Bed for children

Abstract

The invention provides a bed for a child. The bed comprises a base forming a surface for placing a child, an upper frame comprising two or more frame members at least partially forming an edge around an opening to an interior space of the bed, and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base to the upper frame, the plurality of walls extending around the surface to partially enclose the interior space of the bed; wherein one of the frame members is a movable frame member, wherein the movable frame member is movable relative to the other of the frame members so as to adjust a height of a portion of the edge formed by the movable frame member relative to the base, wherein the upper frame is configured such that the movable frame member is movable between first, second and third predetermined positions at which the height of the portion of the edge is at a respective first, second and third predetermined height relative to the base, wherein the upper frame comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the movable frame member in the first and second predetermined positions, and wherein the upper frame is configured such that the position of the movable frame member is biased to move from the third predetermined position towards the first and second predetermined positions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bed for a child, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a bedside child bed, the bedside bed improving the convenience of placing a child into a cot. BACKGROUND

[0002] Parents of young children, such as babies, often have their children sleep in a child's bed, such as a cot or a crib, placed next to the parent's bed, particularly at night when they are feeding or checking on their child. A young child's bed typically comprises a vertical wall extending around the perimeter of a mattress base of the bed, the vertical wall enclosing the interior space of the bed and preventing the child from falling out of the bed. However, to improve the convenience of placing the child into and out of the bed, a portion of the bed wall can be removable. In particular, a portion of the bed wall extending along a side of the mattress base arranged to abut the parent's bed can be removable. In this way, when the parent is in bed, the parent can move the child towards them, out of the child's bed, without having to lift the child over the wall of the child's bed.

[0003] When a portion of the wall of the child's bed has a height above the top of the mattress base that is less than a predetermined height, for example when the wall has been removed, it is desirable for the child's bed to be attached to the parent's bed. This can ensure that a gap is not formed between the child's bed and the parent's bed adjacent to the side of the child's bed adjacent to the wall that has been removed.

[0004] Therefore, when the child's bed is not attached to the parent's bed, for example because the child's bed cannot fit into the available space next to the parent's bed, it can not be desirable for the portion of the wall of the child's bed to be removed. In this case, it can be necessary to lift the child over the wall of the child's bed to place the child into and out of the child's bed. SUMMARY

[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bed for a child, the bed comprising: a base forming a surface for placing a child; an upper frame comprising two or more frame members at least partially forming an edge around an opening to an interior space of the bed, for example to receive a child; a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base to the upper frame, the plurality of walls extending around the surface to partially enclose the interior space of the bed; wherein one of the frame members is a movable frame member, wherein the movable frame member is movable relative to the other of the frame members so as to adjust a height of a portion of the edge formed by the movable frame member relative to the base, wherein the upper frame is configured such that the movable frame member is movable between first, second and third predetermined positions at which the height of the portion of the edge is at a respective first, second and third predetermined height relative to the base, wherein the upper frame comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the movable frame member in the first and second predetermined positions, and wherein the upper frame is configured such that the position of the movable frame member is biased to move from the third predetermined position towards the first and second predetermined positions.

[0006] Because the movable frame member is biased to move from the third predetermined position towards the first and second predetermined positions, the movable frame member can be safely moved to the third predetermined position to improve the convenience of moving the child into or out of the bed without the need to attach the bed to a parent’s bed.

[0007] The opening can be in a horizontal plane, for example such that the child can move through the opening in a vertical direction.

[0008] The third predetermined height can be less than the first and second predetermined heights. The second predetermined height can be less than the first predetermined height. For example, the first predetermined height can be approximately 300mm. The second predetermined height can be approximately 200mm, and the third predetermined height can be less than 200mm, such as approximately 120mm.

[0009] The upper frame can be configured such that the movable frame member is biased to move from the third predetermined position, via the second predetermined position, to the first predetermined position, for example when free movement is permitted.

[0010] The upper frame can have a first mode of operation. In the first mode of operation of the upper frame, for example when the movable frame member is in the second predetermined position, the locking mechanism can be configured to lock the position of the movable frame member in the second predetermined position. In the first mode of operation, the locking mechanism can be configured to lock the position of the movable frame member in the first predetermined position when the movable frame member is in the first predetermined position.

[0011] The upper frame can have a second mode of operation. In the second mode of operation of the upper frame, the locking mechanism can be configured such that the movable frame member is not locked in the first or second predetermined position.

[0012] The movable frame member can form part of an edge extending between a head end of the bed and a foot end of the bed.

[0013] The upper frame can comprise an actuator configured to selectively actuate the locking mechanism between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the locking mechanism can lock the position of the movable frame member at the first or second predetermined height, and in the unlocked configuration the movable frame member can not be locked in the first or second predetermined position. The locking mechanism and / or the actuator can be biased into the locked configuration. For example, the locking mechanism and / or the actuator can comprise one or more biasing members (e.g. resilient members such as coil springs) configured to bias the locking mechanism and / or the actuator into the locked configuration. Thereby, the locking mechanism can be configured to lock the position of the movable frame member at the first or second predetermined position when the movable frame member is moved to the first or second predetermined position.

[0014] The upper frame can further comprise a further actuator configured to selectively lock the actuator in the unlocked configuration. Thereby, the further actuator can be configured to select the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation of the upper frame.

[0015] The locking mechanism can comprise a fixed portion (e.g. a first hinge part) coupled to a part of the upper frame other than the movable frame member, e.g. a fixed frame member, and a locking portion (e.g. a first locking part). The locking portion can be configured to move with the movable frame member when the movable frame member is moved between the first, second and third predetermined positions, e.g. in a first direction and optionally in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The locking portion can be movable, e.g. in a third direction, between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the locking portion engages the fixed portion to prevent movement of the movable member relative to other members of the upper frame, and in the unlocked configuration the locking portion does not engage the fixed portion. The locking portion can be movable under the action of the actuator.

[0016] The locking mechanism can further comprise a further locking portion, e.g. a second locking part. At least one of the locking portion and the further locking portion can comprise a ramp. The actuator can be configured to selectively move the further locking portion relative to the locking portion between a locked position and an unlocked position of the further locking portion. Movement of the further locking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position can cause the further locking portion and the locking portion to engage at the ramp to thereby urge the locking portion in the third direction.

[0017] The further locking portion can be movable relative to the locking portion in the first direction and optionally in the second direction, for example.

[0018] The locking mechanism can comprise a biasing member configured to bias the locking portion and / or the further locking portion such that the locking portion can be moved towards the locking position of the locking portion.

[0019] The actuator can be mounted on the movable frame member. The upper frame can comprise a linkage, such as a pull cable, extending between the actuator and the locking mechanism. The linkage can extend in a hollow interior of the movable frame member between the actuator and the locking mechanism.

[0020] The movable frame member can be pivotably coupled to a further frame member, such as a fixed frame member, of the upper frame. By pivoting the movable frame member relative to the further member, the movable frame member can be moved between the first, second and third predetermined positions. For example, the movable frame member can be pivotable about a first axis of rotation. The first direction can comprise a clockwise direction about the first axis of rotation, and optionally, the second direction can comprise a counter-clockwise direction about the first axis of rotation, or vice versa.

[0021] The locking mechanism can form a hinge between the movable frame member and the further member. The locking mechanism can comprise a first hinge member coupled to the further frame member and a second hinge member coupled to the movable frame member. The first hinge member can be pivotably coupled to the second hinge member. The first hinge member can comprise a fixed portion. The locking portion can be movably coupled to the second hinge member. The further locking portion can be movably, such as slidably, mounted on the second hinge member.

[0022] In order to avoid unnecessary repetition of work and text in the description, certain features are only described in connection with one or more aspects or embodiments of the application. However, it will be appreciated that features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the application can also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the application, where technically possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] For a better understanding of the present application, and to show how it can be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a child bed according to an arrangement of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frame of the bed shown, wherein a movable frame member of an upper frame of the bed is in a first predetermined position;

[0026] Figure 3a and 3b are Figure 2 perspective views of the frame shown in Figure 1, with the movable frame members of the upper frame in the second and third predetermined positions respectively;

[0027] Figure 4a , 4b and 4c are Figure 1 side views of the bed shown in Figure 1, with the movable frame members of the upper frame of the bed in the first, second and third predetermined positions respectively;

[0028] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the actuator assembly of the upper frame of the bed shown in Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 6a , 6b and 6c are cross-sectional views of the actuator assembly shown in Figure 4 in the first, second and third configurations respectively;

[0030] Figure 7 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism of the bed shown in Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 1 when the movable frame members of the upper frame are in the first predetermined position; Figure 7

[0032] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism in the unlocked configuration, with the fixed hinge parts omitted for clarity;

[0033] Figure 10a and 10b are cross-sectional views of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 1 when the movable frame members of the upper frame are in the second and third predetermined positions respectively. Figure 7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Referring to Figure 1 and 2 , the bed assembly 1 comprises a bed 2 for a child and a stand 3 for supporting the bed 2. The bed 2 comprises first and second longitudinal ends 2a, 2b (which can be referred to as the head end 2a and the tail end 2b of the bed) and first and second side faces 2c, 2d.

[0035] The bed 2 comprises a base 4, a frame 100 comprising an upper frame 110, and walls 6 extending between the base 4 and the frame members 112, 114 of the upper frame 110. In Figure 2 , the walls 6 are omitted for clarity.

[0036] ​​The base 4 forms a surface 5 for placing a child. In one or more arrangements, the base can include a mattress for supporting a child on the base. As Figure 1 and 2 shown, the frame members 112, 114 of the upper frame 110 at least partially form an edge 8 around an opening 10 into an interior space 12 of the bed 2 within which a child is received.

[0037] As Figure 1 shown, a wall 6 can extend upwardly from the base 4. In particular, the wall 6 can extend between the base 4 and the frame members 112, 114 of the upper frame 110. As shown, the wall 6 can extend around a perimeter of the surface 5 defined by the base 4 to partially enclose the interior space 12. In other words, the wall 6 can extend along the first and second longitudinal ends 2a, 2b as well as the first and second sides 2c, 2d. The wall 6 can be formed of a flexible material, such as a fabric. In some arrangements, at least a portion of the wall 6 can be made of a mesh material that allows airflow through the wall 6 into the interior space 12 of the bed 2.

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, the frame 100 includes an upper frame 110 and one or more structural members 120 for coupling the upper frame 110 to the base 4. In one or more arrangements, the upper frame 110 can be movably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to the structural members 120 to enable the upper frame to move relative to the base, for example, in order to fold the bed 2. The frame 100 can include a structural lock mechanism 130 for locking a position of the upper frame 110 relative to the structural members 120.

[0039] The frame 100 can also include one or more stand connectors 140 for selectively connecting the bed 2 to a stand 3. As shown, the stand connectors 140 can be provided on the structural members 120. In other arrangements, the stand connectors 140 can be provided on another component of the frame 100 or bed 2, such as on the base 4. In some arrangements, the base 4 of the bed can be placed directly on a surface (such as a floor) for supporting the bed. In other words, the stand 3 can be omitted.

[0040] The upper frame 110 includes a first frame member 112, a second frame member 114, and a hinge assembly 210. The first frame member 112 and the second frame member 114 can be pivotally coupled together at the hinge assembly 210. As Figure 2 shown, the hinge assembly 210 can be located at the head end 2a of the bed 2 and can be located between the first and second sides 2c, 2d of the bed, for example, substantially centrally between the first and second sides of the bed.

[0041] In some arrangements, the upper frame 110 can include a further hinge assembly 210a located at the foot end 2b of the bed. The further hinge assembly 210a can be located between the first and second sides 2c, 2d of the bed, for example substantially centrally between the first and second sides of the bed. The further hinge assembly can be similar to the hinge assembly 210, for example the further hinge assembly can be a mirror image of the hinge assembly. Accordingly, features described in relation to the hinge assembly 210 can equally apply to the further hinge assembly 210a.

[0042] As shown, the first frame member 112 can extend from a first end 112a of the first frame member 112 at the head end 2a of the bed (for example along the first side 2c) to a second end 112b of the first frame member 112 at the foot end 2b of the bed. The first frame member 112 can be coupled to the hinge assembly 210 at the first end 112a of the first frame member 112 and can be coupled to the further hinge assembly 210a at the second end 112b. As shown, the first frame member 112 can extend from the hinge assembly 210 along the head end 2a to the first side, along the first side 2c to the foot end 2b, and along the foot end 2b to the further hinge assembly 210a. Figure 2

[0043] The second frame member 114 can extend from a first end 114a of the second frame member 114 at the head end 2a of the bed (for example along the second side 2d) to a second end 114b of the second frame member at the foot end 2b of the bed. The second frame member 114 can be coupled to the hinge assembly 210 at the first end 114a of the second frame member and can be coupled to the further hinge assembly 210a at the second end 114b of the second frame member 114. The second frame member 114 can extend from the hinge assembly 210 along the head end 2a to the second side 2d, along the second side 2d to the foot end 2b, and along the foot end 2b to the further hinge assembly 210a.

[0044] As such, the first frame member 112 and the second frame member 114 can be arranged to extend around the opening 10 to the interior space 12 of the bed to together form the edge 8 around the opening 10.

[0045] ​The hinge assembly 210 comprises a first hinge component 212 and a second hinge component 214. The first and second hinge components 212, 214 are pivotally coupled together to support pivotal movement of the first and second hinge components relative to each other about a first axis Al, for example in opposite first and second directions (e.g. clockwise and anti-clockwise directions) Dl, D2 about the first axis Al. The first and second hinge components 212, 214 can be coupled together such that the first and second hinge components are fixed relative to each other in a third direction D3 which is parallel to the first axis. The first hinge component 212 is coupled to the first frame member 112, and the second hinge component 214 is coupled to the second frame member 114. Each of the frame members 112, 114 can be fixedly coupled to the respective hinge component 212, 214. Thereby, the first and second frame members are pivotally coupled together by the hinge assembly 210.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2 , the frame 100 can be coupled to the structural member 120 via the first hinge component 212. Thus, the first frame member 112 can be fixed relative to the base 4, for example when the structural locking mechanism 130 is locked. The second frame member 114 can be movable (e.g. pivotable) relative to the base 4 by means of the hinge assembly 210. In particular, the second frame member 114 can be movable in the first and second directions Dl, D2, for example about the first axis Al. Thus, the first frame member 112 can be referred to as a fixed frame member, and the second frame member 114 can be referred to as a movable frame member.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2 , 3a and 3b, the bed 2 (e.g. the upper frame 110 of the bed) can be configured such that the movable frame member 114 is movable between first, second and third predetermined positions (shown in Figure 2 , 3a and 3b, respectively) at which portions 8a of the edge formed by the movable frame member 114 are at first, second and third predetermined heights, respectively, relative to the base 4 of the bed 2. The first predetermined height can be the maximum height of the portions 8a of the edge. For example, when the movable frame member 114 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 2 , the height of the portions 8a of the edge above the base 4 can be approximately 320mm, for example between 300mm and 340mm.

[0048] The second predetermined height can be less than the first predetermined height. When the movable frame member 114 is in the second predetermined position, as shown in Figure 3aAs shown, the height of the portion 8a of the edge above the base 4 can be less than 320mm. When the moveable frame member 114 is in the second predetermined position, the height of the portion 8a of the edge above the base 4 can be greater than or equal to 120mm. For example, the second height can be approximately 200mm, for example between 180mm and 220mm.

[0049] The third predetermined height can be less than the second predetermined height. The third predetermined height can be less than 200mm. For example, the third predetermined height can be approximately 120mm.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4a , 4b and 4c, due to the flexible nature of the material forming the wall 6, when the moveable frame member 114 is moved such that the height of the portion 8a of the edge is reduced from the maximum height, the wall 6 extending between the base 4 and the portion 8a of the edge can partially fold, such that the height of the wall 6 at the portion 8a of the edge is reduced by a corresponding amount. As a result, the child can more easily move into or out of the bed 2 when the moveable frame member 114 is in the second or third predetermined positions than when the moveable frame member 114 is in the first predetermined position.

[0051] The upper frame 110 further comprises a locking mechanism 200 for selectively locking the position of the moveable frame member 114 relative to the fixed frame member 112. In the arrangement described herein, the locking mechanism 200 is configured to selectively lock the position of the moveable frame member 114 in the first and second predetermined positions, for example such that the moveable frame member 114 cannot be moved in the first and / or second direction from the second predetermined position. The locking mechanism 200 can be configured such that the position of the moveable frame member 114 cannot be locked in the third predetermined position.

[0052] Referring to Figure 5 , the upper frame 110 can further comprise an actuator assembly 300 for actuating the locking mechanism 200, as disclosed herein, to selectively lock and unlock the locking mechanism 200.

[0053] Referring to Figure 6a , 6b and 6c, the actuator assembly 300 can comprise an actuator housing 310 and an actuator 320 (such as a button) moveably (for example slidably) mounted on the actuator housing 310. In particular, the actuator 320 can be moveable between a non-actuated position, as shown in Figure 6a , and an actuated position, as shown in Figure 6b and 6c .

[0054] The actuator assembly 300 can further comprise one or more levers 330 pivotally mounted on the actuator housing. The actuator 320 can comprise an actuation portion 322, and asFigure 6b As shown, the actuator assembly can be configured such that movement of the actuator 320 relative to the actuator housing 310 (e.g. depressing the actuator button) causes the actuation portion 322 of the actuator to act on the lever 330 to cause the lever 330 to pivot relative to the actuator housing 310.

[0055] One or more linkages 340, such as a pull cable, can be coupled to the lever 330. In particular, a first end 342 of the linkage can be coupled to the lever 330. Pivoting of the lever 330 (e.g. due to action of the actuator 320) can serve to move (e.g. push or pull) the linkage 340. The linkage 340 can be coupled to the locking mechanism 200 and optionally to another locking mechanism (as described below), and moving the linkage 340 can thereby control operation of the locking mechanism 200 and optionally the other locking mechanism.

[0056] In the arrangement shown, one of the linkages 340 extends from the lever 330 of the actuator assembly to the locking mechanism 200, while the other of the linkages 340 extends from the other lever 330 of the actuator assembly to the other locking mechanism 200a. However, in other arrangements, such as where the other locking mechanism 200a is omitted, a single linkage 340 or a single lever 330 can be provided.

[0057] In other arrangements, the actuator assembly 300 can comprise any other mechanism for converting movement of the actuator 320 to movement of the linkage 340.

[0058] The actuator assembly 300 can also comprise one or more biasing members 350 (e.g. resilient elements such as coil springs) configured to bias the actuator to the non-actuated position. In some arrangements, one or more further biasing members 350 can be provided for biasing the lever 330 to the non-actuated position of the lever 330.

[0059] The actuator assembly 300 can also comprise a further actuator 360 movably (e.g. slidably) mounted on the actuator housing 310. As shown, the further actuator 360 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the actuator 320. The further actuator 360 can be movable between Figure 6a and 6b a first position, as shown, in which movement of the actuator 320 is not restricted by the further actuator 360, and a second position, as shown, in which the further actuator 360 engages the actuator 320 to restrict the actuator 320 to the actuated position. Figure 6c

[0060] ​The other actuator 360 and / or the actuator 320 can include a ramp 324, 362 arranged such that movement of the other actuator 360 from the first position towards the second position causes the other actuator to engage the actuator at the ramp or surface 324, 362 and force the actuator to move towards the actuated position due to the engagement of the ramp or surface 324, 362.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7 and 8 The locking mechanism 200 will now be described. As noted above, the other locking mechanism 200a can be a mirror image of the locking mechanism 200 and features described in relation to the locking mechanism 200 can be equally applied to the other locking mechanism 200a.

[0062] The locking mechanism 200 can include a hinge assembly 210. The locking assembly can also include a first locking component 220 and a second locking component 230.

[0063] The first locking component 220 is coupled to the second hinge component 214 such that when the second hinge component is pivoted relative to the first hinge component 212 (e.g. in the first and second directions D1, D2), the first locking component 220 moves with the second hinge component 214. In other words, the first locking component 220 is constrained from moving in the first direction relative to the second hinge component 214. Additionally, the first locking component 220 is coupled to the second hinge component 214 such that the first locking component is movable in a third direction D3 relative to the second hinge component. For example, the first locking component 220 can be slidably coupled to the second hinge component 214 such that the first locking component is slidable in the third direction D3 relative to the second hinge component 214. As noted above, the third direction can include a component parallel to the first axis Al. The third direction can be perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0064] The first locking component 220 also includes one or more engagement portions 222. For example, as shown in Figure 8 the first locking component 220 can include first, second and third engagement portions 222a, 222b, 222c. The first hinge component 212 can include one or more complementary engagement portions 213. For example, as shown in Figure 8As shown, the first hinge component may include first, second, third, fourth, and fifth complementary engagement portions 213a, 213b, 213c, 213d, and 213e. The locking mechanism 200 is configured such that, when the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration, one or more of the engagement portions 222 respectively engage one or more of the complementary engagement portions 213 to lock the position of the first locking member 220 relative to the first hinge component 212 in a first and / or second direction. As described above, the first locking member 220 is fixed relative to the second hinge component 214 in the first and second directions; therefore, when the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration, the first hinge component can be locked relative to the second hinge component in the first and second directions D1, D2.

[0065] The second locking member 230 is pivotally coupled to the second hinge member 214, such that the second locking member 230 is movable relative to the second hinge member along first and second directions D1, D2. For example, the second locking member 230 is movable relative to the second hinge member about a first axis A1 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. A linkage 340 (e.g., the second end 344 of the linkage) may be coupled to the second locking member 230. The actuator assembly 300, the locking mechanism 200, and the linkage 340 may be configured such that, for example, moving (e.g., actuating) the actuator assembly 300 between an actuated position and an unactuated position of the actuator 320 causes the linkage 340 to move so as to move the second locking member 230 relative to the second hinge member along the first and / or second directions D1, D2.

[0066] Reference Figure 9 The second locking member 230 and / or the first locking member 220 may include one or more inclined surfaces. For example, in Figure 9 In the illustrated arrangement, the second locking member 230 includes one or more inclined surfaces 232, and the first locking member 220 includes a corresponding number of complementary inclined surfaces 224. The first and second locking members 220, 230 are arranged such that movement of the second locking member 230 (e.g., under the action of an actuator) engages the inclined surfaces or the plurality of surfaces. In particular, in Figures 7 to 9 In the arrangement shown, the movement of the second locking member 230 relative to the first locking member 220 along the first direction D1 causes the inclined surface 232 of the second locking member 230 to engage with and ride over the complementary inclined surface 224 on the first locking member 220.

[0067] The second locking member 230 can be fixed relative to the first hinge member in a third direction D3. Therefore, as Figure 9As shown, when one of the ramps 232 of the second locking member 230 engages and presses against one of the complementary ramps 234 on the first locking member 220, the first locking member 220 can be pushed in a third direction D3, e.g., away from the first hinge member. In particular, the first locking member can be moved in the third direction D3 between a locked configuration of the locking assembly, in which one or more of the engagement portions 222 are at least partially aligned with one or more of the complementary engagement portions 213 in the third direction D3, and an unlocked configuration, in which one or more of the engagement portions 222 are not aligned with one or more of the complementary engagement portions 213 in the third direction D3. The locking mechanism can include one or more biasing elements 240 configured to bias the first locking member 220 in the third direction D3 to a position in which one or more of the engagement portions 222 are at least partially aligned with one or more of the complementary engagement portions 213 in the third direction D3, e.g., the locked configuration of the locking mechanism.

[0068] Figure 8 A configuration of the locking mechanism 200 is shown when the position of the movable frame member is in the first predetermined position. As shown, in this configuration, the first engagement portion 222a is arranged to engage the first and second complementary engagement portions 213a, 213b so as to prevent movement of the first locking member 220 in the first and second directions. Additionally, the second engagement portion 222b can be arranged to engage the third complementary engagement portion 213c so as to prevent movement in the first direction. Additionally or alternatively, the third engagement portion 222c can be arranged to engage the fourth complementary engagement portion 213d so as to prevent movement in the first direction in the clockwise direction. Figure 8

[0069] When the first locking member 220 is pushed in the third direction D3, one or more of the engagement portions 222 of the first locking member can become unaligned with one or more of the complementary engagement portions 213 of the first hinge member in the third direction D3. In particular, in the arrangement described herein, the first engagement portion 222a can no longer be aligned with the second complementary engagement portion 213b, the second engagement portion 222b can no longer be aligned with the third complementary engagement portion 213c, and the third engagement portion 222c can no longer be aligned with the fourth complementary engagement portion 213d. Accordingly, the first locking member 220 can be able to move in the first direction relative to the first hinge member, thereby enabling the second hinge member to move in the first direction relative to the first hinge member.

[0070] Thus, the first and second locking portions can be configured to selectively allow the first and second hinge members to move in the first direction relative to each other. In particular, the first and second hinge members can be moved relative to each other to move the movable frame member between the first, second, and third predetermined positions. ​

[0071] Figure 10a and 10b The locking mechanism 200 is shown when the movable frame member 114 is in the second and third predetermined positions, respectively. Figure 10a As shown, when the movable frame member 114 is in the second predetermined position, the first locking member can be arranged relative to the first hinge member such that the first engaging portion 222a engages the second complementary engaging portion 213b of the first hinge member, thereby preventing the second locking member from moving in the second direction (e.g., toward the first predetermined position of the movable frame member) when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration. Additionally, the second engaging portion 222b of the first locking member can engage with the third complementary engaging portion 213c, thereby preventing the second locking member from moving in the second direction. Alternatively, the third engaging portion 222c of the first locking member can engage with the fourth complementary engaging portion 213d, thereby preventing the first locking member from moving in the second direction.

[0072] like Figure 10a As shown and as described above, when the movable frame member 114 is in the second predetermined position, for example when the locking mechanism is in the locking configuration, the locking mechanism is able to prevent the movable frame member 114 from moving to the first predetermined position. However, for example when the locking mechanism is in the locking configuration or in other cases, the locking mechanism may not be configured to prevent the movable frame member 114 from moving to the third predetermined position. In other arrangements, for example when the locking mechanism is in the locking configuration, the locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the movable frame member 114 from moving toward the third predetermined position. For example, one or more complementary engagement portions 213 may be arranged to engage with one of the engagement portions 222 so as to prevent movement of the first locking member 220 (and therefore the second hinge member 214) along the first direction D1, for example when the locking mechanism is in the locking configuration.

[0073] like Figure 10b As shown, when the movable frame member 114 is in the third predetermined position, the first locking member 220 can be arranged relative to the first hinge member 212 such that the fourth engaging portion 222d of the first locking member can engage with the fifth complementary engaging portion 213e of the first hinge member, thereby preventing the first locking member from moving relative to the first hinge member along the first direction D1. This prevents movement of the movable frame member 114, causing the height of the edge portion 8a to decrease to less than the third predetermined height.

[0074] In the arrangements described herein, the fifth complementary engagement portion 213e of the first hinge component 212 has a height in the third direction that is sufficiently large such that the fourth engagement portion 222d is at least partially aligned with the fifth complementary engagement portion in the third direction D3 when the locking mechanism 200 is in the locked and unlocked configurations. Thus, the fourth engagement portion 222d cannot move past the fifth complementary engagement portion 213e when the locking mechanism is locked or unlocked. In this way, the movable frame member 114 is prevented from moving past the third predetermined position when the locking mechanism is locked or unlocked, reducing the height of the portion 8a of the edge to a height that is less than the third predetermined height.

[0075] The locking mechanism can also include a hinge biasing element 250 (e.g. a resilient element such as a coil spring) configured to bias the second hinge component to move in the second direction relative to the first hinge component, e.g. such that the movable frame member moves from the third predetermined position towards the second and first predetermined positions. In other words, the biasing element can be configured to bias the movable frame member to move such that the height of the portion 8a of the edge is increased. As shown, the hinge biasing element 250 can be arranged to act between biasing element engagement portions 226, 212a formed on the first locking component 220 and the first hinge component 212 respectively. In other arrangements, the hinge biasing element 250 can be configured to act between other components of the hinge assembly 210 or the locking mechanism 200 that move relative to each other when the movable frame assembly moves between the first, second and third predetermined positions.

[0076] In some arrangements, the upper frame 110 can include a further locking mechanism 200a. For example, a further hinge assembly 210a can be provided as part of the further locking mechanism. The further locking mechanism can be similar to the locking mechanism described above. For example, the further locking mechanism can be a mirror image of the locking mechanism. The further locking mechanism can be configured to selectively lock the position of the movable frame member 114 at the second end 114b of the movable frame member, e.g. at the foot end of the bed.

[0077] The locking mechanism 200 and actuator assembly 300 described herein can be configured to enable the upper frame 110 to be operated in a first operating mode or a second operating mode. The operating mode can be selected based on the position of the further actuator 360. In particular, when the further actuator 360 is in a first position, the upper frame can be operated in a first operating mode in which the movable frame member can be moved between the first, second and third predetermined positions, for example by moving the actuator to unlock the locking mechanism. When the actuator is released, the locking mechanism can lock (for example automatically lock) in the first and second predetermined positions when the movable frame member is in the first and second predetermined positions. When the upper frame is operated in the first mode, releasing the movable frame member when it is in the third predetermined position or between the second and third predetermined positions can cause the movable frame member to return to the second predetermined position, for example under the action of the hinge biasing element 250, and become locked in the second predetermined position so as to prevent the movable frame member from returning to the first predetermined position unless the locking mechanism is moved (for example by the actuator) to the unlocked configuration.

[0078] When the further actuator 360 is in a second position, the upper frame 110 can be operated in a second operating mode in which the further actuator 360 can hold the actuator 320 in the depressed position so that the locking mechanism 200 remains in the unlocked configuration. Thus, when the upper frame 110 is operated in the second mode, the movable frame member can be moved between the first, second and third predetermined positions. Releasing the movable frame member at a position between the first and third predetermined positions can cause the movable frame member to move to the first predetermined position, for example under the action of the hinge biasing element 250.

[0079] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, although the application has been described by way of example with reference to one or more example examples, the application is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples can be constructed without departing from the scope of the application as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bed for a child, the bed comprising: a base forming a surface for placing a child; an upper frame comprising two or more frame members at least partially forming an edge around an opening to an interior space of the bed; and a wall extending upwardly from the base to the upper frame, the wall extending around the surface to partially enclose the interior space of the bed, wherein one of the frame members is a movable frame member, wherein the movable frame member is movable relative to the other of the frame members so as to adjust a height of a portion of the edge formed by the movable frame member relative to the base, wherein the upper frame is configured such that the movable frame member is movable between a first predetermined position, a second predetermined position and a third predetermined position at which the height of the portion of the edge is at a respective first predetermined height, second predetermined height and third predetermined height relative to the base, wherein the upper frame comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the movable frame member in the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position, and wherein the upper frame is configured such that the position of the movable frame member is biased to move from the third predetermined position towards the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position, wherein the upper frame comprises an actuator for selectively actuating the locking mechanism between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the locking mechanism locks the position of the movable frame member at the first predetermined height or the second predetermined height, and in the unlocked configuration the movable frame member is not locked in the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position, wherein the upper frame further comprises a further actuator configured to selectively lock the actuator in the unlocked configuration, wherein movement of the further actuator from a first position towards a second position causes the further actuator to engage the actuator and force the actuator to move towards an actuated position. the third predetermined height is less than the first predetermined height and the second predetermined height.

2. The bed of claim 1, wherein, the upper frame is configured such that the movable frame member is biased to move from the third predetermined position to the first predetermined position via the second predetermined position.

3. The bed of claim 1, wherein, in a first operating mode of the upper frame, the locking mechanism locks the position of the movable frame member in the second predetermined position when the movable frame member is in the second predetermined position.

4. The bed of claim 1, wherein, in the first operating mode, the locking mechanism is configured to lock the position of the movable frame member in the first predetermined position when the movable frame member is in the first predetermined position.

5. The bed of claim 4, wherein, in a second operating mode of the upper frame, the locking mechanism is configured such that the movable frame member is not locked in the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position.

6. The bed of claim 1, wherein, ​ 7. The bed of claim 1, wherein, The movable frame member is configured to form a portion of the edge extending between a head end of the bed and a foot end of the bed.

8. The bed of claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism and / or the actuator are biased into the locked configuration.

9. The bed of claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism comprises a fixed portion and a locking portion, wherein the fixed portion is coupled to a component of the upper frame other than the movable frame member, wherein the locking portion is configured to move in a first direction with the movable frame member as the movable frame member moves between the first predetermined position, the second predetermined position, and the third predetermined position, wherein the locking portion is movable in another direction between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the locking portion engages the fixed portion to prevent movement of the movable frame member relative to another component of the upper frame, and in the unlocked configuration the locking portion does not engage the fixed portion.

10. The bed of claim 9, wherein, The locking mechanism further comprises another locking portion, wherein at least one of the locking portion and the another locking portion comprises a ramp, wherein the actuator is configured to selectively move the another locking portion relative to the locking portion between a locked position and an unlocked position of the another locking portion such that the another locking portion and the locking portion engage at the ramp and the locking portion is urged in the another direction.

11. The bed of claim 10, wherein, The another locking portion is movable in the first direction.

12. The bed of claim 11, wherein, The locking mechanism comprises a biasing member configured to bias the locking portion and / or the another locking portion such that the locking portion moves towards the locked position of the locking portion.

13. The bed of claim 1, wherein, The actuator is mounted on the movable frame member.

14. The bed of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The upper frame comprises a linkage extending between the actuator and the locking mechanism.

15. The bed of claim 14, wherein, The linkage extends in a hollow interior of the movable frame member between the actuator and the locking mechanism.

16. The bed of claim 10, wherein, The movable frame member is pivotally coupled to another frame member of the upper frame, wherein the movable frame member is movable between the first predetermined position, the second predetermined position, and the third predetermined position by pivoting the movable frame member relative to the another frame member.

17. The bed of claim 16, wherein, The locking mechanism forms a hinge between the movable frame member and the another frame member.

18. The bed of claim 16, wherein, The locking mechanism comprises a first hinge member coupled to the another frame member and a second hinge member coupled to the movable frame member, wherein the first hinge member is pivotally coupled to the second hinge member.

19. The bed of claim 18, wherein, The first hinge member comprises the fixed portion.

20. The bed of claim 18, wherein, The locking portion is movably coupled to the second hinge member.

21. The bed of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein, The another locking portion is movably coupled to the second hinge member.

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