GB2283670A

GB2283670A - Foldable cot

Info

Publication number: GB2283670A
Application number: GB9321512A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Raymond Long
Original assignee: GARVIC MARKETING Ltd
Current assignee: GARVIC MARKETING Ltd
Priority date: 1993-10-19
Filing date: 1993-10-19
Publication date: 1995-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2013-10-19
Also published as: GB2283670B; GB9321512D0

Abstract

A cot 1 is foldable between a carry case configuration (Fig. 1) for storage, and a cot configuration Fig. 2. On each side of the cot, a wedge 12 is rotated downwardly to allow side frames 9 to be pushed downwardly out of clips 11. The side frames 9 are then rotated to lie flat against head and foot end frames 5, 6. These rotate to lie in the head and foot base elements 2, 3 respectively, which are pivotable up about a centre base element 4 to oppose one another and form a case enclosing the other cot elements. As the head and foot frames 5, 6 are pivoted into the base element 2, 3, links 14 pivot leg stands 13 to lie along the length of the base elements 2, 3 to act as carry handles. Rocker elements 16 may be attached to the leg stands 13. The base elements 2, 3 may be held in the case configuration by quick release fastening means mounted thereon. <IMAGE>

Description

Cot The present invention relates to cots, particularly collapsible travel cots. The term "cots" should be taken to include playpen type constructions also.

A number of cots are known, which are collapsible for storage purposes during travel.

One such cot comprises a number of tubular frame elements which are connected together by internal springs, and whose ends are inserted into one another to form a cot frame. Canvas is provided over the frame elements, and a flat piece of hardboard is hung from the frame to provide a base on which a baby may lie. During storage, the frame elements are wrapped in the canvas and the hardboard base is kept separate.

A further travel cot is known of the playpen type, which again comprises a canvas covered frame stored in a kit bag.

Assembly and disassembly of the above cots is not particularly simple, and can take some time. Moreover, when assembled, they can lack rigidity, and, when stored away, can have a tendency to gather dust.

The present invention aims to overcome these problems, and, from a first aspect, provides a cot, wherein the base of the cot forms at least part of and preferably all of a case in which other parts of the cot, for example side wall elements, may be stored.

From a second aspect, the invention provides a cot whose base is formed from opposed shells of a case, the case being capable of holding other elements of the cot, such as side wall elements, during storage.

By forming the base from the carrying case, the invention provides a very compact and easily stored cot, whilst allowing the cot to be strong and rigid. Also, assembly is simple, as it may begin from a preformed rigid base. Furthermore, the case may be constructed to be dustproof.

A pair of three-sided base elements, for example of moulded plastics, may be used which provide opposed case shells during storage. The base elements/case shells may be separate from one another, but, for ease of use, are preferably pivotally connected, so that the base may be simply folded into its case form and vice versa.

This arrangement may be achieved through the use of a centre base element, for example of an elongate u-shaped construction, to which the two base elements are pivotally attached. This centre element may then form a rear side-wall of the case unit.

The sides of the base elements are preferably of sufficient height such that when they form the case, the sides of the opposed base elements meet in the middle to fully enclose the other cot elements and provide dustproof storage.

The two base elements could form the right and left sides of the cot, so that the cot folds lengthwise.

Preferably, however, the base elements comprise head and foot portions of the base, as this provides for a more easily carried and stored case size.

The sides of the cot may be formed in any suitable manner and could merely comprise uprights between which canvas sheeting is provided. Alternatively, the sides could be formed from solid elements. Preferably, however, the sides comprise rigid frame elements, for example of tubular construction, each having fabric extending thereacross. This arrangement combines a particularly lightweight and easy to assemble construction, with rigidity.

The cot sides may be attached to the base in any suitable manner. For example, they could be detachable and/or pivotally mounted to the base. Pivotal mounting provides for simple and fast assembly of the cot.

Viewed from a further aspect, the invention provides a cot whose sides are foldable into its base, and whose base is foldable into a case configuration.

Preferably, two opposed side elements of the cot are pivotally mounted to respective ones of the base elements, and the remaining sides of the cot are constructed from side elements which pivot about uprights of the two opposed elements. This provides a particularly easy system to assemble.

The side elements may be fixedly connected to one another, but are preferably detachably connected, for example by using saddle or collar hinges or figure of eight connectors. This allows them to be replaced by elements of different height, for example to allow for babies of varying ages or to provide a playpen type assembly. Also, it allows the elements to be completely removed to provide a bed-like structure.

In one preferred embodiment, the cot comprises a three-walled head base element and a three-walled foot base element which are pivotally mounted to an elongate u-shaped middle base element, so that they may fold together to form a case unit for storing the sides of the cot, the cot sides including head and foot frame elements respectively mounted in a pivoting manner to the head and foot base elements, and a pair of side elements mounted to each of the head and foot frame elements about uprights thereof, each side element extending about half-way along the length of the cot.

Thus, from a closed position, the cot is assembled by pivotally folding out the two base elements, pivoting the head and foot frame elements into an upward position and pivoting the side frame elements outwardly to lie along the sides of the base elements.

Adjacent side elements can be connected together where they meet at the middle of the cot (for example by a mortice and tenon pin and/or figure of eight clip arrangement) , so as to provide greater stability. The base elements, for example the middle base element, can provide locking means to hold the side elements in place, such as clips for gripping horizontal lower struts of the side elements, and rotatable wedge elements for holding the struts in the clips. Where the clips are on the middle base element, a single wedge element can hold two adjacent side elements in place.

The cot preferably comprises leg stands, which may be pivotally mounted to the base elements, and in one advantageous embodiment, the leg stands comprise handles for the case. The leg stands may be linked to side wall elements of the cot, so that when these elements are pivoted upright, the leg stands automatically move into their correct position.

The leg stands may be shaped so as to allow the cot to be rocked. Alternatively, separate rocking elements may be provided for attachment to the leg stands to provide this feature.

The base elements could have integral mattress portions, but preferably, a separate mattress is provided for placing flat on the unfolded base.

The case may be held closed by quick release fastening means mounted on the base elements, such as latching elements released by finger pressure.

The cot may be made from any suitable materials.

For example, the base elements may be formed of moulded plastics, and the sides from tubular mild steel elements.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows the cot in its storage position, in the form of a case unit; Fig. 2 shows the cot in its fully assembled condition, but with two of the side elements and some of the covering fabric removed for clarity; and Fig. 3 shows the cot in a half collapsed/half open position.

Cot 1 is foldable between a briefcase/suitcase configuration, as shown in fig. 1, in which it may be easily carried and stored, and an open, in-use, position, as shown in fig. 2.

Referring to all three figures, the cot 1 comprises a head base element 2 and a foot base element 3 which are pivotally connected to a centre base element 4.

Centre element 4 is twice as wide as the head and foot base elements 2,3 are deep, to allow the two base elements to pivot closed. A head end frame 5 is pivotally mounted on the head base element 2 and a foot end frame 6 is pivotally connected to the foot base element 3.

Each end frame 5,6 is formed as a tubular frame, and has upper and lower rails 7 (only shown on frame 5) between which a drape 8 (shown on side frame 9) of suitable fabric may be stretched.

Each end frame 5,6 has an opposed pair of side frames 9 pivotally mounted thereon (only one of each pair is shown). These side frames 9 also have drapes 8 stretched between rails 7. The side frames 9 each extend halfway along the base of the cot, and are held in position, aligned with the sides of the base elements 2 and 3, by having a lower strut 10 of their frame pushed up under a clip 11 mounted on the middle base element 4. A plastic locking member 12 on the middle base element 4 may be rotated to wedge the side frames 9 in place.

The cot 1 further comprises a pair of leg stands 13 which are pivotally mounted to the two base elements 2 and 3, and are arranged to form handles when the cot is in its carry case configuration. The leg stands 13 are connected to the head and foot end frames 5 and 6 by links 14, so that when the head and foot end frames 5 and 6 are moved between their storage position and their upright position, the legs 13 automatically move from their handle position to their stand position. As only shown in figure 3, the base elements 2,3 and 4 may include grooves 15 to accomodate the connections between the links 14 and leg stands 13 when the cot is folded into its case configuration.

Curved rocking members 15 may be attached to the leg stands 13, so that the cot may be rocked.

The base elements 2 and 3 are provided with quick release locking means which may take the form of latching members 16 (see fig. 1) released by exerting downward finger pressure.

To assemble the cot 1, latches 16 are opened, and the base elements 2 and 3 are folded downwardly. Head and foot end frames 5 and 6 are then pivoted towards a vertical position, with the legs 13 automatically moving downwardly under the base elements 2 and 3. After having pivoted the end frames 5 and 6 upwards somewhat, the side frames 9 are pivoted to the sides of the cot, and locked in place by clips 11 and locking member 12 as mentioned above, first on one side and then on the other. This action automatically urges end walls 5 and 6 into their fully upright position, and therefore moves the leg stands 12 into their final correct position. A mortice and tenon pin arrangement (not shown) can be provided between the adjacent uprights 17 of the side frames 9 to provide extra rigidity. A mattress (not shown), which may be stored in the case unit, is laid over the base.

To store the cot, locking members 12 are rotated downwardly to allow the side frames 9 to be released from the clips 11. The side frames 9 are then rotated to lie against the corresponding head and foot end frames 5,6. The end frames 5,6 are then pivoted down to lie within the base elements 2 and 3. This brings the leg stands 13 into their handle positions. Base elements 2 and 3 are then folded to oppose one another, and as they close together, the latches 16 lock them together.

Typically, base elements 2,3 will be made of suitable moulded plastics material, and the frame elements 5,6 and 9 will be made of stove-enamelled mild steel tubes. The whole unit may weigh about 9 kg, and be able to hold a 20 kg baby. The closed case may be about 28 inches square by 8 inches deep. End frames 5 and 6 may have a width of about 66 cm and a height of about 49.5 cm, and side rails 9 may have a height of about 46.5 cm and a width of about 61 cm. The side frames 9 may not be as high as the end frames 5 and 6, so that when their tops are level with the tops of the end frames 5,6, their bottoms can clear the side walls of the base elements 2 and 3 when pivoted into position.

When choosing the size of the cot, it should be remembered that for the above pivotal arrangement a longer cot requires longer side frames 9, and, therefore wider end frames 5,6 and wider base elements 2,3, to accommodate these longer side frames 9 when in the case configuration (and vice versa). Also, raising the height of the cot sides may require a longer cot for similar reasons.

The above is only one embodiment of the invention, and many variations on this design are possible. For example, the side frames 9 could be releasably connected to the end frames 5, 6, so that side frames of differing heights can be used, or so that the side frames may be removed completely to provide a bed arrangement. The frames could then be rotatably attached to one another by, for example, figure of eight clips. Indeed, all of the end and side frames 5,6 and 9 could be separate from the base elements 2 and 3 and merely stored flat with them when in the case configuration. Other side wall assemblies, such as solid elements could be used to replace the frames 5,6 and 9.

Claims

1. A cot, wherein the base of the cot forms at least part of a case in which other parts of the cot may be stored.

2. A cot whose base is formed from opposed shells of a case, the case being capable of holding other elements of the cot during storage.

3. A cot sides of which are foldable into its base, the base being foldable into a case configuration.

4. A cot of claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising a pair of three-sided base elements which provide opposed case shells during storage.

5. A cot of any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a pair of base elements which are pivotally connected, so that the base may be folded into its case form and vice versa.

6. A cot of any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises two base elements pivotally connected to a centre base element.

7. The cot of claim 6, wherein the centre base element is of a substantially u-shape form, with the bridge portion of the u-shape being elongate.

8. A cot of any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a pair of base elements which are of sufficient depth such that when they form the case, the sides of the opposed base elements meet in the middle to fully enclose the other cot elements.

9. A cot of any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a base element forming the head of the cot and a base element forming the foot of the cot.

10. A cot of any preceding claim, when the cot includes rigid side and/or end frame elements having fabric extending across their frames.

11. A cot of any preceding claim, wherein sides of the cot are pivotally mounted to the base.

12. A cot according to any preceding claim, wherein two opposed side elements of the cot are pivotally mounted to respective ones of the base elements.

13. A cot according to claim 12, wherein the remaining sides of the cot are constructed from side elements which pivot about uprights of the two opposed elements.

14. A cot according to any preceding claim, wherein side elements of the cot are detachably connected to one another.

15. A cot comprising a head base element and a foot base element which are pivotally mounted to a middle base element so that they may fold together to form a case unit for storing the sides of the cot, the cot sides including head and foot frame elements respectively mounted in a pivoting manner to the head and foot base elements, and a pair of side elements mounted to each of the head and foot frame elements about uprights thereof, each side element extending about half-way along the length of the cot.

16. A cot according to any preceding claim, wherein adjacent side elements are connectable together where they meet towards the middle of the cot.

17. A cot according to any preceding claim, wherein base elements of the cot are provided with locking means to hold side elements of the cot in place.

18. A cot according to any preceding claim, wherein clips for gripping horizontal struts of side elements of the cot are mounted on base elements of the cot.

19. A cot according to claim 18, wherein rotatable wedge elements are mounted on the base elements for holding the struts in the clips.

20. A cot according to any preceding claim, wherein clips are mounted on a middle base element of the cot in order to grip horizontal struts of side elements of the cot, and rotatable wedging means are also mounted on the middle base element for holding the side elements in place in the clips.

21. A cot according to any preceding claim, wherein the cot comprises leg stands which may be arranged when the cot is in the case configuration to act as handles for the case.

22. A cot according to claim 21, wherein side wall elements of the cot pivot up from the base of the cot, and the leg stands cooperate with these elements so that when the elements are pivoted towards the base for storage, the leg stands automatically move into their handle positions.

23. A cot according to any preceding claim, wherein rocking elements are provided for attachment to the leg stands.

24. A cot according to any preceding claim, wherein the case is held closed by quick release fastening means mounted on base elements of the cot which oppose one another when in the case configuration.