Telescoping crib

Abstract

According to aspects of the present disclosure, 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. According to one embodiment, a crib assembly includes a moveable section, a fixed section, and a holding mechanism. The holding mechanism is configured to releasably hold the moveable section in a position relative to the fixed section. The moveable section includes a plurality of vertical supports that are disposed within a passageway of the fixed section.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A crib assembly comprising:
 a 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, the first lower transverse rail and the lower vertical supports having a passageway configured to receive a plurality of upper vertical supports;   a moveable section having a first upper transverse rail and the plurality of upper vertical supports, the plurality of upper vertical supports extending in a direction from the first upper transverse rail; and   a holding mechanism configured to releasably hold the moveable section in a position relative to the fixed section;   wherein the first lower transverse rail is disposed between the first upper transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail, wherein the second lower transverse rail is disposed nearer a floor surface than the first lower transverse rail and wherein at least a portion of the upper vertical supports are disposed within the passageway.   
     
     
         2 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the position relative to the fixed section is a retracted position. 
     
     
         3 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the upper vertical supports and the lower vertical supports are substantially formed from wood. 
     
     
         4 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the passageway extends through the second lower transverse rail and wherein an end of the upper vertical supports opposite the first upper transverse rail is disposed below the second lower transverse rail when the upper moveable section is in a retracted position. 
     
     
         5 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the moveable section further includes a second upper transverse rail, the plurality of upper vertical supports extending between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail, and wherein the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail are disposed between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail. 
     
     
         6 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a front panel extending from a front side of the second lower transverse rail away from the first lower transverse rail; and   a rear panel extending from a rear side of the second lower transverse rail away from the first lower transverse rail, the front panel and the rear panel forming a passageway therebetween that allows one-dimensional movement of the upper vertical supports.   
     
     
         7 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a second holding mechanism configured to releasably hold the moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section. 
     
     
         8 . The crib assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising two corner posts disposed at opposite ends of the first upper transverse rail, wherein at least a portion of the holding mechanism is disposed on one of the corner posts. 
     
     
         9 . A crib assembly comprising:
 a moveable section having a first upper transverse rail, a second upper transverse rail, and a plurality of vertical supports, the first upper transverse rail being disposed above the second upper transverse rail, the plurality of vertical supports spanning a distance between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail;   a first lower transverse rail including a first plurality of passageways, each of the first plurality of passageways configured to receive a respective one of the vertical supports therethrough,   a second lower transverse rail disposed below the first lower transverse rail, the second lower transverse rail including a second plurality of passageways, each of the second plurality of passageways configured to receive a respective one of the vertical supports therethrough; and   a holding mechanism configured to releasably hold the moveable section in a position relative to the first lower transverse rail;   wherein both the first lower transverse rail and the second lower transverse rail are disposed between the first upper transverse rail and the second upper transverse rail.   
     
     
         10 . The crib assembly of  claim 9 , 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 moveable section. 
     
     
         11 . The crib assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising a second holding mechanism configured to releasably hold the moveable section in a position relative to the lower fixed section. 
     
     
         12 . The crib assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the holding mechanism includes a latch having a passageway that receives a fastener, the fastener fastening the latch to the moveable section, and the fastener interferes with operation of the latch when the fastener is not fully positioned against the latch. 
     
     
         13 . The crib assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the vertical supports and at least one of the first lower transverse rail or the second lower transverse rail are substantially formed from wood. 
     
     
         14 . The crib assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a front panel extending from a front side of the second lower transverse rail toward the second upper transverse rail; and   a rear panel extending from a rear side of the second lower transverse rail toward the second upper transverse rail, the front panel and the rear panel forming a passageway therebetween that allows one-dimensional movement of the second lower transverse rail.   
     
     
         15 . A crib assembly comprising:
 a moveable section having an upper transverse rail and a plurality of vertical supports, the plurality of vertical supports extending from the first upper transverse rail in a vertical direction;   a first lower transverse rail including a first plurality of passageways, each of the first plurality of passageways configured to receive a respective one of the vertical supports therethrough,   a compartment including a vertical front panel, a vertical rear panel and a second lower transverse rail extending between the vertical front panel and the vertical rear panel, the vertical front panel, the vertical rear panel, and the second lower transverse rail defining a cavity, the second lower transverse rail including a second plurality of passageways, each of the second plurality of passageways configured to receive a respective one of the vertical supports therethrough; and   a holding mechanism configured to releasably hold the moveable section in a position relative to the lower transverse rail,   wherein the first upper transverse rail is disposed above the first lower transverse rail and the compartment is disposed below the first lower transverse rail.   
     
     
         16 . The crib assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the first plurality of passageways and the second plurality of passageways telescopingly receive the vertical supports, the cavity receiving an end of the vertical supports distal the upper transverse rail. 
     
     
         17 . 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 moveable section. 
     
     
         18 . The crib assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising a second holding mechanism configured to releasably hold the moveable section in a position relative to the lower transverse rail. 
     
     
         19 . The crib assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the holding mechanism includes a latch having a passageway that receives a fastener, the fastener fastening the latch to the moveable section, and the fastener interferes with operation of the latch when the fastener is not fully positioned against the latch. 
     
     
         20 . The crib assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the vertical supports and at least one of the first lower transverse rail or the second lower transverse rail are substantially formed from wood.