GB2478980A

GB2478980A - Collapsible cot and bath combination

Info

Publication number: GB2478980A
Application number: GB1005081A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Michael Menezes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-26
Filing date: 2010-03-26
Publication date: 2011-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-26
Also published as: GB2478980B; GB201005081D0

Abstract

A collapsible or foldable cot 101 comprises at least two side panels 107, 109 a base portion 102 and at least two end panels, the side panels being attached to the base via a hinge mechanism 401. The base portion and the side panels are each formed of a substantially rigid or stiff material. In a second embodiment the base is comprised of a substantially rigid member 120 which may be formed as a plastics molding. A compressible padding material 119 extends over one side of the rigid member to provide a surface for laying down a baby. The other side of the rigid member is waterproof and comprises a recess (301, figure 3), so that if the base is inverted or turned upside down the recess may serve as a bath for the baby.

Description

I

A Collapsible Cot

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for use with a baby and particularly to a collapsible cot for a baby.

2. Description of the Related Art

When travelling on holiday with a baby, it is usual for the parents to take with them many different items required for the care of the baby. These may include a collapsible cot, a changing mat and a bath. This potentially creates a problem, because there is a limit to the amount of items that can be carried, for example in the car used on the journey to the holiday destination.

A partial solution to this problem is disclosed in United States patent application publication No. US 2007/0277321. This document discloses a convertible baby bed in combination with a play mat and diaper changing station. The convertible bed is formed of padded fabric; for example it comprises a waterproof fabric having polyurethane foam inserts. One problem with such a construction is that it can become damaged during transportation, especially when located within the packed boot of a car. A second problem is that the foam inserts may become deformed with use. A further problem with the disclosed bed is that it does not address the problem of a separate baby bath.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible cot for a baby as claimed in claim 1.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible cot for a baby as claimed in claim 11.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible cot for a baby as claimed in claim 18.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a collapsible cot 101 in its collapsed configuration; Figure 2A shows the collapsible cot 101 in its erect configuration; Figures 2B and 2C illustrate the process of erecting the cot 101; Figure 3 shows the erect collapsible cot 101 previously shown in Figure 2A after being turned upside down; Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the collapsible cot 101 in its collapsed configuration; Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the collapsible cot 101 in its folded configuration; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the collapsible cot 101 in its folded configuration; Figure 6 shows the collapsible cot 101 in its collapsed configuration along with a frame 601 for supporting toys 602; Figure 7 shows the collapsible cot 101 with a canopy 701 attached to the frame 601, and provides a perspective view of the open front of the canopy 701; and Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the collapsible cot 101 with a canopy 701 attached to the frame 601, and provides a perspective rear view of the canopy 701.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 A collapsible cot 101 for a baby is shown in its collapsed configuration in Figure 1. The collapsible cot 101 comprises a base portion 102 that has a substantially rectangular configuration. Thus, the base portion 102 has a pair of opposing side edges 103 and 104 and a pair of opposing end edges 105 and 106.

A first side panel 107 is attached to the side edge 103 of the base portion 102 by means of a hinge mechanism 108. The hinge mechanism 108 is formed from parts of the base portion and side panel that extend outwards towards each other in an overlapping fashion, and contain a pivot pin.

Essentially, the hinge mechanism 108 allows the first side panel 107 to be moved relative to the base portion 102 from the collapsed configuration of Figure 1 to a position in which the first side panel 107 extends substantially perpendicular to the base portion 102. The first side panel must be moved to this position when the collapsible cot 101 is to be used as a cot, as will be described below. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism 108 also allows the first side panel 107 to be rotated through approximately 180° from its position shown in Figure 1, so that the first side panel lays alongside the base portion 102, when the collapsible cot is placed in its folded configuration for storage.

Similarly, a second side panel 109 is attached to the opposing side edge 104 of base portion 102 by a hinge mechanism 110. The hinge mechanism 110 operates in a similar manner to hinge mechanism 108, allowing the second side panel 109 to be rotated into position for use and storage like the first side panel 107.

The cot 101 also comprises a pair of handle parts 111 and 112, which in Figure 1 are shown separated, but which may be attached to each other by means of a groove 113 on handle part 112 and a correspondingly shaped protuberance 114 on handle part 111. The two handle parts 111 and 112 are connectable by sliding the protuberance 114 along, and into, the groove 113.

The first handle part 111 is attached to the side edge 104 of base portion 102 by a pair of straps 115, and the second handle part 112 is similarly attached to the side edge 103 of base portion 102 by a second pair of straps 116. (The straps are shown in Figure 1 extending underneath respective side panels 109 and 107.) The collapsible cot 101 also comprises a pair of end panels 117 and 118, which during use are used to provide a wall between the side panels 107 and 109. However, in Figure 1 the collapsible cot is shown in its collapsed configuration and the side panels 117 and 118 are separated from the remainder of the structure.

The base portion 102, the side panels 107 and 109 and the end panels 117 and 118 each comprise a substantially rigid plastics member, that in the present embodiment is formed by moulding. In the present embodiment, the base portion and the side panels differ from the end panels in that they also comprise a relatively compressible material extending over most of their upper surfaces. Thus, the base portion 102 has a main central portion 119 comprising of a relatively compressible material located within a recess of the relatively rigid member 120 formed as a plastics moulding.

Similarly, the first side panel 107 has a relatively compressible material 121 extending over a relatively rigid member 122, and the second side panel 109 has a relatively compressible material 123 extending over the relatively rigid member 124.

In the present embodiment, the relatively compressible material 119, 121 and 123 is formed of a foam material comprising a polymer material. The exposed surface of the relatively compressible material 119, 121 and 123 is waterproof, and in one embodiment, this is achieved by a relatively thin sheet of a plastics material extending over the top of the foam material. However, in alternative embodiments this is achieved by the foam material itself forming a continuous skin at its upper surface.

The relatively compressible material 119 provides a surface on which a baby may be comfortably laid. Furthermore, as the exposed surface of the compressible material 119 is waterproof, the collapsible cot 101 in the collapsed configuration shown in Figure 1 may be used as a changing mat for the baby.

A socket 125 is defined in the relatively rigid member 120 of the base portion 102 nearer to each of its four corners. As will be described further below, the sockets 125 are each configured to receive the end of a respective leg of a frame used to suspend toys. In the present embodiment, the sockets are circular and configured to receive the lower portion of a sphere.

The first side panel 107 has a respective rectangular socket 1026, 1027 at each of its two ends. Similarly, the second side panel 109 is provided with a rectangular socket 128, 129 at each of its two ends. The first end panel 117 has a connecting member 130, 131 arranged along its opposing side edges.

Similarly, the second end panel 118 has connecting members 132, 133 arranged along each of its two opposing side edges. The connecting members 130, 131, 132 and 133 are configured to clip into a corresponding one of the rectangular sockets 127, 129, 128 and 126 in the side panels 107 and 109.

Thus, to reconfigure the collapsible cot 101 into its erect configuration, the side panels 107 and 109 are rotated about their hinge mechanisms 108 and 110 until they extend perpendicularly upwards from the base portion 102.

The end panels are arranged substantially perpendicular to the base portion 102 and the connecting members 130, 131, 132 and 133 are clipped into the respective sockets 127, 129, 128 and 126.

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C The collapsible cot 101 is shown in its erect configuration in Figure 2A, while the process of erecting the cot 101 is illustrated in Figures 2B and 2C.

Figure 2B shows the side panel 109 and the end panel 117 just prior to the location of the connecting member 131 within the rectangular socket 129.

Figure 2C shows the connecting member 131 clipped into the socket 129.

With the connecting members 130, 131, 132 and 133 each clipped into its corresponding socket 127, 129, 128 and 126, the end panels 117 and 118 provide a wall extending between the side panels 107 and 109. Thus, as shown in Figure 2A, the collapsible cot has the form of a substantially rectangular box having continuous side walls.

The collapsible cot 101 is shown in Figure 2A with the first handle part 111 connected to the second handle part 112 to form a single handle 201.

Thus, the collapsible cot 101 may be carried by the handle 201 when in its erect configuration.

It is envisaged that parents of babies will use the collapsible cot 101 as a cot for a baby, for example, on holidays or during other journeys away from home. In addition, it may be provided by third parties for temporary use as a cot. For example, it may be provided for use by: the emergency services; third world relief aid organisations; hospitals; doctors surgeries; holiday accommodation such as hotels, caravans sites, etc.; service providers such as nurseries, crèches, playgroups, restaurants, cruise liners, airlines, airports, etc. Figure 3 The erect collapsible cot 101 previously shown in Figure 2A is shown again in Figure 3 after being turned upside down. Thus, as shown in Figure 3, the base portion 102 may be supported above the ground surface by the side panels 107 and 109 and the end panels 117 and 118. The outersurface of the base portion 102 is provided with a substantially rectangular recess 301 having a length 302 and width 303 of sufficient size to receive a baby. The recess has a depth of a few centimetres, in the present example three centimetres. The recess 301 is entirely formed by the relatively rigid member 210 of the base portion 102 and consequently it may be filled with water to provide a shallow bath for a baby. It is envisaged that the bath will be usable to bath a baby where a regular bath or baby bath is not available for use. For example, the bath may be used when travelling, or during holidays away form home where the usual facilities are not available.

Figures 4A and 4B The collapsible cot 101 is shown in its collapsed configuration in the cross-sectional view of Figure 4A and shown in its folded configuration in the corresponding cross-sectional view of Figure 4B.

As shown in Figure 4A, the rigid member 120 of the base portion 102 has a recess containing the relatively compressible material 119. Similarly the plastics mouldings providing the relatively rigid members 122 and 124 of the side panels 107 and 109 define recesses containing respective compressible material 121 and 123.

In addition, Figure 4A illustrates the location of pivot pins 401 connecting the two side panels 107 and 109 to the central base portion 102. It may be seen in Figure 4A, that the pivot pins are arranged in a plane above the general upper surface of the base portion 102. Consequently, the two side panels may be rotated through approximately 180° about their pivot pins 401 such that the side panels lay substantially on top of the base portion 102. The -10 collapsible cot 101 is shown after such a reconfiguration in Figure 4B, and consequently in Figure 4B the side panels 107 and 109 are laying on top of the base portion 102.

As illustrated in Figure 4B, the side panels 107 and 109 each have a width that is slightly less than the width of the base portion 102. Consequently, the side panels 107 and 109 are able to lay side-by-side on top of the base portion 102.

It is envisaged that the collapsible cot 101 will be folded into the folded configuration of Figure 4B for the purposes of storage and transportation. It may be noted that in this configuration the outer exposed surface of the collapsible cot 101 comprises entirely of the rigid members 120, 122 and 124, and so the relatively compressible material 119, 121, 123 is protected within a case formed from the rigid members 120, 122 and 124. Consequently, the collapsible cot 101 may be stored and transported with little chance of it being damaged.

Figure 5 The collapsible cot 101 is shown in the folded configuration (previously shown in Figure 4B) in the perspective view of Figure 5.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the side panels have central thick portions 501 surrounded by relatively thin portions 502 adjacent to their edges.

Consequently, the side panels 107 and 109 form a channel 503 between the two thick portions 501. Advantageously, the handle 201 is configured to locate within the channel 503 in this storage configuration.

Figure 6 The collapsible cot 101 is shown again in Figure 6 in its collapsed configuration along with a frame 601 for supporting toys 602.

The frame 601 is formed of a pair of u-shaped tubular elements 603 and 604. The u-shaped elements 603 and 604 are substantially identical and so for the purposes of conciseness only u-shaped element 603 will be described here below.

U-shaped element 603 comprises a tubular portion 605 having a pair of 90° bends 606, such that the u-shaped element 603 has the form of a pair of parallel legs 607 separated by a cross bar 608. Each end of the tubular member 605 contains an extension piece 609. The extension piece 609 is itself formed of tubular material having an outer diameter configured to be a sliding fit within the tubular member 605. In addition, a lower end of the extension piece 609 is provided with a spherical foot 610, configured to fit within the sockets 125 formed in the base portion 102. Thus, as shown in Figure 6, the frame 601 is stably located on the base portion 102 by location of each of its legs 607 within a respective one of the four sockets 125.

The tubular member 605 is provided with a number (in this case 5) of apertures extending through its wall and spaced along its length. The extension portion 609 is provided with a sprung element having a button 612 configured to be located in a selected one of the holes 611.

An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the tubular member 605 containing the sprung button 612 is shown at 650.

The extension pieces 609 are slidable into and out of the ends of the tubular member 605 such that the length of the legs 607 is adjustable and may be fixed by location of the button 612 in a respective one of the holes 611. By this means, the height of the frame may be varied and also by pushing the extension pieces 609 completely within the tubular member 605 the size of the frame 601 may be minimised for storage purposes.

The two u-shaped elements 603 and 604 are connected at their crossbars 608 by a connecting element 613. The connecting element 613 has a pair of u-shaped channels configured to locate around the crossbars 608 such that the crossbars 608 clip into the connecting element 613. A central portion 614 of the connecting element 613 is provided with a series of apertures, and the toys 602 are attached to the connecting element 603 by means of strings attached to the toys and attached to the connecting element 613 by means of the apertures.

Thus, the frame 601 provides a support from which the toys 602 may be suspended by strings above the base portion 602. Therefore, a baby may be laid on the base portion 102 and be amused by the toys 602.

Figures 7 and 8 The collapsible cot 101 with a canopy 701 attached to the frame 601 is shown again in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 provides a perspective view of the open front of the canopy 701, while Figure 8 provides a perspective rear view of the canopy.

The canopy 701 comprises several sheets of fabric material stitched together at their edges. A first fabric sheet 702 has a substantially triangular shape and a second rectangular sheet 703 of fabric has one of its edges attached along two sides of the triangular sheet 702. A number of elasticised loops 704 are attached to the rectangular sheet 703 and each loop 704 is arranged to receive one of the legs 607 of the frame 601.

As illustrated in the Figures 7 and 8 the canopy 701 is a snug fit over the frame 601, and when located over the frame, it provides a shelter over the base portion 102. Therefore, when used outdoors, a baby located on the base portion 102 is provided with shelter from wind and the sun.

Claims

Claims 1. A collapsible cot for a baby comprising: at least two side panels; a base portion having a pair of opposing side edges, each of said side edges having a side panel attached thereto; and at least two end panels for providing a wall between said side panels; wherein said base portion and said side panels are each formed of a substantially rigid material and said cot further comprises hinge mechanisms connecting said side panels to said base portion.
2. A collapsible cot according to claim 1, wherein said base portion has a first outer surface and an opposite second outer surface, and said base portion comprises a substantially rigid member pioviding said first outer surface, and a relatively compressible material extending over said rigid member to provide said second outer surface with cushioning.
3. Apparatus for use with a baby according to claim 2, wherein said compressible material has a waterproof outer surface.
4. A collapsible cot according to claim 2, wherein said base portion comprises a flexible waterproof sheet extending over said compressible material such that said second surface is waterproof.
5. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said rigid member is made of a waterproof material formed with a recess for receiving water and a baby, so that by arranging said base portion with the first outer surface uppermost said base portion is useable to bath a baby.
6. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said base portion and said side panels comprise of substantially rigid members formed of a moulded plastics material.
7. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said end panels are releasably attachable to said side panels, so that the cot is collapsible by removing said end panels from said side panels.
8. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said base portion has a width and said side panels have a sufficiently small height when compared to said width such that said side panels are rotatable inwards towards each other to lie substantially flat against the base portion.
9. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said base portion defines four sockets for receiving respective legs of a frame.
10. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said cot further comprises a frame for suspending toys above said base portion and said base portion defines a plurality sockets each configured to receive a respective leg of said frame.
11. Apparatus for use with a baby, said apparatus comprising a base portion having a first outer surface and an opposite second outer surface, wherein said base portion comprises: a substantially rigid member providing said first outer surface of said base portion; and a relatively compressible material extending over said rigid member to provide a comfortable surface for laying down a baby; wherein said rigid member is made of a waterproof material formed with a recess for receiving water and a baby, so that by arranging said base portion with the first outer surface uppermost said base portion is useable to bath a baby.
12. Apparatus for use with a baby according to claim 10, wherein said compressible material has a waterproof outer surface.
13. Apparatus for use with a baby according to claim 12, wherein said waterproof outer surface comprises a flexible waterproof sheet.
14. Apparatus for use with a baby according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said base portion defines sockets configured to receive legs of a frame for suspending toys above said base portion.
15. Apparatus for use with a baby according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein said apparatus further comprises a frame for suspending toys above said base portion and said base portion defines sockets configured to receive legs of said frame.
16. Apparatus for use with a baby according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein said apparatus comprises a pair of side panels attached to said base portion by hinge mechanisms.
17. Apparatus for use with a baby according to any one of claims 11 to 16, said base portion has a width and said side panels have a sufficiently small height when compared to said width such that said side panels are rotatable inwards towards each other to lie substantially flat against the base portion.
18. A collapsible cot for a baby comprising: at least two side panels; a base portion having a pair of opposing side edges, each of said side edges having a side panel attached thereto; and at least two end panels for providing a wall between said side panels; wherein said base portion has a first surface for providing a floor of said cot and an opposite second surface substantially parallel to said first surface, said second surface having a recessed area for providing a bath for a baby.
19. A collapsible cot according to claim 18, wherein said base portion has a first outer surface and an opposite second outer surface, and said base portion comprises a substantially rigid member providing said first outer surface, and a relatively compressible material extending over said rigid member to provide said second outer surface with cushioning.
20. Apparatus for use with a baby according to claim 19, wherein said compressible material has a waterproof outer surface.
21. A collapsible cot according to claim 19, wherein said base portion comprises a flexible waterproof sheet extending over said compressible material such that said first surface is waterproof.
22. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein said base portion and said side panels comprise of substantially rigid members formed of a moulded plastics material.
23. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein said end panels are releasably attachable to said side panels, so that the cot is collapsible by removing said end panels from said side panels.
24. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein said base portion has a width and said side panels have a sufficiently small height when compared to said width such that said side panels are rotatable inwards towards each other to lie substantially flat against the base portion.
25. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein said base portion defines four sockets for receiving respective legs of a frame.
26. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein said cot further comprises a frame for suspending toys above said base portion and said base portion defines a plurality sockets each configured to receive a respective leg of said frame.
27. A collapsible cot substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.PV Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A collapsible cot for a baby comprising: at least two side panels; a base portion having a pair of opposing side edges, each of said side edges having a side panel attached thereto; and at least two end panels for providing a wall between said side panels; wherein said base portion and said side panels are each formed of a substantially rigid material and said cot further comprises hinge mechanisms connecting said side panels to said base portion; wherein said base portion has a first outer surface and an opposite second outer surface, and said base portion comprises a substantially rigid member providing said first outer surface, and a relatively compressible material extending over said rigid member to provide said second outer surface with * 15 cushioning. * *2. Apparatus for use with a baby according to claim 1, wherein said compressible material has a waterproof outer surface. *. *3. A collapsible cot according to claim 1, wherein said base portion * comprises a flexible waterproof sheet extending over said compressible material such that said second surface is waterproof.4. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein said rigid member is made of a waterproof material formed with a recess for receiving water and a baby, so that by arranging said base portion with the first outer surface uppermost said base portion is useable to bath a baby.5. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims I to 4, wherein said base portion and said side panels comprise of substantially rigid members formed of a moulded plastics material.V6. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said end panels are releasably attachable to said side panels, so that the cot is collapsible by removing said end panels from said side panels.7. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said base portion has a width and said side panels have a sufficiently small height when compared to said width such that said side panels are rotatable inwards towards each other to lie substantially flat against the base portion.8. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims I to 7, wherein said base portion defines four sockets for receiving respective legs of a frame.9. A collapsible cot according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said cot further comprises a frame for suspending toys above said base *.....* portion and said base portion defines a plurality sockets each configured to receive a respective leg of said frame. * .10. A collapsible cot substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.