Fences – Panel – Hinged
Patent
1983-05-27
1984-12-04
Kundrat, Andrew V.
Fences
Panel
Hinged
5 99C, E04H 1716
Patent
active
044860080
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to elongated members constructed of links and more particularly but not exclusively to play enclosures for children, which play enclosures are constructed of links.
BACKGROUND ART
It is a disadvantage of known play enclosures and portable cots for children that they are not adaptable for several uses in that a play enclosure is a separate item to a cot and a child's swimming pool.
Accordingly there is considerable expense providing these items for children.
A still further disadvantage is that the abovementioned items are generally cumbersome and space consuming and therefore are not conveniently portable.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantages.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
There is disclosed herein a flexible link structure comprising a first and a second elongated member each formed of a plurality of pivotally connected links, the links being pivotally attached so as to be pivotable relative to each other about axes normal to the general direction of extension of the members, a plurality of rods extending between the first and second members so as to retain the members in a spaced generally parallel co-extensive relationship, said rods being arranged in a spaced generally parallel co-extensive relationship so as to extend generally normal to the members and wherein the links are provided with abutment faces which engage to prevent relative movement between adjacent links about said axes beyond a predetermined position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 schematically depicts a child's play enclosure;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the enclosure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation of a link employed in the play enclosure of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the link of FIG. 3.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The child's enclosure 10 schematically depicted is adapted for use as either a playpen, a bed or child's swimming pool. The enclosure 10 is formed by three rings 11 which are generally coaxial but vertically spaced and horizontally oriented. The rings 11 are joined by a plurality of rods 12 which hold the rings 11 in a spaced parallel relationship. Each of the rings 11 is formed of a plurality of links 13 which are pivotally coupled by pins 14. Additionally, the links 13 are provided with abutting faces which define when abutting a predetermined configuration so as to form the rings 11. The rods 12 extend through the links 13.
To enable the enclosure 10 to be used as a child's bed, a bed support 16 is coupled to the central ring 11 so as to support a mattress for the child. Additionally, the enclosure may be adapted as a child's swimming pool by providing a water right membrane 17 which covers the bottom of the enclosure 10 and extends partly upward of the sides of the enclosure 10. The sides of the membrane 17 would be supported by resilient strips 18 which extend upwardly to hook over the central ring 11.
Additionally, a shade cloth may be provided in the form of a sheet 19 which is attached to the upper portion of the enclosure 10 to thereby shade a child located in the enclosure 10.
It should be appreciated that the linked construction forming the rings 11 may also be used so as to provide any number of elongated members such as ladders and members for form work.
The above enclosure 10 is easily folded by uncoupling the links 13A and 13B which are coupled by means of a clip 29. Upon the clip 29 being removed, the links 13 may be pivoted about the pins 14 thereby enabling the enclosure 10 to be rolled up. As can be appreciated from the above description, independent of the linked construction use, the linked construction may easily be folded for ease of transportation. As, for example, a ladder constructed as above may be easily rolled up for transportation.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 wherein the link 13 is more fully depicted. Each link
REFERENCES:
patent: 112276 (1871-02-01), Peregoy
patent: 494073 (1893-03-01), Necker
patent: 2810554 (1957-10-01), Blazey
patent: 3216526 (1965-11-01), Cole
Arthur Edward Pty. Ltd.
Kundrat Andrew V.
Logan Donald Andrew
Sunlea Developments Pty. Ltd.
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