Baby crib frame

Abstract

A cot (1) comprising a cradle structure (2) associated with a base structure (3) which defines at least one supporting body (4) configured to rest on a supporting surface (100), the at least one supporting body (4) being connected to at least one post (5) which extends along a substantially vertical direction of extension (101); the cradle structure (2) has a frame (6) which comprises a lower frame portion (6a) which defines a supporting surface for a mattress, and an upper frame portion (6b) which defines, at least partially, the upper edge of the cradle structure (2), the frame (6) being associated with an enclosure (7) configured to define, laterally, an accommodation wall, at least one opening portion (7a) of the enclosure (7) being movable on command between a raised position, in which its upper edge is arranged substantially at the same height as the upper frame portion (6b), and at least one lowered position, in which its upper edge is arranged in a lowered position. The cot (1) comprises at least one connecting body (10) between the lower frame portion (6a) and the upper frame portion (6b) which defines at least one sliding guide (11) for an engagement portion (7c) defined on the opening portion (7a), the at least one connecting body (10) being configured to transition between an extended condition, in which it rigidly connects the lower frame portion (6a) and the upper frame portion (6b), and a folded condition, in which at least one portion of the connecting body is folded toward the lower frame portion (6a) in order to allow the upper frame portion (6b) and the lower frame portion (6a) to be brought closer together.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cot for children.

[0002] In particular, the cot for children according to the present invention is of the type designed to be positioned adjacent to a bed for adults, in particular the mother's bed or the bed of a person who is to take care of the child during the night. This adjacent position expressly requires that the height of the cot be adaptable to the height of the bed. Furthermore, the cot must be positioned beside the bed substantially free from points of discontinuity between the surface of the mattress of the cot and the surface of the mattress of the bed.

[0003] In more detail, the cots in the prior art comprise a supporting frame which is typically formed by tubular elements.

[0004] The supporting frame also comprises a base, which is also formed by tubular elements.

[0005] The wheels are fixed to the base in order to allow the cot to be easily moved over the floor. The wheels extend outward with respect to the upper part of the cot in order to ensure stability.

[0006] The cot further comprises a plurality of perimeter walls made of flexible material, typically of fabric, and mounted on the frame.

[0007] The cot further comprises a baseboard, also fixed to the frame, which is provided with a mattress adapted to support an infant laid upon it.

[0008] In particular, at least one of the perimeter walls, typically arranged longitudinally, or one or more portions of this, is adapted to be opened.

[0009] This perimeter wall defines a side of the frame intended to be arranged adjacent to the bed. In particular, such wall can be detached, or lowered in the manner of a roller blind, so as to define an opening through which the person who cares for the child can access the child without getting out of bed.

[0010] The conventional solutions, although widely used, are not however devoid of drawbacks.

[0011] In particular, a certain difficulty has been found in closing the cot, when for example it needs to be transported by car, since it involves detaching the fabric cover from the frame and / or disassembling the various tubular parts.

[0012] Furthermore, in some beds adjacent to which the cot is to be placed the side structure takes an unusual form, for example it might have closed edges, and for this reason, in order to be able to effectively place the cot adjacent to the bed, it must be possible for the position of the wheels to be adjustable with respect to the frame, for example by allowing for the possibility that the supporting means of the wheels are extendable and / or retractable with respect to the frame.

[0013] Such solutions, however, although valid from a conceptual point of view, are often complex from a construction point of view, rendering the use of the cot not particularly intuitive, in addition to determining a considerable increase in production costs.

[0014] The aim of the present invention is to provide a cot that is capable of improving the known art in one or more of the above mentioned aspects.

[0015] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to make available a cot that can be folded in an extremely practical manner.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to devise a cot wherein the perimeter wall facing the bed can be lowered in an extremely reliable manner.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a cot that is highly reliable, easy to implement, and at low cost.

[0018] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a cot according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0019] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the cot according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cot with the opening portion in the raised position; Figure 2 is a view similar to the previous view of the cot with the opening portion in the lowered position; Figure 3 is a view similar to the previous views in the step of transitioning the connecting bodies from the extended condition to the folded condition; Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3 with the enclosure omitted, in order to better understand the underlying structure; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 and shows, with the connecting bodies in the folded condition, the step of moving the lower frame portion and the upper frame portion closer together; Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 5 with the frame separated from the posts; Figure 7 is an enlarged-scale view of a detail of the cot shown in Figure 4; Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of the lower portion of the base structure in different relative positions between the post and the respective supporting body; Figure 10 is a side view of the supporting body; Figures 11 and 12 show a cross-section of the supporting body taken along the plane identified by the line XI-XI of Figure 10 in the positions shown, respectively, in Figure 8 and in Figure 9.

[0020] With reference to the figures, the cot according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a cradle structure 2 associated with a base structure 3.

[0021] The base structure 3 defines at least one supporting body 4 configured to be placed on a supporting surface 100, typically the floor of a room.

[0022] The at least one supporting body 4 is connected to at least one post 5 which extends along a substantially vertical direction of extension 101.

[0023] The cradle structure 2 has a frame 6, which comprises a lower frame portion 6a which defines a supporting surface for a mattress (not shown), and an upper frame portion 6b which defines, at least partially, the upper edge of the cradle structure 2.

[0024] The frame 6 is associated with an enclosure 7, typically made of fabric, which is configured to define, laterally, an accommodation wall.

[0025] The enclosure 7 has at least one opening portion 7a which is movable on command between a raised position (shown in Figure 1), in which the upper edge of the opening portion 7a is arranged substantially at the same height as the upper frame portion 6b, and at least one lowered position (shown in Figure 2), in which the upper edge of the opening portion 7a is arranged in a lowered position with respect to the upper frame portion 6b.

[0026] Basically, the opening portion 7a is intended, during use, to be arranged adjacent to a bed, for example the parents' bed.

[0027] In particular, the opening portion 7a can be raised and lowered in the manner of a roller blind, so as to define an opening or a passage through which the person who cares for the child can access the child without getting out of bed.

[0028] According to the present invention, the cot 1, and in particular the frame 6, comprises at least one connecting body 10 between the lower frame portion 6a and the upper frame portion 6b which defines at least one sliding guide 11 for an engagement portion 7c defined on the opening portion 7a.

[0029] The at least one connecting body 10 is, furthermore, configured to transition between an extended condition (shown in Figures 1 and 2) in which the one or more connecting bodies 10 rigidly connect the lower frame portion 6a and the upper frame portion 6b, and a folded condition (shown in Figures 3 to 7) in which at least one portion of the connecting body 10 is folded toward the lower frame portion 6a in order to allow (as shown in Figures 5 and 6) the upper frame portion 6b and the lower frame portion 6a to be brought closer together, so as to drastically reduce the bulk for packaging or for transport.

[0030] Preferably, the base structure 3 is connected to the cradle structure 2 in order to allow an adjustment of the position of the cradle structure 2 with respect to the base structure 3 along the direction of extension 101.

[0031] Basically, the cradle structure 2 can be moved with respect to the base structure 3, and in particular with respect to the supporting bodies 4, in order to adjust the height of the lower frame portion 6a, and therefore the height of the mattress so as to adapt it to the height of the bed beside which the cot 1 is placed.

[0032] Advantageously, the cradle 2 defines a headboard and a footboard connected by means of two longitudinal sides.

[0033] The opening portion 7a is, specifically, formed on at least one longitudinal side which is intended to be arranged laterally adjacent to a bed.

[0034] Preferably, the base structure 3 comprises a first and a second post 5a, 5b which are arranged at the longitudinal ends of the cradle structure 3, and are associated, respectively, with a respective supporting body 4.

[0035] Conveniently, the at least one post 5 can be associated with and disassociated from the frame 6 removably.

[0036] In order to allow the height adjustment of the cradle 3 with respect to the one or more supporting bodies 4, the posts 5 comprise at least one first, lower body 25 associated with a respective supporting body, and a second, upper body 26 associated, or more preferably detachably associable, with the frame 6.

[0037] The second, upper body 26 is coupled slideably to the at least one first, lower body 25 to allow its transition between a retracted position in which the frame 6 is brought closer to the one or more supporting bodies 4, and one or more extended positions in which the frame 6 is spaced progressively further away from the one or more supporting bodies 4.

[0038] Conveniently, locking / release means are provided, activateable on command, in order to allow the height adjustment of the cradle 3.

[0039] Conveniently, detachable coupling means 20 are provided between the lower frame portion 6a and the respective post 5, specifically, between the lower frame portion 6a and the respective second, upper body 26.

[0040] Likewise, second means are provided for connection between the respective posts 5, and in particular between the second, upper body 26 and the upper frame portion 6b.

[0041] Such second connecting means can comprise a coupling 27 defined on the upper body 26 and engageable, for example by snap action, with a seat 28 integral with the upper frame portion 6b, or a rotary coupling adapted to allow the folding of the second, upper body 26 on a plane substantially parallel to the plane in horizontal use.

[0042] Advantageously, the frame 6 comprises a first and a second connecting body 10 between the lower frame portion 6a and the upper frame portion 6b, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the opening portion 7a.

[0043] Conveniently, the connecting bodies 10 extend, when they rigidly connect the lower frame portion 6a and the upper frame portion 6b along a substantially vertical direction of extension so that the sliding guides 11 also extend, in this condition, along a vertical direction.

[0044] According to a preferred practical embodiment, the at least one connecting body 10 comprises an elongated element which is hinged, at the lower end 10a, to the lower frame portion 6a about a hinge axis 200, and is removably associable, at the upper end 10a opposite the lower end 10b, with the upper frame portion 6b.

[0045] When the one or more connecting bodies 10 are brought to the extended condition, it is possible to mutually lock the upper ends in use with the upper frame portion 6b so as to rigidly connect the lower frame portion 6a with the upper frame portion 6b, as well as to lock the position of the connecting bodies 10 themselves, and therefore of the sliding guides 11 so as to allow the slideable engagement of the respective engagement portions 7c.

[0046] The mutual locking together of the upper ends of the connecting bodies 10 and the upper frame portion 6b can be done in various ways, for example by having complementarily-shaped portions and mutual locking pins, optionally activateable and / or deactivateable on command.

[0047] The opening portion 7a comprises, conveniently, a longitudinal connecting element 12 which extends between the first and the second connecting body 10.

[0048] The longitudinal connecting element 12 defines, at its ends 12a, a respective engagement portion 7c for engaging with the respective sliding guide 11.

[0049] Preferably, the hinge axis 200 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal connecting element 12.

[0050] Preferably, the opening portion 7a has, at the other end with respect to the longitudinal connecting element 12, an elongated element intended to be associated, together with the longitudinal connecting element 12, with a plate-like body, for example made of fabric or netting, in order to provide part of the enclosure 7.

[0051] Elastic return means can be interposed which act between the frame 6, and in particular between the lower frame portion 6a, and the opening portion 7a and which are configured to move the opening portion to the open position.

[0052] Obviously, there can be means for locking, deactivateable on command, which act between the opening portion 7a in the raised position and the connecting bodies 10.

[0053] According to a further aspect, the at least one supporting body 4 comprises a flattened body 14 with a longitudinal extension.

[0054] In particular, the plane of arrangement of the flattened body 14 is, in use, substantially parallel to the resting surface 100.

[0055] The flattened body 14 is associated, at the ends 14a, with a respective wheel assembly 14b.

[0056] The flattened body 14 has a longitudinal slot 14c, which can be engaged slideably by at least one slider body 15 which is integral with a respective post 5.

[0057] Means of mutual locking of the slider body 15 along the longitudinal slot 14c, in at least one position, are also provided, so as to prevent the displacement of the post 5 with respect to the flattened body 14.

[0058] The means for locking act at least in a neutral position in which the post 5 is at a central region between the two wheel assemblies 14b.

[0059] The at least one post 5 is associated with at least one lower abutment body 16 arranged between the flattened body 14 and the supporting surface 100.

[0060] Basically, such abutment body 16 makes it possible to increase the rigidity of support, so preventing excessive bending of the flattened body 14.

[0061] It is possible for each flattened body 14 to also be associated with a fixed abutment body 17, which, differently from the abutment body 16, is integrally fixed to the flattened body 14.

[0062] The use of the cot 1, according to the invention, is the following.

[0063] In the normal condition of use, the frame 6, covered by the enclosure 7, is supported by the base structure 3.

[0064] The user then adjusts the position, in height, of the cradle structure 2 with respect to the base structure 3 so that the height of the mattress from the ground is sufficient.

[0065] If the cot 1 needs to be placed adjacent to a bed, the user proceeds to bring the opening portion 7a from the raised position to the lowered position, by sliding the engagement bodies 7c along the guides 11 defined along the rigidly connected connecting bodies 10, downwardly to the lower frame portion 6a and upwardly to the upper frame portion 6b.

[0066] If it is necessary to bring the cradle structure 2 closer to the bed, as is the case when the bed has closed sides flush with the mattress, where there is interference with the wheel assembly 14b that normally protrudes from the external perimeter of the cradle, the user proceeds to slide the slider body 15, and therefore the respective post 5, along the longitudinal slot 14c so as to enable a reduction in the distance between the wheel assembly 14b placed adjacent to the bed and the one or more posts 5.

[0067] If it is necessary to transport the cot 1, or reduce its bulk for stowing, it will be possible, after having disengaged the upper end of the connecting bodies 10 from the upper frame portion 6b, to fold the connecting bodies, by means of a rotation about the rotation axis 200, in order to bring them closer to the lower frame portion 6a.

[0068] At this point, it is possible to disengage the lower frame portion 6a from the respective posts 5 in order to bring it, by means of lifting, closer to the upper frame portion 6b.

[0069] In fact, having folded the connecting bodies 10 and having separated the lower frame portion 6a from the posts, there is no longer any rigid connection between the lower frame portion 6a and the upper frame portion 6b.

[0070] At this point, it is possible to remove, or fold, the posts 5 from the upper frame portion 6b, preferably after bringing them to the retracted condition, so as to further reduce the bulk.

[0071] Among other things, the particular structure according to the present invention makes it possible to execute the transition of the connecting bodies between the extended condition and the retracted condition, with the opening portion 7a indifferently in the raised position and in the lowered position.

[0072] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a cot 1 that can be easily brought to a condition for transport in an extremely practical manner, without compromising its functionality in the conditions of use.

[0073] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0074] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0075] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000010009 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A cot (1) comprising a cradle structure (2) associated with a base structure (3) which defines at least one supporting body (4) configured to rest on a supporting surface (100), said at least one supporting body (4) being connected to at least one post (5) which extends along a substantially vertical direction of extension (101), said cradle structure (2) having a frame (6) which comprises a lower frame portion (6a) which defines a supporting surface for a mattress, and an upper frame portion (6b) which defines, at least partially, the upper edge of said cradle structure (2), said frame (6) being associated with an enclosure (7) configured to define, laterally, an accommodation wall, at least one opening portion (7a) of said enclosure (7) being movable on command between a raised position, in which the upper edge of said opening portion (7a) is arranged substantially at the same height as said upper frame portion (6b), and at least one lowered position, in which the upper edge of said opening portion (7a) is arranged in a lowered position with respect to said upper frame portion (6b), characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting body (10) between said lower frame portion (6a) and said upper frame portion (6b) which defines at least one sliding guide (11) for an engagement portion (7c) defined on said opening portion (7a), said at least one connecting body (10) being configured to transition between an extended condition, in which said at least one connecting body (10) rigidly connects said lower frame portion (6a) and said upper frame portion (6b), and a folded condition, in which at least one portion of said connecting body is folded toward said lower frame portion (6a) in order to allow said upper frame portion (6b) and said lower frame portion (6a) to be brought closer together.

2. The cot (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said base structure (3) is connected to said cradle structure (2) in order to allow an adjustment of the position of said cradle structure (2) with respect to said base structure (3) along said direction of extension (101).

3. The cot (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said cradle structure (2) defines a headboard and a footboard connected by means of two longitudinal sides, said opening portion (7a) being formed on at least one longitudinal side intended to be arranged laterally adjacent to a bed.

4. The cot (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said base structure (3) comprises a first and a second post (5a, 5b), which are arranged at the longitudinal ends of said cradle structure (3).

5. The cot (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one connecting body (10) comprises a first and a second connecting body (10) between said lower frame portion (6a) and said upper frame portion (6b), said bodies being arranged on opposite sides with respect to said opening portion (7a).

6. The cot (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one post (5) can be associated with and dissociated from said frame (6) removably.

7. The cot (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least one connecting body (10) comprises an elongated element which is hinged, at the lower end (10b), to said lower frame portion (6a) about a hinge axis (200), and is removably associable, at the upper end (10a) opposite the lower end (10b), with said upper frame portion (6b).

8. The cot (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said opening portion (7a) comprises a longitudinal connecting element (12) between said first and said second connecting body (10), said longitudinal connecting element (12) defining, at its ends (12a), a respective engagement portion (7c) for engaging with the respective sliding guide (11).

9. The cot (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supporting body (4) comprises a flattened body (14) with a longitudinal extension which is associated, at its ends (14a), with a respective wheel assembly (14b), and is provided with a longitudinal slot (14c) which can be engaged slideably by at least one slider body (15) which is integral with a respective post (5), there being provided means of mutual locking, in at least one position, of said slider body (15) along said longitudinal slot (14c).

10. The cot (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that said at least one post (5) is associated with at least one lower abutment body (16) arranged between said flattened body (14) and said supporting surface (100).

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