P/00101 Reguldnn 1.2 AUSTRALIA Patent. Act 1900 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: A portable cot The following statement Is a full description of this Invention, Including the best method of performing It known to us; MSOUUUU 1A A PORTABLE COT Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable cot. In particular, the invention relates to a cot which is foldable from an erected operational configuration to a collapsed 5 configuration to make the cot more easily able to be stored and/or transported. Background of the Invention Portable cots are known to generally have four upright poles which define the four corner posts of the cot. Upper and lower bars extend between the upright posts. Often, these bars are foldable or collapsible so as to enable the four corner posts of the 10 cot to move closer together into a collapsed configuration. However, these bars usually are covered with the fabric which forms the bassinet or defines the outline of the cot. Therefore, the mechanisms which enable the bars to collapse are generally hidden from the operator. This renders the operating mechanism non-intuitive so that the user may have difficulty erecting or collapsing the cot. Furthermore, in some known cots, the 15 collapsing of the bars needs to be done in a particular order or the mechanism will jam or be damaged. Furthermore, the concealment of the collapsing mechanism within the fabric may therefore hide from the user whether or not the cot has been properly erected. This could lead to the cot being improperly used and subsequently collapsing In use. 20 In another known configuration, a portable cot has an upper peripheral frame of rectangular configuration. The upper peripheral frame is supported midway, on each side by a supporting leg structure. Each supporting leg structure comprises two support legs extending at an angle to each other. Each supporting leg is also disposed at an angle from the adjacent portion of the peripheral frame and maintained In use at that 25 angle by bracing mechanisms. The problem with this design is that when weight is placed on either end of the peripheral frame, the bracing mechanisms tend to bow outwardly with a consequent lowering of that end of the peripheral frame, leading to possible breakage.
488509 2 It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a foldable cot which addresses at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages. An alternative object Is to provide the public with a useful choice. The foregoing prior art discussion is not to be taken as an admission of common 5 general knowledge. Summary of the invention In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a foldable cot including: an upper peripheral frame supported on each side by a supporting leg structure, each of which comprises two support legs pivotable relative to 10 one another between an angled configuration whereby the support legs extend at an Included angle, and a collapsed configuration whereby the support legs extend at a lesser Included angle; bracing mechanisms each of which extend between one of the support legs and an adjacent part of the upper peripheral frame, each bracing mechanism comprising two links which are joined to one another by a selectively 15 pivotable coupling such that the two links are selectively pivotable relative to one another between an aligned configuration wherein the two links are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration, the coupling further including a sleeve or collar portion to receive one of the links at a join between said link and the coupling. In a preferred form of the invention, the sleeve or collar portion abuts the coupling. 20 Preferably, the couplIng Includes two coupling portions which are selectively pivotable relative to one another, each coupling portion being joined to a respective link, the sleeve or collar portion being a discrete part from the coupling portions. Preferably, said link is hollow and the coupling includes an extension portion which is received within said link, said link being received within said sleeve or collar portion. wherein the link, 25 the extension portion and the sleeve or collar portion are joined by a fastener. Preferably, the foldable cot includes: 0400M509 3 an upper peripheral frame comprising a first U-shaped frame portion and a second U-shaped frame portion wherein the first U-shaped frame portion and the second U-shaped frame portion each have first and second ends, wherein the first ends substantially meet at a first junction and the second ends substantially meet at a second 5 junction to thereby define a substantially closed loop peripheral frame, the first and second U-shaped frames being pivotable relative to the first and second junctions to adjust from an erected configuration to a folded configuration. The support legs are preferably length adjustable between a shortened length and an extended length, wherein the shortened length is commensurate with the length 10 of the U-shaped frame portions in the folded configuration. The support legs may be telescopic. Preferably in the folded configuration, the support legs of each supporting leg structure are collapsible to a configuration whereby they extend substantially parallel to one another. In a most preferred form of the invention, when the support legs are in 15 their collapsed configuration, the support legs of each support leg structure are arranged to be telescopic in unison. Each support leg of each support leg structure may include a length adjustment actuator, wherein the actuators are disposed to interact with each other when in the collapsed configuration. In a most preferred form of the invention, the length adjustment actuators are arranged on the respective support legs 20 to face each other and to hit against each other in the collapsed configuration. The support legs may each include a foot portion. The folded cot may include first and second junction units. The first ends of the U-shaped frame portions may be pivotally connected to the first junction unit. The second ends of the U-shaped framed portions may be pivotally connected to the second 25 junction unit. The first and second junction units may comprise a plastic moulding. The first supporting leg structure may be connected to the first junction unit with both support legs thereof pivotally mounted to the first junction unit. Likewise, the second supporting leg structure may be connected to the second junction unit with both 48509 4 of the support legs pivotally mounted to the second junction unit. As each junction unit will be pivotally connected to the U-shaped frame portions and associated support legs, it is preferred that the pivotal mounting of the first ends In the first junction unit Is arranged in a plane which is offset from the plane of the pivotal mounting of the support 5 legs of the first supporting leg structure. Likewise a similar arrangement is preferred for the second junction unit. In this manner, the folding of the U-shaped frame portions will not interfere with the folding of the support legs. The folding of the U-shaped frame portions may be independent of the folding of the support legs. Accordingly, each U-shaped frame portion will be supported by two bracing 10 mechanisms. Preferably, the two links are locked into the aligned configuration, which lock may be selectively deactivated by a user actuator. Preferably, each user actuator is located at the join between the two links with the user actuator facing outwardly of the cot to reduce the likelihood of the child occupant of the cot operating the actuator. In the erected configuration, the upper peripheral frame preferably defines a 15 substantially planar rectangular loop. The upper peripheral frame may support the bassinet fabric which is preferably suspended therefrom. Suitably, the bassinet fabric extends on the inside of the support legs and the bracing mechanisms. Additionally, the cot may include a lower frame. The lower frame may assist in providing support to the fabric bassinet. Preferably, the lower frame is supported at 20 each of its four corners from the support legs. Accordingly, the lower frame may be foldable with the folding of the support legs. In a most preferred form of the invention, the lower frame comprises two frame loops which are pivotally connected along a transverse centre line of the cot. Preferably, the two base frame loops fold about this transverse centre line. The base frame loops may be pivotally mounted to adjacent 25 support legs. Furthermore, the lower frame may incorporate feet portions which are preferably disposed along the transverse centre line. The pivotal interconnection between the two frame portions may be in the form of a 4 bar linkage.
34M8500 5 The pivotal interconnection between the two frame halves may include support feet which in the co-planar configuration assist in supporting the base of the cot. The 4 bar linkage may comprise two upper links, each of is fixedly connected to a part of a respective one of the frame halves. Further, the 4-bar linkage may include two lower 5 links which are longer that the upper links and incorporate respective support feet. The 4-bar linkage operates so that in the co-planar configuration, the upper links may extend with their length direction somewhat aligned with the plane of the frame halves. In the folded configuration, the upper links and the lower links extend preferably generally parallel to the frame halves to reduce the folded bulk of the linkage. Furthermore, the 10 links may be designed so that in the co-planar configuration they Interfere with each other so as to preclude movement beyond the co-planar configuration. The linkages therefore define a support for the centre of the base. They also allow the frame halves of the base to fold up and lie in a compact configuration alongside one another by reconfiguring to a compact configuration in the folded configuration. 15 Preferably, the arrangement of the two frame halves is such that they fold along a transverse centreline of the cot. The two frame halves preferably comprise closed rectangular frames. Each of the frame halves may also be pivotally mounted to support legs of the cot. As used herein, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as 20 "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Brief description of the drawings In order that the invention may be more fully understood, one embodiment will now be described by way of example with particular reference to Figure 8b. This figure 25 will be understood in connection with an earlier version of a portable cot shown in Figures 1-8a and 9-13. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 8b is substituted for Figure 8a. In the Figures: Figure 1 is perspective view showing the framework of a portable cot; @08500 6 Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 but with the inclusion of the bassinet fabric; Figure 3 is a front view of the cot of Figure 1 with the bassinet fabric removed for clarity; 5 Figure 4 is a front view, similar to Figure 3, except shown in a partially folded configuration; Figure 5 is a front view similar to Figure 4 except shown in a further folded configuration; Figure 6 is a front view similar to Figure 5, except shown in a fully folded 10 configuration; Figure 7 Is a perspective view showing the framework In the fully folded configuration; Figure 8a is an exploded perspective view of a bracing mechanism of the cot of Figure 1; 15 Figure 8b is an exploded perspective view of a bracing mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a front view of a pivotal interconnection of the cot of Figure 1, shown in an extended configuration; Figure 10 is the pivotal interconnection of Figure 9 except shown in a folded 20 configuration; Figure 11 is a sectional view through a support leg of the cot of Figure 1, shown latched In the extended configuration; Figure 12 is a detail of Figure 11; and M4509 7 Figure 13 is a sectional view of the support leg of Figure 13, shown In the retracted configuration. Description of the drawings Figure 1 Illustrates the framework 10 for a cot 12 which is fully shown in Figure 2. 5 The framework 10 supports a fabric bassinet 14 as shown. For clarity, the remaining figures will show the framework 10 without the fabric bassinet 14. Reverting to Figure 1, it can be seen that the framework 10 includes an upper peripheral frame 16 and a lower frame 18 which are supported by two leg supporting structures 20 on either side of the framework 10. The upper peripheral frame 16 is 10 made up of two U-shaped frame portions 22 each of which has a first end 24 and a second end 26. The first ends substantially meet and are pivotally mounted to a first junction unit 28. The second ends 26 are likewise pivotally mounted to a second junction unit 30. The first and second junction units 28, 30 may be plastic mouldings and are preferably identical. 15 Each supporting leg structure 20 comprises two support legs 32, 34 which are both pivotally mounted to the associated junction unit 28, 30. Each of the support legs 32, 34 Is length adjustable and has support feet 36 at the lower end. The base frame 18 is made up of two frame halves 40 which are pivotally interconnected by two spaced 4-bar linkage mechanisms 42. The two 4-bar linkage 20 mechanisms 42 are aligned. The frame halves 40 are also pivotally mounted to the support legs 32, 34 through pivotal mounting 44. Bracing mechanisms 46 extend between each support leg 32, 34 and an adjacent part of the upper peripheral frame 16. The bracing mechanisms 46 include a press button actuator 48 which when actuated enables the bracing mechanisms 46 to 25 collapse and fold inwardly.
04U68509 Referring to Figure 2 It can be seen that the fabric bassinet 14 Is suspended to some extent from the upper peripheral frame 14. Further, the fabric bassinet 14 may be supported on the base frame 18. The fabric extends inwardly of the support legs 32, 34 and the bracing mechanisms 46 to reduce the likelihood of these parts being accessed 5 by an infant within the cot 12. Thus the bracing mechanisms 46 can be easily accessed externally by an adult operator. The operation to fold the cot of Figure 2 will now be described in conjunction with Figures 3 to 7. In operation, the user can commence folding the cot by depressing the two button actuators 48 provided on the two bracing mechanisms 46 which are 10 disposed at the same end of the cot, I.e. connected to the same U-shaped frame portion 22. By depressing the button actuators 48, one with each hand, the associated upper frame portion 22 can be folded about the first and second junction units 28, 30 to the position shown in Figure 4. The user will be required to use both hands to depress both actuators and collapse one of the U-shaped frame portions 22. The user then moves to 15 the other end of the cot 12 and depresses the remaining two button actuators 48 to fold down the other U-shaped frame portion 22. The partially folded configuration in Figure 4 will then be adopted. In a further step, the user then grabs the centre of the lower frame 18, e.g. adjacent the two 4-bar linkages 42 and pulls upwardly. Where the fabric bassinet 14 20 covers the base frame, a hand-pull may be provided to effect this operation. By pulling up the centre of the lower frame 18, the two base frame halves 40 will fold from the co planar configuration shown in Figure 1 to a position where the two frame halves lie alongside each other. This can be most clearly seen In Figure 7. This operation also causes the pivotable support legs 32, 34 to move from the erected configuration shown 25 in Figure 1 to the folded configuration shown In Figure 5. In Figure 5 the two leg portions 32, 34 on each side of the cot 12 extend substantially parallel to one another. Reverting to Figure 4, it can be seen that the leg portion 32, 34 each have a length adjustment mechanism 110 which will be described in greater detail in Figures 11 to 13. The length adjustment mechanisms both Include an actuator 119 which face each 30 other as shown. When the support legs 32, 34 are brought together as shown in Figure D4888501 9 5, the actuators 119 hit each other and thereby effect operation of each of the length adjustment mechanisms. This may occur practically automatically as the two support legs 32, 34 are brought together. When the length adjustment mechanisms are operated (see Figures 11 to 14 for further detail), the support legs 32, 34 will be moved 5 to the retracted position shown in Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the fully folded and retracted framework 10 in perspective. It can be seen that the fully folded and retracted configuration still possesses the width of the erected cot but will fold to a flat configuration which has a length approximately equal to half the length of the framework 10. This presents a substantially flat package which 10 enables the cot to be stored In certain locations such as under beds. Furthermore, because the operating mechanism of the cot is visible from the outside of the cot, this makes the folding operation more intuitive for the user and thus makes the cot easier to erect and disassemble. Figure 8a illustrates the components of the bracing mechanism 46. The bracing 15 mechanism 46 includes two links 60, 62. In the fully erected configuration of the cot shown in Figure 1, the two links 60, 62 are substantially aligned. Each link 60, 62 has an outer end. The outer end 64 of link 60 is pivotally connected to the U-shaped frame 22. The outer end 66 of the link 62 is pivotally mounted to the support leg 32/34. The inner ends of the links 60, 62 each have respective coupling portions 68, 70 20 forming part of a coupling. The coupling further includes an internal toothed cog 72 and spring 74. The spring 74 biases the cog 72 towards the coupling portion 70. In this position, the toothed cog 72 will engage with mating recesses 76 provided in the coupling portion 68 and likewise will engage with mating recesses (not shown) provided in the coupling portion 70, thus precluding relative movement of the coupling portions 25 68, 70. The button actuator 48 has a pair of arcuate projections 78, only one of which is shown. These projections 78 extend through complementary recesses 80 provided in the coupling portion 70. On depression of the button actuator 48, the toothed cog 72 will be moved out of alignment with the mating recesses provided in the coupling portion 70, thereby permitting the link 62 to rotate about central pin 82. The bracing mechanism 46 04886509 10 will then be permitted to fold inwardly to adopt the configuration shown in Figure 4, provided both button actuators 48 are depressed on opposite sides of the cot. In Figure 8b of the present Invention, the parts shown are substantially the same as In Figure Ba and like numerals represent like parts. The main difference Is the inclusion of 5 sleeve or collar portion 71. The sleeve or collar portion 71 is a discrete part separate from the link 62 and the coupling portion 70 to strengthen the join therebetween. As shown in Figure 8b, the sleeve or collar portion is in the form of a sleeve surrounding the link 62. The sleeve or collar portion 71 includes an aperture 73. An aperture (not shown) is also provided In the link 62 which aligns with the aperture 73 when the sleeve 10 or collar portion 71 is assembled over the link 62. Additionally, the coupling portion 70 includes a radially extending extension portion in the form of an arm (not shown) which is received within the link 62. The arm also has an aperture which aligns with the aperture 73. Thus when a fastener is inserted into aperture 73 and the aligned apertures of the link 62 and the arm, the three parts may be secured together. The 15 sleeve or collar portion 71 secures the joint between the link and the coupling portion and prevents outward bowing of the bracing mechanism when weight is placed on the corresponding end of the peripheral frame. While Figure Sb only illustrates a sleeve or collar portion 71 applied to the join between only one of the links and the coupling, another sleeve or collar portion may also be applied at the join of the other link and the 20 coupling. Figures 9 and 10 show more clearly the nature of one of the 4-bar linkages 42 provided In the base frame 18. As previously discussed in connection with Figure 1, each 4-bar linkage 42 pivotally interconnects the two base frame halves 40. The two base frame halves 40 are incorporated into first and second upper linkages 90. The 25 transversely extending bars of the frame halves 40 are riveted to respective upper linkages 90. The two linkages 90 are pivotally interconnected about central upper pivot 92. The 4-bar linkage 42 further includes two lower linkages 94. The lower linkages 94 are longer than the upper linkages 90. Each of the lower linkages 94 are pivotally 30 connected to the outer end of a respective upper linkage 90 about pivot 96. Further, the 04888809 11 lower linkages 94 are pivotally interconnected at central lower pivot 98. The lower linkages 94 are formed with lower lobes 100 which are shaped such that in the extended configuration of Figure 9, they form a ground engaging foot to provide support to the lower frame 18. The members of the linkage 42 are also designed such that they 5 will interfere to not move beyond the configuration shown in Figure 9. This provides for ease and control of folding. The configuration will nevertheless be such that the foot rests on the ground and the loading is transferred to the foot to avoid overstressing the linkages 94 which are formed as mouldings. Figure 9 corresponds to the configuration of the base frame 18 shown in Figure 3 where the frame halves 40 extend substantially 10 co-planar. In Figure 10, the 4-bar linkage 42 is shown in the configuration as would be adopted in the folded configuration shown in Figures 5 to 7. It can be seen that in this configuration, the upper linkages 90 have the central upper pivot 92 disposed at the top of the configuration with the upper linkages 90 extending in line with the lower linkages 15 94. This provides for a more compact arrangement of the 4-bar linkage 42 in the folded configuration. Figures 11 to 13 are cross-sections through leg 32 to show the workings of the length adjustment mechanism. Leg 32 is made up of two telescopic sections 104, 106. The upper section 104 is pivotally mounted to the first junction unit 28 through pivot 108. 20 As shown most clearly in Figure 12, at an intermediate location on the extended support leg 32 Is a length adjustment mechanism 110 which is housed within a length adjustment housing 112 on the lower end of upper section 104. The lower section 106 slides within the upper section 104. The lower section 106 may be U-shaped in cross section with a complementary opening 114 provided in the base of the housing 112. 25 The sections 104, 106 telescope between an extended configuration shown In Figure 11 and a retracted configuration shown in Figure 13. The lower section 106 has a pop rivet 105, The length adjustment housing 112 includes a moulding 107 which Is internal of the lower end of the upper section 104. As the leg 32 Is extended, the moulding 107 will abut against the pop rivet 105 and thus the pop rivet acts as a stop preventing the two 30 sections 104, 106 from separating entirely.
MBSOS 12 A latch lever 110 is mounted on the housing 112 for pivotal movement about pivot 118. The latch lever has a lower end 122 which may be received within a detent 124 provided within the wall of the lower section 106. The latch lever 119 has a spring 121 which biases the lower end 122 Into the detent 124. When the lower end 122 Is 5 engaged in the detent 124 the support leg 32 will be latched in the extended configuration as shown in Figure 11. The length adjustment is effected by depressing latch lever 119 against the bias of spring 121. This releases the lower end 122 from within the detent 124. The support legs 32, 34 can then be adjusted to the retracted configuration as shown in Figure 13. In 10 this configuration, the lower end 122 of latch lever 119 is not locked in the retracted position. Alternatively, as already explained, the user need not depress the actuator 119 but rely on the two actuators from the two legs 32, 24 cooperating by hitting against each other as explained In connection with Figures 4 through 6. The foregoing describes only one embodiment of the present invention and 15 modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the Invention.