WO1987006443A1

WO1987006443A1 - Portable cot for a child

Info

Publication number: WO1987006443A1
Application number: PCT/AU1987/000116
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Vall
Original assignee: John Vall
Priority date: 1986-04-24
Filing date: 1987-04-24
Publication date: 1987-11-05

Abstract

A portable cot made from a foldable material such as canvas, has side panels (10, 11), end panels (18, 19) and a bottom panel (118) which are connected together so that when the portable cot is unfolded, the side panels (10, 11) and end panels (18, 19) extend upwardly from the bottom panel (118) to form a rectangular enclosure. The end panels (18, 19) have end flaps (16, 17) respectively, which are arranged to be placed over the backs of two chairs which are arranged so that their fronts are oppositely aligned. The portable cot then bridges the space between the backs of the two chairs.

Description

"PORTABLE COT FOR A CHILD" TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a portable cot for a child. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common type of portable cot, referred to sometimes as a bassinet, consists of a cane basket constructed to accomodate a sleeping child. A handle is provided on two sides to enable the basket to be carried from one location to another with the baby inside.

Although useful in many situations, such a cot, because of its size and rigid structure, is generally difficult and cumbersome to carry.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In view of this problem the present invention offers an alternative to existing portable cots by providing a portable cot formed from a foldable material having side panels and a bottom panel, the cot when unfolded being arranged to form an enclosure wherein the side panels extend upwardly from the bottom panel and which is capable of holding a sleeping child, the cot having supporting means at opposite ends thereof for supporting the cot between the backs of two spaced apart chairs or the like. Each supporting means preferably is formed as a flap which is shaped to be placed over the backs of the chairs and tied in place.

Alternatively, the supporting means may be in the form of pockets which fit over the backs of the chairs. The flaps or pockets may themselves be provided with secondary pockets in which feeding bottles or the like may be stored.

Alternatively, each supporting means may be in the form of strapping which wraps around the back of its respective chair or the like.

Preferably, the cot is arranged so that it may be fitted to two chairs which are arranged so that the fronts of the chairs are directly oppositely aligned and the portable cot bridges the space between the backs of the chairs. It is further envisaged that two chairs may be arranged with a bed or table between them and the cot is suspended between the two chairs in the above described manner above the bed or table so that the bottom surface of the cot is resting on a restraining surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a frame is provided to support the cot. The frame may be formed of a base with upwardly extending legs which are arranged to support the cot.

It is preferred that the legs be held in position by braces which are connected between the legs and the base. It is preferred that the braces, legs and base be foldable so that the frame may be folded up for easy carrying.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a plan for the construction of the cot;

Figure 2 shows the cot suspended on the backs of two chairs and

Figure 3 shows a frame for supporting the cot.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1. the portable cot shown comprises three separate sheets of a canvas material. The first sheet 1 is of a rectangular shape with ends 2 and 3. and sides 4 and 5. Pocket fold lines 6 and 7 are shown near the ends 2 and 3 and are located approximately 1/8 of the length of one of the sides 4 and 5 from each end 2 and 3. Side panel fold lines 8 and 9 are located 1/3 of the length of one of the sides 4 and 5 from each end 2 and 3. The second and third sheets 10 and 11 are substantially identical and are each of a rectangular shape with a length 12 and 13 respectively of 1/3 of the length of one of the sides 4 and 5, and a width 14 and 15 respectively which is the same as the distance between fold lines 6 and 8.

To assemble the three separate sheets shown into the portable cot of Figure 2. the second and third sheets 10 and 11 respectively are firstly sewn to sheet 1 on sides 4 and 5 respectively between fold lines 8 and 9.

Secondly, the first sheet 1 is folded upwardly at fold lines 8 and 9 and the sheets 2 and 3 are sewn along their widths to side walls 4 and 5 respectively. The portable cot is now in the shape of a rectangular enclosure with end flaps 16 and 17. These end flaps are folded outwardly from the interior of the enclosure and are sewn at their s des 16a, 16b and 17a and 17b respectively to adjacent sides of end surfaces 18 and 19 respectively.

The portable cot thus formed has a rectangular enclosure with pockets attached to the outside of each end surface 18 and 19 which enables the portable cot to be suspended on the backs of two chairs as shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 2. the portable cot is shown in a typical application wherein the fronts of two chairs are arranged opposite each other and the pockets of the portable cot fit tightly over the backs of the chairs. By separating the chairs by an appropriate distance the sheets 10 and 11 defining side walls of the portable cot can be made taut. Thus, a child placed inside the portable cot can be held comfortably without excessive sagging of bottom 118. When it is required to store the portable cot away, it can simply be folded up and put in a bag thus avoiding problems associated with bulky and cumbersome existing portable cots.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cot is used together with a frame 20. as shown in Figure 3. The frame comprises a rectangular base frame 21, with ends 21a and sides 21b. Identical rectangular frames 22 and 23, are connected at each end of the base frame and extend upwardly at 90° to the base frame 21.

The rectangular frames 22 and 23, are held in position by braces 24, which extend diagonally down at 45° from the top of each side and are connected to the sides of the base frame.

To allow the frame 20 to be totally collapsible, hinges 25 are used to connect the end frames 22, 23, the base frame 21, and the braces 24 in the manner described above. In addition, the sides of the base frame 21 are hinged at their midpoint as are the braces 24.

In use the cot is suspended between the unfolded frames 22 and 23. When the frame is no longer required, the cot is removed and the frames 22 and 23 are collapsed inwardly^* to abut with the base frame 21 by applying a downward pressure P to the hinges 25 on each brace 24. The base frame 21 may then be folded in half and the complete frame 20 can then be stored away.

The cot may also be permanently attached to the frame in a manner which allows the combination of the cot and frame to be folded up and stored away.

It should be noted that various other embodiments of the present invention are envisaged which also fulfill the inventive concept defined herein.. It is envisaged that a material other than canvas, which is also foldable, will be equally effective for making the cot. In addition it may be advantageous to use a plastics material in the construction of the portable cot so as to more clearly define various surfaces thereof. For instance, a plastics lining may be placed on the bottom and sides of the portable cot. The portable cot can still be folded by forming fold lines in the plastic similar to those used in ring binder folders.

Further embodiments encompass replacing the pockets by other attachment means such as straps which can be wrapped around the backs of chairs, or some other supporting structure.

In other embodiments of the present invention it is envisaged that pockets and carrying compartments be added to some of the panels of the portable cot for holding various paraphernalia.

In all other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the dimensions and shapes given in the preferred embodiment can be changed to suit particular applications.

Claims

1. A portable cot formed from a foldable material having side panels and a bottom panel, the cot when unfolded being arranged to form an enclosure wherein the side panels

5 extend upwardly from the bottom panel and which is capable of holding a sleeping child, the cot having supporting means at opposite ends thereof for supporting the cot between the backs of two spaced apart chairs or the like.

2. A portable cot according to claim 1 wherein the iσ supporting means is provided on side panels at each end of th cot.

3. A portable cot according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a least one panel has a storage pocket.

4. A portable cot according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherei 15 each supporting means comprises a flap, pocket or strapping arrangement arranged to be placed over the back of a chair or the like.

5. A portable cot according to any preceding claim including a frame having^" a .base with two upwardly extending 0 legs engageable with the supporting means.

6. A portable cot according to claim 5 wherein the frame has braces extending between the legs and the base, the braces being foldable to allow the legs to fold inwardly substantially parallel to the base. 5

7. A method of forming a cot comprising the steps: providing a portable cot made from a foldable material having a bottom panel with connecting side panels and having supporting means connected at opposite ends of the bottom panel; 0 unfolding the portable cot to form an enclosure with side panels extending upwardly from the bottom panel, and arranging two chairs so that their fronts are directly oppositely aligned and attaching the supporting means of the portable cot to the backs of the chairs so that the cot 5 bridges the space between the backs of the chairs and is capable of supporting a sleeping child.

8. A method of forming a cot comprising the steps of: providing a portable cot made from a foldable material having a bottom panel with connecting side panels and having supporting means connected at opposite ends of the bottom panel; unfolding the portable cot to form an enclosure with side panels extending upwardly from the bottom panel, and providing a frame having a base with two upwardly extending legs engagable with the supporting means, attaching the supporting means to each leg of the frame so that the portable cot bridges the space between the legs and is capable of supporting a sleeping child.

9. A method according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the supporting means is provided on side panels at each end of the portable cot.

10. A method of forming a cot as claimed in claim 8 wherein the frame has braces extending between the legs and the base, the legs being foldable to allow the legs to fold substantially parallel to the base.