US3837019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular cradle-like structure
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-03-12
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Granted: 1974-09-24
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Expires: 1993-03-12
Abstract
Abstract A modular cradle-like structure in which a frame, detachably built up from tubular members and socketed couplings, and having bowed triangular ends joined in spaced parallel alignment by spacers connecting aligned sides of said triangles at approximately their mid-points, provides suspending means for a unitary body support, said body support being formed of flexible sheet material having generally traingular end pockets for engagement with upwardly oriented apexes of said triangular ends, and means along opposed edges intermediate said pockets for detachably securing the same to the two upwardly oriented spacers. Whether produced as a small, infant cradle device, or a large adult camping or emergency sleeping unit the modular construction of the frame and flexible body support permits stowing of the disassembled parts in a minimum of space.
Inventors
- 👤 J Hoff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 14:03
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C17/00; A47C17/64; A47D; A47D9/00; A47D9/005; A47D9/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A modular cradle-like structure comprising a frame built up from elongated tubular members having limited axial flexibility and rigid socketed coupling members slidably receiving said tubular members, said frame comprising essentially triangular ends joined in spaced parallel alignment by spacers connecting aligned sides of said triangles at approximately their midpoints, said triangular ends each comprising three tubular members of equal length and trans-axially flexed to a bowed contour as engaged by said rigid socketed coupling members, said frame providing suspending means for a unitary body support, said body support comprising an elongated sheet of flexible material having generally triangular pockets at opposed ends thereof for engagement with upwardly oriented apexes of said triangular ends and extending substantially to the mid-points of the tubular members forming said apexes, and means along opposed side edges intermediate said pocketed ends for detachably securing the same to the two upwardly oriented spacers of said frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A modular cradle-like structure comprising a frame built up from elongated tubular members having limited axial flexibility and rigid socketed coupling members slidably receiving said tubular members, said frame comprising essentially triangular ends joined in spaced parallel alignment by spacers connecting aligned sides of said triangles at approximately their midpoints, said triangular ends each comprising three tubular members of equal length and trans-axially flexed to a bowed contour as engaged by said rigid socketed coupling members, said frame providing suspending means for a unitary body support, said body support comprising an elongated sheet of flexible material having generally triangular pockets at opposed ends thereof for engagement with upwardly oriented apexes of said triangular ends and extending substantially to the mid-points of the tubular members forming said apexes, and means along opposed side edges intermediate said pocketed ends for detachably securing the same to the two upwardly oriented spacers of said frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said rigid socketed couplings are selected from the class consisting of ell, tee and straight pipe couplings having sockets closely and slidably engaging said tubular members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 2 wherein the use of ell couplings at the apexes of said triangular ends imparts the bowed contour to said ends.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 2 wherein the use of tee couplings centrally of each side of each of said triangular ends positions and orients said spacers with respect thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 2 wherein the use of at least one straight coupling intermediate the ends of each spacer serves to reduce the overall length of the disassembled parts of said structure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 2 wherein selected couplings and tubular members are fixedly secured together by inward offsetting of the material of the socket portion of said coupling while in engagement with said tubular member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
103 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 2 wherein each side of each triangular end comprises two tubular members of substantially equal length mounted in the aligned sockets of a tee coupling and an ell coupling at one end of said assemblage, said couplings being rigidly secured to said tubular members to dispose the axies of the unoccupied sockets of said tee and ell couplings at right angles to each other, whereby joining together any three sides assemblages imparts a bowed contour to said triangular end, and orients the unoccupied sockets of said tee couplings at the same side of said end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 7 wherein the three side assemblages of a triangular end are pivotally joined together by three links having a common pivot axis centrally of said triangle and each pivotally coupled with the tee coupling of one of said side assemblages.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the pockets at opposed ends of said body support are disposed at the upper surface thereof disposing the main panel of the body support outwardly of said ends as the pockets engage the apexes thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 9 wherein the central portion of said body support when assembled to said frame is relatively taut, while yielding to the weight of a body therein, and the assembled structure is adapted for use as a sleeping facility.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
A modular cradle-like structure as defined in claim 9 wherein the central portion of said body support when assembled to said frame is substantially downwardly bowed and waterproofed, and the assembled structure is adapted for use as a bathing facility.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-23 | 1978-03-25 | 1978-09-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-23 | 1982-03-25 | 1982-09-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-23 | 1986-03-25 | 1986-09-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |