WO2015197200A1

WO2015197200A1 - Moses basket and stand therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2015197200A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/025039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georgina VAUGHAN
Original assignee: Reason For Being Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-27
Filing date: 2015-06-25
Publication date: 2015-12-30
Also published as: GB201411523D0; GB201412279D0

Abstract

A portable sleeping receptacle comprising a resiliently flexible, elongate bassinette (10) having an opening (18) in at least one longitudinal side thereof, and a panel (20) releasably connected across said opening (18) so as to enable selective covering and uncovering of said opening (18).

Description

Moses Basket and Stand therefor

This invention relates to a Moses basket and stand therefor.

Moses baskets are carrycots or small portable cots, often made of wickerwork or the like, which are widely known and used as sleeping receptacles for very young infants.

Known Moses baskets tend to comprise a bassinette of suitable dimensions, having a pair of handles extending upwardly from the side walls thereof, and a suitably proportioned mattress in the base. Some such baskets include a hood or similar covering, to shade an infant in the bassinette from excessive light or heat. Furthermore, stands for Moses baskets are known, which, in their simplest form, tend to comprise two frames which are pivotally connected at a substantially central axis so as to be operable in a generally scissor-like manner, each frame including a cross member with two tapes, each tape connecting the cross members of the two frames. In use, the frames can be scissor-closed for storage with the tapes slack and, when the stand is desired to be used, the frames are scissor-opened to the extent permitted by the tapes and the cross members then act to support a Moses basket, with the tapes providing additional support.

However, known Moses basket and stand arrangements suffer from a number of drawbacks. Firstly, for example, conventional Moses baskets tend to be bulky to store and transport when not in use. Furthermore, conventional Moses baskets do not promote the concept of co-sleeping, whereby the infant can sleep in close proximity to a parent or carer, their bassinette mattress abutting the parent or carer's mattress on the same plane, without having to sleep in the same bed with them, which is considered to be potentially hazardous. Still further, conventional Moses basket stands do not tend to allow for height adjustment, but instead tend to be operable only at a single height.

Aspects of the present invention aim to address at least some of these issues. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable sleeping receptacle comprising a resiliently flexible bassinette having an opening in at least one longitudinal side thereof, and a panel releasably connected across said opening so as enable selective covering and uncovering of said opening. The panel, when open, i.e. not covering the opening, may rest on a carer's mattress allowing them access to the infant in the bassinette without the risk of the infant slipping down between the bassinette and the bed.

The bassinette may comprise a base, a pair of end walls, a first side wall extending between said end walls along a first side of said base, and said opening being defined between the end walls at a second, opposite side of said base, the receptacle further comprising said panel hingedly connected to said base at said second side thereof, said panel forming a foldable flap which can be raised and lowered, in use to selectively cover or expose said opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening extends between said end walls of said bassinette, along said second side of said base, and said panel forms a second side wall of said bassinette when it is in a raised configuration covering said opening.

Releasable attachment means may be provided for selectively securing said panel over said opening. Such attachment means may comprise cooperative magnetic portions provided at an edge of said panel and an opposing edge of said bassinette, adjacent the opening.

The sleeping receptacle may further comprise a pair or handles, wherein a first of said handles is secured to a first side wall of said bassinette and extends beyond and upper edge thereof, and a second of said handles is secured to said panel. The second handle may be releasably attached to said panel, for removal when the panel is released.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said bassinette comprises a base, a pair of end walls, a first side wall extending between said end walls along a first side of said base, said end walls being at least partially releasably attached to said base. Said first side wall may be attached to said first side of said base by means of a flexible fold, that enables said first side wall to be folded down toward said base, when said end walls are in a released configuration. The end walls may be releasably attached to said first side wall, such that the end walls can be folded down toward the base, independently of the first side wall, when they are in a released configuration.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stand for a portable sleeping receptacle, said stand comprising a substantially planar support member for supporting a sleeping receptacle, in use, and a base for resting, in use, on the ground or other supporting surface, said support member being mounted or mountable on said base such that it is held vertically above and substantially parallel to the plane of said supporting surface, the stand further comprising an adjustment mechanism for enabling the position of said support member relative to said base to be adjusted along an axis

substantially parallel to the plane of said supporting surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the height of said base relative to said supporting surface may be adjustable. The base may comprise a pair of frames, pivotally connected together at a point substantially the same distance along their length such that they form a substantially X-like profile when viewed from the side. Each frame may comprise a pair of parallel bars having a cross member therebetween, said cross member being located at or adjacent a first end of said frames.

The adjustment mechanism may be configured to enable the position of said support member relative to said base to be adjusted along an axis substantially parallel to the latitudinal width of said support member and substantially parallel to the plane of said supporting surface. The support member may be provided, on a lower surface at or adjacent a first end thereof, with one or more clip members configured to receive a cross member of the other of said frame members therein so as to releasably secure the support member to the base.

In one exemplary embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is a channel configured to enable said support member to slide therein along said axis. The support member may comprise, on a lower surface and at or adjacent a second end thereof, an open-ended recess defining said channel, within which a cross member of one of said frame members is receivable, said recess including a ratchet mechanism comprised of a linear rack having a plurality of teeth separated by openings, and said cross member being removeably receivable within a selected one of said openings to releasably secure said support member to said base. The support member may be adjustable relative to said base, between a generally central position and a position in which a side edge of said support member overhangs said base.

The stand may further comprise a frictional mat which is extendable from said stand along a plane substantially parallel to said supporting surface. The frictional mat may be removably attached to said base. These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following specific description, in which embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a Moses basket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a closed configuration; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the Moses basket of Figure 1, in an open configuration;

Figure 3 a is a schematic side view of a Moses basket according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing the handle in an operable configuration; Figure 3b is a schematic side view of the Moses basket of Figure 3a, showing the handle in a folded configuration;

Figure 3 c is a schematic perspective view of a Moses basket according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing the handle straps attached to the panel; Figure 3d is a schematic perspective view of the Moses basket of Figure 5c showing the handle straps detached from the panel and the handle and strap assembly folded down underneath the base of the Moses basket;

Figure 4a is a schematic side view of a Moses basket according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing the handle attached to the bassinette; Figure 4b is a schematic side view of the Moses basket of Figure 4a, showing the handle removed from the bassinette;

Figure 5 a is a schematic side view of a Moses basket according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing the handle detached from the bassinette;

Figure 5b is a schematic side view of the Moses basket of Figure 5a, showing the handle attached to the bassinette;

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view from above of a Moses basket according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing the end walls partially released from the base;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the Moses basket of Figure 6, showing the end walls further released from the base;

Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the Moses basket of Figures 6 and 7, in a flat packed configuration;

Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a stand according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a schematic view of the underside of the stand of Figure 9; and

Figure 11 is a schematic rear view of the stand of Figure 9, illustrating the support member in the overhanging configuration.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a sleeping receptacle or Moses basket according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongate bassinette 10 having a base 12 defining a pair of opposing elongate side edges and curved end edges. The bassinette 10 further comprises a pair of convex end walls 14a, 14b extending upwardly from respective end edges of said base 12, and a first side wall 16 extending upwardly from one of the side edges of said base 12, the first side wall 16 being connected to, or formed integrally with, the side walls 14a, 14b. A gap 18 is defined between the end walls 14a, 14b on the opposite side edge of the base 12, and an elongate panel 20 is connected along its lower edge to the respective side edge of the base 12, thus forming a foldable flap which can be raised and lowered relative to the base so as to selectively cover or expose the opening 18. Re leasable attachment means are provided to secure the flap 20 over the opening 18 as required. In an exemplary embodiment, such attachment means may be in the form of cooperative magnetic strips or buttons 21a, 21b provided along the inner side edges of the flap and the side edges of the opening 18. Additional or alternative attachment means may be in the form of buttons 22 adjacent the side edges of the opening 18 and corresponding button loops 24 provided on the side edges of the flap 20. A removable insert or mattress 26 may be provided in the base of the bassinette 10, and a pair of opposing handles 28a, 28b may be provided to extend substantially vertically from the upper edge of the first side wall 16 and the free edge of the flap 20 (which forms the upper edge of a second side wall when the flap is in the closed configuration) respectively, such that the bassinette can be conveniently transported when the flap is in the closed configuration, covering the opening 18.

In one exemplary embodiment, a fold may be provided in the panel 20 along line 25, shown in Figure 2, such that the panel can be folded down, with the lower fastening means 21b still fastening the lower edge of the panel to the bassinette structure, thereby causing the panel 20 to extend outwardly from the bassinette along substantially the same plane as the mattress 26.

The handle 28b provided on the flap 20 may be fastened to the outer surface of the panel 20 by means of a pair of flexible strips 30, which are attached at their distal ends at the fold between the flap 20 and the base 12 and connected at one or more positions along their length to the outer wall of the panel 20. In a first exemplary embodiment, illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b of the drawings, a pair of upper and lower cooperative poppers 31, or similar releasable fastening means, may be provided respectively on the handle 28b and corresponding flexible strip 30, such that the handle 28b can be folded down and secured against the panel 20, as shown in Figure 3b. This enables the handle 28b to be stored out of the way when the panel 20 is open. In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figures 3 c and 3d of the drawings, the strips may be attached to the panel by means of one or more poppers located close to the upper edge thereof, such that, when the panel is in the open configuration, the strips can be detached therefrom and the handle and strip assembly can be folded under the base.

In another exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 4a and 4b of the drawings, the handle 28b may be removably attached, by poppers 33 or similar releasable fastening means provided on the flexible strips 30 close to the upper edge of the panel 20, such that the handle 28b can be removed, as required. In yet another exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 5a and 5b of the drawings, the handle 28b may be releasably attached to the bassinette by means of rigid rectangular loops 29a, provided on the handle 28b and elongate flaps 29b extending from the flexible members 30, beyond the upper edge of the bassinette. In use, if it is required to attach the handle 28b to the bassinette, the user inserts each flap 29b through a respective loop 29a and then folds the ends of the flaps 29b back on themselves, around the loop, as shown in Figure 5b of the drawings. The ends of the flaps 29b may then be secured to the side wall of the bassinette by releasable fastening means, such as poppers 3 la, b or hook and loop type fastening material.

Referring to Figure 6 of the drawings, the end walls 14a, 14b of the bassinette 10 may be at least partially releasably fastened to the end edges of the base 12 by means of a zip 32 or the like, which enables the end walls 14a, 14b to be partially detached from the base 12 and pushed to a flat configuration relative to the base 12 for compact storage and

transportation, if required. Thus, referring to Figure 7 of the drawings, when it is required to "flat pack" the bassinette, the zips provided between the lower edge of the end walls 14a, 14b and the base 12, and also the zips 32 provided between the end walls 14a, 14b and the rear side wall 16, can be undone, thereby releasing the end walls 14a, 14b from the end edges of the base 12 and also from adjacent side edges of the rear side wall 16. Then, referring to Figure 7 of the drawings, the panel 20 can be folded under the base 12, the end walls 14a, 14b can be folded behind and in front of the rear side wall 16 respectively, and then the folded end wall/side wall assembly can be folded down onto the base 12.

The inner walls of the bassinette 10 may be provided with a resiliently flexible inner wall comprising polypropylene or similar material, one or more layers of padding material on one or both sides of the inner wall, a cotton, or similar, lining on one or both sides of the inner wall, and an outer cover 34 of soft material which may be provided with ventilation holes, such as waffle blanket material or the like. The outer cover 34 may be removeable for washing or replacement. Ventilation holes may be provided in any or all layers of the lining, particularly the polypropylene inner wall, and/or the walls of the bassinette itself, to facilitate the safety and comfort of an infant. A hood (not shown) may be secured along a rear edge at one end of the bassinette, and webbing or similar securing means may be provided at the front edge of the hood to secure it, in an operable configuration, to the side edges of the bassinette.

Referring to Figures 9 to 11 of the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of a stand suitable for use with a Moses basket, whether of the type described above or otherwise, comprises a support member 36 and a stand 38. The support member 36 comprises a rigid, elongate planar member having rounded end edges, which generally match the shape and size of the base of a Moses basket. In this exemplary embodiment, the planar member may not be a completely solid piece, but may instead be provided with cut-out portions 36a, at non- critical locations which are intended to reduce the weight of the overall structure, but this is not essential in other embodiments. At each rounded end edge of the planar member, there is provided a curved seat member 40 extending upwardly and generally perpendicular to the planar member, the curve of the seat members 40 generally matching the configuration of the end walls of a Moses basket and being operable to prevent a Moses basket supported on the support member from slipping off. In use, therefore, a Moses basket can be placed in, and received by, the receptacle defined by the planar member and seat members.

The support member 36 is mounted on the stand 38 such that, in use, the support member is held above, and substantially parallel to the plane of, the ground or other supporting surface. As shown, particularly in Figure 9 of the drawings, the stand 38 comprises a pair of frame members 42a, 42b which are pivotally connected together at a point substantially the same distance along their lengths such that, in a first configuration, they form a generally X-like profile when viewed from the side (as particularly shown in Figure 9 of the drawings). The pivotal connection between the frame members enables them to be pivoted relative to each other in a scissor-like action. Each frame member 42a, 42b comprises a pair of parallel bars having a first cross member therebetween, at or adjacent a first end, and a second cross member (43, 45, Figure 10), at or adjacent a second, opposite end thereof.

The support member 36 is provided, on the lower face at a first end thereof, with a plurality of circular cross-section spring clips 50, which may be formed of plastic or metal, and which have a receiving cross-section of a dimension which enables them to removeably receive the upper cross member 43 of one of the frame members 42a therein. This can be seen more clearly in Figure 10 of the drawings.

At the opposite end of the support member 36, again on its lower surface, there is provided an adjustment mechanism comprising an open-ended channel 52 provided on an upper wall thereof with a ratchet 54 in the form of a linear rack with a plurality of teeth, between which are defined rounded spaces of a dimension which enables them to removeably receive therein the upper cross member 45 of the other of the frame members 42b. This can be seen more clearly in Figure 10 of the drawings. It can be seen that, in order to

conveniently store the stand in a compact configuration, the support member 36 can be completely removed from the stand 30, by pulling the first end of the support member away from the first cross member 43, so as to release it from the spring clip 50, tilting the support member 36 upward at the same end, and then sliding the cross member 45 at the other end out of the channel 52. Then, frame members 42a, 42b of the stand can be pivoted toward each other, to a substantially planar configuration, and the folded stand 38 and the support member 36 can be stored together, one on top of the other.

In use, when it is required to set or adjust the height of the support member 36 relative to the ground, the frame members 42a, 42b are unfolded and the stand can then be placed on the ground. Next, the channel 52 including the ratchet 54 is slid over the second cross member 45 such that the cross member 45 is inserted into the opening between the ratchet teeth which results in the desired height. Then, the opposite end of the support member 36 is lowered so that one of the spring clips 50 can be pushed over the first cross member 43 to secure the structure at the desired height. The support member 36 is further slideable along an axis parallel to the width thereof such that the channel 52 slides along the respective cross member 45 and the spring clip 50 slides along the other respective cross member 43, thereby enabling the relative latitudinal horizontal position of the support member 36 relative to the stand to be selectively altered. Rubber (or other frictional) stops or bumpers 56 are provided on the cross members 48, which can be slid or screwed along the cross members to abut the edge of the support member 36 and, optionally, screwed into position, thereby holding the stand and the support member 36 in a desired position and at a desired height. Thus, if the Moses basket is required to be placed against a parent or carer's bed, the height of the stand can be adjusted to the correct height to be in line with the mattress of the bed, and the support member 36 can be slid right up to the edge of the mattress, overhanging the edge of the stand, and without leaving a gap between the support member 36 and the mattress, as illustrated in Figure 11 of the drawings. Once the desired configuration has been reached, the bumpers 56 are screwed or otherwise secured into place to secure the support member 36 in the overhanging position. The potential overhang is limited by the edge of the channel 52 and/or the spring clip 50 against the edges of the inner frame 42a, which prevents further movement thereof and prevents the configuration becoming unstable. A rubber (or other frictional) mat (not shown) may be provided, which can be attached (for example by loops or tying) to the bars of the frames 42a, b, and which extends outwardly at a plane substantially parallel to the support member 36. In use, the mat may be placed underneath the mattress of the bed, to further secure the stand against the bed.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. The terms 'portable sleeping receptacle' and 'Moses basket' are used

interchangeably herein and no distinction between the two terms is intended to be inferred unless otherwise stated. However, it is to be understood that the term 'Moses basket' used herein is a general term for a specific type of portable sleeping receptacle, and is not intended to infer any limitation on the material(s) of which it is formed.

Claims

1. A portable sleeping receptacle comprising a resiliently flexible, elongate bassinette having an opening in at least one longitudinal side thereof, and a panel releasably connected across said opening so as enable selective covering and uncovering of said opening.

2. A portable sleeping receptacle according to claim 1, wherein said bassinette

comprises a base, a pair of end walls, a first side wall extending between said end walls along a first side of said base, and said opening being defined between the end walls at a second, opposite side of said base, the receptacle further comprising said panel hingedly connected to said base at said second side thereof, said panel forming a foldable flap which can be raised and lowered, in use to selectively cover or expose said opening.

3. A portable sleeping receptacle according to claim 2, wherein said opening extends between said end walls of said bassinette, along said second side of said base, and said panel forms a second side wall of said bassinette when it is in a raised configuration covering said opening.

4. A portable sleeping receptacle according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising releasable attachment means for selectively securing said panel over said opening.

5. A portable sleeping receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, further

comprising a pair or handles, wherein a first of said handles is secured to a first side wall of said bassinette and extends beyond and upper edge thereof, and a second of said handles is secured to said panel.

6. A portable sleeping receptacle according to claim 5, wherein said second handle is releasably attached to said panel.

7. A portable sleeping receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said bassinette comprises a base, a pair of end walls, a first side wall extending between said end walls along a first side of said base, said end walls being at least partially releasably attached to said base.

8. A portable sleeping receptacle according to claim 7, wherein said first side wall is attached to said first side of said base by means of a flexible fold, that enables said first side wall to be folded down toward said base, when said end walls are in a released configuration.

9. A portable sleeping receptacle according to claim 8, wherein said end walls are releasably attached to said first side wall, and said end walls being attached to said base by means of a flexible fold, such that they can be folded down toward the base, independently of the first side wall, when they are in a released configuration.

10. A portable sleeping receptacle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

11. A stand for a portable sleeping receptacle, said stand comprising a substantially planar support member for supporting a sleeping receptacle, in use, and a base for resting, in use, on the ground or other supporting surface, said support member being mounted or mountable on said base such that it is held vertically above and substantially parallel to the plane of said supporting surface, the stand further comprising an adjustment mechanism for enabling the position of said support member relative to said base to be adjusted along an axis substantially parallel to the plane of said supporting surface.

12. A stand according to claim 11, wherein the height of said base relative to said

supporting surface is adjustable.

13. A stand according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said base comprises a pair of frames, pivotally connected together at a point substantially the same distance along their length such that they form a substantially X-like profile when viewed from the side.

14. A stand according to claim 13, wherein each frame comprises a pair of parallel bars having a cross member therebetween, said cross member being located at or adjacent a first end of said frames.

15. A stand according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein said adjustment mechanism is configured to enable the position of said support member relative to said base to be adjusted along an axis substantially parallel to the latitudinal width of said support member and substantially parallel to the plane of said supporting surface.

16. A stand according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the support member is provided, on a lower surface at or adjacent a first end thereof, with one or more clip members configured to receive a cross member of the other of said frame members therein so as to releasably secure the support member to the base.

17. A stand according to claim 16, the support member comprises, on a lower surface and at or adjacent a second end thereof, an open-ended recess defining said channel, within which a cross member of one of said frame members is receivable, said recess including a ratchet mechanism comprised of a linear rack having a plurality of teeth separated by openings, and said cross member being removeably receivable within a selected one of said openings to releasably secure said support member to said base.

18. A stand according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the cross members are slidable within said ratchet opening and clip member so as to enable the support member to slide in a substantially horizontal plane relative to the base, in use.

19. A stand according to claim 18, comprising stop means for securing said support member in a desired position relative to said base.

20. A stand according to any of claims 11 to 19, wherein said support member is

adjustable relative to said base, between a generally central position and a position in which a side edge of said support member overhangs said base.

21. A stand according to any of claims 11 to 20, further comprising a frictional mat which is extendable from said stand along a plane substantially parallel to said supporting surface.

22. A stand according to claim 21 wherein said frictional mat is removeably attached to said base.

23. A stand substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying

drawings.