U.S. patent application number 15/740158 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-12 for folding cot.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gilles Henry. The applicant listed for this patent is Gilles Henry. Invention is credited to Gilles Henry.
Application Number | 20180192783 15/740158 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54207552 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180192783 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Henry; Gilles |
July 12, 2018 |
FOLDING COT
Abstract
A folding cot that can take up an unfolded position and a folded
position, comprising a cot base that is oriented horizontally in
the unfolded position, a first frame (5) that is oriented
vertically in the unfolded position, a second frame (1) that is
oriented vertically in the unfolded position, and a first Sarrus
mechanism (S1) or similar mechanism comprising at least two
articulated arms and guiding the movement of these frames (5, 1)
toward/away from one another during the folding/unfolding of the
cot. Each arm connects the first and second frames (1, 5) together.
The cot base is formed, at least in part, by a lower arm of the
first mechanism (S1).
Inventors: |
Henry; Gilles; (Paris,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Henry; Gilles |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Henry; Gilles
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
54207552 |
Appl. No.: |
15/740158 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
July 27, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/067953 |
371 Date: |
December 27, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 7/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 7/00 20060101
A47D007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 28, 2015 |
FR |
1557185 |
Claims
1. A folding cot configured to move between an unfolded position
and a folded position, comprising: a cot base that is oriented
horizontally in the unfolded position; a first frame that is
oriented vertically in the unfolded position; a second frame that
is oriented vertically in the unfolded position; a third frame that
is oriented vertically in the unfolded position; a first Sarrus
mechanism comprising the first frame, the second frame and at least
two first articulated arms, namely a lower arm and a side arm, the
first articulated arms each connecting the first and second frames
together and guiding the movement of the first and second frames
toward/away from one another during the folding/unfolding of the
cot; and a second Sarrus mechanism comprising the second frame, the
third frame and at least two second articulated arms, namely a
lower arm and a side arm, the second articulated arms each
connecting the second and third frames together and guiding the
movement of the second and third frames toward/away from one
another during the folding/unfolding of the cot, wherein the cot
base is formed, at least in part, by the lower arm of the first
Sarrus mechanism and the lower arm of the second Sarrus
mechanism.
2. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first Sarrus
mechanism allows the translational movement of the first frame with
respect to the second frame along a longitudinal axis of the cot,
and wherein the second Sarrus mechanism allows the translational
movement of the third frame with respect to the second frame along
the longitudinal axis.
3. (canceled)
4. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and the
second Sarrus mechanisms are disposed symmetrically with respect to
the second frame.
5. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower arm of
the first and/or second Sarrus mechanism folds upward and wherein,
in the folded position, the top of the lower arm is located below
the side arm(s) of the mechanism.
6. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cot comprises
side barriers that extend between the frames and are oriented
vertically in the unfolded position, and wherein the first and/or
second Sarrus mechanism comprises two side arms that form, at least
in part, the side barriers of the cot.
7. The folding cot as claimed in claim 6, wherein, in the folded
position, vertices of the two side arms are situated opposite one
another and at a distance from one another.
8. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cot exhibits
symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane oriented
vertically in the unfolded position.
9. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second frame
comprises a lower cross member, and wherein the cot base is formed
in part by this lower cross member.
10. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
mattress, wherein the mattress is accommodated inside one of the
frames in the folded position.
11. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mattress is
mounted in a pivoting manner on the frame.
12. The folding cot as claimed in claim 11, wherein a tie extends
between the mattress and the lower arm, such that, starting from
the unfolded position, the pivoting of the mattress with respect to
the frame brings about the folding of the lower arm.
13. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein each articulated
arm is formed by two segments that are hinged together and to the
adjacent frames by hinges, a first hinge allowing one of the
segments to rotate with respect to one of the frames about a first
rotation axis, a second hinge allowing the segments to rotate with
respect to one another about a second rotation axis, and a third
hinge allowing the other segment to rotate with respect to the
other frame about a third rotation axis, the first, second and
third rotation axes being parallel to one another.
14. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of
the arms is equipped with a stop system that prevents the arm from
folding toward the outside of the cot in the unfolded position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present description relates to a folding cot.
[0002] Such a cot can be used, in particular, as a crib or a bed
for an infant or a child to sleep in and can also be used as a
playpen or play yard.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Numerous types of folding cots for children already exist.
One of the best-known examples is that of the "umbrella-fold" play
yard which is the subject of patent application U.S. Pat. No.
4,811,437 and numerous variants of which are known.
[0004] A cot of this kind is highly suitable for a small child to
sleep or play in, since it affords a good-sized space which is
comfortable, safe and robust. In addition, the floor of this cot is
raised, which not only makes it possible to insulate the child from
the ground, but also prevents the parent from bending too much in
order to place the child on the bottom of the cot or to remove the
child therefrom.
[0005] However, the existing "umbrella-fold" cots are not entirely
satisfactory. Specifically, folding and unfolding them are awkward
operations comprising a plurality of steps which, if they are not
carried out very precisely, can impede the locking or unlocking of
the cot. In addition, umbrella-fold cots all comprise a separate
mattress which has to be removed before the frame of the cot is
folded and which then has to be wrapped around the folded frame.
The folding/unfolding of the mattress therefore requires additional
handling steps. Moreover, the mattress is not protected during
transport unless a carrying bag in which the cot frame and the
mattress are stored is used, thus requiring the provision of such a
bag and additional handling steps.
[0006] There is therefore a need for a new type of folding cot.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
[0007] The invention relates to a folding cot that can take up an
unfolded position and a folded position, comprising a cot base that
is oriented horizontally in the unfolded position, a first frame
that is oriented vertically in the unfolded position, and a second
frame that is oriented vertically in the unfolded position. This
cot comprises a first Sarrus mechanism or similar mechanism formed
by the first frame, the second frame and at least two articulated
arms, namely a lower arm and a side arm. Each arm connects the
first and second frames together, and the arms guide the movement
of these frames toward/away from one another during the
folding/unfolding of the cot. The cot base is formed, at least in
part, by the lower arm of the first mechanism.
[0008] Such a folding cot can be used, notably, for a child,
especially a baby or toddler, to lie in. In particular, it can be
used as a crib or bed and/or as a playpen or play yard. This cot
has the advantage of being very easy to fold or unfold thanks to
the mechanism used. This mechanism makes it easier to fold/unfold
the cot by guiding the movement of the frames of the cot
toward/away from one another without requiring additional guiding
elements and, thus, without complicating the structure of the cot.
In particular, such a mechanism does not require a guide rail or
slide for guiding the movement of the frames toward/away from one
another.
[0009] A Sarrus mechanism is generally defined as being a spatial
mechanism comprising two plates (in this case the frames) that are
interconnected by at least two articulated arms and can move
toward/away from one another by way of a rectilinear movement. Each
of the articulated arms comprises segments that are connected
together and to the plates by pivot connections. The axes of these
pivot connections are parallel to one another and perpendicular to
the direction of the abovementioned rectilinear movement. Moreover,
the groups of axes of at least two of the arms have respective
directions which are not parallel. In general, the directions of
the groups of axes are perpendicular to one another. Such a
mechanism has the advantage of having a single degree of mobility:
the two plates can move with respect to one another only by way of
the abovementioned rectilinear movement, i.e. by way of a
translational movement.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first mechanism is a Sarrus
mechanism. However, the invention is not limited to Sarrus
mechanisms in the strict sense and encompasses similar mechanisms
for converting the limited circular movement of a segment of one of
the articulated arms of the mechanism into a substantially
rectilinear movement of the plates (in this case the frames) toward
or away from one another.
[0011] In some embodiments, the cot comprises a third vertical
frame, and a second Sarrus mechanism or similar mechanism
comprising the second frame, the third frame and at least two
articulated arms, namely a lower arm and a side arm. Each arm
connects the second and third frames together, and the arms guide
the movement of the frames toward/away from one another during the
folding/unfolding of the cot. The cot base is then formed in part
by a lower arm of the second mechanism.
[0012] The second mechanism is thus coupled to the first mechanism,
the two mechanisms having the second frame in common, and the cot
base is formed by the lower arms (i.e. the arms which are
horizontal in the unfolded position) of the two mechanisms. The
presence of the second frame between the first and third frames
makes it possible to easily create a storage space for storing,
notably, the bedding, such as a mattress, a sheet, a blanket and/or
a duvet.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first mechanism is a Sarrus
mechanism that allows the translational movement of the first frame
with respect to the second frame along a longitudinal axis of the
cot, and the second mechanism is a Sarrus mechanism that allows the
translational movement of the third frame with respect to the
second frame along said longitudinal axis. In other words, the
first and second mechanisms are "aligned" and unfold in the
lengthwise direction of the cot.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first and second mechanisms are
Sarrus mechanisms. These mechanisms can be symmetrical with respect
to the second frame.
[0015] In some embodiments, in the folded position, the top or
vertex of the lower arm is situated below the vertical arm(s) of
the mechanism. This makes it possible to avoid interactions between
the arms during the folding of the cot and, thus, to make the
latter easier. This also makes it possible to obtain compact
folding.
[0016] In some embodiments, the cot comprises side barriers that
extend between the frames and are oriented vertically in the
unfolded position, and wherein the first and/or second mechanism
comprises two side arms that form, at least in part, the side
barriers of the cot. Such side barriers are useful for preventing a
child from leaving the cot on their own.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first and second arms are disposed
symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane of the
cot.
[0018] In some embodiments, the cot exhibits symmetry with respect
to a longitudinal median plane, this plane being oriented
vertically in the unfolded position.
[0019] In some embodiments, in the folded position, the vertices of
the side arms are situated opposite one another and at a distance
from one another. This distance makes it possible to avoid
interactions between the side arms during the folding of the cot
and, thus, to make the latter easier. This also makes it possible
to obtain compact folding. Alternatively, the side arms can be
situated at different heights such that, in the folded position,
the arms are situated one above the other.
[0020] In some embodiments, the cot comprises a mattress and the
mattress is accommodated inside one of the frames in the folded
position. In particular, the thickness of the frame can be greater
than the thickness of the mattress. This makes it possible to
protect the mattress while the cot is being transported.
[0021] In some embodiments, the second frame comprises a lower
cross member, and the cot base is formed in part by this lower
cross member.
[0022] In some embodiments, the mattress is mounted in a pivoting
manner on one of the frames. In particular, the mattress can be
mounted in a pivoting manner at the bottom part of the frame. For
example, the mattress can be mounted in a pivoting manner on the
second frame, at the lower cross member. This makes it possible not
to have to remove the mattress from the cot before the latter is
folded.
[0023] In some embodiments, a tie extends between the mattress and
the lower arm, such that, starting from the unfolded position, the
pivoting of the mattress with respect to the second frame brings
about the folding of the lower arm. This makes it even easier to
fold the cot.
[0024] In some embodiments, each of the frames has two side
uprights and, in the unfolded position, these uprights are oriented
vertically and a part of the uprights extends beneath the cot base
so as to form the legs of the cot. This makes it possible to raise
the cot base with respect to the ground and, thus, to separate the
child from the ground, and to prevent the parent from bending too
much in order to place the child on the bottom of the cot or to
remove he child therefrom.
[0025] In some embodiments, at least the lower arm is formed by at
least two segments that are hinged together and to the adjacent
frames by hinges, a first hinge allowing one of the segments to
rotate with respect to one of the frames about a first rotation
axis, at least one second hinge allowing the segments to rotate
with respect to one another about at least one second rotation
axis, and a third hinge allowing another segment to rotate with
respect to the other frame about a third rotation axis. The first,
second and third rotation axis are parallel to one another. In
particular, the lower arm can be formed from two segments that are
hinged together.
[0026] In some embodiments, all of the arms of the mechanism(s)
have the same configuration, with two hinged segments, as the lower
arm.
[0027] In some embodiments, the segments are panels. These panels
can be solid or provided with a cutout.
[0028] In some embodiments, at least one of the arms of the
mechanism(s) is equipped with a stop system that prevents the arm
from folding toward the outside of the cot in the unfolded
position. Thus, the lower arm can be equipped with a stop system
that prevents the arm from folding toward the outside of the cot in
the unfolded position. In other words, since the lower arm is in a
horizontal plane in the unfolded position, the stop system prevents
this arm from folding downward beyond the horizontal plane.
Similarly, the side arm(s) can be equipped with a stop system that
prevents the arm from folding toward the outside of the cot in the
unfolded position. In other words, since the side arm is in a
vertical plane in the unfolded position, the stop system prevents
this arm from folding toward the outside beyond the vertical
plane.
[0029] The stop system can be situated at the hinges and, in
particular, at the hinge that is situated between the segments of
the arm. It may be, for example, a protrusion which is fixed to the
end of one of the segments, bypassing the hinge, and against which
the other segment comes into abutment in the unfolded position. It
may also be a stop system integrated into the hinge. Generally, any
system that is capable of preventing the rotation of the hinge in
one direction from a predefined position of the hinge may be
suitable.
[0030] The abovementioned features and advantages, along with other
features and advantages, will become apparent from reading the
following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the
proposed folding cot. This detailed description refers to the
appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The appended drawings are schematic and are not to scale;
they are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the
invention.
[0032] In these drawings, from one figure (FIG) to the next,
identical elements (or element parts) are provided with the same
reference signs.
[0033] FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic perspective views of an example
of a framework (or structure) of a folding cot, in the unfolded,
semi-folded and folded position, respectively.
[0034] FIGS. 2A to 2D are schematic cross-sectional views of the
folding sequence of an example of a folding cot.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a folding cot
equipped with textile panels.
[0036] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an example of a
folding cot equipped with rigid panels, in the unfolded and folded
position, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
[0037] Exemplary embodiments are described in detail in the
following text with reference to the appended drawings. These
examples illustrate the features and advantages of the invention.
However, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to
these examples.
[0038] FIG. 1A shows the framework of an example of a folding cot,
in the unfolded position. The folding cot is a small collapsible
bed and can be used for children to sleep or play in. In other
words, it can be used as a crib or a play yard.
[0039] The framework of the cot comprises a U-shaped, rigid,
central frame 1. The central frame 1 is an example of a "second
frame" within the meaning of the invention. The central frame 1
comprises two uprights 2, 2', which are connected in their lower
part by a lower cross member 3. The uprights 2, 2' are referred to
as "central uprights" in the following text. The central uprights
2, 2' can be extended beneath the lower cross member 3 so as to
form central legs 4, 4'. The central uprights 2, 2' are oriented
vertically, whereas the cross member 3 is oriented
horizontally.
[0040] In the present application, and unless specified otherwise,
the horizontal and vertical directions are considered with
reference to the unfolded position of the cot, under normal use
conditions. The top and the bottom are defined in the vertical
direction.
[0041] The framework of the cot comprises two Sarrus mechanisms S1
and S2 which have the central frame 1 in common. These two
mechanisms are symmetrical with respect to the central frame 1,
i.e. with respect to the median plane of this frame 1.
[0042] The first Sarrus mechanism S1 comprises, apart from the
central frame 1:
[0043] an end frame 5 comprising two uprights 6, 6' (referred to as
"corner uprights" in the following text) that are connected by an
upper cross member 8. They can also be connected by a lower cross
member 9 to increase the rigidity of the frame 5.
The corner uprights 6, 6' can be extended beneath the lower cross
member 9 to form legs 7, 7'. The end frame 5 is parallel to the
central frame 1;
[0044] two horizontal flaps or panels 10, 11 that are mounted so as
to pivot with respect to one another about a horizontal axis BB'
and are mounted so as to pivot on the end frame 5 about a
horizontal axis AA' and on the central frame 1 about a horizontal
axis CC', respectively;
[0045] two vertical flaps or panels 12, 13 that are mounted so as
to pivot with respect to one another about a vertical axis EE' and
are mounted so as to pivot on the end upright 6 about a vertical
axis DD' and on the central upright 2 about a vertical axis FF',
respectively; and
[0046] two other vertical flaps or panels 12', 13' that are mounted
so as to pivot with respect to one another about a vertical axis
HH' and are mounted so as to pivot on the end upright 6' about a
vertical axis GG' and on the central upright 2' about a vertical
axis II', respectively.
[0047] The end frame 5 is an example of a "first frame" within the
meaning of the invention. The end frame 5 can be rigid and its
dimensions can be similar to those of the central frame 1. In
particular, the height of the corner uprights 6, 6' corresponds to
the height of the central uprights 2, 2', and the height of the
legs 7, 7' corresponds to that of the central legs 4, 4'.
[0048] The horizontal panels 10, 11 and the three hinges of axis
AA', BB' and CC' form an articulated arm. This articulated arm is
an example of a "lower arm" within the meaning of the invention,
the two panels 10, 11 forming the "segments" of this arm.
[0049] In the example, the two horizontal panels 10, 11 are rigid
and the same size. They are positioned so as to form, in the
unfolded position, a horizontal flat surface that is continuous
with the upper surface of the central cross member 3, on which it
is possible to arrange bedding (e.g. a mattress, a sheet, a blanket
and/or a duvet). In other words, the two horizontal panels 10, 11
and the central cross member 3 form a part of the base of the cot.
The horizontal panels 10, 11 can be solid or, by contrast, be
hollowed out so as to limit the weight of the cot. In the example,
the horizontal panels 10, 11 have an opening passing through their
center and are in the form of a rectangular frame.
[0050] The hinge of axis BB' which connects the horizontal panels
10, 11 is designed to allow the panels to fold upward when the axes
AA' and CC' move toward one another. By contrast, the hinge of axis
BB' is equipped with a stop system (not shown) for blocking the
horizontal panels 10, 11 such that they cannot descend beyond the
horizontal position (i.e. the panels cannot fold downward beyond
the horizontal plane in which they are located in the unfolded
position).
[0051] Advantageously, in order to make it easier to fold the
horizontal panels 10, 11, the axes AA', BB' and CC' are
equidistant. This also makes it possible to obtain a compact
structure in the folded position, the panels then substantially
overlapping.
[0052] The side panels 12, 13 and the three hinges of axis DD', EE'
and FF' form an articulated arm. This articulated arm is an example
of a "side arm" within the meaning of the invention, the two panels
12, 13 forming the "segments" of this arm.
[0053] The side panels 12', 13' and the three hinges of axis GG',
HH' and II' also form a articulated arm. This articulated arm is an
example of a "side arm" within the meaning of the invention, the
two panels 12, 13 forming the "segments" of this arm.
[0054] In the example, the vertical panels 12, 13, 12', 13' are
rigid and the same size. The hinges of axis EE' and HH' which
connect the vertical panels 12, 13 and 12', 13', respectively, are
designed to allow them to fold inward when the axes DD' and FF'
move toward one another and the axes GG' and II' move toward one
another, respectively. In addition, said hinges are equipped with a
stop device (not shown) for preventing the vertical panels 12, 13,
12', 13' from folding outward beyond the vertical plane in which
they are located in the unfolded position. In order to make it
easier to fold the vertical panels 12, 13, 12', 13', the axes DD',
EE' and FF' are equidistant, as are the axes GG', HH' and II'.
[0055] The second Sarrus mechanism S2 is identical to the mechanism
S1, and these mechanisms S1, S2 are symmetrical with respect to the
median axis of the central frame 1. Therefore, for the sake of
brevity, the mechanism S2 will not be described in more detail. The
elements of the mechanism S2 that are similar to the elements of
the mechanism S1 are provided with the same reference numerals
increased by 100.
[0056] In order to fold the cot (FIG. 1A), the end frames 5, 105
are moved toward the central frame 1. This has the effect of
causing the horizontal panels 10, 11, 110, 111 to fold upward and
of causing the vertical panels 12, 13, 112, 113 and 12', 13', 112',
113' to fold inward. The panels are folded simultaneously and the
end frames 5, 105 and the central frame 1 remain parallel to one
another throughout folding. In particular, in the example, the
corner uprights 6, 6' remain parallel to the central uprights 2,
2', while the upper cross member 8 and the lower cross member 9 of
the end frame 5 remain parallel to the central cross member 3 of
the central frame 1. The same goes for the end frame 105 and the
central frame 1.
[0057] Therefore, all that is necessary is to exert horizontal
forces on any point of each end frame 5, 105 in order for the
entire structure of the cot to fold on itself. These forces are
indicated by the arrows Z in FIG. 1B.
[0058] When the cot is entirely folded (FIG. 1C), the end frames 5
and 105 press against each side of the central frame 1. Thus,
particularly compact flat folding is obtained.
[0059] The folding cot can be equipped with a locking device (not
shown) for keeping it in the folded position. This may be, for
example, hooks for keeping the end frames 5, 105 close to or in
contact with the central frame 1, or a strap surrounding these
three frames 1, 5, 105.
[0060] The folding cot can be equipped with a handle (not shown)
for easily transporting it in the folded position.
[0061] In order to unfold the cot, all that is necessary is for the
user to move one of the end frames 5 and 105 away from the other in
order for the entire structure of the cot to be completely
unfolded, i.e. until the horizontal panels 10, 11 (110, 111) are in
one and the same horizontal plane, the vertical panels 12, 13 (112,
113) are in one and the same vertical plane, and the panels 12',
13' (112' and, 113') are in one and the same vertical plane.
[0062] In the example, the height of the vertical panels 12, 13,
12', 13' (112, 113, 112', 113') is less than the height of the
central uprights 2, 2', reduced by the span of each of the
horizontal panels 10, 11 (110, 111). Thus, the vertical panels do
not interfere with the horizontal panels during folding or
unfolding. In other words, in the folded position, the vertex of
the lower arm formed by the hinge of axis BB' situated between the
panels 10 and 11 is situated below the side arms of the mechanism
S1 (S2). The vertical panels 12, 13, 12', 13' (112, 113, 112',
113') therefore do not overlap the horizontal panels 10, 11 (110,
111) in the folded position. Furthermore, the vertical panels 12,
13 (112, 113) do not overlap the vertical panels 12', 13' (112',
113') in the folded position.
[0063] The cot can also comprise a mattress 14 that rests, in the
unfolded position, on the horizontal surface defined by the central
cross member 3 and the horizontal panels 10, 11, 110, 111 of the
mechanisms S1, S2.
[0064] It can be seen that in the folded position, on account of
the width of the uprights 2, 2' (see FIG. 1C), the framework of the
cot forms a space that is free of any mechanical element inside the
central frame 1, and delimited by the central uprights 2, 2' and
the central cross member 3. This space can be used for storing the
bedding and, in particular, a mattress.
[0065] This configuration affords the following advantages:
[0066] the bedding remains protected inside the framework while the
cot is being transported,
[0067] the framework of the cot and the bedding can be transported
together, without there being a need to keep them together in a
bag.
[0068] FIGS. 2A to 2D show views in longitudinal section of the
folding sequence of an example of a folding cot. This cot comprises
the framework from FIGS. 1A to 1C and a folding mattress 14. In
this example, this mattress 14 is able to be folded so as to make
it easier to store in the abovementioned free space. The mattress
14 can be more or less rigid; it can incorporate a base plate 16
for increasing its rigidity.
[0069] In the example, the mattress 14 comprises:
[0070] a pad 15; and
[0071] a hinged base plate 16, with the same dimensions as the pad
15, made up of three elements: two boards 17 and 117, and a central
strip 18 with a width substantially equal to that of the central
cross member 3. These three elements are hinged about a pair of
transverse axes.
[0072] The pad 15 can be made of a resilient material, for example
a foam, and have a rectangular shape, delimiting the bottom of the
cot in the unfolded position. The pad 15 and the articulated base
plate 16 can be held together, for example by means of a cover
enclosing the two.
[0073] The central strip 18 can be provided with a fastening device
(not shown) for fastening it to the central frame 1 in order to
limit the movements of the folding mattress 14 with respect to the
framework of the cot, both in the unfolded and in the folded
position. This fastening device can comprise, for example,
hook-and-loop strips of the "Velcro" type, snap fasteners, zippers,
etc.
[0074] The mattress 14 can be symmetrical with respect to the
median plane of the central frame 1.
[0075] The mattress 14 can be folded before the structure of the
cot is folded, as is shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. All that is
necessary for this purpose is to lift each of the ends of the
boards 17 and 117 (FIG. 2B).
[0076] This configuration affords the following advantages:
[0077] it is not necessary to remove the mattress 14 before folding
the cot; and
[0078] the mattress 14 does not increase the volume of the folded
cot.
[0079] In the example, the bottom of the mattress 14 is equipped,
on each side, with at least one tie, or tensioner 19 (119), that
connects each of the boards 17 (117) to a point on the structure
that is situated close to the hinge between the panels 10 and 11
(110 and 111). This point can be situated either on the panel 10
(110), as illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2C, or on the panel 11 (111),
or on the hinge.
[0080] The tensioners 19, 119 can be flexible elements, of the
cable, chain, cord or strap type.
[0081] The length of the tensioners 19, 119 is calculated such that
they are tensioned when the boards 17 and 117 arrive in the almost
vertical position, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. The folding of the
boards 17 and 117 thus starts the upward folding of the panels 10
and 11, and consequently also the folding of the vertical panels
12, 13, 12', 13' inward. It is thus very easy to fold the entire
framework by bringing one of the end frames 5, 105 toward the
other, as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C.
[0082] In the folded position (see FIG. 2D), the mattress 14 is
folded in two inside the central frame 1. In addition, the
tensioners 19, 119 are slack again.
[0083] Conversely, during the unfolding of the cot, when the panels
10 and 11 are almost opened out in the horizontal position, the
tensioning of the tensioners 19, 119 causes the mattress 14 to open
and the boards 17 and 117 to tilt, making it easy to place the
mattress 14 flat on the bottom of the cot. The unfolding of the cot
can be pictured by considering, in this order, FIGS. 1C, 1B and 1A,
or FIGS. 2D, 2C, 2B to 2A, with the arrows representing a movement
or force oriented in the opposite direction.
[0084] For the safety of the child, each of the mechanisms S1, S2
can be equipped with one or more locking devices (not shown in the
figures) for avoiding accidental folding of the cot. These locking
devices can act on the vertical panels 12, 13, 12', 13', 112, 113,
112', 113' in order to keep them in the unfolded position. These
locking devices are less useful on the horizontal panels 10, 11,
110, 111, which are naturally kept in the horizontal position by
the combined weight of the mattress 14 and the child.
[0085] One or more locking devices can, for example, be fitted on
one of the following groups of hinges, or any combination of these
areas:
[0086] the corner hinges between the vertical panels 12, 12' (112,
112') and the end frame 5 (105) at the axes DD' and GG';
[0087] the corner hinges between the vertical panels 12 and 13
(112, 113), and 12' and 13' (112', 113') at the axes EE' and
HH';
[0088] the hinges between the vertical panels 13, 13' (113, 113')
and the central frame 1 at the axes FF' and II'.
[0089] For the safety of the child, all of the openings in the cot
can be closed. To this end, FIG. 3 shows an example of a cot frame,
in the unfolded position, equipped with a cover or cladding which
mainly comprises:
[0090] textile end panels 25 and 125 that close the end frames 5
and 105, respectively;
[0091] textile side panels 26, 126, 27 and 127 that close the
spaces between the vertical panels 12, 13, 112, 113, 12', 13',
112', 113' and the horizontal panels 10, 11, 110, 111, 10', 11',
110', 111'.
[0092] All of the textile panels 25, 125, 26, 126, 27 and 127 can
be joined together to form a single internal lining of the folding
cot.
[0093] The textile side panels 26, 126, 27 and 127 are sufficiently
flexible to allow the framework of the cot to be folded as
described above and as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C.
[0094] All or some of the textile end panels 25 and 125 or textile
side panels 26, 126, 27 and 127 could be made of translucent fabric
or mesh, so as to allow the child to see out of the cot, and
conversely to allow the parent to monitor their child.
[0095] FIGS. 4A and 4B show another example of a folding cot, which
differs from the one in FIG. 3 in that the textile end panels 25
and 125 have been replaced by rigid panels 28 and 128,
respectively. Thus, in the folded position (FIG. 4B), the folding
cot has the appearance of a flat rigid case, the rigid panels 28
and 128 effectively protecting the mattress 14 and the moving parts
of the cot.
[0096] The embodiments or exemplary embodiments described in the
present description are given by way of nonlimiting illustration,
it being possible, in the light of this description, for a person
skilled in the art to easily modify these embodiments or exemplary
embodiments, or to envisage other embodiments or exemplary
embodiments, while remaining within the scope of the appended
claims.
[0097] Furthermore, when the terms "comprises", "comprise",
"comprising" and derivatives thereof are used in the present
description (including in the appended claims), they should be
interpreted as indicating the presence of the feature(s), step(s)
and/or component(s) intended, without, however, excluding the
presence of other features, steps or components.
[0098] Finally, the various features of the embodiments or
exemplary embodiments described in the present description can be
considered on their own or be combined with one another. When they
are combined, these features can be as described above or
otherwise, the invention not being limited to the specific
combinations described above. In particular, unless specified
otherwise or technically incompatible, a feature described in
relation with one embodiment or exemplary embodiment can be applied
analogously to another embodiment or exemplary embodiment.
* * * * *