Leveling Infant Bed

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/664,012, filed Jun. 25, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to infant beds and specifically to a leveling system for such beds to ensure a horizontal sleeping surface for infants.

In the field of infant care products, ensuring a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for infants is a primary concern. Traditional infant beds, such as cribs, bassinets, and play yards, often rely on static designs that do not account for variations in floor surfaces or assembly inconsistencies, which can result in a non-horizontal sleeping surface. This misalignment can pose safety risks, such as the potential for infants to roll into unsafe positions, and may also affect the infant's comfort during sleep.

There have been incidents related to controlling the position of a baby in a bassinet related to the flatness of the bassinet mattress surface. The flatness can be held to a reasonable horizontal level but not without some degree of variation caused by manufacturing processes and clearances needed for consumer assembly of the product. Consumer assembly is important to offer the user a cost effective product that can meet their needs. Attempting to control the flatness tolerances to zero degree horizontal with a very small margin of error (+/−1 degree) is extremely difficult given the demands of these type products.

Existing technologies in the domain of infant beds typically involve fixed frames and support surfaces that do not offer mechanisms for adjustment once assembled. While some designs may include basic manual leveling features, these are often cumbersome and lack precision, requiring caregivers to manually adjust the bed's position or use external leveling tools. Such manual adjustments can be time-consuming and may not achieve the desired level of accuracy, leading to persistent issues with maintaining a truly horizontal sleeping surface.

Moreover, the integration of electronic components in infant beds has been limited, with few systems incorporating automated adjustment mechanisms. Current solutions that do offer some form of automation are often complex, expensive, and not widely adopted due to their intricate designs and the need for specialized components. This complexity can deter consumers who seek straightforward, reliable solutions for infant care.

What is needed is a system that provides a reliable and efficient method for maintaining a horizontal sleeping surface for infants, addressing the limitations of existing technologies. Such a system would ideally incorporate both manual and automatic adjustment mechanisms, allowing for precise leveling of the support surface. The inclusion of electronic levels and controllers could facilitate real-time adjustments, ensuring the bed remains within a specified horizontal range. This would enhance both the safety and comfort of the infant, while also offering ease of use for caregivers.

For purposes of summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the apparatuses or methods claimed may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

In one aspect, the leveling infant bed system is configured to provide a horizontal support surface for infants, ensuring a stable and safe sleeping environment. The system comprises a frame, a support surface, a level, an adjustment mechanism, and a controller. The frame supports the support surface, which is maintained within a horizontal range of 0°+/−1°. The level, which may be a bubble or electronic type, indicates the horizontal status of the support surface, while the adjustment mechanism, which may include manual or motor-driven screws, adjusts the frame to maintain horizontality.

One object of the technology is to enhance the safety and comfort of infant sleeping arrangements by ensuring the support surface remains consistently horizontal. This is achieved through the integration of a controller that receives signals from the level and activates the adjustment mechanism to correct any deviations from the desired horizontal position. The system is adaptable to various frame types, including bassinets, cribs, and play yards, providing flexibility in application.

In an embodiment, the system includes an electronic level with a lighted display for visual confirmation of levelness, enhancing user interaction and feedback. The adjustment mechanism may incorporate motors, such as servo or stepper motors, to drive adjustment screws, allowing for precise and automated leveling. The controller processes input from the level and actuates the motors to achieve the desired horizontal alignment.

In yet another aspect, the system may include a sensor, such as an accelerometer, to detect horizontality and communicate with the controller. This configuration allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the support surface, ensuring continuous maintenance of the horizontal position. Additionally, a light display may be included to provide a visual indication of the support surface's level status, further aiding in user awareness and system functionality.

Yet another object of the technology is to provide a method for maintaining a horizontal support surface in a leveling infant bed system. This method involves mounting the support surface on a frame, attaching a level to indicate horizontality, and using an adjustment mechanism to maintain the desired position. The method further includes receiving signals from the level with a controller and activating the adjustment mechanism to adjust the support surface as needed. Optional features, such as a lighted display and sensor integration, enhance the method's effectiveness and user experience.

The various embodiments of the leveling infant bed and their advantages are best understood by referring toof the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the novel features and principles of operation. Throughout the drawings, like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

The present disclosure relates to a leveling infant bed system designed to provide a horizontal sleeping surface for infants, thereby enhancing safety and comfort. The system comprises several components, including a frame, a support surface, a level indicator, an adjustment mechanism, and a controller, each of which is described in detail below.

The frame is configured to support a support surface and may be selected from various types, including a bassinet frame, a crib frame, or a play yard frame. The frame serves as the structural foundation for the system, providing stability and support for the mounted support surface. The support surface is mounted on the frame and is configured to remain horizontal within a range of 0°+/−1° with respect to parallel. This configuration ensures that the support surface maintains a consistent horizontal alignment, which is critical for the safety and comfort of the infant.

A level indicator is attached to the frame and is configured to indicate whether the support surface is horizontal within the specified range. The level indicator may be a mechanical level or an electronic level, the latter comprising a lighted display for visual confirmation of levelness. The level indicator provides real-time feedback on the horizontal status of the support surface, enabling precise adjustments as needed.

The adjustment mechanism is responsible for adjusting the frame to maintain the support surface in a horizontal position. The adjustment mechanism may be either a manual adjustment mechanism or an automatic adjustment mechanism. In embodiments where the adjustment mechanism is manual, it may comprise adjustment screws that are manually operable. Alternatively, in automatic embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include motor-driven adjustment screws. The motors, which may be servo motors or stepper motors, are configured to drive the adjustment screws, facilitating precise and automated leveling of the support surface. The adjustment screws are designed to achieve a high degree of precision in maintaining the support surface within a tolerance of +/−1 degree. These screws may feature a fine pitch thread, which allows for incremental adjustments with minimal rotation. The fine pitch thread increases the mechanical advantage, thereby reducing the effort required to achieve the desired adjustment. Additionally, the screws may be fabricated from a material with low thermal expansion properties to ensure stability under varying temperature conditions. The screw heads may be equipped with a knurled surface or a hexagonal socket to facilitate manual operation or tool engagement, respectively. In automatic embodiments, the motor-driven screws may incorporate feedback sensors, such as encoders, to provide real-time position data, enabling precise control over the adjustment process.

In embodiments featuring an automatic adjustment mechanism, the system further comprises a controller configured to receive signals from the level indicator and activate the adjustment mechanism to adjust the support surface to a horizontal position. The controller processes input from the level indicator and actuates the motors to achieve the desired horizontal alignment. This automated process ensures that the support surface remains within the specified horizontal range, even in the presence of external factors such as uneven floor surfaces or assembly inconsistencies.

The system may also include a sensor configured to detect horizontality and communicate with the controller. The sensor, which may be an accelerometer, provides additional data on the orientation of the support surface, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment. Additionally, a light display may be included to provide a visual indication of the support surface's level status, further aiding in user awareness and system functionality.

The leveling infant bed system is adaptable to various frame types and configurations, providing flexibility in application. It addresses the challenges of maintaining a horizontal sleeping surface within a tight tolerance range, considering manufacturing variations and consumer assembly requirements. The integration of both manual and automatic adjustment mechanisms, along with electronic components, offers a reliable and efficient solution for maintaining a horizontal sleeping surface for infants.

shows one exemplary embodiment of a leveling infant bed system, which in this case is a bassinet system, comprising a framewhich includes a support arm. A vertical memberextends down from the upper portion of the support arm. Attached to the vertical memberis a bassinetcomprising a support surface, typically on which a mattress or pad is laid. The bassinet is attached to the vertical memberso that the support surface is maintained substantially perpendicular with respect to the vertical member. The bassinetmay be enclosed with soft goods. In this embodiment, a level indicatoris associated with the framein such a manner as to accurately indicate whether the support surface is level, or horizontal. Preferably, levelis configured to indicate horizontal to 0°+/−1°, and preferably within 0°+/−0.5°, with respect to parallel. At the bottom of the vertical memberan adjustment mechanismis mounted. Although, not depicted in this figure, another adjustment mechanism is located on the opposite end of the frame. The adjustment mechanisms, which may be screws, extend from a vertical portionof the frameto just beyond the vertical memberssuch that turning the screwsadjusts the angle of the vertical membersand, therefore, adjusts the angle of the support surface. The screwsare configured to allow minute angle adjustments such that the support surfacemay be maintained at horizontal within a range of 0°+/−1°, and preferably within 0°+/−0.5°.

shows another exemplary embodiment of a leveling infant bed system, which in this example, is a bassinet. The systemcomprises a framefor supporting a support surface(not shown infor clarity). In this embodiment, a support surfaceis mounted to a lower portionof the framesuch that the support surfaceis substantially perpendicular to vertical membersof the frame. In this case, vertical memberscomprise adjustment mechanismswhich may be adjustment screws. Mounted to the lower portionof the frame is level indicator, which in this example is an electronic sensor, which may be an accelerometer. The sensoris mounted to the frame and is configured to detect whether the support surfaceis horizontal, within a range of 0°+/−1°, and preferably within 0°+/−0.5°. The sensormay be in communication with a light displaywhich visually indicates whether the support surfaceis horizontal within a range of 0°+/−1°, and preferably within 0°+/−0.5°. The sensorand the lighted display, together is considered herein an electronic level. The support surfacemay be maintained at horizontal using the vertical adjustment mechanisms, which may be screws, are configured such that turning the screwsadjusts the angle of the lower portionof the frameand, therefore, adjusts the angle of the support surface. The screwsare configured to allow minute angle adjustments such that the support surfacemay be maintained at horizontal within a range of 0°+/−1°, and preferably within 0°+/−0.5°.

Yet another embodiment is depicted in, wherein in this case infant bed system′. The system′ comprises a framefor supporting a support surface(not shown for clarity). In this embodiment, the support surfaceis mounted to a lower portion of the framesuch that the support surfaceis substantially perpendicular to vertical membersof the frame. In this case, vertical memberscomprise adjustment mechanismswhich may be adjustment screws. Mounted to the lower portion of the frame is an electronic sensor, which may be an accelerometer. The sensoris mounted to the frame and is configured to detect whether the support surfaceis horizontal, within a range of 0°+/−1°, and preferably within 0°+/−0.5°. The sensormay be in communication with a light displaywhich visually indicates whether the support surfaceis horizontal within a range of 0°+/−1°, and preferably within 0°+/−0.5°. The sensorand the lighted display, together is considered herein an electronic level. The sensoris responsive to a controller. Additionally, adjustment mechanisms, comprise screws driven by motorsboth of which are controlled by the controller. Accordingly, when the sensordetects the support surfaceis not within 0°+/−1° with respect to parallel, it sends a signal to the controllerwhich energizes the motorsto turn the screwsin the direction appropriate to return the support surfaceto 0°+/−1°.

shows another exemplary embodiment of a leveling infant bed system, which in this case is a bassinet system, comprising a framewhich includes a support arm. A vertical memberextends down from the upper portion of the support arm. Attached to the vertical memberis a bassinetframe for supporting a support surface(not shown in). The bassinet is attached to the vertical memberso that the support surfaceis maintained substantially perpendicular with respect to the vertical member. The bassinet framecomprises vertical frame members. The support surfaceis mounted to a lower portionof the framesuch that the support surfaceis substantially perpendicular to vertical membersof the frame. In this case, vertical memberscomprise adjustment mechanisms which may be adjustment screws. Mounted to the lower portion of the frame is an electronic sensor(not shown), which may be an accelerometer. The sensoris mounted to the frameand is configured to detect whether the support surfaceis horizontal, within a range of 0°+/−1°, and preferably within 0°+/−0.5°. The sensoris responsive to a controller. Additionally, adjustment mechanisms, comprise screws driven by motorsboth of which are controlled by the controller. Accordingly, when the sensordetects the support surfaceis not within 0°+/−1° with respect to parallel, it sends a signal to the controllerwhich energizes the motorsto turn the screwsin the direction appropriate to return the support surfaceto 0°+/−1°.

Turning now to, an example of a bassinet frameadapted to maintain the support surfacewithin 0°+/−1° with respect to parallel is shown. The bassinet frameis adapted so that the bassinet may be raised or lowered (compare), and the support surfacemay be lowered with respect to the frameto form a play yard (illustrated in). Bassinet framefeatures an upper surrounding framefrom which soft goods are to be suspended. Upper frameis supported by first and second vertical supportslocated at either end of the frame. Vertical supportsare each slidably engaged with respective bracketsattached to horizontal frame membersof lower frame. Extending downward from each bracketis a vertical tube memberwithin which vertical supportsare slidably inserted.shows vertical tube membersare configured with a series of vertically aligned holeson a side thereof. There may also be holes defined in the opposite side of the tube members. Tube membersare also configured with vertical slotdefined in the inward-facing surfaces thereof.

illustrates how the sleep support surfaceis associated with the bassinet frame. A support frame is formed from two horizontal frame membersthat engage with vertical slides. As shown in, vertical slidesare slidably engaged with respective tube members. Vertical slidesare further configured with horizontal tubesdimensioned to receive respective ends of horizontal frame members. Horizontal tubesare formed on vertical slidesto be within 0°+/−1° with respect to parallel such that when the horizontal frame membersinserted in the tubesand the support surfaceis mounted on the frame members, the support surface is maintained within 0°+/−1° with respect to parallel.

is a cross-section of the bassinet framedepicting engagement of the slidewith the vertical tube memberwithin which is slidably inserted vertical support. Vertical supportencloses a linkage housingconfigured to support linkage for extending and withdrawing an engagement pin. Engagement pinis dimensioned to be inserted in the vertically aligned holesfor vertically adjusting and positioning the bassinet. At the lower portion of the vertical support is a shoulder. Pinis connected by linkage to controls housed in upper brackets (:) whereby operation of the controls disengages or engages the pin(s)in the vertically aligned holes.

In the inward surface of the vertical supporta notch is defined. The slideis configured with a toggle switchhaving a pawlextending outwardly from an upper end thereof. The toggle switchmay be configured such that the pawlis biased outward. The inward surface of the slidecomprises a holefor receiving the pawl. The holeand the notchare vertically aligned with the vertical slotdefined in the vertical tube member. When the support surfaceis in bassinet configuration, the pawlis allowed to be engaged with the notchin the vertical support member. The height of the bassinet may be adjusted, as described above, without disengaging the pawlbecause the pawlis allowed to slide within the vertical slotin the tube member.

The support surfacemay be placed in a play yard configuration as shown in. In, the lower end of the toggle switchmay be depressed, rotating the pawland withdrawing it from the notchand from the slot. The slide/support surfaceis released and may be allowed to descend. As the slide slides down the tube member, the pawlengages shoulderwhich forces the pawl to rotate further inward and disengage from the notchand the slot. Thereafter, the slidemay be allowed to slide downward along the tube memberas shown in. In, the slideis at the bottom of the tube member, stopped at the bottom by an end capin the lower end of the tube member.

illustrate another embodiment of a bassinet frame′ adapted to maintain the support surfacewithin 0°+/−1° with respect to parallel. In this embodiment, the lower frameprovides support for a bracketwhich supports vertical tube member. The bassinet is comprised of upperand lower 301 frame sections. The upper frame sectionis configured with a downward extending vertical memberand the lower frame sectionis configured with an upward extending vertical member. A support surfaceis supported by the lower frame section. The upper and lower frame sections,are enclosed in soft goods.

The upward extending vertical memberis configured to extend from the lower frame sectionperpendicular, i.e., 90°+/−1° with respect to parallel such that when the upward extending vertical member is maintained substantially vertically, the support surfaceis maintained within 0°+/−1° with respect to parallel. The two vertical members are slidably engaged with the tube member. The tube memberis held in a substantially perpendicular orientation of 90°+/−1° with respect to parallel.

In bassinet configuration, the downward extending vertical memberis connected to the upward extending vertical member. This embodiment features positioning pinsattached to the lower frame sectionand biased to extend laterally outward to holes defined in the laterally inward surfaces of lower vertical frame members. The holes (not shown) are defined in the vertical frame membersuch that they are horizontally aligned with each other within 0°+/−1° of each other with respect to parallel. Consequently, when the pinsare engaged with the holes, the support surfaceis maintained at 0°+/−1° with respect to parallel.shows the bassinet frame′ in a bassinet configuration and the pinsengaged with another set of horizontally aligned holes (within 0°+/−1° of each other) in a lower position on the vertical frame members.illustrates the bassinet frame′ in a play yard configuration where the downward extending vertical memberis disconnected from the upward extending vertical memberand the pinsare engaged with holes in defined in the lower portions of the vertical frame members. The soft goodsare expandable, dimensioned to enclose the frame′ when it is in a play yard configuration.

shows a further embodiment of the bassinet frameofand an adjustment strapattached at one end to the upper frameand support surfacehorizontal frame. Strapmay comprise a buckle which permits a user to make adjustments to the length of strapin order to help maintain the support surfaceat 0°+/−1°. A plurality of strapsmay be added to other parts of the frame. For example, four strapscould be attached between the upper frameand the support surfacehorizontal frameat the respective corners thereof. Alternatively, four strapscould be attached between the upper frameand the support surfacehorizontal frameat the respective sides and ends of the frames providing greater control over the orientation of the support surface.

As described above and shown in the associated drawings, the description is directed to a leveling infant bed. While particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood, however, that any invention appertaining to the apparatus/system/method described is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. It is, therefore, contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications that incorporate those features or those improvements that embody the spirit and scope of the invention.