U.S. patent application number 12/995260 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for cots for babies.
This patent application is currently assigned to BEDNEST LIMITED. Invention is credited to Andrew J. Clift, James W. Reeves, Martin P. Riddiford.
Application Number | 20110113549 12/995260 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39637970 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110113549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Riddiford; Martin P. ; et
al. |
May 19, 2011 |
COTS FOR BABIES
Abstract
A cot is designed to be used positioned against the side of a
parent bed. A folding leg arrangement enables the height of the cot
sleeping base to be matched with the parent bed. The leg
arrangement uses support struts and sliding connections to the cot
support base to maintain its footprint at all heights. The end
walls and side walls are all foldable relative to the sleeping
base. The cot can be folded flat by folding the side walls onto the
base and the end walls in on top of them. The leg arrangement can
also fold flat. One side wall can be folded out to lie on the
adjacent parent bed, bridging the gap. It can also be folded at
half height to provide partial access when upright, or a shorter
bridge when folded out.
Inventors: |
Riddiford; Martin P.;
(London, GB) ; Clift; Andrew J.; (London, GB)
; Reeves; James W.; (Twyford, GB) |
Assignee: |
BEDNEST LIMITED
Bridport, Dorset
GB
|
Family ID: |
39637970 |
Appl. No.: |
12/995260 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
May 29, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2009/001358 |
371 Date: |
January 20, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/95 ; 5/100;
5/110; 5/98.1; 5/99.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 7/04 20130101; A47D
7/02 20130101; A47D 9/005 20130101; A47D 7/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/95 ; 5/100;
5/98.1; 5/99.1; 5/110 |
International
Class: |
A47D 7/04 20060101
A47D007/04; A47D 7/02 20060101 A47D007/02; A47D 7/01 20060101
A47D007/01; A47C 17/00 20060101 A47C017/00; A47C 17/68 20060101
A47C017/68 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 30, 2008 |
GB |
0809981.4 |
Claims
1. A cot suitable for use positioned adjacent the side of a parent
bed, the cot comprising a sleeping base to be positioned
substantially level with the parent bed, and having a side wall
mounted pivotably at or adjacent the sleeping base level so that it
can be pivoted outwardly and down to lie on the parent bed.
2. A cot according to claim 1 including a stand with an extensible
leg arrangement adjustable in height.
3. A cot according to claim 1 comprising securement means for
holding it against the side of a parent bed in use.
4. A cot according to claim 1 in which said side wall is itself
foldable along a fold line extending along the side wall at an
intermediate height thereof so that a top portion of the side wall
can be folded down.
5. A cot according to claim 1 comprising a release mechanism at the
bottom of said side wall which is adjustable, by lifting the side
wall, from a locked condition in which the mechanism holds the side
wall upright to a released condition in which the side wall can be
pivoted down and outwardly.
6. A cot according to claim 5 in which said release mechanism
comprises first and second interfitting components on respective
ones of the side wall and adjacent structures of the cot, one said
component having an upright slot cross-section with a mouth, and
the other having a rigid bar mounted pivotally and projecting into
the mouth of the upright slot, wherein in the released condition
the bar is aligned with the operational pivot axis of the side wall
while in the locked condition the bar extends transversely to that
axis, the bar being pivoted between the transverse and aligned
orientations by said lifting of the side wall.
7. A cot according to claim 1 in which said side wall has a fabric
covering.
8. A cot according to claim 1 in which said side wall comprises one
or more rigid frame elements defining one or more openings occupied
by flexible fabric material.
9. A cot according to claim 1 having a support base which is the
sleeping base, or on which the sleeping base may rest, the support
base having first and second extensible leg arrangements
respectively at first and second ends thereof, each extensible leg
arrangement comprising a main leg member and a support strut, the
main leg member having at its lower end a transversely-extending
foot, and at its top end being connected to the support base at a
pivot connection which is longitudinally slidable along a track of
the support base and lockable at a selected position on the track,
corresponding to a desired height, the support strut having a lower
end connected pivotally to the main leg member at an intermediate
point thereof, and an upper end connected to the support base at a
fixed pivot proximal to the respective end of the support base.
10. A cot according to claim 9 in which the main leg members and
support struts are shaped such that the leg arrangements can be
folded flat against the support base without mutual superimposition
of the main leg members or support struts, the support struts lying
in recesses or clearances of the main leg members.
11. A cot according to claim 1 in which the cot comprises a
discrete stand providing a support base on which a sleeping base of
the cot is removably positionable, preferably by means of pegs on
one of the support base and sleeping base fitting into
corresponding holes on the other, and/or by bottom parts of opposed
end walls of the cot projecting down below the level of the
sleeping base and fitting around corresponding edges of the support
base.
12. A cot according to claim 1 having discrete opposed end walls
and opposed side walls, the side walls being releasable from an
upright position to lie on the sleeping base overlapping one
another, preferably by means of pivoting along their bottom edges,
and the end walls being pivotably mounted to the sleeping base and
releasable from the upright position to fold inwardly and down and
overlie the sleeping base and the side walls lying on it.
13. A cot according to claim 12 in which the end walls have inner
faces which are recessed in shape for containment of the space
above the sleeping base in the folded-down condition.
14. A cot comprising a sleeping base, opposed side walls and
opposed end walls, each said wall having a stable upright condition
in which in combination said walls form an upstanding surround for
the cot, and each wall being releasable from its upright condition
to lie over the sleeping base in a folded or collapsed condition in
which the side walls lie on the sleeping base overlapping one
another, the end walls being pivoted relative to the sleeping base
and foldable down to overlie the sleeping base and the overlapped
side walls lying on it, and the end walls having side edges which
project forwardly relative to their central parts so that in the
folded position they project down adjacent the sides of the
sleeping base to enclose the space above it.
15. A cot comprising a support having an extensible leg arrangement
of adjustable height, the leg arrangement comprising first and
second extensible legs respectively at first and second ends of the
support, each extensible leg comprising a main leg member and a
support strut, the main leg member having at its lower end a
transversely-extending foot, and at its top end being connected to
the support at a pivot connection which is longitudinally slidable
along a track of the support and lockable at a selected position on
the track, corresponding to a desired height, the support strut
having a lower end connected pivotally to the main leg member at an
intermediate point thereof, and an upper end connected to the
support at a fixed pivot proximal to the respective end of the
support.
Description
[0001] This invention has to do with cots for babies. Particular
issues addressed in the application include foldable wall
arrangements for a cot, an optional foldable stand, and adaptation
useful for arrangements in which the cot is to be positioned
closely adjacent a parent bed.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Over the years, there have been innumerable proposals for
constructions of cribs, cradles and cots for babies and small
children. These include designs which are readily folded or
dismantled, designs with drop sides or removable sides, and design
of cots specially adapted to be held up against the side of a
parent bed. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,348, EP-A-1704799,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,435, GB2412309, DE20307464U, GB2340386 and
US2003/0177574A.
[0003] In this application, we put forward various new and useful
proposals for cots, particularly relating to the aspects mentioned
above, i.e. the operation of cot sidewalls, and refinements of this
suitable for use in a situation where the cot is positioned
adjacent a parent bed, foldability of the cot into a compact
condition, and a new foldable stand structure for a cot.
[0004] General aspects of our proposals are as follows.
(1) Folding Cot
[0005] In a first aspect we propose a cot comprising a sleeping
base, opposed side walls and opposed end walls mounted to the
sleeping base. Each wall has a stable upright condition, in which
in combination the walls form an upstanding surround for the cot.
Each wall is releasable from the upright condition. Generally they
are discrete, independently movable walls. The end walls are
mounted pivotally to (or relative to) the sleeping base so that
when released they can pivot inwardly to overlie the sleeping base.
The released side walls can also lie on the base, retained beneath
the end walls. One or both of the side walls is desirably pivotally
mounted to the sleeping base, so that when released it can pivot in
to lie on the base and the end walls then be pivoted in to overlie
both. The cot is typically oblong in plan; since the end walls and
side walls are typically of the same or similar heights, usually
the side walls overlap one another in the folded-down condition
whereas the end walls do not.
[0006] Desirably the inner (forward) faces of the end walls are
recessed to enhance their containment and/or protection of the top
of the sleeping base and of objects on it. The sleeping base will
typically carry or include a mattress, and there may be loose
bedding such as a quilt or blanket. The released side walls are
also contained.
[0007] Alternatively stated, the side edges of the end walls
project forwardly relative to their central parts, so that in the
folded-down position they project down adjacent to the sides of the
sleeping base to help enclose the space above it. Flange-form side
projections combine good containment with simplicity and safety.
Thus, a preferred form of end wall has side edges which are
forwardly curved or angled over most or all of their height. A
preferred form of end wall is a generally rigid shell, desirably of
closed construction (rather than an open lattice, grille or mesh).
By contrast, it is preferred that one or both side walls be of
lighter and/or more open construction than the end walls (e.g.
comprising mesh, grille or lattice).
[0008] The sleeping base may comprise a support board for a
mattress, with thicker reinforcing portions extending along its
side edges. Pivot engagements at each side of each end wall may
conveniently be made with these side reinforcing portions.
(2) Folding Legs
[0009] Another aspect herein is an advantageous extensible folding
leg arrangement in a cot, or suitable for a cot. According to this
cot aspect a cot has a support base (which may be a sleeping base
e.g. as described in other aspects herein, or may be a support
platform of a discrete stand, on which a cot having its own
sleeping base is to be supported). Desirably first and second
extensible leg arrangements are provided at respective first and
second ends of the support base.
[0010] For each end of the support base, the corresponding leg
arrangement has a main leg member and a support strut having a
lower end connected pivotally at an intermediate point of the main
leg member. The top end of the support strut is connected to the
support base at a fixed pivot proximal to the corresponding end of
the support base. The top end of the main leg member is connected
to the support base at a pivot connection which is longitudinally
slideable along a track relative to the support base, over a range
of positions, and which is further from the respective end of the
support base than the fixed top end of the strut. The lower part of
the main leg member extends beyond the intermediate point to a foot
having transversely-spaced extremities, so that the cot can be
stably supported on the two feet of the first and second leg
arrangements.
[0011] In a closed or folded position, the leg and strut lie
generally parallel against the base, with the top slider at its
position most remote from the end. On extension of the leg, as its
foot is swung downwardly away from the base the top slider moves
along its track out towards the end, the angle between leg and
strut closes and the intermediate pivot point also moves (more
slowly) out towards the end. The longitudinal position of the foot
beneath the support base varies little or not at all so that, by
locking the slider at a selected position along its track, a
desired height can be chosen without compromising the longitudinal
footprint of the first and second legs.
[0012] Taking into account typical cot dimensions and cot heights,
there will be longitudinal overlap of the first and second main leg
members in the folded position, in addition to the longitudinal
overlap of the main leg members and their corresponding struts. To
provide compact folding, it is preferred that the main leg members
are shaped so that they lie against the base without mutual
superimposition. There are numerous possibilities for such shapes,
as a skilled reader will appreciate, but generally the plan shape
of each folded main leg member should leave clearance for the
extreme of the slider movement at the top of the other main leg
member, and generally be not more than complementary in shape
relative to the other leg member in plan, so as to avoid
superimposition.
[0013] Preferably the slider track for each main leg member is
positioned towards a respective side of the support base, and the
top of the leg member approaching the slider connection is narrow
compared with the foot at the other end of the leg member. A
suitable corresponding shape for the main leg member (in folded
plan) is an "L" shape, or a shape tapering from bottom to top, e.g.
triangular, (such as a right-angled triangular shape, with the
respective hypotenuses of the first and second legs approaching one
another when folded down. As regards the struts, again it is
desired to achieve flat folding so, if they have appreciable
thickness, their plan shapes do not extend beyond complementarity
with the main leg member shapes, i.e. they lie in clearances
thereof in the folded condition. With the preferred form of the
main leg members, the strut may be positioned and shaped to lie
within an internal opening (e.g. a through-aperture) of the main
leg member when folded flat.
[0014] The slider pivot of each main leg has means for locking its
position on the corresponding track to fix the height of the leg.
Lockable positions may be available in a continuous range, or at a
limited number of predetermined positions along the track. The
locking means are not critical, but preferably the slider has a
releasable clamp engageable with the track e.g. so that a
continuous adjustment is possible. The track may be marked with
indicia to help select the height. In one variant, a movable marker
(e.g. another slider) may be provided which can be fixed at a
predetermined position on the track so that the leg can be extended
promptly to a length already known to be suitable.
[0015] Desirably the slider is operable from the top or side of the
support base for user convenience. In a preferred version, the
support base is a support platform for a separate cot and the
sliders are exposed for operation at its top surface but covered
when the cot is in position on top so that the mechanism is not
inadvertently moved or released.
[0016] It will be understood that while suitable for a cot, this
folding leg arrangement in itself has wider uses, and is an
independent aspect herein.
(3) Cot and Stand
[0017] As mentioned, the construction may have a discrete stand
which provides a support top e.g. a platform, on which the cot is
positioned. The cot should connect securely to the support, so that
it is not inadvertently pushed or tilted off, and yet is easy to
put in place.
[0018] Generally speaking this can be by means of plural
projections of the cot underside which fit closely onto, into or
around corresponding holes, recesses, clearances or extremities of
the support platform. The reverse arrangement (i.e. projections
upwardly from the support platform) may be used but is less
preferred.
[0019] One possibility is a plurality of pegs on one component,
fitting into corresponding holes on the other. Pegs and/or holes
may have entry tapers to facilitate insertion by reducing
criticality of positioning.
[0020] Another particular preference is that bottom parts of
opposed surround walls of the cot, e.g. opposed end walls, project
down below the sleeping base level and that these downward
projections fit around correspondingly shaped edges of the support
base. Such constructions are easy for a user to sight into place,
and may in themselves facilitate alignment of supplementary
engagements such as pegs and holes.
[0021] For example, end walls of the preferred construction defined
above, having forwardly-projecting side flanges, provide a positive
and easily-fitted engagement onto complementarily-shaped end edges
of a support platform.
(4) Pivotable/Foldable Walls
[0022] This applies to either or both of the side walls.
[0023] Another aspect relates to the provision of one or more side
walls for a cot, where a side wall can be released from its upright
condition and pivoted down to a generally horizontal position,
either inwards onto the sleeping base or outwards, e.g. to bridge a
gap to a parent bed as described elsewhere herein.
[0024] At its simplest, such a function requires a pivotal mounting
at the bottom of the side wall--which may engage the sleeping base,
a static frame, or a supplementary mounting attached to either of
these--and one or more releasable fasteners or engagements which
hold the wall in the upright condition.
[0025] (A) Usually this includes one or more releasable catches
engaging between the side wall at or adjacent its top and the
adjacent end wall or corner frame member, at each end of the cot.
We prefer to use such catches. The exact form is not critical,
provided that it is simple, effective and safe for children. In
particular, release should involve a combination of thought,
coordination and action to operate the mechanism which is selected
to be beyond young children.
[0026] A preferred type of fastener, which is an independent aspect
of our proposals here in the context of cot side walls, has
complementary releasably interlockable components, one on each of
the side wall and end wall/frame component, with one of
them--preferably that on a side wall--mounted elastically so that
it must be pulled against resilient force to bring the components
to a releasable position. For simplicity, economy and safety the
elastic resilience may be provided by deformation of an elastomeric
material, e.g. by mounting one of the interlock members to the side
wall or other component via a piece of elastic material such as
elasticised fabric.
[0027] A desirable interlock has an aperture in one member and on
the other member a projecting element with a head shaped to fit
relatively closely in the aperture and a neck shaped to fit
relatively loosely in the aperture, at least, in the direction of
extension of an elastic connector as mentioned above. After
stretching the connector to pass the head through the aperture for
locking, elastic recovery hooks it behind the wall surrounding the
aperture. To release it, the user must pull the head out against
the elasticity to the appropriate alignment with the aperture so
that it can be withdrawn. The more closely shaped the head and
aperture, the more critical--and hence childproof--it is to match
their positions for release.
[0028] (B) A separate proposal here is for a release mechanism
operating at the bottom of the side wall, in which a pivot
mechanism connecting between the bottom of the side wall and the
sleeping base (or adjacent frame, or end wall) has a locked
condition in which it holds the side wall upright and a released
condition in which the side wall can pivot down as mentioned
previously. The mechanism is shifted from the locked condition to
the released condition by a bodily--and preferably
translational--movement of the side wall itself relative to the
sleeping base. In particular, we prefer that the mechanism is
released by lifting the side wall from a downward rest condition,
which is the locked condition. Thus, gravity helps to keep it
locked.
[0029] Accordingly, the pivot mechanism may incorporate first and
second interfitting components or formations, one on each of the
side wall and the adjacent structure, which in a first alignment
engage one another so as to prevent rotation of one component
relative to the other, and in a second alignment where one is
rotatable around the pivot's operational axis relative to the
other. The skilled reader will appreciate that a wide variety of
mechanisms is able to provide this basic function. For example a
non-round component may be received in an opening of the other
component having a region of correspondingly non-round
cross-section, where the first component cannot rotate, but
communicating with a different region having a wider or round
cross-section where the first component can rotate. Or, a
longitudinal bar, rail or edge at or near the bottom of the side
wall may drop into a trough, channel or other detent means below a
pivot engagement which allows vertical play, so that the upright
side wall can be dropped into or lifted out of the engagement which
holds it upright.
[0030] While the choice of mechanism is not critical from the
functional point of view, there are considerations of simplicity,
economy and also of safety for the fingers of parents, children and
babies. It is desirable to provide a pivot mechanism having the
desired behaviour without requiring specially-shaped components,
and avoiding pinching hazards.
[0031] One particular proposal is that for each pivot engagement
(usually at each of the lower corners of the side wall) one of the
two components is tubular, with a tube axis desirably held aligned
with the side wall length, and having a slot cross-section,
desirably oriented vertically (i.e. higher than it is wide), and
with rigid opposed side walls. The other component is a rigid bar
with a free end projecting into the mouth of the slot tube, and
mounted pivotally to its own structural component so that the free
end can swing in a limited range within the slot tube, in the slot
plane thereof. When the bar free end extends transversely or
obliquely in the tube, relative rotation around the operational
axis (the longitudinal direction of the cot side wall) is prevented
by the opposed walls of the tube. This is the locked condition. By
moving the tube in the length direction of the slot (e.g. with a
vertical slot, by lifting the side wall to which one of the two
components is mounted) an engagement of the bar and tube swings the
bar into alignment with the operational axial direction of the tube
(and/or of the lower edge of the cot wall) so that relative
rotation is allowed. Since this construction can be made using a
flat tube of uniform cross-section and a simple bar of uniform
cross-section, and since the relative movement can be largely
confined to the interior of the tube where fingers cannot reach, it
is a good way of providing the relevant function.
(5) Displaceable Side Walls
[0032] Dropside cots are in themselves very well known. To
facilitate access to the baby, it has been known for many decades
for one side of the cot to be removable from or displaceable in the
structure, either by lifting it out, pivoting it out gate-wise or
releasing it to slide downwardly on a frame (in the case where a
cot has a tall support frame).
[0033] One particular situation in which a displaceable side is
relevant is where the cot is to be used in a co-sleeping
arrangement with the cot positioned close up against the side of a
parent bed, and the mattresses of the two at the same level.
Earlier proposals of this kind were mentioned above. When the baby
is in the cot, a cot side wall at the parent bed side can prevent
the baby from rolling onto the parent mattress, and prevent a
sleeping parent from inadvertently throwing a limb onto the cot
area. When the parent is awake, however, there may be value in
removing or displacing that side wall, e.g. to enhance
companionship and feeling of security for the baby or parent, or to
facilitate adjusting the bed clothes, or the baby's position or
clothing, in the cot area. Some parents may prefer to keep this
wall removed all the time.
[0034] (A) One of our proposals herein is that the side wall in
question be pivotably mounted at or adjacent the cot sleeping base
level so that it can be pivoted down and outwardly to lie on the
parent bed. This offers various advantages. It bridges the gap
which is likely to exist, whatever the construction of parent bed
or cot, between the edges of the parent mattress and the cot
mattress even when the two are held as close together as possible.
By having a sympathetic surface material, e.g. a fabric covering on
the side wall, this "drawbridge" can safely and comfortably be left
in place. Because of the pivot action, the gap is effectively
bridged even if the heights of the two mattresses are not exactly
matched, and the bridge is held against sliding out of place. The
pivot of the side wall may be provided by a mechanism as proposed
above in 4(B).
[0035] Of course this is generally combined with an adjustable
height of the cot support or stand, e.g. an extensible leg
arrangement such as that proposed above.
[0036] (B) A further proposal here is that, at least one side of
the cot, a side wall can itself be folded along a fold line at an
intermediate height of the side wall, preferably at about
half-height and in general desirably between one-third and
two-thirds height of the side wall, so that an upper part of the
side wall can be folded down while leaving the lower part of the
side wall erect. Providing this intermediate height has particular
value in that it improves ease of access into the cot space from
outside, while preserving some barrier e.g. to prevent the baby
from rolling out onto the parent bed in a co-sleeping arrangement.
In a co-sleeping arrangement, the intermediate height option is
also attractive in offering the possibility for a parent easily to
reach an arm into the cot area e.g. to comfort the baby, without
having to remove all barrier between the two sleeping areas.
[0037] For a co-sleeping arrangement, it is preferred to combine
both the facility to fold the side wall down to an intermediate
height and the additional facility to pivot the side wall at its
base, so that both full-height, intermediate-height and fully
folded-down conditions are available, and moveover in the fully
folded-down condition, either the full-height or the reduced height
(folded) extent of the side wall may be extended out to bridge to
the parent bed.
[0038] In the intermediate-height feature, it is preferred that the
folding mechanism of the side wall permits the top part of the wall
to be folded only outwardly relative to the lower.
[0039] For the intermediate-height pivot mechanism, we prefer
pivots e.g. between frame members of the upper and lower portions
of the side wall, that engage frictionally so that little or no
additional moving parts are needed to lock or release the folding
function. Since the side wall will generally have fasteners at its
upper region connecting to the adjacent structure, e.g. end walls
or frame, adequate security is present.
(6) Side Wall Construction: General
[0040] For a convenient, lightweight construction, we prefer to
provide one or both side walls of the cot in the form of rigid
frame elements forming a frame defining one or more openings
occupied by flexible fabric material e.g. cloth or mesh, or a
combination of these. A preferred version uses frames comprising
stiff rods of metal (or perhaps tough plastics) shaped into open
hoops e.g. of generally rectangular form. These can be covered with
fabric coverings.
[0041] One convenient form has the fabric covering as an envelope
with opposed walls into which the frame is inserted. The fabric
envelope may be removable for cleaning. Desirably at least one
central region of a side wall is transparent, e.g. mesh. For
example a border of closed fabric may extend around the frame
elements to provide dimensional strength and durability, with a
central "window" for transparency.
[0042] These frame/fabric constructions are readily adaptable to
the foldable and intermediate-height proposals put forward above.
Where the wall has an intermediate folding mechanism and a fabric
covering is on the outside of the fold, it should be provided with
sufficient elasticity or slack to accommodate increased length on
folding.
(7) Retention Against Parent Bed
[0043] In prior proposals, various means have been proposed for
holding a cot against the side of a parent bed. A difficulty is
that beds come in many types and sizes, so that no kind of
convenient securement can be universal. Previous means proposed
have included straps securing to the cot's stand or sleeping base
which pass under the parent mattress, lateral frame extensions of
the cot--sometimes doubling as legs--which can be inserted under
the parent mattress, and various kinds of clamps for securing to
the edge of the frame of the parent bed.
[0044] Cots as proposed herein may in general be secured to a
parent bed by any suitable means, such as e.g. straps, and the
present proposals are not particularly limited in this respect.
However we have a further novel proposal for a securement device,
which is a rigid L-section member, having a first flat arm of the L
which lies under the parent mattress so that the second arm stands
upright next to the mattress. The upstanding arm of the L has one
or more upstanding projections--preferably plural
longitudinally-spaced projections--which are engageable with the
cot e.g. by passing up into or through corresponding openings or
recesses thereof, e.g. through one or more slots extending
longitudinally along the side of the cot.
[0045] Since the retaining projection(s) can be formed as a simple
integral part of a flat or plate-form member, no moving parts are
needed and the construction is simple and economical. It is useable
with many kinds of bed, even where the mattress is partly encased
by a surround wall. A preferred refinement has both arms of the L
provided with corresponding projections so that either can be used
in the upstanding position to retain the crib, the two arms being
of different length for use with beds of different heights.
[0046] The retention still works if the outstanding projections
hook behind or beneath a structure of the cot, rather than passing
through an opening, but sliding passage through an opening has the
advantage of maximising the available range of height differences
(between the cot and the bottom level of the parent mattress) over
which the device is useable.
THE DRAWINGS
[0047] Embodiments of the above proposals are now described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cot on its extended
stand;
[0049] FIG. 2 shows the cot removed from the stand, with its
mattress removed;
[0050] FIG. 3 shows the extended stand alone;
[0051] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the cot minus mattress, also
showing section lines for subsequent figures;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section of the cot, at V-V of FIG.
4;
[0053] FIG. 6 shows a top fastener for a side wall;
[0054] FIG. 7 shows the cot folded down;
[0055] FIG. 8 is an underneath view of the cot folded down;
[0056] FIGS. 9 and 10 are longitudinal sections of the cot side
wall structure (simple side), at IX-IX and X-X of FIG. 4;
[0057] FIG. 11 is a detail of a side wall pivot release mechanism
(foldable side), in the locked position;
[0058] FIG. 12 shows the side wall pivot release mechanism in the
unlocked position;
[0059] FIG. 13 shows the unlocked foldable side wall pivoted down
and outwardly, in the folded condition;
[0060] FIG. 14 shows a detail of the foldable wall frame hinge;
[0061] FIG. 15 shows the cot erect, with the foldable side wall
complete (fabric-covered) and at half height;
[0062] FIG. 16 shows the half height side wall pivoted
outwardly;
[0063] FIG. 17 shows how the foldable side wall can lie on a parent
bed;
[0064] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the stand in its extended
condition;
[0065] FIG. 19 is a longitudinal section through the stand at one
of the slider tracks, at XIX-XIX of FIG. 18;
[0066] FIG. 20 is a side view of the stand folded flat;
[0067] FIG. 21 is an underneath view of the stand and cot folded
flat together;
[0068] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an optional fitting for
securing to a parent bed, and
[0069] FIG. 23 shows the same fitting in an alternative
orientation.
[0070] FIG. 1 shows a cot 1 on a stand 10 with the stand in
extended position. Referring additionally to FIGS. 2 and 3, the
cot's main components are a sleeping base 2 carrying a mattress 21,
a pair of opposed end walls 3, a simple side wall 4 and a foldable
side wall 5. In these figures only the frames of the side walls are
shown, so that their construction can be understood. In the
finished product they are covered with fabric covers as explained
below with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17.
[0071] The main elements of the stand 10 are a top platform 9 (see
FIG. 3) on which the sleeping base 2 of the cot rests, and a pair
of pivoted legs 7 which are extensible to a desired height.
[0072] The cot 1 is now described in more detail. With reference
additionally to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sleeping base 2 with mattress 21
removed comprises a flat board 23 with longitudinal reinforcing
edge members 22. These may all be wood.
[0073] The end walls 3 are single shaped sheets of closed rigid
material e.g. of plywood, with handle openings 31 at the top centre
and side edges which curve forwardly as flanges 32. The side
flanges 32 are connected to the side members 22 of the base by
pivots 33 at the corners. Each pivot 33 has an axle pin 330 which
also provides a mounting for a side wall pivot locking mechanism
described later.
[0074] The bottom edges 34 of the end walls 3 project below the
sleeping base and lie in a plane so that, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 5,
they act as support feet for the cot when it rests by itself on a
flat surface.
[0075] Catches 26 are provided at the centre at each end of the
sleeping base board 23; each is a strong flexible plastics element
having a projecting lug 28 engageable in a corresponding recess in
the inner face of the end wall 3, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, to
prevent the end wall 3 from pivoting relative to the base. By
pressing a flexible actuating area 29 of the catches 26 their
retaining lugs 28 are swung out of engagement and the end walls 3
can be folded forward to the position seen in FIG. 7. The catch
actuating areas are recessed into the board 23 and lie under the
mattress, so that they can be released only by lifting the mattress
and deliberate pressing.
[0076] At the top of each end wall side flange 32 is a shaped
recess 36 forming one part of a top fastener arrangement shown in
FIG. 6. Because the part of the fastener 58 on the side wall is
incorporated in the fabric element thereof, it is not seen in the
other figures here.
[0077] An elastic fabric strip or tab 581 is sewn to the top corner
of each side wall, and carries a rigid interlock formation 582
having an enlarged circular "mushroom" head 583 on a stem 584. The
diameter of the circular head 583 is only slightly less than the
height of the slot 36. Because the elastic holds the formation
hooked into the forward end of the slot 36, it can be released only
by extension against the elastic force while at the same time
positioning the head 583 carefully in relation to the slot 36 so
that it can be withdrawn.
[0078] The two side walls 4,5 are attached to the end pivot axes
330 by mechanisms (described below) which allow the wall to pivot
inwardly or outwardly. To fold the cot, the side walls are released
and pivoted inwardly to lie overlapping on the mattress. As shown
in FIG. 7, the end walls 3 can then pivot inwardly and, because of
their curved shape with the end flanges 32, securely enclose the
space beneath them with the mattress and side walls.
[0079] The pivoting mechanism at the bottom of each side wall is
now described, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. FIGS. 9 and 10 are
for the simple side wall 4, FIGS. 11 to 13 are for the folding side
wall 5 but the pivot mechanism is the same for both.
[0080] Each side wall has a respective frame 41,51 of generally
open form made of simple round metal rods bent to form the
requisite rectangular closed shapes. In the finished cot, as
indicated in FIG. 15, a fabric cover 42,52 is fitted over each side
wall frame. The fabric cover has a strong closed fabric surround
421,521 into which a window 422,522 of mesh is sewn. The cover
42,52 is formed as an envelope open at its bottom edge, so that it
can be slid down over the frame. It may then be closed at its
bottom end by hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, press studs or the
like.
[0081] At each side, the wall is supported by its bottom frame
element which is an elongate tube 11 of slot cross-section, with
the long axis of the slot in the plane of the wall, i.e. vertical
when the wall is vertical. The other members of the frame above
have their lower ends fixed down into the top of the tube 11. The
tube 11 is supported on the cot at each end through a moveable
interlock member 12 having an eye 121 pivotally mounted to the
sleeping base (in this example, on the same axle pin 330 as the end
wall mountings 33) and a free rod end 122 projecting as a pivot bar
into the open mouth 111 of the tube 11. Section view FIG. 10 shows
the complete shape of the interlock element 12, which is made from
simple round stock. Its diameter is only slightly less than the
width (narrow axis) of the tube slot.
[0082] In the rest position (see FIGS. 9 to 11) the weight of the
wall 4,5 bears on the end 122 of the pivoted member 12 so that it
extends obliquely down in the slot interior (FIG. 10). Because of
the close fit, rotation between the two is prevented; the wall is
held vertical and will remain vertical against a displacement force
even when the top fasteners are undone. To keep the wall centred
between the respective interlock members 12 at each end, their free
ends are formed with a bend 124 and a stop projection 125 (see FIG.
12) which rides on a guide surface 115 at the tube mouth so that
neither bar can extend too far into the end of the tube 11.
[0083] Lifting the wall lifts the bar 122 and swings the interlock
member 12 around its pivot to the position shown in FIG. 12 where
the end 122 is horizontal and coaxial with the tube 11 which is
thereby freed to swing inwardly or outwardly, e.g. to the position
seen in FIG. 13 (outward) or inwardly to the folded position shown
in FIG. 7.
[0084] The foldable wall 5 has its frame hinged at half-height so
that it can be folded down. This is achieved by a plastic friction
hinge fitting 53, one at each end of the wall, seen in FIGS. 1, 2
and 13 in more detail in FIG. 14. The metal rod frame is formed as
a complete lower loop 511, with one of the hinge elements 53 slid
onto it at each end of its upper span, and a further upper loop 512
forming the upper area of the wall, and whose inturned lower ends
also fit into the hinge elements.
[0085] Each hinge element 53 has a tight-fitting bore for the
respective frame rod piece. The outer mouths of these are
longitudinally staggered and the upper and lower frames are
slightly different width, so that (as indicated in FIG. 13) the
upper and lower rods 512,511 can nest in next to one another and
fold to a near-flat condition. Additionally each hinge element has
a rear stop plate 532, extending behind the elbows 514,513 of the
upper and lower frame elements, which prevents the top part 512
from being folded inwardly relative to the lower part. Generally it
is undesirable to allow the wall to fold into and obstruct the cot
interior.
[0086] FIG. 15 shows the foldable wall 5 folded down while held in
the upright condition by the locking base pivot, the top fasteners
having been undone to enable folding.
[0087] FIGS. 16 and 17 show the half-height folded wall 5 pivoted
outwardly, and in FIG. 17 resting on the mattress of a parent bed
to provide a bridge in a co-sleeping arrangement. With the wall at
half-height in this arrangement, there is an intermediate level of
access for a parent while the baby cannot roll out.
[0088] Next, the stand is described with reference to FIGS. 3 and
18 to 21. In this example the whole stand is made from plywood.
[0089] The underside of the sleeping base board 23 carries four
downwardly-projecting pegs 27 with rounded ends, which are for
engagement with the support platform 9.
[0090] The platform 9 is generally rectangular, and has end edge
extremities 98 shaped to conform to the inner contour of the cot
end walls 3 where these project down, so that the cot 1 can be
positioned easily by moving one end wall 3 into engagement with a
platform end 98 and then lowering the other end. This also
registers the downward pegs 27 on the cot with their fitting holes
97 on the platform 9. The pegs have rounded ends and annular base
enlargements 271, with corresponding enlarged entry regions of the
openings 97 on the platform, so that engagement can begin with
approximate alignment and move to a close fit. In combination with
adequate depth, this prevents a sideways push from tilting the cot
off the platform.
[0091] The stand has a pair of legs 7 each of generally triangular
form, with a central triangular opening 71, a horizontal bottom
member 72 constituting a wide foot for the leg--the same width as
the cot--and inner and outer uprights 73 tapering gradually
together in the triangular form. These meet at a top portion 74
which connects to a slider 75. The triangles are substantially
right-angled (rather than isosceles) so that although their feet
are centred their top portions 74 connect at respective opposite
sides of the platform 9. An elongate slot track 91 extends along
each side of the platform 9 and receives the slider which, as seen
in FIG. 19, takes the form of a two-part releasable clamp having
upper and lower parts 751,752. By the action of a cam locking lever
753, these can either grip a flange 911 running along the track 91
or be released to slide freely along the track 91.
[0092] Half-way up each leg 7 a transverse pivot 78 connects to the
lower end of a support strut 8 half the length of the leg. The
upper end of the support strut 8 is connected to a fixed pivot 81,
central near the end of the platform 9. The action of the legs will
be apparent from the drawings and the previous general description.
When folded flat, the legs 7 and their struts 8 take the form seen
in FIGS. 20 and 21. The struts are shaped as triangles which fit
within the triangular openings 71 of the legs 7. The triangle of
one leg 7 complements the triangle of the other when folded flat,
as seen in FIG. 21. The whole leg arrangement lies in a single
layer thickness of the wood used to make it. Advantageously both
legs 7 and their struts might be cut from a single sheet of wood to
reduce waste.
[0093] By releasing the slider 75 the leg 7 may be swung down to
any desired height, and the slider secured to hold the selected
position. This may be to adjust to match the height of a parent
bed. The legs are independent, so a slight tilt can be provided if
wished. The slider/strut mechanism maintains the longitudinal
footprint of the pair of legs 7 irrespective of the particular
height chosen.
[0094] The slide levers 753 are accessible only from the top and
are completely covered when the cot is in place. They cannot then
accidentally be released e.g. by a child.
[0095] The combined stand and cot can be folded flat together as
shown in FIG. 21 e.g. for putting in a carrying case.
[0096] FIGS. 22 and 23 show an L-shaped connector 90, having two
longitudinally-spaced L members 91 connected by rigid rods 92. Each
L member 91 has a longer flat arm "a" and a shorter flat arm "b".
Either the long side or the short side can lie on the parent bed
base 101, as shown in these two figures. The parent mattress (not
shown) is lain on top to hold it securely in orientation. A
supplementary strap 95 may tie it through to the other side of the
bed, as known per se. The upstanding projections can then be used
to engage longitudinal clearances formed in the cot.
* * * * *