GB2487541A

GB2487541A - Adjustable child bed

Info

Publication number: GB2487541A
Application number: GB1101231.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Woodward
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-25
Filing date: 2011-01-25
Publication date: 2012-08-01
Also published as: GB201101231D0

Abstract

An adjustable child bed 10 comprises a bed base 12 having a plurality of side walls 14, a manually-adjustable mattress support element 16 which is pivotally supported by the base side walls 14 to adjust a lying position for a child, and a mattress 20 which is supportable by the mattress support element 16. A perimeter wall 18 extends up from the side walls 14 of the bed base 12 to surround the mattress support element 16.

Description

Adjustable child bed

The present invention relates to an adjustable child bed, and more particularly but not necessarily exclusively to an adjustable child bed for babies and toddlers.

Cots are commonly used items of bedroom furniture for babies and toddlers. Such cots typically include a planar or flat bed base and an enclosure which extends upwardly from a peripheral edge of the planar base. A mattress is normally placed on and supported by the planar base to define a sleep zone. The infant sleeps on the mattress in a horizontal lying position, generally on either its tummy or its back according to current health advice. The enclosure prevents or inhibits the infant from accidentally or intentionally leaving the confines of the enclosed sleep zone. Often, one of the sides of the enclosure is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position in which the side is adjacent to the bed base. In the lowered position, access to the sleep zone is improved, thereby reducing the risk of back injuries to the carer of the infant when moving the infant in and out of the sleep zone.

For infants and very young children suffering from ailments such as colic or even just the common cold, lying in the horizontal position can be uncomfortable. Very often, this leads to the infant crying, which can be very distressing for the carer and other members of the family. This increases the likelihood of a disturbed night of sleep, both for the child and their family. Subsequent tiredness can have a significant impact on the quality of family life, especially if the ailment occurs over a prolonged period of time, as colic often can do.

It is an object of the invention to provide an adjustable child bed which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problem.

According to the present invention there is provided an adjustable child bed comprising a bed base having a plurality of side walls and a manually-adjustable mattress support element which is pivotably supportable by the side walls to adjust a lying position for a child, a mattress supportable by the mattress support element, and a perimeter wall which is upstandable from the side walls of the bed base to surround or substantially surround the mattress support element.

The adjustable child bed is advantageous due to the lying position of the child being selectable adjustable altered from a traditional completely horizontal position to a non-horizontal position if the child is suffering from an ailment. Furthermore, many possible lying positions are available using the adjustable child bed, and so the lying position of the child can effectively be altered to suit the kind of ailment the child is suffering from.

Preferable and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in dependent claims 2 to 14.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable child bed in accordance with the present invention, and shows in particular an infant in a non-horizontal lying position; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the adjustable infant bed of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic plan view of a locking element used to releasably lock a mattress support element of the bed in place; and Figure 4 shows the adjustable child bed of Figure 1 with a portion of the bed base rendered transparent so as to indicate the action of the mattress support element.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an adjustable child bed is indicated generally at 10.

The adjustable child bed 10 includes a bed base 12 having a plurality of base side walls 14, a mattress support element or platform 16 which is pivotally supported by the base side walls 14 to adjust a lying position for a child, and a perimeter wall or sleep enclosure 18 which extends upwardly from the side walls 14 of the bed base 12 to surround the mattress support element 16. A mattress 20 is supported by the mattress support element 16.

The bed base 12 is preferably rectangular and includes four base side walls 14 which are generally planar. The two lateral base side walls l4a in this case are continuous, whereas the two longitudinal base side walls l4b include a plurality of opposing platform locators 15. Each platform locator 15 is formed as an aperture provided through the longitudinal base side wall 14b. Each platform locator 15 in the first longitudinal base side wall 14b is aligned with a corresponding platform locator 15 in the opposing second longitudinal base side wall 14b. Each pair of opposing platform locators 15 is shaped with substantially the same form in both longitudinal base side walls 14b.

From a head 24 to a foot 26 of the adjustable child bed 10 as shown in Figure 1, a first pair 28 of the platform locators 15 is circular. The first pair 28 of platform locators 15 acts as a pivot point when the mattress support element 16 is engaged with the bed base 12 and the lying position of the child is adjusted.

A second pair 30 of the platform locators 15 is elongate, substantially rectilinear, and is provided substantially vertically. When the mattress support element 16 is engaged with the bed base 12, the second pair 30 of platform locators 15 receives a locking element 32 of the mattress support element 16, which is described in further detail below. Three circular position or locking recesses 34 are provided, equi-distantly spaced apart, along the longitudinal extent of the second pair 30 of platform locators 15. The locking recesses 34 correspond to three distinct adjustable positions of the mattress support element 16.

A third pair 36 of the platform locators 15 is elongate and arcuate. The arcuate portion curves through substantially ninety degrees and rises towards the foot of the bed 26. A fourth pair 38 of platform locators 15 is elongate, rectilinear and is provided inclined to the horizontal, rising towards the foot 26 of the bed 10. When the mattress support element 16 is engaged with the bed base 12 and the lying position adjusted, the third and fourth pair 36, 38 of platform locators 15 guide the travel of the positioning members, described in further detail below, within the bed base 12.

The bed base 12 is preferably made from wood or plastics. Feet may be attached to or included as part of the bed base 12 to raise the bed base 12 off the ground for added ventilation.

The sleep enclosure 18 generally matches the shape of the bed base 12, and in this case is generally rectangular. The sleep enclosure 18 comprises four upstanding enclosure perimeter side walls 40, which are substantially planar. The sleep enclosure 18 includes a preferably tubular frame structure 42 which is concealed by a plurality of reinforced frame covers 44. The frame structure 42 in this embodiment is a plurality of releasably interconnected aluminium tubes. Other suitable materials may be used instead, for example plastics. In this embodiment, the upper lateral tubes 46 are curved vertically whilst the upper longitudinal tubes 48 are rectilinear.

The frame structure 42 is preferably collapsible so that the adjustable infant bed 10 can be at least partially dismantled for ease of storage and transportation. A mesh panel 50 extends across the frame structure 42 essentially to define the perimeter side walls 40.

Each perimeter side wall 40 is generally rectangular.

A junction cap 52 is disposed at each upper corner of the sleep enclosure 18 over the reinforced frame covers 44. The purpose of the junction caps 52 is to lock the tubes safely together, thereby improving the rigidity of the frame structure 42. Each junction cap 52 has four walls 53. The first and second side walls 53a, 53b are provided substantially perpendicular to each other against the outer surfaces of the frame covers 44. The third and fourth side walls 53c, 53d are also substantially perpendicular to each other and are provided against the inner surfaces of the frame covers 44. The first and second side walls 53a, 53b adjoin the third and fourth side walls 53c, 53d along an upper edge 53e of each junction cap 52. Each junction cap 52 is preferably made from a plastics material and moulded to conform to the curvature of the upper lateral tubes 46.

The sleep enclosure 18 is releasably connectable to the side walls 14 of the bed base 12 to aid collapse of the adjustable child bed 10 for storage and transportation.

It is envisaged that at least two of the enclosure perimeter side walls 40 may include a plurality of equi-distantly spaced apart vertical slats, typically made from wood. In such an embodiment, the perimeter side walls 40 may connect directly to the side walls 14 of the bed base 12 and, optionally, also to each other for added rigidity.

The longitudinal perimeter side walls 40 may include the said vertical slats. In such an embodiment, the lateral perimeter side walls 40 are preferably flexible and continuous, for example, by being formed of fabric, and are also detachable from the longitudinal perimeter side walls 40. By the lateral perimeter side walls 40 and the longitudinal perimeter side walls 40 being either partially or entirely detachable from each other, access to the sleep zone is improved whilst maintaining the ability to adjust the positioning of the mattress support element 16.

In this modification, one of the perimeter side walls 40 may be hingably connected to the supporting side wall 14 of the bed base 12. In such an embodiment, a releasable detent, such as an over-centre toggle clasp, is provided for locking the hingable side wall 40 in place.

As best seen in Figure 2, the mattress support element 16 has three pivotably interconnected base parts: a head base part 54, a foot base part 56 and an abdomen base part 58. Each base part 54, 56, 58 is preferably connected to an adjacent base part about an elongate pin, common to both base parts, which extends across the lateral extent of the bed base 12 (for example, see insert of Figure 4). Each base part 54, 56, 58 is typically wooden and includes a plurality of slats 60 mounted across a pair of spaced apart elongate struts 62. However, each base part 54, 56, 58 may alternatively include a substantially flat panel which extends across the pair of struts 62. Also, each base part 54, 56, 58 may be connected to an adjacent base part by a conventional hinge arrangement.

A positioning member 63 projects laterally outwardly from each strut 62. Each positioning member 63 is preferably provided as a pin with a circular lateral cross-section. Each positioning member 63 may be integral with the elongate pin used to connect adjacent base parts 54, 56, 58. The positioning members 63 are slidingly engageable with the platform locators 15 in the longitudinal side walls 14b of the bed base 12 to support and suspend the mattress support element 16.

A first pair 66 of the positioning members 63 is disposed substantially midway along each strut 62 of the head base part 54. The first pair 66 of positioning members 63 extends outwardly from the pair of struts 62. The first pair 66 of positioning members 63 is receivable and rotatable within the first pair 28of platform locators 15.

A second pair 65 of positioning members 63 is disposed intermediate the head base part 54 and the abdomen base part 58, and is provided as the locking element 32 of the mattress support element 16. The second pair 65 of positioning members 63 is receivable and moveable within the second pair 30 of platform locators 15.

A third pair 68 of the positioning members 63 is provided as the elongate pin connecting the abdomen base part 58 to the foot base part 56. The third pair 68 of positioning members 63 is receivable and arcuately moveable within the third pair 36 of platform locators 15.

A fourth pair 70 of positioning members 63 extends outwardly from one end of each strut 62 of the foot base part 56, spaced from the third pair 68 of positioning members 63. The fourth pair 70 of positioning members 63 is receivable and linearly moveable within the fourth pair of platform locators 38.

The locking element 32 pivotably connects the head base part 54 to the abdomen base part 58. As best seen in Figure 3, the locking element 32, in this embodiment, is provided as a spring-biased grip element having inner and outer coaxial elongate shafts 72, 74.

The inner shaft 72 extends through the second pair 30 of platforrri locators 15 and substantially across the lateral extent of the mattress support element 16 in horizontal alignment with the locking recesses 34 of the second pair 3Oof platform locators 15. The inner shaft 72 is fully supported by the two longitudinal base side walls 14b of the bed base 12. A cap stop 76 is disposed at one end of the inner shaft 72 and a user-interface, in this case in the form of a gripable knob or handle 78, is disposed at the other end of the inner shaft 72. The handle 78 is preferably circular and has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the circular locking recesses 34 of the second pair 30 of platform locators 15.

A spring (not shown) is mounted about the inner shaft 72, within the outer shaft 74, and extends between the two longitudinal side walls l4b of the bed base 12. The outer shaft 74 extends between and abuts against the two longitudinal side walls 14b of the bed base 12.

The locking element 32 is moveable between an unlocked position in which the relative position of adjacent base parts 54, 56, 58 is adjustable, and a locked position in which the relative position of adjacent base parts 54, 56, 58 is non-adjustable. The locking element 32 is biased by the spring to the locked position.

The lying position of the child is non-adjustable from within the sleep enclosure for safety.

The user-interface may be provided at each end of the inner shaft 72 so that the lying position of the child is adjustable regardless of the orientation of the adjustable child bed 10 in a room.

The head base part 54, intended for use under the head of the infant, preferably has partially recessed slats 60 for receiving a planar pressure sensitive mat or pad 80. The pressure sensitive mat 80 is connectable, preferably wirelessly for safety, to a child monitor system (not shown). The child monitor system determines the presence of the infant on the mat 80 and emits a warning when the pressure of the infant on the mat 80 is lost, for example, if the infant has rolled off the mat 80. The child monitor system may also emit an alert if the pressure on the mat 80 has varied over a pre-determined period of time, for example if the infant is restless.

Typically, the transmission protocol of the child monitor system may be radio frequency, although other suitable wireless technologies may be used, for example, Bluetooth RTM or Wi-Fi.

The child monitor system is preferably electrically powered by a mains power supply.

Alternatively, the system may be powered by one or more batteries.

It is envisaged that the pressure sensitive mat 80 may be in electrical communication with the child monitor system using wires preferably mounted to an underside of the mattress support element 16, which are passed through a small aperture in the bed base 12 to the baby monitor system.

The child monitor system may include a child monitoring device for remotely audibly monitoring a child. Such a device includes a microphone that is placed in or proximate to the sleeping zone.

In this embodiment, the mattress 20 has three interconnected mattress portions 20a, 20b, 20c. Preferably, the number of mattress portions 20a, 20b, 20c is equal to the number of base parts 54, 56, 58 in the mattress support element 16, 50 that the mattress bends or folds to at least substantially conform to the lying position offered by the mattress support element 16. The mattress 20 may be connected to the mattress support element 16 by attachment means, for example, straps, or it may simply be placed on top of the mattress support element 16. Such attachment means reduces the risk of the mattress slipping relative to the mattress support element 16 when the lying position is non-horizontal.

Preferably, the mattress 20 is at least partially machine-washable and is also preferably foldable for ease of storage.

In use, in the locked position, as shown in Figure 4, the handle 78 of the locking element 32 is received to engage one of the circular locking recesses 34 of the bed base 12. To adjust the lying position of the mattress support element 16, the handle 78 of the locking element 32 is pulled outwardly to disengage from the locking recess 34, causing the spring to compress inside the outer shaft 74 of the locking element 32.

Once in the unlocked position, the locking element 32 can be slid vertically within its slot to one of the other circular locking recesses 34, whilst the first pair 66 of positioning members 63 in the first pair 28 of platform locators 15 anchors the mattress support element 16. The third and fourth positioning members 68, 70 move arcuately and linearly inside the third and fourth platform locators 36, 38 respectively, to follow the pivotable movement of the head base part 54.

The head base part 54 can be inclined relative to the other base part(s) 56, 58 to help alleviate the symptoms of a cold, for example blocked sinuses. The foot base part 56 can be raised relative to the head base part 54 to relieve the symptoms of abdominal pain, for example due to colic.

Once the new lying position has been selected, the handle 78 is released to engage the locking recess 34 and lock under the biasing action of the spring.

A storage bag may be provided for storing the adjustable child bed 10 when the bed 10 is in the collapsed condition. The storage bag is typically made from a flexible material and has an aperture that is openable and closable with, for example, a draw string arrangement or a zip fastener.

Although the mattress support element has been described as having three base parts, the mattress support element may only have two base parts, for example, a head base part and an abdomen base part. In such an exemplary arrangement, the locking element is disposed intermediate the two adjacent base parts. Again, the head base part is pivotable about a first pair of positioning members which extend from the head base part and engage with a first pair of platform locators. The locking element is moveable within a second pair of platform locators. A third pair of positioning members, extending from the abdomen base part, is moveable within a third pair of platform locators to follow the pivotal movement of the head base part.

Although the user-interface is a spring-biased shaft, the user-interface may be a rotatable element, such as a wheel. The rotatable element may be turned to raise and lower one or more parts of the mattress support element.

The adjustable child bed is advantageous since the lying position of the infant or child can be altered to suit the requirements of a particular individual at any particular time, for example during bouts of illness. The adjustable child bed is also suitable for older children who may have, for example, a physical or mental disability and require the security of a sleeping enclosure.

The embodiment described above is provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An adjustable child bed comprising a bed base having a plurality of side walls and a manually-adjustable mattress support element which is pivotably supportable by the side walls to adjust a lying position for a child, a mattress supportable by the mattress support element, and a perimeter wall which is upstandable from the side walls of the bed base to surround or substantially surround the mattress support element.
2. An adjustable child bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein a movable user-interface for manual operation of the mattress support element projects from at least one said side wall.
3. An adjustable child bed as claimed in claim 2, wherein the user-interface includes a spring-biased grip element.
4. An adjustable child bed as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a plurality of position recesses for positively engaging at least part of the user-interface to hold the mattress support element at different positions.
5. An adjustable child bed as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mattress support element includes at least two pivotably-interconnected base parts, both base parts being pivotably supportable by the side walls of the bed base.
6. An adjustable child bed as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mattress support element includes three said pivotably-interconnected base parts, the third said base part also being pivotably supportable by the side walls of the bed base.
7. An adjustable child bed as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein at least one of the said base parts is slidably engagable with the side walls of the bed base.
8. An adjustable child bed as claimed in claim 7, wherein the said slidable engagement comprises rectilinear movement.
9. An adjustable child bed as claimed in claim 7, wherein the said slidable engagement comprises arcuate movement.
10. An adjustable child bed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least the side walls, mattress support element, and perimeter wall are collapsible together for storage.
11. An adjustable child bed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one side of the perimeter wall is hingably connected to a supporting said side wall of the bed base.
12. An adjustable child bed as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a releasable detent for locking the said hingable side in place.
13. An adjustable child bed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a child monitoring device for at least remotely audibly monitoring a child, the child monitoring device being interposable between the mattress support element and the mattress.
14. An adjustable child bed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the mattress is provided in at least two mattress portions.
15. An adjustable child bed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.