AU2018367059B2

AU2018367059B2 - Reconfigurable children's furniture

Info

Publication number: AU2018367059B2
Application number: AU2018367059A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Darryl De Abreu; Jackie De Abreu
Original assignee: Kidverter Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Kidverter Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-17
Filing date: 2018-11-16
Publication date: 2023-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-16
Also published as: WO2019095014A1; AU2018367059A1

Abstract

Reconfigurable children's furniture has two opposing pairs of legs hingedly coupled together and pair of hingedly coupled base portions such that the base portions can fold upwardly in the middle when the legs are brought together. A pair of detachable U-shaped framework members are sized and shaped to attach flat against peripheries of respective base portions in a day bed configuration but which can be detached therefrom and lifted separately to be connected to the apexes to extend horizontally therefrom to support cot netting for use in a cot configuration. As such, with the present configuration, the framework members and the netting can be entirely dropped to lie flat against the peripheries of the base portions so as to not obstruct around the periphery of the base portions in the day bed configuration.

Description

Reconfigurable children's furniture

Field of the Invention

[1] This invention relates generally to reconfigurable children's furniture and, more particularly, to furniture configurable for stowage and use as a day bed or cot and, in embodiments, a feeding chair and change table.

Background of the Invention

[2] Reconfigurable children's furniture configurations include WO 2017/153980 A1 (TAMOOZ C.S. LTD.) 14 September 2017 [hereinafter referred to as Dl] which discloses a foldable stroller configurable between a concealed or open stroller configuration, a playpen and a folded configuration. The stroller of Dl comprises a flat base, hinged in the middle which can fold upward for stowage. When the base is opened flat, a fore framework member can pivot upwardly from an apex hinge to raise front netting which, in cooperation with rear netting, encloses a playpen.

[3] US 7497461 B2 (EMERSON) 03 March 2009 [hereinafter referred to as D2] discloses a convertible infant carrying device that can be converted into a stroller, a walker, a highchair, a carrier and a backpack which can fit seats of third-party manufacturers.

[4] US 2014/0014791 A1 (SHAN) 16 January 2014 [hereinafter referred to as D3] discloses a particular type of A-frame joint mechanism having a trigger to facilitate folding or unfolding of a supporting device.

[5] EP 1493361 A1 (COOPER, HOWARD LEE; WAGSTAFF, STEVEN) 05 January 2005 [hereinafter referred to as D4] discloses a bassinet comprising flat base members which fold upwardly in the middle for stowage and an upper frame arrangement comprising pivotally coupled U-shaped framework members and folding support means between the base and the framework members. The folding support means may be folded through 180° to lower the framework members to lie adjacent the flat base members hinge such that the base members and the U-shaped members may be folded upwardly simultaneously.

[6] US 9138070 B1 (DELTA ENTERPRISE CORP.) 22 September 2015 [hereinafter referred to as D5] discloses a similar mechanism of D4 but wherein D5 comprises flat base members and upper U-shaped members which can simultaneously fold for stowage.

[7] US 4455697 A (ROVIDA) 26 June 1984 [hereinafter referred to as D6] is a foldable crib which has a pair of hingedly coupled flat base members. U-bar frame members can pivot upwardly from an apex thereof to support netting.

[8] It would be desirous however for reconfigurable children's furniture to be configurable between day bed and cot configurations yet while being configurable also for stowage. [9] Ideally, in the day bed configuration, netting and upper framework members do not obstruct around the sides of the day bed which may be undesirous or even dangerous for children.

[10] It would be further preferable for reconfigurable children's furniture which can be furthermore configured in feeding chair and change table configurations.

[11] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

[12] There is provided herein reconfigurable children's furniture having a different configuration and mode of operation as compared to those of the prior art disclosures D1 - D6.

[13] Specifically, the present furniture comprises two opposing pairs of legs hingedly coupled at respective apexes thereof, thereby forming a collapsible A-frame configuration. A pair of base portions are hingedly coupled together at inner edges therebetween and pivotally coupled to lower ends of the legs at respective outer edges thereof such that the base portions can fold upwardly in the middle when the legs are brought together.

[14] The furniture further comprises a pair of detachable U-shaped framework members which are sized and shaped to attach flat against peripheries of respective base portions in a day bed configuration but which can be detached therefrom and lifted separately to be connected to the apexes to extend horizontally therefrom to support cot netting for use in a cot configuration.

[15] As such, with the present configuration, the framework members and the netting can be entirely dropped to lie flat against the peripheries of the base portions so as to not obstruct around the periphery of the base portions in the day bed configuration.

[16] With reference to the prior art, the fore U-shaped framework member of the stroller of D1 is pivotally coupled from the hinges, but not separately detachable or able to attach flat against peripheries of the base portions. As such, the rear netting, fore framework member and rearward handle framework member of the stroller of D1 cannot be dropped entirely for unobstructed use as a day bed and furthermore additional netting is required to bridge the gap between the fore U-shaped framework and the rearward handle to be suitably used as a cot.

[17] Furthermore, D4 does not employ an A-shaped configuration and therefore the U-shaped framework members cannot be detachably connected to an apex thereof, necessitating the use of a more complex quadrant of folding members to raise the framework members. Also, whereas the U- shaped framework members of D5 are coupled to an apex of an A-frame arrangement, the U-shaped framework members are fixed thereto and, as such, the framework members of D5 cannot be dropped to lie flat against the base members and is therefore not suitable for unobstructed use as a day bed.

[18] Similarly, the U-shaped framework members of D6 are pivotally affixed to the apex of the A- frame which therefore cannot entirely dropping netting, even when pivoted downwardly, thereby similarly not been suitable for unobstructed day bed use.

[19] According to one aspect, reconfigurable children's furniture comprises two opposing pairs of legs hingedly coupled at respective apexes to form a collapsible A-frame configuration; a pair of base portions hingedly coupled together at respective inner edges therebetween and pivotally coupled to lower ends of the legs at respective outer edges thereof such that the base portions can fold upwardly in a middle thereof when the legs are brought together; a pair of U-shaped framework members and netting, wherein the furniture is configurable in a: a day bed configuration wherein the pairs of legs are splayed apart such that the base portions span horizontally therebetween and the framework members attach flat against peripheries of the base portions; a cot configuration wherein the pairs of legs are splayed apart such that the base portions span horizontally therebetween and wherein the framework members are detached from the peripheries and are and raised thereabove to couple to the respective apexes to extend horizontally therefrom to define a horizontal cot rim from which the netting hangs vertically; and a stowed configuration wherein the pairs of legs are closed in together, the base portions are raised upwardly at the middle thereof and wherein the framework members separately attached flat against the respective peripheries of the base portions.

[20] Each base portion may define a raised edge and wherein a respective U-shaped framework member may be sized and shaped to fit within the raised edge.

[21] The furniture may further comprise cushioning sized and shaped to fit within U-shaped framework members when fitted within the raised edge.

[22] Upper surfaces of the raised edge, framework members and cushioning may be coplanar.

[23] Each base portion may define a peripheral channel configured for the recess of a respective framework member therein.

[24] The recess may have a depth such that upper surfaces of the framework members and the base portions may be coplanar.

[25] The framework members may separately connect to the apex.

[26] The netting may comprise two netting portions for each framework member and respective base portion.

[27] The furniture may further comprise a vertical fastener for respective inner fastening edges of the two netting portions together. [28] The base portions may be hingedly coupled by way of short span portions pivotally coupled at opposite ends thereof between inner respective edges of the base portions.

[29] The base portions define under channels for the respective short span portions, each channel defining an upper edge which jams across a top of a respective short span portion to hold the base portions horizontally.

[30] The furniture may further comprise gearing between the base portions to control the angle of the base portions with respect to the short span portions.

[31] The pairs of legs may be hingedly coupled by way of short span portions pivotally coupled at opposite ends thereof between respective upper ends of the pairs of legs.

[32] The furniture may further comprise gearing between respective upper edges of the pairs of legs to control the angle of the pairs of legs with respect to the short span portions.

[33] The furniture may further comprise a seat releasably connectable to the apexes.

[34] The seat may comprise a back portion, a seat portion and a leg portion and wherein the portions may be hingedly coupled such that the seat may be configurable in a feeding chair configuration wherein the back portion may be raised with respect to the seat portion and the leg portion may be lowered with respect to the seat portion and a change table configuration wherein the back portion may be lowered and the leg portion may be raised so as to each be substantially parallel with the seat portion.

[35] The furniture may further comprise trundle wheels at lower ends of at least one of the pairs of legs.

[36] According to another aspect, a method of reconfiguring children's furniture comprising two opposing pairs of legs hingedly coupled at respective apexes; a pair of base portions hingedly coupled together at respective inner edges therebetween and pivotally coupled to lower ends of the legs at outer edges thereof; a pair of U-shaped framework members and netting, comprises: splaying the legs apart such that the base portions span horizontally therebetween and attaching the framework members to peripheries of respective base portions to configure the furniture in a day bed configuration; separating the framework members from the peripheries and coupling the ends of the framework members to the apexes thereabove to extend horizontally therefrom to define a cot rim to hang netting vertically therefrom to configure the furniture in a cot configuration; and attaching the framework members flat against the respective peripheries of the base portions and closing the legs in together and raising the base portions at a middle thereof to configure the furniture in a stowed configuration.

[37] The furniture may further comprise a seat releasably connectable to the apexes, the seat comprising a back portion, a seat portion and a leg portion and wherein the portions are hingedly coupled together and wherein the method may further comprise raising the back portion with respect to the seat portion and lowering the leg portion with respect to the seat portion to configure the furniture in a feeding chair configuration and lowering the back portion with respect to the seat portion and raising the leg portion with respect to the seat portion such that the back and leg portions are both substantially parallel with the seat portion to configure the furniture in a change table configuration.

[38] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[39] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[40] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of reconfigurable children's furniture in accordance with an embodiment;

[41] Figure 2 shows the furniture configured in a change table configuration in accordance with an embodiment;

[42] Figure 3 shows the furniture configured in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment;

[43] Figure 4 shows the furniture configured in a day bed configuration in accordance with an embodiment;

[44] Figure 5 shows the furniture configured in a cot configuration in accordance with an embodiment;

[45] Figure 6 shows a rear elevation view of base framework of the furniture in accordance with an embodiment; and

[46] Figure 7 shows a side elevation view of the base framework of the furniture in accordance with an embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[47] Reconfigurable children's furniture 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises two opposing pairs of legs 101A and 101B hingedly coupled at an apexes 103.

[48] A pair of base portions 104, hingedly coupled together at inner edges thereof therebetween are pivotally coupled to lower ends of the legs 101 at respective outer edges thereof.

[49] The furniture 100 further comprises a pair of detachable U-shaped framework members 105 and netting 113. [50] The framework members 105 can either be connected to the apexes 103 as shown in Figure 5 or alternatively attached flat against peripheries of respective base portions 104 in the manner shown in Figures 1-4.

[51] The base portions 104 may be integrally formed from plastic and may be manufactured from an injection moulding process. The framework members 105 may be manufactured from plastic or alternatively lightweight aluminium tubes.

[52] The base portions 104 and the framework members 105 are configured such that each framework member 105 can be attached flat against a periphery of a respective base portion 104.

[53] Specifically, with reference to Figure 4, each base portion 104 may have a raised peripheral edge 114 within which the framework members 105 are shaped and sized to fit. In embodiments, padding portions 116 may locate within the framework members 105 such that the upper surfaces of the raised edge 114, framework members 105 and the cushioning members 116 are substantially coplanar for comfort for lying atop the manner described herein in a daybed configuration.

[54] Alternatively, the base portions 104 may define a peripheral recessed channel 115 within which the framework members 105 are recessed, similarly providing a flat upper surface for lying atop. The channel 115 may have a depth such that the upper edges of the framework members 105 and the base portions 104 coincide to provide a flat ergonomic surface.

[55] The furniture 100 is configurable in a stowed configuration shown in Figure 3 wherein the pairs of legs 101 are closed in together such that the base portion 104 is raised upwardly at a middle thereof and wherein the framework members are separately coupled against respective peripheries of the base portions 104 in the manner shown.

[56] The furniture 100 is further configurable in a day bed configuration is shown in Figure 4 wherein the pairs of legs 101 are splayed fully apart such that the base portions 104 span horizontally therebetween and the framework members 105 are attached flat against peripheries of respective base portion 104. As alluded to above, in a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the base portions 104 and the framework members 105 are coplanar to provide a flat surface for comfort for lying atop, either by comprising a raised edge 114 and inner cushioning members 116 retaining the framework members 105 therebetween or alternatively the base portions 104 having the recess to peripheral channel 105 having the framework members 105 therein.

[57] Figure 5 shows the furniture 100 further configurable in a cot configuration wherein the framework members are detached and separated from the peripheries of the respective base portions 104 and lifted to be connected to the apexes 103 to extend horizontally and outwardly therefrom to define a cot rim such that the netting hangs between the framework members 105 and the peripheries of the base portions 104. [58] In embodiments, the netting 113 may be permanently affixed between the framework members 105 in the base portions 104. In embodiments, the netting 113 comprises two separate portions each respectively coupled between a respective framework member 105 and corresponding base portion 104 including so as to allow the base portions 104 to separate a part in the stowed configuration of Figure 3. Furthermore, the two separate portions may be joined together by a vertical zip 117 or other type of faster in the cot configuration.

[59] The rearward pair of legs 101B may comprise a trundle when 118 to ease the opening and closing of the leg pairs.

[60] In embodiments, the base portion hinge may be formed by a short span portion 106 pivotally coupled at opposite ends thereof to the adjoining edges of the base portions 104. In this manner, when in the stowed configuration shown in Figure 3, the base portions 104 may lie substantially parallel with the legs 101. Furthermore, for this configuration, the framework members 105 are separated apart on each respectively spaced apart base portion 104 in the manner shown in Figure 3.

[61] In embodiments, respective ends of the framework members 105 may comprise male/female couplings (not shown) for fitting together for the cot configuration in the manner shown in Figure 5 and have a locking mechanism, such as detent and location aperture to prevent the framework members 105 from separating. The framework members 105 may either lock together and then engage a channel or similar locking mechanism of the apexes 103 or alternatively each engage separately to corresponding male/female connectors or similar locking mechanism of the apexes 103.

[62] As shown in Figure 1, the base portions 104 may comprise an under channel 119 at respective inner edges thereof within which the short span portion 106 is pivotally retained. The channel 119 may define an upper edge which jams against an upper surface of the short span portion 106 when the base portions 104 are horizontal, thereby holding the base portions 104 horizontally.

[63] In embodiments, the hinge mechanism of the apex 103 may similarly comprise a short span portion 107 pivotally coupled at opposite ends thereof to upper ends of the legs 101.

[64] In embodiments, the upper ends of the legs 101 comprise a gearing mesh (not shown) therebetween such that the opposing pairs of legs 101 retained to the short span portion 107 oppositely at the same angle to prevent wobbling and instability of the apex hinge. Similarly, in embodiments, inner edges of the base portions 104 may comprise a gearing mesh to similarly hold the base portions 104 to the short span portion 106 oppositely at the same angle to prevent wobbling and instability.

[65] In a preferred embodiment, the furniture 100 further comprises a seat 109 which may be supported by a cross bar 108 between each apex 103 for use in a feeding chair configuration as shown in Figure 1. In embodiments, the cross bar 108 and the seat portion 112 may be integrally formed. [66] The seat may define a back portion 110, seat portion 112 and leg portion 111. Cushioning and a three-way harness may be operably coupled thereto to comfortably secure an infant therein in use.

[67] The cross bar 108 may comprise an indentation to accommodate the seat portion 112 therein and such that the centre of gravity of the seat 112 lies just below the apex 103 for stability.

[68] The seat portions 110, 112 and 111 may be hingedly coupled together such that the back portion 112 may be lowered and the leg portion 111 raised such that the furniture 100 assumes a change table configuration as substantially shown in Figure 2 wherein the seat portions 110, 112 and 111 are substantially horizontal. A locking mechanism may hold the portions 110, 112 and 111 at the change table or feeding chair configurations.

[69] In the feeding chair configuration shown in Figure 1 or the change table configuration shown in Figure 2, the pairs of legs 101 may not be splayed apart as far as in the daybed or cot configurations shown respectively in Figures 4 and 5, providing a narrower base for convenience.

[70] Locking mechanisms may be provided between the pairs of legs 101 and the base portions 104 to lock the furniture 100 and at least one of the stowed configuration shown in Figure 3, the fully extended configuration shown in Figures 4 and 5 and the semi-extended configuration shown in Figure 1 and 2.

[71] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Flowever, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Reconfigurable children's furniture comprising two opposing pairs of legs hingedly coupled at respective apexes to form a collapsible A-frame configuration; a pair of base portions hingedly coupled together at respective inner edges therebetween and pivotally coupled to lower ends of the legs at respective outer edges thereof such that the base portions can fold upwardly in a middle thereof when the legs are brought together; a pair of U-shaped framework members and netting, wherein the furniture is configurable in a: a day bed configuration wherein the pairs of legs are splayed apart such that the base portions span horizontally therebetween and the framework members attach flat against peripheries of the base portions; a cot configuration wherein the pairs of legs are splayed apart such that the base portions span horizontally therebetween and wherein the framework members are detached from the peripheries and are and raised thereabove to couple to the respective apexes to extend horizontally therefrom to define a horizontal cot rim from which the netting hangs vertically; and a stowed configuration wherein the pairs of legs are closed in together, the base portions are raised upwardly at the middle thereof and wherein the framework members separately attached flat against the respective peripheries of the base portions.

2. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein each base portion defines a raised edge and wherein a respective U-shaped framework member is sized and shaped to fit within the raised edge.

3. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 2, further comprising cushioning sized and shaped to fit within U-shaped framework members when fitted within the raised edge.

4. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 3, wherein upper surfaces of the raised edge, framework members and cushioning are coplanar.

5. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein each base portion defines a peripheral channel configured for the recess of a respective framework member therein.

6. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 5, wherein the recess has a depth such that upper surfaces of the framework members and the base portions are coplanar.

7. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framework members separately connect to the apex.

8. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 7, wherein the netting comprises two netting portions for each framework member and respective base portion.

9. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a vertical fastener for respective inner fastening edges of the two netting portions together.

10. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base portions are hingedly coupled by way of short span portions pivotally coupled at opposite ends thereof between inner respective edges of the base portions.

11. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 10, wherein the base portions define under channels for the respective short span portions, each channel defining an upper edge which jams across a top of a respective short span portion to hold the base portions horizontally.

12. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 10, further comprising gearing between the base portions to control the angle of the base portions with respect to the short span portions.

13. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pairs of legs are hingedly coupled by way of short span portions pivotally coupled at opposite ends thereof between respective upper ends of the pairs of legs.

14. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 13, further comprising gearing between respective upper edges of the pairs of legs to control the angle of the pairs of legs with respect to the short span portions.

15. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a seat releasably connectable to the apexes.

16. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 15, wherein the seat comprises a back portion, a seat portion and a leg portion and wherein the portions are hingedly coupled such that the seat is configurable in a feeding chair configuration wherein the back portion is raised with respect to the seat portion and the leg portion is lowered with respect to the seat portion and a change table configuration wherein the back portion is lowered and the leg portion is raised so as to each be substantially parallel with the seat portion.

17. Reconfigurable children's furniture as claimed in claim 1, further comprising trundle wheels at lower ends of at least one of the pairs of legs.

18. A method of reconfiguring children's furniture comprising two opposing pairs of legs hingedly coupled at respective apexes; a pair of base portions hingedly coupled together at respective inner edges therebetween and pivotally coupled to lower ends of the legs at outer edges thereof; a pair of U-shaped framework members and netting, the method comprising: splaying the legs apart such that the base portions span horizontally therebetween and attaching the framework members to peripheries of respective base portions to configure the furniture in a day bed configuration; separating the framework members from the peripheries and coupling the ends of the framework members to the apexes thereabove to extend horizontally therefrom to define a cot rim to hang netting vertically therefrom to configure the furniture in a cot configuration; and attaching the framework members flat against the respective peripheries of the base portions and closing the legs in together and raising the base portions at a middle thereof to configure the furniture in a stowed configuration.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the furniture further comprises a seat releasably connectable to the apexes, the seat comprising a back portion, a seat portion and a leg portion and wherein the portions are hingedly coupled together and wherein the method further comprises raising the back portion with respect to the seat portion and lowering the leg portion with respect to the seat portion to configure the furniture in a feeding chair configuration and lowering the back portion with respect to the seat portion and raising the leg portion with respect to the seat portion such that the back and leg portions are both substantially parallel with the seat portion to configure the furniture in a change table configuration.