Top frame of crib and method for folding the top frame

Abstract

The top frame of a crib includes a locking unit pivotably connected between first and second ends of a first side of the top frame. A pivotal unit is pivotably connected between first and second ends of a second side of the top frame. The locking unit securely connects the first and second ends of the first side, while the pivotal unit is only pivotably connected between the first and second ends of the second side and cannot secure the first and second ends of the second side. The top frame is folded by releasing the locking unit only. This is convenient for the user who has one hand holding the baby and uses the other hand to fold the top frame of the crib.

1 . A top frame of a crib, comprising:
 a rectangular top frame having a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, the first side and the second side extending toward the same direction, the first side having a first end and a second end, the second side having a first end and a second end, a locking unit pivotably connected between the first and second ends of the first side, a non-locking pivotal unit pivotably connected between the first and second ends of the second side, the locking unit releasably locking the first and second ends of the first side.   
     
     
         2 . The top frame as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the locking unit comprises a body which has two side panels extending from two sides of the connection section, a space is defined between the two side panels, two engaging members are located in the space and respectively and pivotably connected to the two side panels by two respective first pins, the two engaging members each having a support section extending along a first direction, the two engaging members each having a connection part extending along a second direction, the two respective connection parts are engaged with each other in a protrusion-recess way, the connection part of one of the engaging members has a pivot, the connection part of the other one of the engaging members has elongate hole in which the pivot is inserted, each of the two engaging members has a press section extending along a third direction, a resilient member located between the two respective support portions of the two engaging members, two end members are respectively connected to the first end and the second end of the first side, each of the two end members has a notch with which the support portion corresponding thereto is engaged, two second pins respectively extend through the side panels, the first end, the second end and the end members. 
     
     
         3 . The top frame as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein each of the support portions has a rib extending from a top thereof and each of the end members has a groove defined in an inner periphery the notch, the rib is engaged with the groove. 
     
     
         4 . The top frame as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein each of the engaging members has a hook portion extending toward the first direction from a distal end of the press section. 
     
     
         5 . The top frame as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the body has a case mounted thereto and the case has a button extending from an inner end thereof, the button has two hooks on two sides thereof, the two hooks contact the protrusions on two sides of the inner end of the case, the button has two push portions which are located corresponding to the press sections of the engaging members. 
     
     
         6 . A method for folding the top frame of a crib, comprising:
 installing a locking unit which is pivotably connected between first and second ends of a first side of the top frame; and installing a non-locking pivotal unit which is pivotably connected between first and second ends of a second side of the top frame, the locking unit releasably locking the first and second ends of the first side, and the top frame being folded by releasing the locking unit.   
     
     
         7 . The method as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the locking unit comprises a body which has two side panels extending from two sides of the connection section, a space is defined between the two side panels, two engaging members are located in the space and respectively and pivotably connected to the two side panels by two respective first pins, the two engaging members each having a support section extending along a first direction, the two engaging members each having a connection part extending along a second direction, the two respective connection parts are engaged with each other in a protrusion-recess way, the connection part of one of the engaging members has a pivot, the connection part of the other one of the engaging members has an elongate hole in which the pivot is inserted, each of the two engaging members has a press section extending along a third direction, a resilient member located between the two respective support portions of the two engaging members, two end members are respectively connected to the first end and the second end of the first side, each of the two end members has a notch with which the support portion corresponding thereto is engaged, two second pins respectively extend through the side panels, the first end, the second end and the end members. 
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein each of the support portions has a rib extending from a top thereof and each of the end members has a groove defined in an inner periphery the notch, the rib is engaged with the groove. 
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein each of the engaging members has a hook portion extending toward the first direction from a distal end of the press section. 
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the body has a case mounted thereto and the case has a button extending from an inner end thereof, the button has two hooks on two sides thereof, the two hooks contact the protrusions on two sides of the inner end of the case, the button has two push portions which are located corresponding to the press sections of the engaging members.