WO1992006626A1

WO1992006626A1 - Child environment unit

Info

Publication number: WO1992006626A1
Application number: PCT/GB1990/001624
Authority: WO
Inventors: Constanza Procter
Original assignee: Markcram Limited
Priority date: 1989-03-21
Filing date: 1990-10-23
Publication date: 1992-04-30
Also published as: GB2230457B; GB8906475D0; GB2230457A

Abstract

A child environment unit is disclosed in the form of a cuboid consisting of an oblong base with upstanding sides (2, 3, 4 and 5) for use as an environment for human babies. The shorter sides (2, 4) are of different heights. Means are provided to support a very small baby (17) and means to entertain and stimulate the baby whilst it is in the unit are attached to or set in one or more of the walls.

Description

CHILD ENVIRONMENT UNIT

This invention relates to environment units for assisting the development of children, and to units which are adaptable and flexible in use and which can be used from the birth of the child onwards for several years.

Particularly in the case of young babies, various suggestions have been made in the past for portable containers in which the baby can be located. These may take the form of carrycots of various types, for example as illustrated in British Patent Specifications 620077, 1289291 and 2192340. They may be made collapsibly, e.g. from fabric or from cardboard. None of these provides a particularly stimulating environment for the child and all suffer from the general disadvantage that they isolate the child from all but his or her immediate surroundings, which surroundings themselves are not particularly stimulating.

British Patent Specification 1289832 discloses a tollable pram body made from polyvinyl chloride reinforced laminate which may be folded flat or formed into a shallow tray.

International Patent Publication WO 88/09633 discloses an infant carrier adapted for use in vehicles and consisting of a folded card structure adapted to absorb kinetic energy from the child by progressive deformation of its structure in the event of an impact on the vehicle. The infant carrier described in this specification is utilitarian and offers the child in it no stimulus.

According to the present invention, there is provided a child environment unit consisting of a substantially rectangular box having a substantially oblong base, relatively longer side walls and relatively shorter end walls, the heights of the end walls being different to define a generally sloping top to the box, and the side and/or end walls of the box being provided with one or more movable units mounted on or in the box wall.

In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the box as defined above has located above its base a pair of inclined support surfaces forming a valley, the base of which runs transversely to the length of the box. Preferably the sloping support surfaces run from a position at or near the top of each of the respective end walls and the base of the valley is located some distance above the base. Such a pair of inclined support surfaces is suitable for supporting new born or very young babies in a position where the hip joint is bent but the child is lying down with a straight spine, and is simply removed when unwanted or with older and larger babies who can sit up by themselves in the unit (usually from 4 to 5 months).

The dimensional ratios of the length to width of the generally oblong base of the box, the relative heights of the two box ends, and the ratio of the height of the end walls to the length and width of the box may vary according to design choice, but bearing in mind in all cases the underlying requirement of providing an environment unit for a baby or small child which does not cramp or restrict the infant but which nevertheless provides a relatively close environment for the child. Thus, for example, the length of the base may be from 20 centimetres to 70 centimetres (corresponding to premature to toddler) and the width correspondingly from 14 to 30 centimetres.

Likewise, the height of the taller end wall may be from 13 to 35 centimetres and that of the shorter from 10 to 24 centimetres.

Preferably the ratio of the length to width of the base of the unit is 1.25 to 2 , and the ratio of height of the taller end wall to the shorter being from 1.1 to 1.25. The ratio of the length of the base of the unit and the height of the lower of the two end walls is preferably within the range of 1.5 to 2.5.

The angle at the base of the valley, when such is provided, is preferably within the range 105° to 120°.

The movable units mounted on or in the side and/or end walls may vary widely in construction. They should be designed, however, to provide an interactive unit which the child can operate. Thus, for example, the unit may consist of a ball, disc or the like set movably

(translationally or rotatably) in a setting in or on the wall. The movable unit, which preferably includes parts of a size to be graspable by the child, is designed to provide tactile and motor stimulus to the child and promote its cognitive development.

The unit of the invention may be made from a wide variety of materials. For reasons of cost and ease of manufacture, folded cardboard is preferred, but plastics materials may also be used. In one particular development, the unit is constructed from a number of moulded plastics sections. each of which is provided with a number of regularly spaced apertures, and appropriate joint pieces to hold the sections together to form the unit, which may thus, either as such or with the addition of further moulded pieces and joint pieces, constitute a constructional toy which the older child may assemble and disassemble in various ways.

The invention is illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a unit according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the unit of Figure 1 and showing a valley member;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a blank which can be folded to form part of the unit of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of another blank which is folded to form another part of the Figure 1 unit;

Figure 5 shows a blank which can be folded to form a false bottom for the Figure 1 unit;

Figure 6 shows a blank which can be folded to form a pair of support surfaces for use in the Figure 2 unit;

Figure 7 shows the stages of assembling the blank to form the Figure 2 unit;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tray unit for use with the unit of Figure 1;

Figures 9 and b are perspective views of a side wall insert bezel and spinner respectively; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further insert, and

Figures 11 and 12 are respectively a side elevation and an underneath view of a base fitment to provide a rocking motion.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a child environment unit is shown which is made of folded cardboard and is of a generally open top cuboid configuration.

The unit comprises a substantially rectangular base 1 from which four upright walls 2, 3, 4 and 5 extend. End wall 2 is parallel to end wall 4 and both walls extend from the two shorter edges of the base 1. Side walls 3 and 5 are identical and join the two end walls 2 and 4 together. Wall 2 is shorter than wall 4 so that upper edges 6, 7 of side walls 3, 5 respectively slope upwardly from wall 2 to wall 4. Upper edges of end walls 2, 4 are labelled 8, 9 respectively. A hole 11 is cut in each end wall 2, 4 which allows the container to be lifted or carried.

Conveniently, and for the purposes of strength, the base 1 and all four of the walls 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the container at least are "double" walls throughout at least the greater part of their various areas. This has a number of advantages. If, as is preferred, the walls are folded over at the upper edges, there are no cut edges which can trap dirt, so providing improved hygiene. The double thickness also provides more give in the walls, which is more comfortable when the baby pushes or strikes the lining wall. The space between the walls may also be used for the reception of other parts of the unit as explained in more detail below. A further advantage is that the acoustic properties are, it is believed, enhanced, so improving comfort for the baby. The base 1 is provided with an initially separate false bottom 10 which is replaceable. The bottom 10 is spaced above the base 1 by a predetermined amount, typically 35 mm. The dimensions of the base are typically 44 cm long and 28 cm wide. The end walls may be, for example, 21 and 25 cms high.

The main body of the unit, i.e. not the false bottom 10, is formed from two substantially flat blanks 50, 60 as shown in Figures 3 and 4 respectively. Blank 50 (see Figure 3) forms part of the base 1 and walls 3, 4 and 5, and blank 60 (see Figure 4) forms part of base 1 and wall 2.

Blanks 50 and 60 are shaped as shown and are folded along the dotted lines to form the unit, tab portions 51 of blank 50 being glued to blank 60 in known fashion to provide a continuous wall around the base. Referring also to Figure 7, portions 62, 53, 54 and 55 of the continuous wall are folded to be at 90° to the associated wall 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively to form base 1.

Portions 62 and 54 are basically rectangular and have respective generally T-shaped slots 22 and 24 (i.e. slots comprising crossbars and uprights) whose crossbars are parallel to the fold lines at the bottoms of upright walls 2 and 4 and whose uprights are perpendicular to those folds. The crossbars of the slots remote from the uprights are formed with symmetrically angled rebates as shown. Portions 53 and 55 are basically trapezoidal and have tabs 23 and 25 formed at their respective free edges as shown.

The base 1 is assembled by first bending inwardly the two substantially rectangular portions 62 and 54 (which correspond to the side walls 2 and 4). This brings the two T-shaped slots 22, 24 alongside one another, aligned centrally of the base, with the two uprights of the slots in line (see Figure 7(a)). The two trapezoidal portions 53 and 55 which correspond to the side walls 3 and 5 respectively are then bent upwardly and inwardly and the tab portions 23, 25 at their free edges are bent inwardly and upwardly to be entered through the slotted uprights of the aligned T-shaped slots 22, 24 (Figure 7(b)). The free ends of the tab portions 23, 25 are bent back through marginally less than 45° and are entered through the rebates formed in the crossbars of the T-shaped slots 22, 24. This keeps the base assembled as shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, with the upwardly turned over free edges of the tab portions 23, 25 of the trapezoidal portions 53, 54 projecting upwardly substantially centrally of the interior of the unit. These edges are then covered by the false bottom 10 and are not normally visible (see Figure 7(c)).

A blank 70 from which the bottom 10 can be folded is shown in Figure 5. The spacing of the bottom 10 from the base 1 is effected by bending downwardly along fold lines 72, 73, 74 and 75, the fold lines being an appropriate distance from the edge of the blank 70 (in this case, at 35 mm). Four slots 32, 33, 34 and 35 are formed approximately centrally of respective ones of the four fold lines 72, 73, 74 and 75 and each slot extends approximately half of the length of each fold line as shown. The slots 32, 33, 34 and 35 are spaced inwardly (for example, by 10 mm) towards the centre of the false bottom 10 away from the corresponding fold lines. The slots 32, 33, 34 and 35 are connected to their associated fold lines by outwardly divergent cut lines as shown. Therefore, when each portion 42, 43, 44, 45 of the false bottom 10 is bent downwardly through substantially 90°, a central lug 92, 93, 94, 95 coplanar with the associated portion 42, 43, 44, 45 respectively, will be turned upwardly from the bottom 10, leaving a slot (having a width of approximately 10 mm) alongside each lug 92, 93, 94, 95.

Each of the walls 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the unit has a double thickness. This is formed by bending corresponding portions 2', 3', 4' and 5' of the continuous wall formed through 180° as shown in Figure 7(d). As this is done, the upper edges 6, 7, 8 and 9 are formed. The free edges of the portions 3*, 5' are shaped to accommodate the inclination of the edges 6, 7 and when folded into position to form walls 3 and 5 lie parallel to the base 1. Each of the four edges of the inwardly folded portions 2', 3¹, 4' and 5' has an outwardly directed short tongue 102, 103, 104, 105 at its centre, each tongue merging with the edge concerned by way of a short incline. These four tongues 102, 103, 104, 105 fit into respective ones of the slots 32, 33, 34, 35 formed in the false bottom 10. The lugs 92, 93, 94, 95 of the false bottom 10 lying alongside respective slots 32, 33, 34, 35 are hidden immediately behind portions 2', 3', 4*, 5' of the respective side walls 2, 3, 4 and 5. This provides a rigid arrangement which prevents the container from coming apart unless a significant manual force is exerted on it.

Portions 21 are cut out of portions 2, 2^' , 4, 4' to provide the carrying holes 11. Portions are also cut out as indicated by dotted lines 25 to provide circular holes in one or both side walls for a purpose described below.

A valley support arrangement for new-born or very young babies is shown in Figures 7(e) and (f). It comprises two elongate shaped members 15, three transverse members 16 and a cradle 17. The members 15 are positioned within the container parallel to the side walls 3, 5. Each member 15 has three slots spaced along its length into which the members 16 are placed, each member 16 having two slots. As shown in Figure 7(e), each member 15 is shaped to have a generally V-shaped edge defined by two inclined edges 19, 20 which meet at an angle of substantially 112". The transverse members 16, together with the elongate members 15 into which they are slotted, provide a base for the cradle 17. A blank 80 is shown in Figure 8 from which the cradle 17 can be folded. Portions 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 are folded down along the fold lines (shown as dotted lines) to form ridge folds. These portions lie parallel to the walls 2, 3, 4 and 5 when the cradle 17 is placed over members 15, 16. The blank 80 is also folded along fold line 87 (forming a valley fold) to coincide with the base of the V-shaped edge of members 15.

As an alternative to the cradle arrangement described with reference to Figures 7(e) and (f) and Figure 8, a cradle similarly shaped to cradle 17 can be used but which has edge portions adapted to fit over edges 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the container.

It is preferred, but is not absolutely essential, that the cardboard from which the container is made should initially be of "double" thickness, for example, each layer has two planar portions separated by a third planar portion, with corrugated cardboard between each pair of planar portions. This means that each side wall of the container actually exhibits six planar portions and four layers of corrugated cardboard.

Each hole 11 formed for carrying the container can be strengthened by the provision of adhesive paper or the like around it, or by a reinforcing ring or like frame. In the embodiment shown the upper edge of each hole 11 is parallel to the corresponding edge 8 or 9 and spaced therefrom by approximately 0 mm. The shape and position may be varied if desired, however. The "double" formation of the walls 2 and 4 is readily visible in the region of holes 11 in Figure 1, but this is not very desirable as it leaves a gap and cut edges. If the cutouts are smaller and the edges folded inwards, a better appearance without the gap is achievable. Alternatively, a bezel or frame may be fitted in.

Although not shown, any or all of the exposed surfaces of the unit may be printed or otherwise marked with an attractive scene, the nature of the scene or alternative pattern or even plain coloured depending on local tastes and presenting an almost infinite variety of possibilities to the manufacturer. Furthermore, the unit can be treated to give it fire and/or water resistance, or make of suitably treated or resistant material. Cut edges of corrugated cardboard may be sealed against liquid ingress in known fashion.

Further accessories may be provided for use with the unit. One example is a table top as shown in Figure 8 which rests or clips over at least two of the upper edges of the unit to provide a surface from which a child can be fed. A further example is a beaker attachment which also clips over the edge of the container and can hold a beaker or bottle or other drinking vessel.

Apertures are provided in the walls of the unit into which attachments can be placed to amuse and stimulate the child. For example, a drawer which can slide inside a rectangular aperture (for example, hole 11), or in a rectangular bezel set in such aperture, can be provided. Circular apertures (e.g. as formed by the dashed line circles indicated in Figure 3 are cut from the blank) can also be used for mounting a circular bezel which carries a mobile, rattle, mirror or other suitable toy, each toy being appropriately supported in the aperture. Figure 9 shows such a bezel 120 consisting of a cylindrical portion 125 and a flange 126 adapted to lie against the face of the container wall and Figure 9 a spinner 121 which can be mounted freely rotatably in the bezel by use of two lugs 122 which engage in recesses 123 in the bezel 120. A musical box or other sound generating device actuable by the baby may also be included, and in place of a flat disc the spinner may be a sphere, cross shape or other rotatable unit, or e.g. a frame supporting bars on which balls are slidably mounted as on an abacus. A further alternative is a product or like into which the child's hand may be inserted, such as is illustrated in Figure 10 where a ball is mounted at the end of a long pocket formed by a large soft spring covered within and without by cloth. The ball may be grasped and the unit everted. On release, it springs back to the position shown.

Further attachment points may be provided in order to enable the unit to be converted further to a suitable toy or plaything as the child grows. Clearly this applies more to units formed of plastics than of cardboard, as plastics ones can be expected to have a longer service life. For example the unit can be adapted to take wheels to make it into a steerable toy. Alternatively, a lockable top may be provided to convert it into a treasure or toy box. Other more expensive and interchangeable accessories can be easily thought of. For the younger child, or for use with very small babies, a suitable base fitment, e.g. as shown in Figures 11 and 12, may be mounted on the base of the container to enable a rocking action to be provided.

Mounting points may also be provided for attaching a safety harness, for example, for mounting the unit in a car. The child environment unit in accordance with the invention is preferably constructed to be strong, light, warm in its interior, very inexpensive to manufacture and of sufficient strength to enable it to last.

The inclined arrangement of the edges 6 and 7 has the considerable advantage that, once a baby can "sit up", it can lean back against the wall 4 with its head at such a level that it can very easily see out over the lower wall 2, thus avoiding any frustration from not being able to see what is going on around it, and providing a much enhanced visually stimulating environment.

Claims

1. A child environment unit consisting of a substantially rectangular box having a substantially oblong base, relatively longer side walls and relatively shorter end walls, the heights of the end walls being different to define a generally sloping top to the box, and the side and/or end walls of the box being provided with one or more movable units mounted on or in the box wall.

2. A child environment unit according to Claim 1 and including, located above its base, a pair of inclined support surfaces forming a valley, the base of which runs transversely to the length of the box.

3. A child environment unit according to Claim 1 or 2 and including means forming a flat table supported on the upper edges of the walls.

4. A child environment unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein apertures are provided in at least one side wall to accommodate an amusement device.

5. A child environment unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the base and walls are made of cardboard or plastics material.

6. A child environment unit according to Claim 5, wherein the box is a cuboid folded from cardboard to give double thickness walls.