GB2583937A

GB2583937A - Adaptable bed

Info

Publication number: GB2583937A
Application number: GB1906782.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lewis Allan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-05-14
Filing date: 2019-05-14
Publication date: 2020-11-18
Also published as: GB201906782D0

Abstract

A kit comprising a cot base 20, two cot ends 30, a cot back 40, a cot front 50, a double bed base and two double bed sides. The kit is operable in a first configuration to provide a cot bed, consisting of the cot base, cot ends and cot front and back and a second configuration to provide a double bed consisting of the double bed base, double bed sides and the cot front and back. Optionally the cot base is adjustable in height, with a sliding front panel to allow easier access to the cot. In another embodiment the height of the cot front can be altered by adding stacking sections, these stacking sections could be used to provide the sides of the double bed. In a further embodiment the cot ends have removable top sections which can form the sides of the double bed. Preferably the kit can also make a toddler bed.

Description

Adaptable Bed

The present invention relates to an adaptable bed configurable for use as a cot or as a bed.

Background

Over the course of the growth period of a child from babyhood to adult hood, the sleeping requirements of a child change. Guardians of growing children therefore must provide more than one different bed over the course of a child's growth period, there is therefore a need for an adaptable bed to accommodate both requirements.

US20110179568A1 discloses a crib, which is convertible into a toddler bed and a standard bed, has four panels forming an enclosure around a mattress. The toddler bed is formed by removing a section of one of the panels such that the mattress is accessible along one side of the toddler bed.

The standard bed is formed by reconfiguring two of the panels forming the enclosure around the crib mattress into two side rails. The side rails are then installed in a spaced apart and substantially parallel relationship to each other between the two other panels. The two other panels may form a headboard and a footboard for the standard bed.

Summary

The present invention in its various embodiments is as set out in the appended claims.

The present invention provides a kit of parts, the kit comprising: a cot base, a double bed base, two cot ends, two double bed sides, a cot back and a cot front. The kit is operable in a first configuration to provide a cot bed by means of removably attaching the cot ends and the cot front and back such that, in plan view, the four pieces form a rectangular perimeter into which the cot base is placed.

The kit is further operable in a second configuration to provide a double bed by means of removably attaching the double bed sides and the cot front and back such that, in plan view, the four pieces form a rectangular perimeter into which the double bed base is placed. This facilitates the acquisition of a kit to provide a bed for baby which will remain suitable for the baby as it grows.

Once a baby or child grows too large for the kit in its first configuration as a cot bed, the kit can be dismantled and reassembled in the second configuration as a double bed which will be suitable from the age at which the baby outgrows the first configuration through to adulthood. Nut and bolt fastenings may be used to mechanically fix the components together. A bolt will enter into pre drilled fixing holes extending between adjoining components. Upon exiting the fixing holes, the threaded end of the bolt will screw into a nut or equivalent.

The cot back may be between 1m and 3m wide and between 0.5m and 2m tall. The cot front will be between lm and 3m wide. The height of the cot front may be equal to the height of the cot back, or it may be smaller.

The width of the cot ends may be between 0.5m and 1m. The length of the double bed sides may be between 1.65m and 2.7m. Preferably, the ratio between the length of the double bed sides and the width of the cot ends is 1.5:4.

In the present invention, the cot base may comprise a separable portion of the double bed base. This reduces materials used in manufacture. Preferably, the cot base may comprise the double bed base, separated into portions along its length with the portions stacked on top of one another. So that there is no requirement for the kit to include a cot base and a double bed base separately. This has the added benefit for the end user of not having to store the double bed base separately when the kit is assembled in the first configuration.

Whilst the present invention is in the form of a kit of parts that kit of parts may be presented in an assembled or partially assembled form, such as in the form of a bed or a cot and with optional accompanying unused parts from that kit when so assembled.

In the present invention, the cot base may comprise the double bed base, hinged and folded into portions along its length. This fixes the order of assembly and orientation of the portions of the double bed base making it easier for the end user to reconfigure. Additionally, the hinging acts to distribute forces between the base portions when the kit is assembled in the second configuration. It is preferable that the portions are hinged such that they fold in a Z configuration. For ease of manufacture, hinges may comprise one or more strips of flexible material fastened between the portions to connect the base portions together whilst allowing for a hinging motion. The hinges may also be barrel hinges. Barrel hinges may allow for the base portions to be separated on removal of the pivot of the hinge. Alternatively, the hinges may be mortice hinges. Mortice hinges may be preferable because they would be inset into the base portions. This would provide the base portions being held in contact with one another when the base is in use as the double bed base. The benefit of the contact being greater force transfer between the base portions. It may further be preferable to provide reinforcing attachments that can straddle the join between base portions when the kit is assembled in the second configuration to prevent unwanted hinging of the double bed base when in use and also further facilitating force distribution between the base portions.

In the configuration where the cot base comprises the double bed base, it may be preferable that the double bed base is portioned into thirds along its length so that the portions stack evenly, 3 high, in the cot and also to conform the size of the cot base to a given dimension.

In the present invention, the cot base may be installed in more than one height within the cot bed.

This serves to provide improved access to the cot base. When the child is small, the cot base can be fixed at an up setting so that the child can be easily lifted from the cot bed. When the child is larger and more mobile, the cot base can be fixed in a down position to adequately confine the child to the cot bed. There may also be one or more intermediate positions for fixing the cot base at heights between the up and down cot base positions.

In the present invention, the cot front may be a sliding panel with an up and down position. The down position provides improved access to the cot base. Additionally, this feature provides means to select the height of the cot front when the cot front is re-purposed as the footboard of the double bed provided by the second configuration of the kit. The sliding may be facilitated by tongues on the cot front slotting into corresponding grooves in the cot ends. Equally, the sliding may be facilitated by tongues on the cot ends slotting into corresponding grooves in the cot front. Tongues and grooves implemented in this way ensure sliding only takes place in the desired directions. Alternatively, a bar and runner mechanism may be used to facilitate the sliding. This would introduce the benefit of smoother sliding than a tongue and groove mechanism.

One or more locking mechanisms may be used to fix the cot front in place when it is in either the up or down positions. The locking mechanisms protect the child from injuries that may occur if the cot front were to move whilst the child is in residence of the cot and unsupervised, It is further preferable that, when the cot front is configured to slide, the cot ends have supporting legs positioned such that the cot does not tip when the cot front is in the up position.

In the present invention, the cot front may include one or more stacking sections removably attachable onto the cot front. The stacking sections may be operable in a first configuration; such that the height of the cot front can be modified by the removal or addition of stacking sections. The stacking sections may connect to one another and the front plate of the cot front using dowels which slot into holes in the stacking sections and the front plate of the cot front. The dowels extend into two adjoining pieces, attaching the pieces together, whilst also maintaining separability of adjoining pieces. Dowels have the benefit of being removable. As such, when the stacking sections are operable in another configuration, the dowels could be removed and may also be re-purposed. It is further preferable that plugs are provided to cover and conceal any exposed holes. Covering the holes discourages the accumulation of dirt that could prevent the dowels from sliding into the holes in future.

The stacking sections may be further operable in a second configuration to provide the double bed sides; wherein a plurality of stacking sections are removably joined end to end to provide the double bed sides. This reduces materials used in manufacture and has the added benefit for the end user of not having to store the double bed sides separately when the kit is assembled in the first configuration. The stacking sections will preferably have equal height so that when joined together end to form the double bed sides, the dimensions of the cross section of the double bed sides is consistent along their length. The length of the stacking sections may be equal to the length of the cot front. Equally, the length of the stacking sections may be less than the length of the cot front.

This may be required to provide stacking sections with lengths that can in come combination, be brought together to provide a double bed side of standard length. In this case, a plurality of stacking sections will extent horizontally across the top of the cot front. The cot font may therefore remain a consistent width along its height, whilst being separable into sections shorter than its overall width when required to form the double bed base.

In the present invention, the cot ends may have one or more removable top sections. The removable top sections may connect to one another, and the base of the cot ends, using dowels. The dowels slot into holes in the removeable top sections and the base of the cot ends. The dowels extend between two adjoining pieces, attaching the pieces together, whilst also maintaining separability of adjoining pieces.

The double bed sides may comprise one or more removable top sections removably joined end to end. This provides a means to create the double bed sides from parts of the kit that would otherwise not be used in the second configuration.

In the present invention, the double bed sides may be constructed from a combination of the one or more stacking sections and one or more removable top sections joined end to end. This configuration conforms the size of the double bed sides to a given standard. It is preferable that the removable top sections have equal depth to the stacking sections. As such, when a removable top section attached end to end with a stacking section to provide a double bed side, the dimensions of the cross section of the double bed side is consistent along its length.

In the case that the double bed sides are comprised of more than one section, a plurality of supporting legs may be provided to be attached onto the double bed side at the points where two components join. These serve to add structural support to the joins in the double bed sides.

The present invention may also be operable in a third configuration to provide a toddler bed. The configuration differs from the first configuration in that the cot front is at the lowest possible height, having all of the stacking sections removed. This provides a configuration intermediate between the first and second configurations. A small child, too developed for a cot, may be more comfortable in a toddler bed than a double bed.

The cot back of the present invention may be reversible such that the face that points inwards in the first configuration, faces outwards away from the cot in the second configuration. This allows for any damage sustained to the cot back during use in the first configuration to be hidden from view when the kit is reassembled in the second configuration. This contributes to the perceived longevity of the bed particularly for domestic use.

It is not intended that the present invention be limited to conforming cot bed or double bed dimensions of any given standard. Although this may be preferable.

The present invention will now be illustrated using the following figures: Figure 1A shows an embodiment of the invention in the first configuration in perspective view.

Figure 1B shows an embodiment of the invention in the second configuration in perspective view.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the invention in the first configuration in plan view.

Figure 3A shows a close up of the cot front of an embodiment of the present invention in a face-on view.

Figure 3B shows a close up of the cot front of an embodiment of the present invention in a face-on view. Figure 4a shows an embodiment of the double bed base in lateral view.

Figure 48 shows an embodiment of the cot base in lateral view. Figure 4C shows an embodiment of the double bed base in lateral view. Figure 5A shows an embodiment of the cot ends in a face on view. Figure SB shows an embodiment of the cot ends in a face on view Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the double bed sides in lateral view.

Figure 7A shows an embodiment of the invention in the first configuration in perspective view. Figure 7B shows an embodiment of the invention in the first configuration in perspective view. Figure 8 shows a close up of an embodiment of the invention in the first configuration.

Figure 9A shows a close up of an embodiment of the invention in the first configuration. Figure 9B shows a close up of an embodiment of the invention in the first configuration. Figure 10A shows an embodiment of invention in the first configuration in perspective view. Figure 10B shows an embodiment of invention in the first configuration in exploded view.

Figure 11A shows an embodiment of invention in the second configuration in perspective view.

Figure 11B shows an embodiment of invention in the second configuration in exploded view. The present invention has the following features: 10-Cot bed 20-Cot Base 30-Cot end 40-Cot back 42-Back plate 44-Leg of cot back 50-Cot front 54-Leg of cot front 55-front plate 60-Double bed sides 65-Side leg 70-Double bed base 100-Double bed 300-Removable top section 350-Cot end base 375-Cot end leg 450-Face of cot back 470-Edge of cot back 500-Stacking section 400-Hinge 750-First end base portion 751-Middle base portion 752-Second end base portion 760-Reinforcing attachment 1000-Up cot base position 1100-Down cot base position 1500-Groove 1550-Tongue In the present description and the associated figures, like features are provided with like numerals. Referring now to the figures.

Figure 1A provides the present invention in operation in the first configuration as a cot bed 10 haying two cot ends 30, a cot front SO and a cot back 40 connected together to form a high perimeter. Nut and bolt fastenings may be used to mechanically fix the components together. A bolt will enter into pre drilled fixing holes extending between adjoining components. Upon exiting the fixing holes, the threaded end of the bolt will screw into a nut or equivalent The two cot ends are symmetrical and comprise an end plate. The cot ends may also include one or more legs positioned at one or more of the lower corners of the ends of the cot. The cot back comprises a back plate 42 and legs 44 at the lower corners of the back plate. The cot front 50 comprises a front plate 55 and legs 54 positioned at the lower corners of the front plate. The cot back 40 may be the same height as the cot front SO, but is preferably higher.

Figure 1B provides the present invention in operation in the second configuration as a double bed 100 having two double bed sides 60, the cot front SO (repurposed as a footboard) and a cot back 40 (repurposed as a headboard) connected together to form a rectangle into which the double bed base 70 is placed. The inner perimeter of the rectangle is sized such that it can contain a double bed mattress, supported by the double bed base 70.

To re-configure the kit of parts from the first configuration to the second configuration, the cot base 20 is removed, then the cot front 50 and back 40 are disconnected from the cot ends 30. The cot front 50 and back 40 are subsequently attached to the double bed sides 60. The two double bed sides 60 are symmetrical. By attaching the cot back 40 to one end of the double bed sides and the cot front 50 to the opposite end of the cot ends, the cot front and back serve to support the double bed sides 60. As previously mentioned, nut and bolt fastenings may be used to mechanically fix the components together. A bolt will enter into pre drilled fixing holes extending between adjoining components. Upon exiting the fixing holes, the threaded end of the bolt will screw into a nut or equivalent. The double bed base 70 is placed inside the perimeter formed by the preceding parts. The double bed base 70 may be attached to the perimeter using nut and bolt fastenings as previously described. It may be preferable for the double bed base 70 to comprise sprung slats. This facilitates increased support to any mattress borne by the double bed base 70. In this case, the ends of slats of the double bed base 70 may be inserted into caps, and the caps are subsequently attached to the perimeter via pegs extending from the caps into pre-drilled holes in the double bed sides 60. Alternatively, instead of utilising caps, the ends of the slats of the double bed base may be inserted into slots in the double bed sides.

Figure 2 provides the present invention in operation in the first configuration such that the cot ends 30, the cot front 50 and cot back form a rectangle in plan view into which the cot base 20 is placed. The inner perimeter of the rectangle is sized such that it can receive a cot mattress, supported by the cot base 20. The cot base 20 may be attached to the perimeter using nut and bolt fastenings as previously described. It may be preferable for the cot base 20 to comprise sprung slats. This facilitates increased support to any mattress borne by the cot base 20. In this case, the ends of slats of the cot base 20 may be inserted into caps, and the caps are subsequently attached to the perimeter via pegs extending from the caps into pre-drilled holes in either the cot ends 30 or the cot front 50 and back 40. the perimeter. Alternatively, instead of utilising caps, the ends of the slats of the double bed base may be inserted into slots in either the cot ends 30 or the cot front 50 and back 40.

Figure 3A provides the cot front 50, comprising a plurality of removable stacking sections 500, which stack on top of the front plate of the cot front 55. This allows the overall height of the cot front to be altered. The stacking section 500 may be the same length as the width of the cot front SO, as shown in Figure 3, or they may be shorter.

Figure 3B provides the cot front 50 of figure 3A wherein a removable stacking section has been removed Figure 4A provides the double bed base, separated into base portions 750 751 752 and attached together with a plurality of hinges 700 in such a way that the double bed base can fold in a Z configuration. It is preferable that the double bed 70 base be separated into 3 base portions of equal size. When the double bed base 70 is configured in this way, it may be folded at its hinges 700 to provide the cot base 20 or unfolded to provide the double bed base 70. Whilst the hinges 700 may comprise anything that connects the base portions 750 751 752 together whilst allowing for hinging action, it is preferable that the hinges 700 comprise rigid mechanical hinges 700 to facilitate greater force distribution between the base portions 750 751 752.

Figure 4B provides the cot base 20 comprising the double bed base 70 folded in a 7 configuration such that the base portions 750 751 752 stack evenly, 3 high.

Figure 4C provides the double bed base 70 with a plurality of hinges 700 joining the base portions 750 751 752. Reinforcing attachments 760 straddle the joins between base portions 750 751 752 on the opposite side of the portions to where the hinges 700 pivot. The hinges 700 and reinforcing attachments 760 provide strength to the double bed base 70 by facilitating force distribution between the base portions 750 751 752. The reinforcing attachments 760 further prevent unwanted hinging of the double bed base 70 when in use.

Figure 5A provides a cot end 30 comprising a removable top section 300 and a cot end base 350. The length of the removable top section 300 is preferably equal to the width of the cot end 30. It is also preferable that the height and depth of the removable top section 300 and removable stacking sections 500 are equal.

Figure 5B provides the cot end of figure 5A wherein a removeable top section 300 has been removed from the cot end base 350.

Figure 6 provides a double bed side 60 comprising a stacking section 500 and a removable top section 300 joined end to end. If the removable top section 300 and the stacking section 500 have equal height and depth, when connected together end to end, they may form a single elongate piece with continuous cross section along its length. A side leg 65 is attached to support the joint.

Figure 7A provides the cot bed 10 in which the cot base 20 is positioned at a down cot base position 1100.

Figure 7B provides the cot base 10 in which the cot base 20 is positioned at a up cot base position 1000. The cot base 20 may be secured to either cot ends 30, or the cot front 50 and back 40 to prevent the cot base from moving when a child is in residence. It may be preferable that the cot base 20 is secured to the cot ends 30, because doing so ensures that heightened position of the cot base 20 does not interfere with the function of any sliding mechanism that moves the cot front 50.

Figure 8 provides the present invention in operation in the first configuration as a cot bed 10 wherein the cot front 50 is capable of sliding up and down as a result of a tongue and groove sliding mechanism where the tongue 1550 is attached or formed onto the cot front 50 and the groove 1500 is formed into the cot end 1500. To prevent the cot from tipping when the cot front 50 is moved upwards, the cot end 30 includes a leg 375 which will bear the load when the cot front 50 cannot.

Figures 9A and 98 provide two geometries for attaching the cot ends to the cot front. The cot ends 30 may be attached to the side of the face 450 of the cot back 40 as shown in figure 9A. In the same way the opposite edges of the cot ends 30 may be attached to the sides of the face of the cot front 50. The cot front 50 and back serve 40 to support the cot ends 30. Alternatively, the cot ends 30 may be attached to the edges 470 the cot back 40. In the same way, the opposite edges of the cot ends may be attached to the edges of the cot front 50 as shown in figure 9B.

Figure 10A provides the present invention operable in the first configuration as a cot bed 10. Having a cot front 50, a cot back 40, two cot ends 30 and a cot base 20.

Figure 10B provides the parts required for the first configuration of the present invention. The parts being a cot front, 50, a cot back 40, two cot ends 30 and a cot base 20.

Figure 11A provides the present invention operable in the first configuration as a cot bed 10. Having a cot front 50, a cot back 40, two double bed sides 60 and a double bed base 70.

Figure 11B provides the parts required for the second configuration of the present invention. The parts being a cot front, 50, a cot back 40, two double bed sides 60 and a double bed base 70.

Claims

Claims 1. A kit of parts, the kit comprising; a cot base (20), a double bed base (70), two cot ends (30), two double bed sides (60), a cot back (40) and a cot front (50); Operable in a first configuration to provide a cot bed (10) by means of removably attaching the cot ends (30) and the cot front (50) and back (40) such that, in plan view, the four pieces form a rectangular perimeter into which the cot base (20) is placed; and Operable in a second configuration to provide a double bed (100) by means of removably attaching the double bed sides (60) and the cot front (50) and back (40) such that, in plan view, the four pieces form a rectangular perimeter into which the double bed base (20) is placed.
2. The kit of claim 1 assembled in the first configuration; wherein the cot base comprises the double bed base, separated into portions along its length with the portions stacked on top of one another.
3. The kit of claim 1 assembled in the first configuration; wherein the cot base comprises the double bed base, hinged and folded into portions along its length.
4. The kit of claims 2 or 3 assembled in the first configuration; wherein the double bed base is portioned into thirds along its length to provide the cot base.
5. The kit of any of the preceding claims assembled in the first configuration; wherein the cot base (20) is adjustable in height within the cot bed.
6. The kit of any of the preceding claims assembled in the first configuration; wherein the cot front (50) is a sliding panel with, an up and down position; the down position providing improved access to the cot base.
7. The kit of any of the preceding claims wherein the cot front (50) includes one or more stacking sections (500) removably attachable onto the cot front (50); The stacking sections (500) operable in a first configuration; such that the height of the cot front (50) can be modified by the removal or addition so stacking sections.
8. The kit of claim 7 wherein the stacking sections (500) are operable in a second configuration to provide the double bed sides (60); wherein a plurality of stacking sections (500) are removably joined end to end to provide the double bed sides (60).
9. The kit of any of the preceding claims wherein the cot ends (30) have one or more removable top sections.
10. The kit of claim 9 wherein; the double bed sides are constructed from a plurality of removable top sections removably joined end to end.
11. The kit of claim 9 wherein; the double bed sides are constructed from a combination of the one or more stacking sections and one or more removable top sections removably joined end to end.
12. The kit of any of claims 7,8, 9 or 10 wherein a plurality of supporting legs is provided to be attached onto the double bed sides at the points where two components join.
13. The kit of claim 7, operable in a third configuration to provide a toddler bed. The configuration differs from the first configuration in that the cot front is at the lowest possible height having all of the stacking sections removed.
14. The kit of any of the preceding claims wherein the cot back is designed to be reversible such that the face that points inwards in the first configuration, faces outwards away from the cot in the second configuration.