co-sleeper that is an improve-
`ment over the prior art, that rests on four legs, will not lift,
`tip or buck and that is secured to the parents’ bed with a
`safety strap so it cannot slide away from the bed.
`Another object of the present invention is to allow con-
`version to a co-sleeper crib while still maintaining the
`stability of the unit by the repositioning of the front hori-
`zontal rail.
`
`It is a further object of the present invention that the
`co-sleeper be adjacent the parents’ bed but at a level below
`the level of the parents’ bed and with a fabric extension
`covering the separation so there is no chance of the baby
`being injured.
`invention is to provide
`Another object of the present
`means to adjust the height of the co-sleeper to conform to the
`different bed heights.
`A still further object of the present invention is to provide
`a secure washable enclosure for the baby.
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`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`playpen in which a baby can be tended by a care giver that
`is physically handicapped.
`A further object of the present invention is to provide a
`unit which folds easily for storage and transport.
`Other features and advantages of the invention will be
`seen from the following description and drawings.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention is a playpen which may be easily
`converted for use as a bassinet, changing table and
`co-sleeper. The playpen is comprised of a first rigid enclo-
`sure having an open top, a floor, a front wall, and at least one
`surrounding wall connected to the front wall. The enclosure
`is of sufficient height to confine a small child inside. Ameans
`is provided for reversibly lowering the height of at least a
`portion of the front wall, from a first position at the top to
`a second position, a first predetermined distance from the
`top, to while maintaining structural rigidity of the playpen.
`A second enclosure is provided, sized to fit substantially
`within the first enclosure. The second enclosure has an open
`top, a bottom and at least one surrounding wall. A means is
`provided for removably supporting the second enclosure
`means within the first enclosure a second predetermined
`distance from the top of the first enclosure. Finally, a
`securing strap assembly is provided for securing the playpen
`to a parental bed.
`When the front wall is in the raised first position and the
`second enclosure is supported by the supporting means, the
`playpen is usable as a bassinet. When the front wall is
`lowered to the second position the playpen is usable as a
`changing table. Further, when the securing strap assembly
`means is properly positioned and the playpen is secured to
`the parental bed the playpen may serve as a co-sleeper.
`The preferred embodiment of the invention is a playpen
`convertibly adapted for use as a bassinet, changing table and
`co-sleeper. The playpen comprises a rigid first enclosure
`having an open top, a floor, a front wall, a back wall, a first
`side wall and a second side wall. The first enclosure is of
`
`sufficient height to confine a small child inside.
`The enclosure has a rigid frame, the frame being formed
`at the top by front and rear upper parallel horizontal rails and
`first and second upper side parallel rails and two upper front
`corner members and two upper rear corner members con-
`nected together. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by
`front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails and first side
`and second side lower parallel horizontal rails and four
`lower corner leg members connected together. Apair of front
`vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails are connected to
`the two upper front corner members and the two upper rear
`corner members and the four lower corner leg members. The
`rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall,
`the first side wall and the second side wall.
`
`Each upper front corner member is constructed of two
`reversibly separable complementary sections. The first of
`these sections is fixedly attached to an end of the upper front
`horizontal rails. The second of these sections is fixedly
`attached to the upper end of one of the front vertical rails.
`The upper front corner members support the upper front
`horizontal rail in its first position. A receiving means is
`fixedly attached to each front vertical rail at a first prede-
`termined distance from the top for receiving the first sections
`of the upper front corner members and reversibly maintain-
`ing the upper front horizontal rail in a second position,
`thereby maintaining structural rigidity of the playpen when
`the upper front horizontal rail is in the second position.
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`A second enclosure is sized to fit substantially within the
`first enclosure and includes an open top, a back wall, first
`and second side walls and a bottom. Ameans is provided for
`removably supporting the second enclosure means within
`the first enclosure a second predetermined distance from the
`top of the first enclosure. A securing strap assembly is
`provided for securing to a parental bed with alignment
`means through which the securing strap assembly is directed
`for maintaining the securing strap assembly in horizontal
`orientation and preventing lifting or bucking of the playpen
`when used as a co-sleeper. Finally, an attachment means is
`provided for fastening the securing strap assembly to the
`playpen.
`The playpen is ready for use as a co-sleeper when the
`upper front horizontal rail is in its second position,
`the
`second enclosure is supported by the second enclosure
`support means,
`the securing strap assembly is directed
`through the alignment means, fastened to the attachment
`means and is properly positioned and secured to the parental
`bed.
`
`In a variant of the preferred embodiment the floor of the
`playpen includes a lower floor panel attached to the lower
`horizontal rails of the rigid frame and an upper floor panel
`suspended above the lower floor panel and attached to the
`front, rear, first side and second side walls. This arrangement
`provides a shock absorbing space between the upper floor
`panel and the lower floor panel. A hollow leg member is
`attached to the underside of the lower floor panel to provide
`support for the lower floor panel and a loop is attached to the
`undersurface of the lower floor panel and passing through
`the lower floor panel and the upper floor panel to form a
`handle for use in collapsing the playpen.
`In another variant of the invention, the rigid frame of the
`playpen is collapsible. In this variant the rigid frame further
`includes a means for pivotally mounting the front and rear
`upper horizontal rails to the upper front corner members and
`upper rear corner members, respectively. Frame locking
`devices are positioned at center points of the front and rear
`upper horizontal rail with pivotal mounting, thereby permit-
`ting the upper rails to pivot downwardly from the open top
`of the first enclosure. In addition a means is provided for
`pivotally mounting the upper first side and upper second side
`horizontal rails to the upper front and rear corner members.
`Frame pivoting devices are positioned at center points of the
`upper first and upper second side horizontal rails with
`pivotal mounting thereby permitting each of the rails to
`pivot upwardly from the open top of the first enclosure.
`Means are also provided for pivotally mounting the lower
`first side and lower second side horizontal rails to the lower
`
`front and rear corner members. Frame pivoting devices are
`positioned at center points of the lower first and lower
`second side horizontal rails with pivotal mounting thereby
`permitting each of said rails to pivot upwardly from the floor
`of the first enclosure. Also means are provided for pivotally
`mounting the lower front and rear horizontal rails to the
`lower front and rear corner members, respectively. Frame
`pivoting devices are positioned at center points of the lower
`front and rear horizontal rails with pivotal mounting thereby
`permitting each of the rails to pivot upwardly from the floor
`of the first enclosure.
`
`The frame may be quickly folded into a compact package
`for transport and storage by releasing the locking devices
`positioned on the front and rear horizontal rails and depress-
`ing the upper horizontal rails downwardly while pulling
`upwardly on the handle attached to the floor. This causes the
`upper and lower side horizontal rails and lower front and
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`rear horizontal rails to bend upwardly and the vertical rails
`to move inwardly.
`In a further variant of the invention the second enclosure
`
`includes a removable rigid floor member sized to fit within
`the second enclosure and capable of supporting a child upon
`it and an elongated front flap for receiving the rigid floor
`member and being sized to extend over a portion of the
`parental bed. The removable rigid floor member has a top
`surface and a bottom surface and is covered with a washable
`
`fabric and padded on its top surface. It is desirable that the
`removable rigid floor member is segmented into two or more
`segments closely aligned, is capable of being folded, and is
`covered with a washable fabric and padded on its top
`surface. It is desirable that the second enclosure is padded
`and washable.
`
`In another variant of the invention, the second enclosure
`support means is sized to maintain the bottom of the second
`enclosure at level substantially four inches below the front
`horizontal rail when disposed in the second position.
`In yet another variant of the invention, the securing strap
`assembly further includes a strap member of a length greater
`than twice the width of the parental bed with a first end and
`a second end, a resistance plate member, attachment coop-
`eration means and adjusting means. The resistance plate
`member has at least two slots vertically aligned and centrally
`disposed through which the strap members is threaded such
`that the first end and the second end are equidistant from the
`plate. The attachment cooperation means are slidably
`engaged near the first end and the second end of the strap
`member for reversible connection to the securing strap
`receiving means. The adjusting means are provided for
`adjusting the length of the strap member and fixedly tight-
`ening the strap member after connecting the attachment
`cooperation means to the security strap receiving means.
`The strap member is properly positioned when disposed
`between the mattress and box spring or platform of the
`parental bed and held in place by the resistance pate dis-
`posed vertically at the side of the parental bed opposite
`placement of the co-sleeper and the strap member is tight-
`ened so the co-sleeper is held fast to the parental bed.
`In another variant of the preferred embodiment, height
`adjusting means are provided for changing the height of the
`co-sleeper such that the level of the front horizontal rail
`when located in the second position is substantially even
`with a top of a mattress of the parental bed. The height
`adjusting means includes extensions cooperating with each
`of the four lower corner leg members.
`In yet another variant of the invention, a reversible
`separation means is located on each side of the front wall for
`substantially the first predetermined distance from the top
`for facilitating the repositioning of the front horizontal rail
`and attaching same to the receiving means on the front
`vertical rails.
`
`the first section of the front upper
`In another variant,
`corner member is a male section and the second section is a
`
`female section and the receiving means is a female connect-
`ing means for connection with the male section. The opening
`in the female section and the receiving means is sufficiently
`small so as to prevent small children or infants from insert-
`ing their fingers into the openings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the playpen of the instant
`invention partially cut away to reveal certain features;
`FIG. 2A is a close-up perspective view of the front
`horizontal rail fold section in extended orientation;
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`FIG. 2B is a close-up perspective view of the front
`horizontal rail fold section in collapsed orientation;
`FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of the female
`receiver;
`FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of the male and
`female components of the right front upper corner in
`attached configuration.
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the male and female
`components of the right front upper corner of FIG. 4 in
`separated configuration;
`FIG. 6 is a sectional view through line 6—6 of FIG. 5;
`FIG. 7 shows the method of connecting the male and
`female components of the right front upper corner;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the snap attachments
`at the right side of the playpen;
`FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of the main
`components of the playpen and showing the front horizontal
`rail in the second position;
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the unit with the front
`horizontal rail in the second position and second enclosure
`supports in position;
`FIG. 11 shows the placement of the second enclosure on
`the unit as illustrated in FIG. 10;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the unit as illustrated in
`FIG. 10 with the second enclosure in place and the flap
`hanging down in front for use as a changing table;
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the unit as illustrated in
`FIG. 12 adjacent a bed with the flap extended over the bed
`and the rigid floor placed on the second enclosure for use as
`a co-sleeper;
`FIG. 14 is side elevational view of the co-sleeper attached
`to the parents’ bed by means of the safety strap assembly;
`FIG. 15. is a top plan view of the co-sleeper and attach-
`ment of FIG. 14 and also showing the configuration of the
`safety strap assembly;
`FIG. 16 is a close-up view of the securing strap attach-
`ment means and securing strap receiving means in engaged
`configuration;
`FIG. 17 is close-up view of the securing strap attachment
`means and securing strap receiving means about
`to be
`engaged;
`FIG. 18 is a close-up view of the alignment means for the
`safety strap;
`FIG. 19 is front elevational view of the resistance plate for
`securing the securing strap assembly.
`FIG. 20 shows the resistance plate of FIG. 19 with the
`securing strap assembly affixed thereto.
`FIG. 21 is partial cut-away side elevational view of the
`lower corner of the playpen;
`FIG. 22 is side elevational view of the leg extension
`insert; and
`FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the leg
`extension insert viewed from the vantage point of FIG. 21.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`The basic unit 30 is a playpen as shown in FIG. 1 with a
`frame assembly having lower corners or legs 31 which are
`pivotally connected to lower horizontal rails 32 by pivot pins
`42. In the center of each of the lower horizontal rails is a
`
`pivot connecting member 33 which permits the rails to pivot
`upward only. Two front vertical rails 53 and two back
`vertical rails 34 are joined to the lower corners 31. The upper
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`corners are also coupled to each vertical rail. The rear upper
`corners 35 are of a single construction, while the front upper
`corners 36 are fabricated in two sections, a female section 37
`and a male section 38, that slidably and reversibly interact
`to complement each other. See FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7. There are
`two hooking projections 51 at the bottom inside of the male
`sections 38 as seen in FIG. 5, that lock into receiving ledges
`(not illustrated) in the female sections 37 for added security.
`The hooking projections 51 must be released by hand before
`the two sections can be separated. They prevent a child from
`being able to pull up on the male section 38 and effect a
`separation of the two components. Upper horizontal rails 39
`are pivotally connected to the upper corners by means of
`pivot pins 42. There is a frame lock 40 at the midpoint of
`each upper horizontal rail 39 that locks the rail in a straight
`line configuration. When the frame lock contact points 41
`are manually depressed,
`the upper horizontal rails pivot
`downwardly, as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
`The upper horizontal rails 39 and the lower horizontal
`rails 32 are pivotally connected to the upper corner 35 and
`36 and lower corners 31 to facilitate the folding and assem-
`bling of the play pen 30. The upper rails 39 pivot down-
`wardly only when the frame lock contact points 41 are
`depressed and they lock the upper rail 39 securely when the
`upper rail 39 is in straight line configuration. Since the lower
`horizontal rails 32 can only pivot upwardly, this happens
`when the unit 30 is being folded and cannot occur when a
`child is in the play pen 30. It is impossible for the unit to
`collapse or fold in any way during use.
`There is a first enclosure composed of four vertical panels,
`the front panel 43, back panel 44, two side panels 45, and
`two horizontal floor panels, the upper floor panel 46 and
`lower floor panel 47. The vertical panels are stitched to form
`channels along the top edges to receive the upper horizontal
`rails 39 and along the sides to receive the vertical corner rails
`34 and 53. The top edge channels are also lined on the inside
`with a foam padding to provide cushioning that prevents
`injury to the child. The upper floor panel 46 is stitched to the
`bottom of each vertical panel (43, 44 and 45) and forms the
`floor of the unit, but it is not otherwise supported. Stitched
`channels in the lower floor panel 47 receive the lower
`horizontal rails 32 which support the lower floor panel 47.
`There is a natural air gap between the two floor panels which
`acts as a shock absorber. Each of the vertical panels (43, 44
`and 45) has a mesh window 50 for visual contact with the
`child and for air circulation. These structures are all illus-
`trated in FIG. 1.
`
`A hollow leg member 48 is affixed to the underside of the
`lower floor panel 47 to provide support thereto and a loop 49
`is stitched to the undersurface of the lower floor panel 47 and
`passes through the lower floor panel 47 and the upper floor
`panel 46 forming a handle 49. When the unit 30 is to be
`folded, the frame locks 40 on the upper horizontal rails 39
`are released, the rails 39 are bent downwardly and the handle
`49 is pulled upward causing the lower horizontal rails 32 to
`bend upwardly and the whole play pen 30 to collapse
`inwardly into a compact unit. A zippered carrying case is
`provided for ease of transport and storage (not shown).
`A rigid removable floor 52 is also provided and is illus-
`trated in FIG. 9. The removable floor 52 is covered with the
`
`same fabric as are the panels (43, 44 and 45) and additionally
`is padded on the top surface. It is divided into at least two
`sections so that it can be folded around the collapsed unit for
`storage. The sections are held together by the fabric cover
`that has stitched compartments to hold the sections in close
`alinement while still allowing the floor 52 to fold. This rigid
`floor 52 rests atop the upper floor panel 46 when the unit is
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`used as a playpen 30. It is removed and repositioned as
`described below when the unit is converted to its other
`forms.
`
`There is an second enclosure level support system 76 seen
`in FIG. 10 which is necessary to convert the unit 30 to a
`bassinet, changing table or co-sleeper. Two support struts 56
`are hooked over the upper horizontal rails 39 on each side of
`the unit, forming two sets of opposing struts. The top of each
`strut is bent over backwards forming a curved hook 57 that
`snaps securely over the rail 39. The struts hang down along
`the inside surface of the side panels 45. The length of each
`strut is slightly such that the second enclosure is supported
`a first predetermined distance below top of the playpen 30.
`As illustrated in FIG. 9, collar 58 is fixedly mounted at the
`bottom of each strut 56 on the surface facing inside the
`playpen. A dowel 59 is inserted into the collars 58 of of each
`set of opposing struts 56 (FIG. 10). The dowel can be a
`single piece, or as illustrated in FIG. 9, each dowel is in three
`parts, two rods 61 and 62 and a connecting sleeve 60. The
`sleeve is permanently joined to a first rod 61 and a second
`rod 62 is releasably fitted into the sleeve. Spring activated
`buttons and strategically positioned opening (not shown)
`secure the second rod 62 into the sleeve of the first rod 61
`and also secure the rods in the collars 58, each of which has
`an opening to receive the button.
`A second enclosure 63 is now placed over the upper
`horizontal rails 39 and extends down to the second enclosure
`
`support system 76. The second enclosure 63 has a back wall
`64 and two side walls 65. There is no front wall, but there
`is a long front flap 66 that extends upward over the front
`horizontal rail 39 and hangs down the front of the playpen.
`The fabric of the walls is folded over the front vertical rails
`53, front corners 36 and back and side horizontal rails 39
`forming a continuous apron 67 that covers those structures.
`The apron helps to seat the enclosure 63 and to maintain a
`tight fit against the rails 39. See FIGS. 11 and 12. The rigid
`removable floor 52 is placed padded side up into the second
`enclosure 63 and is supported on the dowels 59. The unit is
`now ready for use as a bassinet.
`Converting the unit to a changing table or co-sleeper
`involves one additional step before the second enclosure
`support system is put into place. The front horizontal rail 39
`is moved from its first position to its second position which
`is substantially a predetermined distance from the top of the
`unit.
`
`At a point on each of the front vertical rails 53, at
`approximately a first predetermined distance from the top, is
`securely affixed a female receiver 54 designed to accept the
`male section 38 of the front upper corner 36. See FIGS. 1
`and 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the fabric of the front panel 43
`is separated along its two side edge for the same distance.
`When the unit is used as a play pen, the two parts are joined
`by a series of snaps covered by a fabric flap 55. The male
`snap portions 56 are affixed to the front panel and the female
`snap portions 57 are affixed to the underside of the fabric
`flap 55.
`To convert the unit to a changing table or co-sleeper, the
`upper third of the front panel 43 is separated from the
`stitched channel by opening the snaps on each side and the
`upper front horizontal rail 39 is moved to the second position
`as shown in FIG. 10. To accomplish this, the frame lock
`contact points 41 (FIG. 2A) are depressed, the horizontal
`rails 39 bent slightly downward, and the two male sections
`38 (FIG. 4) of the front upper corners 36 (FIG. 1) are grasped
`and lifted upward while releasing the hooking projections 51
`(FIG. 5), next the male sections 38 are separated from the
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`female sections 37 and the front horizontal rail 39 can be
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`lifted upward and forward. The male sections 38 are there-
`after relocated to the female receivers 54 (FIGS. 1 and 3) to
`seat the front horizontal rail 39 in the second position. This
`is partially illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The portion of fabric
`that is now in excess, is merely folded to the inside of the
`unit.
`
`It is essential that the front horizontal rail 39 be reposi-
`tioned and not removed completely from the unit 30. In the
`second position, as in the first position, the rail acts as a
`brace to maintain the front vertical
`rails 53 in proper
`alignment. The front horizontal rail 39, in either position, is
`necessary to the integrity and stability of the unit 30.
`Once the front horizontal rail 39 is securely seated in the
`second position, the upper level support system 76 is put into
`place as previously described. The unit 30 with the front
`horizontal rail 39 in the second position and the upper level
`support system 76 in place is illustrated in FIG. 10. The
`second enclosure 63 (FIGS. 11 and 12) is fitted into place
`and the rigid floor 52 is positioned into the second enclosure
`(FIG. 13). For use as a changing table, the front flap 66
`hangs down in front of the unit, as seen in FIG. 12. When
`placed against a bed 68 with the front flap 66 extended over
`the bed, the unit 30 is a co-sleeper, as seen in FIG. 13. The
`front flap 66 extends a good distance over the parents’
`mattress 73 and completely covers the space between the
`co-sleeper and the parents’ bed 68. The extension is long
`enough and is padded so it will lie flat and will not bunch up
`or crease.
`
`As shown in FIG. 13, the level of the repositioned front
`horizontal rail 39 should be at the height of the top of the
`mattress 73 of the parental bed 68. The level of the rigid
`floor 52 in the upper position is from three to seven inches,
`but preferably four inches (10.2 cm) below the reseated front
`horizontal rail 39 and therefore it will be substantially the
`same distance below the top of the mattress 73 of the
`parental bed 68. This difference in level prevents the baby
`from being able to roll over onto the parents’ bed while still
`maintaining the baby within easy reach of the parent.
`For use as a co-sleeper,
`the unit 30 must be securely
`anchored so that it cannot tip, lift, bunch or slide away from
`the parental bed 68. Merely attaching the front of the frame
`of the co-sleeper to the parental bed by a hook or short strap
`is not sufficient and can put the baby in jeopardy. To provide
`sufficient attachment, a securing strap assembly 82 is used.
`The strap 71 itself is a strip of strong, tightly woven material
`of a length more than twice the width of the parental bed 68.
`The strap can be made long enough to be used with a king
`sized bed and supplied with shortening means for use on all
`smaller beds.
`
`As FIGS. 14-20 illustrate, the securing strap assembly 82
`consists of the strap 71, a resistance plate 74, shortening
`rings (not shown), and clasps 70. The flat resistance plate 74
`is at least six inches by six inches (15.2 cm><15 .2 cm) in size
`and made of a strong rigid material. There are two slots 75
`located near the center of the resistance plate and illustrated
`in FIG. 19. The ends of the securing strap 71 are threaded
`through the slots 75 and pulled through until the plate is at
`the midpoint of the strap. The strap is secured to the plate at
`its midpoint by stitches, rivets or any other means known in
`the art. See FIG. 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the
`ends of the securing strap 71 are thereafter threaded through
`the clasps 70 and doubled back through shortening rings.
`Any shortening rings, clamps or loops known in the art can
`be used as long as there is no slippage when the strap is
`tightened. These are not illustrated.
`
`

`
`5,845,349
`
`9
`As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the resistance plate 74
`is placed in vertical orientation at
`the distal side of the
`parental bed 68 and the ends of the strap 71 are brought
`under the mattress 73 of the parental bed 68 and out the
`proximal side where the co-sleeper is located. The ends of
`the strap 71 are moved apart until each end is at one side of
`the co-sleeper. The two sections of the strap 71 form a
`V-shape as seen in FIG. 15. Each end of the strap 71 then
`passes through an alignment means 72 attached at the side
`of each front vertical rail 53 and the securing attachment
`means 70 are connected to the securing strap receiving
`means 69 which are attached at the sides of the rear vertical
`
`rails 34. The alignment means 72 and securing strap receiv-
`ing means 69 are attached at the height of the bottom of the
`mattress 73 of the parental bed 68 so the straps 71 remain
`horizontal for best security. Once the clasps 70 are engaged,
`the ends of the strap 71 are pulled until the strap 71 is taut
`and maintained that way by the shortening rings and the
`co-sleeper is held securely against the parental bed 68.
`Co-sleepers of the prior art often did not rest on four legs
`and were not securely joined to the parental bed. They could
`slip away or lift up easily. The securing strap assembly 82 of
`the instant invention provides both resistance to slippage and
`prevents lifting,
`tipping and bucking movements. The
`secured strap 71 and securing attachment means 70 hold the
`co-sleeper in place and the alignment means 72 illustrated in
`FIGS. 14, 15 and 18 prevent it from lifting,
`tipping or
`bucking. If the co-sleeper were to be attached only at the
`front, the back end could easily lift, so both the securing
`attachment means 70 at the back of the playpen 30 and the
`attachment means 72 at the front are essential for the proper
`use, security and stability of the playpen 30 as a co-sleeper.
`There are many types of beds with mattresses at varying
`heights from the floor. Some of the newer mattresses are
`considerably thicker then the older ones and could present a
`problem when the co-sleeper is to be utilized. FIGS. 22 and
`23 illustrate a leg extension 77 which is used to raise the
`level of the playpen 30 so the securing strap assembly 82 is
`horizontal for a secure attachment, and the sleeping level of
`the bay is three to seven inches below the top of the parents’
`mattress 73. FIG. 21 shows the lower corner 31 of the
`
`playpen partially cut away to expose the interior configura-
`tion. The leg extension 77 is sized and configures to closely
`fit inside the lower corner 31. The extension 77 has an upper
`section 78 and a lower section 79. The upper section 78 fits
`completely within the lower corner 31 and has a vertical slot
`80 that divides the upper section 78 in two parts and which
`forms a tight connection with the interior of the lower corner
`31. The lower section 79 extends below the lower corner 31
`
`and a right angle corner that exactly copies the shape of the
`existing lower corner 31 and is co-extensive therewith. This
`lower section 79 is two inches (5 cm) in height. Additional
`two inch (5 cm) extensions 77 can be added. The upper
`portion 78 of each of these nest inside the one above it so the
`outward appearance is of a longer leg.
`The basic plaype