Telescoping Crib

Abstract

A crib includes a configurable side with an adjustable height. In a first mode of operation, the configurable side extends to a height that prevents a child from climbing over the side. In a second mode of operation, the configurable side retracts to a lower height that provides a person with easier access into the crib to attend to the child. In general, the configurable side enables multiple modes of operation that provide convenient access while maintaining safety.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A crib assembly comprising:
 an upper moveable section having a first upper transverse rail, a second upper transverse rail, and a plurality of upper vertical supports, the first upper transverse rail being disposed above the second upper transverse rail, the plurality of upper vertical supports spanning a distance between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail;   a lower fixed section having a first lower transverse rail, a second lower transverse rail, and a plurality of lower vertical supports, the first lower transverse rail being disposed above the second lower transverse rail, the plurality of lower vertical supports spanning a distance between the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail; and   a holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section;   wherein the second upper transverse rail is disposed between the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail, the lower vertical supports are guided through the second upper transverse rail by a plurality of apertures within the second upper transverse rail, the first lower transverse rail is disposed between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail, and the upper vertical supports are guided through the first lower transverse rail by a plurality of apertures within the first lower transverse rail.   
     
     
         2 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the lower vertical supports and engages the upper moveable section. 
     
     
         3 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising four corner posts wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the corner posts and engages the upper moveable section. 
     
     
         4 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a second holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section. 
     
     
         5 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the holding mechanism includes a latch having an aperture that receives a fastener, the fastener fastening the latch to the upper moveable section, and the fastener interferes with operation of the latch when the fastener is not fully positioned against the latch. 
     
     
         6 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the upper moveable section and the lower fixed section are substantially formed from wood. 
     
     
         7 . A crib assembly comprising:
 a lower fixed section having a first lower transverse rail, a second lower transverse rail, and a plurality of lower vertical supports, the plurality of lower vertical supports spanning a distance between the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail;   an upper moveable section having an upper transverse rail and a plurality of upper vertical supports, the plurality of upper vertical supports extending downward from the upper transverse rail to engage the lower fixed section; and   a holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section;   wherein the first lower transverse rail is disposed between the upper transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail.   
     
     
         8 . The crib assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the first lower transverse rail includes a plurality of apertures, the upper vertical supports being guided through the first lower transverse rail by a plurality of apertures. 
     
     
         9 . The crib assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the lower vertical supports comprise a cavity configured to telescopingly receive the upper vertical supports and the upper vertical supports are slidably received therein. 
     
     
         10 . The crib assembly of  claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the lower vertical supports and engages the upper moveable section. 
     
     
         11 . The crib assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising four corner posts wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the corner posts and engages the upper moveable section. 
     
     
         12 . The crib assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising a second holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section. 
     
     
         13 . The crib assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the holding mechanism includes a latch having an aperture that receives a fastener, the fastener fastening the latch to the upper moveable section, and the fastener interferes with operation of the latch when the fastener is not fully positioned against the latch. 
     
     
         14 . The crib assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the upper moveable section and the lower fixed section are substantially formed from wood. 
     
     
         15 . A crib assembly comprising:
 an upper moveable section having a first upper transverse rail, a second upper transverse rail, and a vertical panel therebetween;   a lower fixed section having a lower transverse rail and a plurality of vertical supports extending therefrom and engaging the upper moveable section; and   a holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section;   wherein the second upper transverse rail is disposed between the first upper transverse rail and the lower transverse rail and the plurality of vertical supports are guided through the second upper transverse rail by a plurality of apertures within the second upper transverse rail.   
     
     
         16 . The crib assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising a second vertical panel opposite the vertical panel and spanning a distance between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail, wherein the first upper transverse rail, the second upper transverse rail, the vertical panel, and the second vertical panel define a cavity. 
     
     
         17 . The crib assembly of  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the lower vertical supports and engages the upper moveable section. 
     
     
         18 . The crib assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising four corner posts wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the corner posts and engages the upper moveable section. 
     
     
         19 . The crib assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising a second holding mechanism configured to releaseably hold the upper moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section. 
     
     
         20 . The crib assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the holding mechanism includes a latch having an aperture that receives a fastener, the fastener fastening the latch to the upper moveable section, and the fastener interferes with operation of the latch when the fastener is not fully positioned against the latch.