DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] See now to the specific disclosure of FIGS. 1 and 2 in greater detail, a rectangular frame 1 is provided, and comprises longitudinally extending segments 1a and 1b as well as laterally extending parallel rail segments 1c and 1d joined together at their adjacent end portions in conventional fashion.

[0008] A horizontally extending panel 3 is provided adjacent to the lateral frame element 1c to define an opening between its inner edge 3a and the opposite lateral frame member 1d.

[0009] In this opening of the frame, defined between the edge 3a of panel 3 and the lateral member 1d, is provided a hinged panel section 7 having one edge 7a provided alongside the edge 3a of the fixed panel 3, and maybe hinged thereto by a conventional piano hinge (not shown) or the equivalent. As shown a pivot pin 6 is provided in the longitudinal girders, 1a and 1b for pivotably supporting the lower end of the panel 7 as a result of providing openings (not shown) in the panel's side girders 7c and 7d.

[0010] The panel 7 includes longitudinally extending side members 7c and 7d that cooperate with the upper members 7b to support the panel 7, and these members 7c, 7d and 7b define a U-shaped sub-frame that fits within the opening defined by the fixed frame 1.

[0011] Still with reference to FIG. 1, the moveable U-shaped frame 7c, 7d and 7b is provided with a pair of adjustable support arms 8 that each include a locking element 9, such that elements 8 and 9 telescope to adjustably position the U-shaped frame in a range of angular positions relative to the horizontal frame. Preferably, element 9 defines a series of spaced panels that allow a ratcheting action on element 8 to allow the panel 7 to be held in any one of a plurality of angular positions. This ratcheting action may require lifting the panel 7 to the fully raised position before lowering it to the desired position.

[0012] Note that the side rails 7c (and 7d) include recesses for receiving the adjustable arm 8/9 when the panel 7 is provided within the horizontal frame 1 as described above.

[0013] Finally, a handle 10 may be provided on the U-shaped frame so as to facilitate raising and lowering this movable frame. Preferably, the arms 8/9 are designed to require that the U-shaped frame be raised to its upper limit position in order to disengage the locking element 9, and allow the frame to be moved downwardly. On the other hand, raising the U-shaped frame by means of the handle 10 can be carried out to achieve any desired angular position within the range.

[0014] In conclusion, and by way of summary, a conventional crib is provided with projecting pins of the like to support a conventional frame/spring structure of the type normally provided to receive a crib mattress. The present invention provides a replacement frame which includes recesses as shown at 11,11 to so receive such pins (not shown) as are normally provided in a conventional crib structure. It is a further feature of the present invention that the preferred construction material from which the panels are made is of plywood, in which case openings 4, might be provided as desired to lighten the overall structure, and to provide ventilation to the underside of a mattress placed on the frame panels of the present invention.

[0015] It is also possible to make the frame of the present invention from wood also. However, where desired, a metal frame might be adapted for use with panels of the time described in the proceeding paragraph.

[0016] Alternatively, the panels provided with a metal frame might be fabricated from a suitable synthetic polymeric material. Further, these panels might also comprise a combination of conventional flexible steel straps and/or springs as used in conventional one level mattress support structures generally.