GB2552389A

GB2552389A - Improved collapsible cot

Info

Publication number: GB2552389A
Application number: GB1612868.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Power Sacha; Richard Power Shane
Original assignee: Huggabubba Ltd
Current assignee: Huggabubba Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-25
Filing date: 2016-07-25
Publication date: 2018-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-25
Also published as: GB201612868D0; GB201704961D0; GB2552565A; GB2552565B; EP3487360B1; WO2018020235A1; EP3487360A1; GB2552389B

Abstract

A collapsible cot 1 has two side walls 3, 4 and front 8 and back 6 walls, each having lower and upper frames. The front 8 and back 6 walls are rigid structures. Four upwardly extending legs 10, each of which pivots with respect to the side walls 3, 4, join the ends of the side faces 3, 4 and of the front 8 and back 6 walls. The crib 1 also has a base platform 12 which can be rotated about one longer edge of the lower frame 14 of either the back or front wall 8. When the cot is opened, the mattress 12 rests horizontally on a ledge 15 on the underside of the lower beam 14 of the front 8 or back 6 face. Each side wall 3, 4 is inwardly foldable about opposed hinge portions 18, 19 when the platform 14 is pivoted aside.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Improved collapsible cot Abstract Title: Collapsible Cot (57) A collapsible cot 1 has two side walls 3, 4 and front 8 and back 6 walls, each having lower and upper frames. The front 8 and back 6 walls are rigid structures. Four upwardly extending legs 10, each of which pivots with respect to the side walls 3, 4, join the ends of the side faces 3, 4 and of the front 8 and back 6 walls. The crib 1 also has a base platform 12 which can be rotated about one longer edge of the lower frame 14 of either the back or front wall 8. When the cot is opened, the mattress 12 rests horizontally on a ledge 15 on the underside of the lower beam 14 of the front 8 or back 6 face. Each side wall 3, 4 is inwardly foldable about opposed hinge portions 18, 19 when the platform 14 is pivoted aside.

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- 1 Improved Collapsible Cot

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of collapsible or foldable cots (or cribs) and particularly to collapsible cots for use in the hospitality industry with multi-person usage.

Background to the Invention

Within the hospitality industry, it is important that furniture is not only durable and resilient to damage from multiple users, but also that it provides a straightforward operation for staff, easy and simple transportation means and has uncomplicated repair options.

Collapsible or foldable cots were created as a useful cot option for the hotel industry in particular where not every room will need a permanent cot and so the cots can be stored away easily when not in use and reassembled for when necessary. The current market place includes a number of collapsible cots, however many of these are subject to issues including damage to large parts as well as to smaller components from hotel guests, incorrect usage causing breakages and injuries, complex assembling means and difficult transportation.

Examples of damage to current collapsible and folding cots include complicated folding and unfolding mechanisms and complex assembly causing incorrect folding and hence breakage by users, an excessive number of parts accessible for tampering with requiring repair and numerous replacement parts.

Other issues of current collapsible cots include bulky storage, and breakage and injuries caused by too high a number of moveable parts.

Examples of attempts to overcome these issues in the prior art include a collapsible cot with one hinge a third of the way along and another two thirds of the way along the side panels, with multiple moving parts from which the side panels fold together.

Another example of the prior art includes a collapsible cot with the side walls being solid, inwardly bendable walls and a separate base to be screwed into the cot.

Another example of the prior art is a collapsible cot with all the longer walls containing hinges causing the folding of the longer walls to form a square in the collapsed position

It is an object of the invention to overcome these issues and to provide a practical and durable collapsible cot.

Summary of the Invention

In a first, broad, independent aspect, the invention provides a collapsible cot moveable between an open position and a folded position, the collapsible cot comprising: two side wails, each side wall having a lower frame and an upper frame; a front wall and a back wall connecting the two side walls, the front wall and back wall each having a lower frame and an upper frame and being rigid structures;

four upwardly extending legs joining the ends of the side walls to the ends of the front wall and to the ends of the back wall, each leg being pivotably connected to the side walls;

a base platform, wherein said base platform is pivotable about one longer edge of the lower frame of either the back wall or the front wall and wherein said base platform rests horizontally on a ledge on the underside of the lower frame of either the front wall or the back wall, when the cot is in the open position; and each side wall having opposed hinge portions; wherein the side walls are inwardly foldable about said opposed hinge portions.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a cot which can be folded and unfolded in one simple movement with no requirement of tools, screws or additional parts. The ledge on the lower frame provides a simple, secure way to ensure the base platform is secure. The folding of the hinges being central and only on the side walls ensures that the cot remains symmetrical when folded with the weight evenly distributed which allows easier transportation both by staff preparing rooms with the cot and storing when not in use as well as for shipping.

Preferably, the opposed hinge portions are located centrally on each side wall.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows for symmetrical inward folding of the side walls and so ensures that the weight is evenly distributed when the cot is in the collapsed position which makes transporting easier.

Preferably the base platform comprises a latch mechanism for securement and release of the base platform to the lower frame of either the front wall or the back wall.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the base platform to be easily moved out the way to allow for the inwards folding. The latch mechanism prevents the need for any screws and therefore tools so the process of folding and unfolding the cot is simplified. The latch mechanism also provides a secure means to maintain the latch in place and prevent a child from lifting the base upwards from below whilst the cot is in use.

Preferably, the pivotable connections of the legs to the side walls are located in cut-out inner portions at upper and lower ends of the legs.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the side walls to move inwardly whilst the legs remain facing their initial direction.

Preferably, the cot comprises pivotable covering portions on the upper frame of each side 5 wall for prevention of movement about the centrally opposed hinges.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a simple means to prevent any slight inward movement about the central hinges when the cot is fully folded which could result in injury due to fingers getting caught in the gap. The pivotable connection to the frame means the cover remains attached to the cot and cannot be entirely removed or lost.

Preferably, the pivotable metal covering portion contains a means for securing to the upper frame.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides child and infant-proof mechanism to prevent inadvertent removal of the covering portion leading to injury.

Preferably, each of the walls comprises vertically extending slats extending from the lower 20 frames to the upper frames.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the baby or infant using the cot to be seen easily by the parent or guardian as well as ensure that the baby cannot fail off the base platform. The slats also provide handles by allowing access to the upper frame to improve grip when the cot is folded and being transported.

Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with 30 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cot unfolded;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cot fully folded;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cot with the base partly folded;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cot with the base fully folded vertically;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cot mid-way though the folding;

Figure 6 is a close-up perspective view of the hinge; and

Figure 7 is a close-up perspective view of the base securing mechanism.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a collapsible cot 1 in the fully unfolded position ready for use as a crib or 10 cot to be made up with a suitable mattress. In this position, the cot 1 consists of a rectangular frame assembly 2 having two parallel shorter edges hereinafter referred to as the side walls 3, 4 and two parallel longer walls hereinafter, for ease of reference, we have referred to as the back wall 6 and front wall 8, although these walls can be interchangeable. For instance, we refer to the back wall 6 being the wall which the base 15 platform 12 rests against when the cot 1 is in the folded position (Figure 2) although it should be appreciated that this may also be a front wall”. For clarification, either panel may be fixed on either side but the back wall cannot do the job of the front wall and vice versa.

The frame 2 comprises four legs 10, one leg 10 located at each corner of the frame 2, each leg 10 being joined to at least one of the side walls 3, 4 and either the front wall 6 or back wall 8. The four sides of the frame 2 each have an upright side panels 4, 6, 8 which connect at the corner legs 10 to form the frame assembly 2. The side walls 4 are connected to the legs 10 via hinges 11 on both the upper and lower frames. The front wall 6 and back wall 8 are rigidly connected to the legs. In a preferred embodiment, the connection is by a screw 40 but any suitable connecting means may be use including welding. The side panel walls 4 have uniform height, are planar and parallel to one another. The front wall 6 and back wall 8 are also planar and have a uniform height and are parallel one another. A lower surrounding frame 14 and an upper surrounding frame 16 provide the connecting means and the outer circumference of the cot in the unfolded position.

A moveable base platform 12 rests on an inner protrusion ledge 15 underneath the lower surrounding frame 14 of front wall 8. The base platform is hinged at the lower frame 14 of the back wall 6. The base platform is raised from the ground, with the legs 10 extending below. This protruding ledge 15 (shown more clearly in Figure 3) on the lower frame 14 provides a rigid and secure support which allows the base platform 12 to be secured in place via a spring - loaded pin 28 with gripping portion 29 in aperture 13 and prevented from movement downwards. This configuration also prevents the need for screws or any tools for movement of the base platform 12. Figure 3 shows the base platform 12 half extended. Here, the central aperture 13 with the base panel 12 is also clearly shown, as is the ledge 15 underneath the lower panel 14 of the front wall 8.

In a preferred embodiment, the side panels 4, front wall 6 and back wall 8 comprise inner bars or slats 9 extending vertically from the lower panel 14 to the upper panel 16 of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the side walls 3, 4 contain four slats, the front wall 8 and back wall 6 contain ten slats, spaced equally apart from one another. This embodiment provides a simple and symmetrical number for folding although it is appreciated that any number of these slats 9 can be present. The slats 9 serve the purpose of preventing a baby or infant from falling out the cot 1 whilst still allowing them to be seen easily by a parent or guardian. The upper frames 16 and lower frames 14 of the side walls 3, 4 each contain a single centrally opposed hinge 18, 19 respectively. The two upper central hinges 18 are covered by pivotable lockable metal gripping portions 20 on the upper frame 16. Both the gripping portion 20 and the hinge 18 is shown more clearly in Figure 6 and are described in detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the gripping portion 20 is a metal lockable threesided cover surrounding the hinges 18 of each upper side panel 16. The gripping portion 20 is three - sided with an upper cover covering the top of the frame and two sides which extend downwards surrounding the upper surface of the frame 16 above the hinge 18 and the sides surrounding the shape of the hinge. One end of the gripping portion is connected at both sides to the upper frame 16 by a pivot point 21 attached via a screw 22. The side that surrounds other side of the hinge contains an aperture 25 though which a protruding button 24 extends.

In use, the function of the gripping portion 20 is to maintain the sections of the side walls 3, 4 together in place, either side of the upper hinge points 18, to prevent unintentional movement about the both the upper hinges 18 and lower hinges 19. The gripping portion 20 also serves the purpose of preventing injury due to trapped fingers in the gap which could occur with a slight movement about the hinges 18, 19. At the far end to the pivot point 21 of the hinge 18 (in the preferred embodiment, on the left hand side of the hinge) is a latch locking system 23. This locking system 23 comprises a pushable button 24 connected to the upper frame 16 which is pushed inwardly when the gripping portion 20 is being inserted downwards into the locking position. An aperture 25 within the lower section of the gripping portion 20 is provided through which the button 24 extends when the gripping portion 20 is in place. The relative sizes of the button 24 and the aperture 25 are exactly suitably sized to ensure that when the button 24 extends through the aperture 25, the gripping portion 20 is prevented from further movement. To release the gripping portion, the button 24 is pushed inwardly to allow the gripping portion 20 to be lifted upward, uncovering the hinge 18 consequently allowing movement. In a preferred embodiment, the gripping portion is metal, although any suitable material can be used. In further alternative embodiments, any suitable means may be used to maintain the hinges 18 in the open position. The lower edge 26 of the gripping portion 20 progressively flares outwardly at an incline away from the upper frame 16 in order to allow the gripping portion 20 to latch on to the upper frame 16. This incline of the edge 26 ensures that the gripping portion 20 slides over the protruding button 24 when the gripping portion 20 is moved downwards and prevents the edge from getting caught on the button 24.

The base platform 12 is shown comprising a central aperture 13 to the side of the front wall 8. The central aperture 13 contains a spring loaded pin mechanism 29 including a gripping portion 28 to simply lock the base platform 12 into position when the cot 1 is unfolded and when the front edge of the base platform 12 is resting on the inner ledge 15. This spring loaded pin 29 prevents upwards movement of the base 12 when the cot is in use. For instance a child crawling underneath the cot and lifting the base 12 from underneath. The aperture 13 and spring loaded pin system 28 is shown more clearly in Figure 7. In a preferred embodiment the spring loaded pin system 28 included a simple gripping handle 29 however any suitable handle is envisioned which can allow the system to be pulled away form the frame and back into position. This mechanism also prevents the need for any screws or tools.

Looking at Figures 5, it can be seen that the leg panels 10 are connected rigidly to the front and back panels by screws 40 at the ends of the upper frame 16 and lower frame 14 but contain two pivots 11 against which the side panels 3, 4 fold inwardly. The pivots 11 are located in upper and lower cut-out sections 41 within the legs 10. The remainder of the upper surfaces of the legs 10 comprise an outer curved upper edge 42 with a flat outer vertical side and flat inner edge in which the pivot 11 connecting the upper frame 16 and lower frame 14 to the legs 10 sits.

Figure 2 shows the collapsible cot 1 in its fully folded up position. Here, the four upwardly extending legs 10 are shown more clearly. The welded rigid connection ofthe legs 10 to the front wall 6 and back wall 8 can be seen, with screws 40 indicating the location of the connection. In this fully folded position, the base platform 12 is vertically positioned and the two inner parts of the upper frame 16 and lower frame 14 are fully folded about the hinge 18 so that the inner sides are parallel both to one another and to the front wall 6 and back wall 8. The pivot connection 11 to the legs 10 is also is also moved by the full amount possible so that the frame is at a right angle to the legs 10.

It can be seen that the cot 1 is in this fully folded position, the entire cot 1 forms a substantially flat planar surface along the length of the cot. When in this position, the cot

1 can be easily transported and stored as it occupies far less space than the open cot. In this embodiment, the legs 10 ofthe cot 1 are brought towards each other. The entire width of the cot in the fully folded position extends from the outer edges of the legs 10 from each side wall 3. The slats 9 provide a space for the cot to be lifted via the upper frames 16.

Figure 4 shows the base platform 12 fully upright resting against the back wall 6 which is the first step of the folding mechanism (described in more detail below). With the base platform 12 fully upright and out the way, this allows for the inward movement of the side walls about the centrally disposed hinge 18. Figure 4 also provides a clear view of the underside of the base platform 12 which comprises a raised extended wall portion 50 surrounding the entire perimeter of the underneath of the base platform 12 as well as four lateral walls 51, splitting the underneath in to five rectangular areas. The middle, narrowest rectangular area 53 contains the aperture 13 containing the pulley locking member 28.

In the preferred embodiment, the collapsible cot 1 is comprised of wood, however in alternative embodiments, the cot may be comprised of any suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, rubber or any suitable plastic such as acrylic.

With the base platform 12 raised vertically and out of the way, the side panels 3, 4 are able to be folded inwardly about hinge 18 as shown in Figure 5. First the gripping portions 20 are raised by pushing button 23 and sliding the gripping portion 20 upwards.

Figure 6 shows a close up view of the upper central hinge 18 and pivotable gripping portion 20. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge 18 is a standard hinge situated on the outside of the upper frame 14 of a side wall 3, 4. An identical central hinge 19 is located on each of the lower frames 16. The pivotable gripping portion 20 is preferably designed to fit entirely around the upper hinges 18.

In use, the cot is opened / unfolded and secured in the open position with the spring loaded pin system 28 in the base and the gripping portions 20 and a suitable sized mattress fitting the diameter of the base platform is placed securely on the base platform 12. Additional sheets, blankets and pillows are then added as required and the cot is suitable for use by an infant. When the cot is no longer required in the room, the mattress and items are removed, the cot is simply folded up into the fully collapsed position (mechanism described below) and stored away either in a suitable storage room of within the same room, up against a wall.

The first step is the raising of the base platform 12 to a vertical position leaning against the front wall 6 as shown more clearly in Figure 4. Figure 3 shows the base platform 12 mid-way through being raised. It can be seen that the base platform 12 is hingedly attached at the lower end of the back wall 6. The base platform is released from its position by pulling on a single toggle 28 within the aperture 13. This mechanism allows an easy, quick and simple movement to raise the base platform 12 out of the way to allow the inward movement of the side panels 3, 4. Figure 3 also shows the ledge 15 on the lower frame 14.

The second step is the two gripping portions 20 are raised which allows for the inward bend of either side wall at the central hinge point 18. The pushable button part 24 is pushed inwards to allow the gripping portion 20 to be raised clear of the upper frame 16.

The side walls 3, 4 are folded inwardly and the upper and lower frames 14, 16 rotate about the upper and lower pivot points 11 on legs 10 fully until the two sides of the side walls 3, either side of the hinge 18 are parallel and the legs 10 are brought as close together as possible as in Figure 2 where they remain stable and upright.

When in the collapsed position, the gripping portion 20 can be lowered again onto the upper frame 12 to prevent injury during transportation. This entire method of collapsing and unfolding can be done without the use of a single tool.

Transportation is simplified. When the cot is in the fully collapsed position there are only two main parts, the front wall 8 and back wall 6 and the weight is equally distributed. The design of the frames and slats 9 allows for various gripping portions.

When the cot is not in use or not required, it can be quickly and easily arranged into the fully collapsed position and stacked alongside a wall.

In an alternative embodiment, the toggle within the base platform may be a screw.

In a further alternative embodiment, the ledge 14 may extend the full circumference of the lower frame 14 rather than just being along the front wall.

In a further alternative embodiment, the legs may include wheels on the feet to assist transportation.

In a further alternative embodiment, the metal gripping portion may be of any suitable material and may be entirely detachable from the upper frame for folding to occur and reattachable.

Claims

1. A collapsible cot moveable between an open position and a folded position, the collapsible cot comprising:

two side walls, each side wall having a lower frame and an upper frame;

a front wall and a back wall connecting the opposite ends of the two side walls, the front wall and back wall each having a lower frame and an upper frame and being

10 rigid structures;

a base platform, wherein said base platform is pivotable about one longer edge of the lower frame of either the back wall or the front wall and wherein said base platform rests horizontally on a ledge on the underside of the lower frame of either the front wall or the back wall, when the cot is in the open position; and each side wall having opposed hinge portions; wherein the side walls are inwardly foldable about said opposed hinge portions when the base platform is pivoted aside.

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2. A collapsible cot according to claim 1 wherein said opposed hinge portions are centrally located on each side wall.

3. A collapsible cot according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said base platform comprises a latch mechanism for securement and release of the base platform to

30 the lower frame of either the front wall or the back wall.

4. A collapsible cot according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinged connections are located in cut - out inner portions at upper and lower ends of the legs·

5. A collapsible cot according to any of the preceding claims, comprising pivotable covering portions on the upper frame of each side wall for prevention of movement about the opposed hinge.

6. A collapsible cot according to claim 5, wherein the pivotable covering portions includes a means for securing the non-pivotable end to the upper frame.

7. A collapsible cot according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a wheel at the lower end of each leg.

08 17

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1612868.8 Examiner: Mr Patrick Lucas

7. A collapsible cot according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein the covering portions are

10 entirely detachable.

8. A collapsible cot according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a wheel at the lower end of each leg.

11 08 17

Amendments to the claims have been made as follows:

Claims

a side wall at the foot of the cot and a side wall at the head of the cot, each side wall having at least two upper beams and at least two lower beams;

a front wall and a back wall connecting the opposite ends of the two side walls, the front wall and back wall each having an upper beam and a lower beam and being rigid structures;

a base platform, wherein said base platform is pivotable about one longer edge of the lower frame of either the back wall or the front wall and wherein said base platform rests horizontally on a ledge on the underside of the lower frame of either the front wall or the back wall, when the cot is in the open position; wherein said base platform incorporates an aperture and a locking mechanism for securement and release of the base platform to the lower beam of either the front wall or the back wall;

said locking mechanism comprising a pin movable from said base platform to one of said lower beams, and a gripping portion for operating said pin; said gripping portion being located in said aperture; and each side wall having opposed hinge portions; wherein the side walls are inwardly foldable about said opposed hinge portions when the base platform is pivoted aside.

2. A collapsible cot according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pin locking mechanism is spring loaded.

3. A collapsible cot according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising hinged connections located in cut - out inner portions at upper and lower ends of the legs.

4. A collapsible cot according to any of the preceding claims, comprising covering portions secured via a pivot to one of said upper beams and extending over said hinge to a further upper beam.

5. A collapsible cot according to claim 4, wherein said further upper beam incorporating a pin which releasably secures said covering portion to said further upper beam.

6. A collapsible cot according to any of claims 1 -5, wherein the covering portions are entirely detachable.