WO2010000406A1

WO2010000406A1 - Portable cot

Info

Publication number: WO2010000406A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/004505
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacqueline Mckay
Original assignee: Jacqueline Mckay
Priority date: 2008-07-02
Filing date: 2009-06-23
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: GB0812083D0

Abstract

A portable cot for attachment to the side of a bed, said cot being configurable to provide a box-like structure for holding an infant and being provided with a support structure extendable from one side of the box like structure to be received between a mattress and a base of the bed such that the cot extends, and is suspended in cantilevered manner, from the side of the bed.

Description

Portable Cot

This invention relates to a portable cot.

It is often desirable for an infant to sleep close to a parent, especially very small babies, to facilitate night time feeding of the infant, to enhance the bond between the parent and child and to allow the parent to hear, touch and feel their child, and thus assure the parent of the child's well being.

Particularly when staying in hotels, it is desirable to provide a compact portable temporary cot for use alongside the parent's bed. It is common for parents to allow an infant to sleep in the bed with the parent, particularly in a hotel room where other accommodation is not available. However, this is considered unacceptable for safety reasons, due to a risk that the infant may be innocently and unintentionally rolled on top of and/or smothered by the parent. While hotels may provide cot for infants, many parents may consider such facilities unhygienic. While travel cots are available, such devices generally are generally bulky and difficult to carry.

According to the present invention there is provided a portable cot for attachment to the side of a bed configurable to provide a box-like structure for holding an infant, said cot being provided with a support structure extendable from one side of the box like structure to be received between the mattress and the base of the bed such that the cot extends and is suspended in cantilevered manner from the side of the bed.

While the present invention is described in relation to a portable cot for holding an infant, the portable cot may equally be used for housing an animal, such as a dog, cat or other domestic pet.

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

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portable cot according to a first embodiment of the invention in an in use configuration for attachment to a bed for receiving an infant; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of portable cot of Fig. 1 in a transport configuration for use as an item of luggage;

Fig. 3 is a further view of the portable cot of Fig. 1 in its transport configuration;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portable cot according to a second embodiment of the invention in a transport configuration for use as an item of luggage;

Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the portable cot of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the portable cot of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the portable cot of Fig. 4 with the handle in a retracted position;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the portable cot of Fig. 4 with a lid section of the cot in an open position;

Fig. 9 is perspective view of the portable cot of Fig. 4 in an in use configuration for attachment to a bed for receiving a baby;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the portable cot of Fig. 4 configured for attachment to a bed with a lid section and storage compartment in an open position;

Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of the portable cot of Fig. 4 with a canopy section fitted;

Fig. 12 is a further perspective view of the portable cot of Fig. 4;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the portable cot of Fig. 4 attached to a bed;

Fig. 14 is a further perspective view of the portable cot of Fig. 4 attached to a bed; and

Fig. 15 is a perspective view from below of the portable cot of Fig. 4 attached to a bed. As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, a portable cot according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a rectangular base panel 2 and a four peripheral vertical side walls 4,6,8,10 extending upwardly from the sides of the base panel 2 to define a box-like structure configurable between an in use configuration, to be attached to the side of a bed define a cot for holding an infant or pet, and a transport configuration for use as a case for holding luggage.

A support frame 20 is extendable from one side of the base panel to allow the cot to be attached to a bed. The support frame comprises four parallel elongate support arms 22 linked at an outer end by a transversely extending bar 24 and extendable from one side of the cot for supporting the cot in cantilever manner from the side of a bed. The support frame 20 is adapted to be locatable between the base of a bed and a mattress. Each elongate arm 22 and the transversely extending bar 24 at their ends comprises a substantially flat bar or oval tube to minimise disruption to the mattress while providing maximum strength to the support frame 20.

Because the cot can be mounted to the side of a bed without requiring any ground engaging legs, cleaning around the cot is facilitated and trip hazards are avoided. The support frame 20 is retractable within the base panel 2 when the cot is configured as a case for holding luggage. A removable mattress may be provided in the base of the cot upon which an infant may lie.

Extendable panels 30,32,34,36 are connected to upper regions of the peripheral side walls to be foldable between lowered and raised positions, as shown in Fig. 1 for extending height of the sides of the cot to provide greater security for an infant. The extendable panel 36 attached to the side 8 of the cot adjacent the support frame 20 may comprise or be provided with a transparent section 38 to allow greater visibility of the infant from the parent's bed.

The inner surfaces of the peripheral side walls 4,6,8,10 may be provided with pockets for storing items therein.

An upper panel 40 is hingedly connected to one side wall 4 of the cot to define a closure panel or lid for closing the cot when in its transport configuration for use as a case for holding luggage. A fastening means, such as a latch assembly, may be provided for securing said upper panel 40 in a closed position. Alternatively a zip fastener may be provided between the peripheral sides of the upper panel 40 and the upper edges of the peripheral vertical walls 4,6,8,10 of the cot. The closure panel 40 may be folded against outer side of the rear panel 2 and fixed thereto by fastening means when the cot is in an in use configuration for attachment to the side of a parent's bed. The inner face of the closure panel 40 may be provided with further storage pockets 42.

The cot includes a carrying handle 45 at a first end, adapted to comprise an upper end when the cot is used as an item of luggage, and a pair of wheels 46,48 mounted at a second end, opposite said first end, comprising a lower end when the cot is used as an item of luggage. The carrying handle 45 is extendable, as shown in Fig. 3, to allow the cot to be used as a trolley case.

Elastic straps 50 are located at each end of the cot having fastener means to allow the straps 50 to be connected together to hold items in place therein.

A portable cot in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 4 to 15. The portable cot is configurable between a transport configuration for use as an item of luggage, as shown in Figs. 4 to 8, and an in use configuration for attachment to the side of a bed, as shown in Figs. 9 to 15.

The portable cot comprises a substantially rigid base member 102 having opposing side walls 104,106, the ends of the cot being defined by first and second substantially rigid half shells 108,110, each half shell 108,1 10 being pivotally connected to a respective end region of the base member 102 for pivotal movement between a closed position when the portable cot is in its transport configuration, as shown in Fig. 4, wherein the first and second half shells 108,110 abut one another and cooperate with the base member 102 to define a box- like enclosure for carrying items of luggage, and an open position when the portable cot is in its in use configuration, as shown in Fig. 9, wherein the first and second shells 108,1 10 define respective ends of a cot for receiving an infant or pet. A latch 11 1 is provided for releasably connecting the abutting surfaces of the half shells 108, 1 10 together to retain the half shells in their closed position. Fabric webs 1 12 are provided between the respective half shells 108,1 10 and the sides of the base member 102 to define side portions of the cot when in its' in use configuration. A foldable mattress 1 14 is provided within the base of the cot which may be contained within the enclosure defined by the half shells 108,110 and base member 102 when the cot is in its transport configuration. The mattress provides a supporting surface for an infant when in it's in use configuration. The mattress may be removable for transportation and/or cleaning.

A best seen from Fig. 5, a rotatable support member 1 16 in the form of a circular turntable is mounted on the rear of the base member 102 for rotation about an axis extending perpendicular to the base member 102, an extendable handle 118 and a set of ground engaging support wheels 120 being mounted on the support member 117. The extendable handle 118 is adapted to be telescopically extendable from the base member 102 between a retracted position, shown in Fig. 7, and an extended position shown in Fig. 4. The support wheels 120 are mounted on elongate support arms 122 pivotally mounted on the support member 102 for pivotal movement between a raised position, lying against and parallel to the base member 102 wherein the portable cot can be supported on the support wheels 120 when in its transport configuration, and a lowered position, wherein the support wheels 120 rest against the ground to stabilise and support the cot when in its in use configuration attached to a bed.

Struts 123 are provided for holding the support arms in their lowered position so that the support wheels 120 can support at least a portion of the weight of the cot. The struts may be telescopically extendable and/or may be provided with locking means for locking the support arms 122 at a desired position. The support wheels 120 may be lockable. The support arms 122 may be telescopically extendable.

The support member is rotatable through 90° between a first position, when the portable cot is in its transport configuration, and a second position, when the portable cot is in its in use configuration. In said first position, the ground engaging support wheels 120 are located at a lower edge of the base portion 102 in a position to support the portable cot in an upright orientation and the extendable handle 1 18 is extendable from an upper portion of the portable cot such that the portable cot can be wheeled around in the manner of a wheeled suitcase. In said second position, the extendable handle 118 extends from one side of the cot to be located between the base and the mattress of a bed and the support wheels 120 can be lowered to engage the ground when the cot is attached to the side of a bed.

The handle may be coated in rubber or a similar grippy elastomeric material to enhance the grip between the handle and the bed base and mattress between which it is located. The extendable arms or bars of the handle 1 18 may have a rectangular or oval cross section such that the thickness of the handle perpendicular to the mattress is minimised when the handle is located between a mattress and a bed base.

An elongate strap may be provided to be attached to the handle 1 18 to extend across the width of a bed to which the cot is attached, a distal end of the strap being provided with an anchor means for anchoring the strap to the side of the bed opposite the cot. The anchor means may comprise a T shaped member having opposing arms arranged to end vertically against an outer side of the bed base and mattress. The strap may be adjustable in length to suit different beds. When the cot is in its transport configuration for use as an article of luggage, the strap may be connectable to the exterior of the cot to be used as a shoulder strap.

Each half shell 108,1 10 has an upper lid 124,126, openable to provide access to a storage compartment 128 within the respective half shell, as shown in Figs. 8 and 10. As shown in Fig. 10, further storage compartments 130 may be provided in the sides of the base member 102. The further storage compartments 130 may be accessible via hinged doors 132.

A canopy 134 is provided for enclosing the cot when it its in use configuration, as shown in Figs. 11 to 15. The canopy 134 may be folded and stored within one of the storage compartments 128,130 of the cot when not in use, for example when the cot is in its transport configuration. One side of the canopy 134, preferably the side closest to the bed when the cot is in its in use configuration, comprises a releasable opening 134 to provide access to an infant within the cot and to allow a parent to see the infant. The opening 134 may be provided with a releasable fastener, such as a zip. The canopy may be formed from a sheet like material supported by a resilient frame, such as wire loops at either end of the canopy, such that the canopy can be folded down when the cot is in its transport configuration and whereby the canopy can automatically pop up into an operative position when the cot is in its in use configuration in the manner of a pop-up tent. The canopy is preferably formed from an air permeable material and may be provided in different colours or shades. A darker canopy may be provided where it is desired to reduce the amount of light that can pass through the canopy.

The inner surface of the canopy may be adpated to allow baby toys or mobiles to be connected thereto. For example, a loop may be provided within an upper region of the canopy, from which toys or mobiles may be suspended.

As can be seen from Figures 4 and 7, the upper lids 124,126 of the half shells 108,110 are shaped to create a shallow depression 200 in an outer face of the cot when in its transport configuration. Such depression 200 may be used to lay a baby on such that the outer surface of the cot can be used as a raised changing mat. Spare nappies, wipes and other supplies for use in nappy changing may be located in the further storage compartments 130 in the sides 106,108 of the base 102 which may be readily accessible when the depression 200 is used to rest a baby when changing a nappy.

An integral thermometer (not shown) may be provided within the cot for monitoring the temperature therein.

When in its transport configuration, the portable cot may be readily carried in the manner of a suitcase and can be wheeled around by means of the support wheels 120 and handle 118. The interior space defined by the base member 102 and half shells 108,1 10 may be used for storage while further items may be stored within the storage compartments 128,130.

When it is desired to use the portable cot as a sleeping device for infants, the support member 116 is rotated with respect to the base member 102 such that the handle 1 18 extends from one side of the base member and the support wheels 120 are pivoted to their lowered position. The half shells 108,110 are opened up to their open position such that the half shells 108,110 and base member 102 define an open topped box-like cot having a base and upstanding side walls. The mattress 114 is unfolded and positioned in the bottom of the cot.

The handle 118 is fully extended and located between the base of a parent's bed and the mattress thereof to support the cot from the side of the bed in cantilever fashion. The support arms 122 of the ground engaging wheels are positioned so that the wheels 120 engage the ground to support and stabilise the cot. The support arms 122 may be telescopically adjustable to adjust the position of the wheels 120 to suit different sized beds.

The canopy 134 may be removed from the relevant storage compartment, erected and fitted to the cot to provide a cover for the infant, if desired. The opening 136 of the canopy 134 may be lowered to lie on the side of the bed, as shown in Fig. 14. Alternatively the canopy 134 may remain connected to the cot and may comprise resilient support poles that enable the canopy to pop-up to an operative position as the half shells 108,1 10 are opened.

In an alternative embodiment, the clam shell arrangement of Figures 4 to 15 may be used without the turntable base, separate support means being extendable from one side of the base of the cot for location between a bed base and mattress, as described in relation to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The handle portion may be pivotally attached to the base of the cot such that the handle portion can be lowered to form a ground engaging support for the cot. Locking means, such as lockable telescopic support struts, may be provided for locking the handle portion at a desired angle.

The cot may be formed from any rigid or flexible material and may comprise a fabric or other sheet material supported upon a substantially rigid framework

As described above, an outer surface of the cot, when in its transport configuration, for example an outer lid or closure of the cot, may be shaped to provide a depression or dished region in which a baby may be laid for changing a nappy.

While the portable cot according to the present invention has been described in relation to a cot for receiving an infant, the cot could equally be used to hold a pet, such as a dog or cat, to provide a portable sleeping facility for such pet.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable cot for attachment to the side of a bed, said cot being configurable to provide a box-like structure for holding an infant and being provided with a support structure extendable from one side of the box like structure to be received between a mattress and a base of the bed such that the cot extends, and is suspended in cantilevered manner, from the side of the bed.

2. A portable cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cot is configurable between a transport configuration, defining a hollow enclosure for use as an item of luggage, and an in use configuration, wherein the cot defines said open box-like structure attachable to the side of a bed.

3. A portable cot as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said support structure comprises a support frame moveable between a retracted position, wherein at least part of the support frame is stored within the structure of the cot, and an extended position, wherein the support frame extends from said one side of the cot to be located between the mattress and the base of the bed.

4. A portable cot as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support frame is telescopically extendable from said retracted position to said extended position to be located between the mattress and the base of the bed.

5. A portable cot as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the support frame comprises one or more elongate support arms extendable from said one side of the cot.

6. A portable cot as claimed in claim 5, wherein the or each elongate support arm comprises a substantially flat bar or plate.

7. A portable cot as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the cot includes a carrying handle located at an upper end of the cot when the cot is in its transport configuration to be used as an item of luggage.

8. A portable cot as claimed in claim 7, wherein the carrying handle is mounted on the cot to extend from said upper end of the cot when the cot is in its transport configuration for use as an item of luggage and to extend from a side of the cot when the cot is in its in use configuration, whereby the carrying handle defines said support structure to be received between a mattress and a base of a bed when the cot is in its in use configuration.

9. A portable cot as claimed in claim 8, wherein the carrying handle is mounted on a support member mounted on a base of the cot, said support member being rotatably mounted on the base about an axis extending perpendicular to said base such that carrying handle can be swung through at least 90° with respect to said base.

10. A portable cot as claimed in any of claim 7 to 9, wherein said carrying handle is extendable, more preferably telescopically extendable.

11. A portable cot as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a ground engaging support is extendable from the base of the cot for supporting the at least a portion of the weight of the cot on the floor when the cot is attached to a bed.

12. A portable cot as claimed in claim 1 1, wherein said ground engaging support comprises one or more elongate legs pivotally mounted on the base of the cot to be moveable to between a raised position, wherein the one or more legs lie against the base of the cot and a lowered position, wherein said one or more legs engage the floor.

13. A portable cot as claimed in claim 12, wherein said one or more elongate legs are extendable, preferably telescopically extendable.

14. A portable cot as claimed in claim 13, wherein said ground engaging support comprises one or more wheels.

15. A portable cot as claimed in 14, when dependent upon claim 2, wherein said one or more wheels are located at a lower end of the cot when the cot is in its travel configuration to be used as an item of luggage, whereby the cot can be rolled along the ground on said wheels.

16. A portable cot as claimed in claim 11, wherein said ground engaging support is defined by said carrying handle, said carrying handle being pivotally attached to a base of the cot to be moveable between a first position, wherein the handle is substantially parallel to the base, and a second position, wherein the handle depends downwardly from the base to engage the ground.

17. A portable cot as claimed in any of claims 2 to 16, wherein the cot comprises a substantially rigid base member having opposing side walls extending upwardly therefrom, first and second substantially rigid half shell members being pivotally connected to a respective end region of the base member for pivotal movement between a closed position when the portable cot is in its transport configuration, wherein the first and second half shell members abut one another and cooperate with the base member to define a box-like enclosure for carrying items of luggage, and an open position when the portable cot is in its in use configuration, wherein the first and second shell members define respective ends of said open box-like structure for receiving an infant.

18. A portable cot as claimed in claim 17, wherein webs or filler members are provided extending between the respective half shells and the sides of the base member to define side portions of the cot when in its in use configuration.

19. A portable cot as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein each half shell member has an upper lid openable to provide access to a storage compartment within the respective half shell member.

20. A portable cot as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein at least one storage compartment is provided in at least one of the sides of the base member.

21. A portable cot as claimed in claim 20, wherein said at least one storage compartment is accessible via a hinged door.

22. A portable cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cot comprises a plurality of peripheral vertical walls extending upwardly from a base panel.

23. A portable cot as claimed in claim 22, wherein extension panels are provided at an upper end of each peripheral vertical wall to be moveable between a lower position when the cot is to be used as an item of luggage and a raised position to raise the height of the sides of the cot when it is to be used for holding an infant.

24. A portable cot as claimed in claim 23, wherein at least one of the extension panels, preferably the panel adjacent the support frame comprises or is provided with a substantially transparent section.

25. A portable cot as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, wherein storage pockets may be provided on the inner faces of the peripheral walls and/or the inner face of the closure panel.

26. A portable cot as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a canopy is provided for covering the cot when in it's in use configuration.

27. A portable cot as claimed in claim 26, wherein a side of said canopy is openable to provide access to an infant laid in the cot.

28. A portable canopy as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein said canopy is formed from a flexible sheet or fabric material supported by one or more resilient supports such that the canopy can be folded down when the cot is in its transport configuration.

29. A canopy as claimed in any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the canopy is detachable.

30. A portable cot as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an elongate strap attachable to a portion of the cot to extend across the width of a bed to which the cot is attached, a distal end of the strap being provided with an anchor means for anchoring the strap to the side of the bed opposite the cot.

31. A portable cot as claimed in claim 30, wherein the anchor means comprises a T - shaped member having opposing arms arranged to end vertically against an outer side of the bed base and mattress.

32. A portable cot as claimed in claim 30 or claim 31, wherein said elongate strap is attachable to the cot be enable the cot to be carried when in its transport configuration to be used as an item of luggage.

33. A portable cot as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an outer surface of the cot, when in its transport configuration, preferably an outer lid or closure of the cot, is shaped to provide a depression or dished region in which a baby may be laid for changing a nappy.

34. A portable cot substantially as herein described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.