FOLDING COT

Abstract

A folding cot that can take up an unfolded position and a folded position, comprising a cot base that is oriented horizontally in the unfolded position, a first frame (5) that is oriented vertically in the unfolded position, a second frame (1) that is oriented vertically in the unfolded position, and a first Sarrus mechanism (S1) or similar mechanism comprising at least two articulated arms and guiding the movement of these frames (5, 1) toward/away from one another during the folding/unfolding of the cot. Each arm connects the first and second frames (1, 5) together. The cot base is formed, at least in part, by a lower arm of the first mechanism (S1).

Claims

1. A folding cot configured to move between an unfolded position and a folded position, comprising: a cot base that is oriented horizontally in the unfolded position; a first frame that is oriented vertically in the unfolded position; a second frame that is oriented vertically in the unfolded position; a third frame that is oriented vertically in the unfolded position; a first Sarrus mechanism comprising the first frame, the second frame and at least two first articulated arms, namely a lower arm and a side arm, the first articulated arms each connecting the first and second frames together and guiding the movement of the first and second frames toward/away from one another during the folding/unfolding of the cot; and a second Sarrus mechanism comprising the second frame, the third frame and at least two second articulated arms, namely a lower arm and a side arm, the second articulated arms each connecting the second and third frames together and guiding the movement of the second and third frames toward/away from one another during the folding/unfolding of the cot, wherein the cot base is formed, at least in part, by the lower arm of the first Sarrus mechanism and the lower arm of the second Sarrus mechanism.

2. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first Sarrus mechanism allows the translational movement of the first frame with respect to the second frame along a longitudinal axis of the cot, and wherein the second Sarrus mechanism allows the translational movement of the third frame with respect to the second frame along the longitudinal axis.

3. (canceled)

4. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and the second Sarrus mechanisms are disposed symmetrically with respect to the second frame.

5. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower arm of the first and/or second Sarrus mechanism folds upward and wherein, in the folded position, the top of the lower arm is located below the side arm(s) of the mechanism.

6. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cot comprises side barriers that extend between the frames and are oriented vertically in the unfolded position, and wherein the first and/or second Sarrus mechanism comprises two side arms that form, at least in part, the side barriers of the cot.

7. The folding cot as claimed in claim 6, wherein, in the folded position, vertices of the two side arms are situated opposite one another and at a distance from one another.

8. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cot exhibits symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane oriented vertically in the unfolded position.

9. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second frame comprises a lower cross member, and wherein the cot base is formed in part by this lower cross member.

10. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a mattress, wherein the mattress is accommodated inside one of the frames in the folded position.

11. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mattress is mounted in a pivoting manner on the frame.

12. The folding cot as claimed in claim 11, wherein a tie extends between the mattress and the lower arm, such that, starting from the unfolded position, the pivoting of the mattress with respect to the frame brings about the folding of the lower arm.

13. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein each articulated arm is formed by two segments that are hinged together and to the adjacent frames by hinges, a first hinge allowing one of the segments to rotate with respect to one of the frames about a first rotation axis, a second hinge allowing the segments to rotate with respect to one another about a second rotation axis, and a third hinge allowing the other segment to rotate with respect to the other frame about a third rotation axis, the first, second and third rotation axes being parallel to one another.

14. The folding cot as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the arms is equipped with a stop system that prevents the arm from folding toward the outside of the cot in the unfolded position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The appended drawings are schematic and are not to scale; they are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the invention.

[0032] In these drawings, from one figure (FIG) to the next, identical elements (or element parts) are provided with the same reference signs.

[0033] FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic perspective views of an example of a framework (or structure) of a folding cot, in the unfolded, semi-folded and folded position, respectively.

[0034] FIGS. 2A to 2D are schematic cross-sectional views of the folding sequence of an example of a folding cot.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a folding cot equipped with textile panels.

[0036] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an example of a folding cot equipped with rigid panels, in the unfolded and folded position, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0037] Exemplary embodiments are described in detail in the following text with reference to the appended drawings. These examples illustrate the features and advantages of the invention. However, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0038] FIG. 1A shows the framework of an example of a folding cot, in the unfolded position. The folding cot is a small collapsible bed and can be used for children to sleep or play in. In other words, it can be used as a crib or a play yard.

[0039] The framework of the cot comprises a U-shaped, rigid, central frame 1. The central frame 1 is an example of a second frame within the meaning of the invention. The central frame 1 comprises two uprights 2, 2, which are connected in their lower part by a lower cross member 3. The uprights 2, 2 are referred to as central uprights in the following text. The central uprights 2, 2 can be extended beneath the lower cross member 3 so as to form central legs 4, 4. The central uprights 2, 2 are oriented vertically, whereas the cross member 3 is oriented horizontally.

[0040] In the present application, and unless specified otherwise, the horizontal and vertical directions are considered with reference to the unfolded position of the cot, under normal use conditions. The top and the bottom are defined in the vertical direction.

[0041] The framework of the cot comprises two Sarrus mechanisms S1 and S2 which have the central frame 1 in common. These two mechanisms are symmetrical with respect to the central frame 1, i.e. with respect to the median plane of this frame 1.

[0042] The first Sarrus mechanism S1 comprises, apart from the central frame 1:

[0043] an end frame 5 comprising two uprights 6, 6 (referred to as corner uprights in the following text) that are connected by an upper cross member 8. They can also be connected by a lower cross member 9 to increase the rigidity of the frame 5.

The corner uprights 6, 6 can be extended beneath the lower cross member 9 to form legs 7, 7. The end frame 5 is parallel to the central frame 1;

[0044] two horizontal flaps or panels 10, 11 that are mounted so as to pivot with respect to one another about a horizontal axis BB and are mounted so as to pivot on the end frame 5 about a horizontal axis AA and on the central frame 1 about a horizontal axis CC, respectively;

[0045] two vertical flaps or panels 12, 13 that are mounted so as to pivot with respect to one another about a vertical axis EE and are mounted so as to pivot on the end upright 6 about a vertical axis DD and on the central upright 2 about a vertical axis FF, respectively; and

[0046] two other vertical flaps or panels 12, 13 that are mounted so as to pivot with respect to one another about a vertical axis HH and are mounted so as to pivot on the end upright 6 about a vertical axis GG and on the central upright 2 about a vertical axis II, respectively.

[0047] The end frame 5 is an example of a first frame within the meaning of the invention. The end frame 5 can be rigid and its dimensions can be similar to those of the central frame 1. In particular, the height of the corner uprights 6, 6 corresponds to the height of the central uprights 2, 2, and the height of the legs 7, 7 corresponds to that of the central legs 4, 4.

[0048] The horizontal panels 10, 11 and the three hinges of axis AA, BB and CC form an articulated arm. This articulated arm is an example of a lower arm within the meaning of the invention, the two panels 10, 11 forming the segments of this arm.

[0049] In the example, the two horizontal panels 10, 11 are rigid and the same size. They are positioned so as to form, in the unfolded position, a horizontal flat surface that is continuous with the upper surface of the central cross member 3, on which it is possible to arrange bedding (e.g. a mattress, a sheet, a blanket and/or a duvet). In other words, the two horizontal panels 10, 11 and the central cross member 3 form a part of the base of the cot. The horizontal panels 10, 11 can be solid or, by contrast, be hollowed out so as to limit the weight of the cot. In the example, the horizontal panels 10, 11 have an opening passing through their center and are in the form of a rectangular frame.

[0050] The hinge of axis BB which connects the horizontal panels 10, 11 is designed to allow the panels to fold upward when the axes AA and CC move toward one another. By contrast, the hinge of axis BB is equipped with a stop system (not shown) for blocking the horizontal panels 10, 11 such that they cannot descend beyond the horizontal position (i.e. the panels cannot fold downward beyond the horizontal plane in which they are located in the unfolded position).

[0051] Advantageously, in order to make it easier to fold the horizontal panels 10, 11, the axes AA, BB and CC are equidistant. This also makes it possible to obtain a compact structure in the folded position, the panels then substantially overlapping.

[0052] The side panels 12, 13 and the three hinges of axis DD, EE and FF form an articulated arm. This articulated arm is an example of a side arm within the meaning of the invention, the two panels 12, 13 forming the segments of this arm.

[0053] The side panels 12, 13 and the three hinges of axis GG, HH and II also form a articulated arm. This articulated arm is an example of a side arm within the meaning of the invention, the two panels 12, 13 forming the segments of this arm.

[0054] In the example, the vertical panels 12, 13, 12, 13 are rigid and the same size. The hinges of axis EE and HH which connect the vertical panels 12, 13 and 12, 13, respectively, are designed to allow them to fold inward when the axes DD and FF move toward one another and the axes GG and II move toward one another, respectively. In addition, said hinges are equipped with a stop device (not shown) for preventing the vertical panels 12, 13, 12, 13 from folding outward beyond the vertical plane in which they are located in the unfolded position. In order to make it easier to fold the vertical panels 12, 13, 12, 13, the axes DD, EE and FF are equidistant, as are the axes GG, HH and II.

[0055] The second Sarrus mechanism S2 is identical to the mechanism S1, and these mechanisms S1, S2 are symmetrical with respect to the median axis of the central frame 1. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the mechanism S2 will not be described in more detail. The elements of the mechanism S2 that are similar to the elements of the mechanism S1 are provided with the same reference numerals increased by 100.

[0056] In order to fold the cot (FIG. 1A), the end frames 5, 105 are moved toward the central frame 1. This has the effect of causing the horizontal panels 10, 11, 110, 111 to fold upward and of causing the vertical panels 12, 13, 112, 113 and 12, 13, 112, 113 to fold inward. The panels are folded simultaneously and the end frames 5, 105 and the central frame 1 remain parallel to one another throughout folding. In particular, in the example, the corner uprights 6, 6 remain parallel to the central uprights 2, 2, while the upper cross member 8 and the lower cross member 9 of the end frame 5 remain parallel to the central cross member 3 of the central frame 1. The same goes for the end frame 105 and the central frame 1.

[0057] Therefore, all that is necessary is to exert horizontal forces on any point of each end frame 5, 105 in order for the entire structure of the cot to fold on itself. These forces are indicated by the arrows Z in FIG. 1B.

[0058] When the cot is entirely folded (FIG. 1C), the end frames 5 and 105 press against each side of the central frame 1. Thus, particularly compact flat folding is obtained.

[0059] The folding cot can be equipped with a locking device (not shown) for keeping it in the folded position. This may be, for example, hooks for keeping the end frames 5, 105 close to or in contact with the central frame 1, or a strap surrounding these three frames 1, 5, 105.

[0060] The folding cot can be equipped with a handle (not shown) for easily transporting it in the folded position.

[0061] In order to unfold the cot, all that is necessary is for the user to move one of the end frames 5 and 105 away from the other in order for the entire structure of the cot to be completely unfolded, i.e. until the horizontal panels 10, 11 (110, 111) are in one and the same horizontal plane, the vertical panels 12, 13 (112, 113) are in one and the same vertical plane, and the panels 12, 13 (112 and, 113) are in one and the same vertical plane.

[0062] In the example, the height of the vertical panels 12, 13, 12, 13 (112, 113, 112, 113) is less than the height of the central uprights 2, 2, reduced by the span of each of the horizontal panels 10, 11 (110, 111). Thus, the vertical panels do not interfere with the horizontal panels during folding or unfolding. In other words, in the folded position, the vertex of the lower arm formed by the hinge of axis BB situated between the panels 10 and 11 is situated below the side arms of the mechanism S1 (S2). The vertical panels 12, 13, 12, 13 (112, 113, 112, 113) therefore do not overlap the horizontal panels 10, 11 (110, 111) in the folded position. Furthermore, the vertical panels 12, 13 (112, 113) do not overlap the vertical panels 12, 13 (112, 113) in the folded position.

[0063] The cot can also comprise a mattress 14 that rests, in the unfolded position, on the horizontal surface defined by the central cross member 3 and the horizontal panels 10, 11, 110, 111 of the mechanisms S1, S2.

[0064] It can be seen that in the folded position, on account of the width of the uprights 2, 2 (see FIG. 1C), the framework of the cot forms a space that is free of any mechanical element inside the central frame 1, and delimited by the central uprights 2, 2 and the central cross member 3. This space can be used for storing the bedding and, in particular, a mattress.

[0065] This configuration affords the following advantages:

[0066] the bedding remains protected inside the framework while the cot is being transported,

[0067] the framework of the cot and the bedding can be transported together, without there being a need to keep them together in a bag.

[0068] FIGS. 2A to 2D show views in longitudinal section of the folding sequence of an example of a folding cot. This cot comprises the framework from FIGS. 1A to 1C and a folding mattress 14. In this example, this mattress 14 is able to be folded so as to make it easier to store in the abovementioned free space. The mattress 14 can be more or less rigid; it can incorporate a base plate 16 for increasing its rigidity.

[0069] In the example, the mattress 14 comprises:

[0070] a pad 15; and

[0071] a hinged base plate 16, with the same dimensions as the pad 15, made up of three elements: two boards 17 and 117, and a central strip 18 with a width substantially equal to that of the central cross member 3. These three elements are hinged about a pair of transverse axes.

[0072] The pad 15 can be made of a resilient material, for example a foam, and have a rectangular shape, delimiting the bottom of the cot in the unfolded position. The pad 15 and the articulated base plate 16 can be held together, for example by means of a cover enclosing the two.

[0073] The central strip 18 can be provided with a fastening device (not shown) for fastening it to the central frame 1 in order to limit the movements of the folding mattress 14 with respect to the framework of the cot, both in the unfolded and in the folded position. This fastening device can comprise, for example, hook-and-loop strips of the Velcro type, snap fasteners, zippers, etc.

[0074] The mattress 14 can be symmetrical with respect to the median plane of the central frame 1.

[0075] The mattress 14 can be folded before the structure of the cot is folded, as is shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. All that is necessary for this purpose is to lift each of the ends of the boards 17 and 117 (FIG. 2B).

[0076] This configuration affords the following advantages:

[0077] it is not necessary to remove the mattress 14 before folding the cot; and

[0078] the mattress 14 does not increase the volume of the folded cot.

[0079] In the example, the bottom of the mattress 14 is equipped, on each side, with at least one tie, or tensioner 19 (119), that connects each of the boards 17 (117) to a point on the structure that is situated close to the hinge between the panels 10 and 11 (110 and 111). This point can be situated either on the panel 10 (110), as illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2C, or on the panel 11 (111), or on the hinge.

[0080] The tensioners 19, 119 can be flexible elements, of the cable, chain, cord or strap type.

[0081] The length of the tensioners 19, 119 is calculated such that they are tensioned when the boards 17 and 117 arrive in the almost vertical position, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. The folding of the boards 17 and 117 thus starts the upward folding of the panels 10 and 11, and consequently also the folding of the vertical panels 12, 13, 12, 13 inward. It is thus very easy to fold the entire framework by bringing one of the end frames 5, 105 toward the other, as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C.

[0082] In the folded position (see FIG. 2D), the mattress 14 is folded in two inside the central frame 1. In addition, the tensioners 19, 119 are slack again.

[0083] Conversely, during the unfolding of the cot, when the panels 10 and 11 are almost opened out in the horizontal position, the tensioning of the tensioners 19, 119 causes the mattress 14 to open and the boards 17 and 117 to tilt, making it easy to place the mattress 14 flat on the bottom of the cot. The unfolding of the cot can be pictured by considering, in this order, FIGS. 1C, 1B and 1A, or FIGS. 2D, 2C, 2B to 2A, with the arrows representing a movement or force oriented in the opposite direction.

[0084] For the safety of the child, each of the mechanisms S1, S2 can be equipped with one or more locking devices (not shown in the figures) for avoiding accidental folding of the cot. These locking devices can act on the vertical panels 12, 13, 12, 13, 112, 113, 112, 113 in order to keep them in the unfolded position. These locking devices are less useful on the horizontal panels 10, 11, 110, 111, which are naturally kept in the horizontal position by the combined weight of the mattress 14 and the child.

[0085] One or more locking devices can, for example, be fitted on one of the following groups of hinges, or any combination of these areas:

[0086] the corner hinges between the vertical panels 12, 12 (112, 112) and the end frame 5 (105) at the axes DD and GG;

[0087] the corner hinges between the vertical panels 12 and 13 (112, 113), and 12 and 13 (112, 113) at the axes EE and HH;

[0088] the hinges between the vertical panels 13, 13 (113, 113) and the central frame 1 at the axes FF and II.

[0089] For the safety of the child, all of the openings in the cot can be closed. To this end, FIG. 3 shows an example of a cot frame, in the unfolded position, equipped with a cover or cladding which mainly comprises:

[0090] textile end panels 25 and 125 that close the end frames 5 and 105, respectively;

[0091] textile side panels 26, 126, 27 and 127 that close the spaces between the vertical panels 12, 13, 112, 113, 12, 13, 112, 113 and the horizontal panels 10, 11, 110, 111, 10, 11, 110, 111.

[0092] All of the textile panels 25, 125, 26, 126, 27 and 127 can be joined together to form a single internal lining of the folding cot.

[0093] The textile side panels 26, 126, 27 and 127 are sufficiently flexible to allow the framework of the cot to be folded as described above and as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C.

[0094] All or some of the textile end panels 25 and 125 or textile side panels 26, 126, 27 and 127 could be made of translucent fabric or mesh, so as to allow the child to see out of the cot, and conversely to allow the parent to monitor their child.

[0095] FIGS. 4A and 4B show another example of a folding cot, which differs from the one in FIG. 3 in that the textile end panels 25 and 125 have been replaced by rigid panels 28 and 128, respectively. Thus, in the folded position (FIG. 4B), the folding cot has the appearance of a flat rigid case, the rigid panels 28 and 128 effectively protecting the mattress 14 and the moving parts of the cot.

[0096] The embodiments or exemplary embodiments described in the present description are given by way of nonlimiting illustration, it being possible, in the light of this description, for a person skilled in the art to easily modify these embodiments or exemplary embodiments, or to envisage other embodiments or exemplary embodiments, while remaining within the scope of the appended claims.

[0097] Furthermore, when the terms comprises, comprise, comprising and derivatives thereof are used in the present description (including in the appended claims), they should be interpreted as indicating the presence of the feature(s), step(s) and/or component(s) intended, without, however, excluding the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0098] Finally, the various features of the embodiments or exemplary embodiments described in the present description can be considered on their own or be combined with one another. When they are combined, these features can be as described above or otherwise, the invention not being limited to the specific combinations described above. In particular, unless specified otherwise or technically incompatible, a feature described in relation with one embodiment or exemplary embodiment can be applied analogously to another embodiment or exemplary embodiment.