GB2539221A

GB2539221A - A portable bassinet

Info

Publication number: GB2539221A
Application number: GB1510020.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcdonough Lauren
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-09
Filing date: 2015-06-09
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Also published as: GB201510020D0

Abstract

The bassinet 1 comprises a bed portion 2 configured to form a substantially enclosed, open-topped sleeping area and a support frame 3 configured to support the bed portion above a surface, with the bed portion and frame being configured to be foldable into a substantially flat folded position. The frame preferably comprises a pair of rectangular, pivotally-connected sub-frames that are pivotally connected to the bed portion at their upper ends. The sub-frames are preferably formed from tubular members with each of the upper and lower, in use, sections being pivotably foldable at their centre point via a lockable catch. The bed portion preferably comprises a base 4 and an enclosing wall 5 along with a hood 6 which is preferably an extension of the enclosing wall that is supported by one or more flexible poles. At least one support extension 7 may extend from the front of the hood to the opposite end of the bed portion.

Description

A Portable Bassinet

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bassinet that can be folded for ease of storage or transport. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bassinet that can be folded flat for ease of transport or storage, and where in use an infant in the bassinet will be at approximately the same height as a bed.

Background

Bassinets or Moses baskets are a popular bed choice for parents of infant children up to around six months old. These are generally formed to have an open-topped bed portion with sides that extend upwards from a base that holds a mattress or similar, and often have a hood at one end that extends up and partly over the top of the bed portion. They are generally designed to allow the resting baby to be carried from place to place within the bassinet, and may be equipped with handles at the sides to facilitate this. When in use in a home or bedroom, they are often raised on a stand or other surface so as to help to reduce back strain in a user who is bending over to tend the baby.

The basket or bed portion is generally formed so as to be rigid or semi-rigid, to keep its shape and to prevent the sides collapsing in on one another in use. This can make it difficult to carry, especially if negotiating stairs or other obstacles. Storing the bassinet can also be awkward and a large amount of space is required, and this can also prevent it from being transported easily for nights away from home, for example when staying with friends and relations, or at a hotel or similar when on holiday.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20120317716 describes and shows a self-deployable device having an arcuate 35 structure with two hoops to support one flexible material wall defining a space for receiving a child and two stiffener bars to withstand bearing against the hoop end.

One end of the two ends of the bar is fastened to the arcuate structure by a fixed connection so bar is connected to the arcuate structure when the structure leaves from the folded state to the deployed state.

US20090134603 describes and shows a collapsible crib of adjustable length and/or width and/or height that is lightweight, easily collapsed, very compact when collapsed and easily carried, stored and transported.

GB2451651 describes and shows a collapsible travel cot for a baby that comprises a first frame with at least one flexible rod formed into a first continuous substantially planar ground loop and a second frame with at least one flexible rod formed into a second continuous saddle shaped loop above the ground loop. A fabric covering is configured to fit over the first and second frames with at least a major part of the flexible rods fitting through fabric sleeves provided on the covering. First and second bent or arcuate flexible rods are positioned between the first and second frames without extending across them. These additional rods serve to hold open the ends of the fabric covering in the erect condition of the pop-up structure, ensuring that the fabric is held away from the face or body of a child inside the cot. In an alternative structure, the first and second frames may be replaced by a single flexible rod formed into a first continuous substantially planar ground loop and into a second continuous saddle shaped loop thereabove. The frames may pass through a fabric sleeve which holds them in position, the sleeve may accommodate both frames together where they run alongside each other. The structure may collapse down and be stored or transported in a bag In contrast the present invention provides a portable bassinet that can be folded flat for storage and transport, and which can also be raised above floor level so that in use an infant is sleeping at approximately the same height as an adult bed.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable bassinet comprising: a bed portion configured to form a substantially enclosed, open-topped 35 sleeping area for an infant; and a support frame configured to support the bed portion above a surface; wherein the bed portion and support frame are configured to be foldable into a folded position, such that in the folded position the bed portion and the support frame are substantially flat.

This allows the bassinet to be folded flat for ease of transport and storage. In this way the bassinet provides functionality to fold flat yet may be envisaged to be the same height as an average size bed, providing greater practicality for a parent or user.

In an embodiment the bassinet is provided with connection to the support frame enabling partial or incremental movement, for example so as to allow rocking of the bed portion on the frame. Such movement and connection may be subsidiary to or a separate mechanism from folding. The support frame may comprise parts to allow movement of the bed portion or viceversa, and said parts may comprise spring bias.

In an embodiment, the support frame comprises at least one pair of sub-frames. For example the support frame may comprise a pair of sub-frames. Each sub-frame having an upper end configured for connection to the bed portion, and a base portion configured to rest on a support surface. The base portions may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other to provide stable support for the bed portion. The upper ends may be pivotally connected to the bed portion so that the sub-frames are rotatable relative to the bed portion. This provides a simple, robust and reliable mechanism for supporting the bassinet.

In an embodiment, each sub-frame is formed from a tubular member or members. The upper end of each sub-frame may be provided by a tubular member(s). The base portion of each sub-frame may be provided by a tubular member(s). The tubular members of each sub-frame may be arranged to form a hollow rectangle. An upper side of each hollow rectangle sub-frame may provide the upper end of the sub-frame for connection to the bed portion. A lower side of each hollow rectangle sub-frame may provide the base portion configured to rest on a support surface. The upper and lower sides of a sub-frame may be connected by one or more upright side portions. Each upright side portion may be pivotally connected to an upright side portion on the other sub-frame. The upright side portions of a pair of sub-frames may be connected at any suitable position, such as for example at substantially the mid point. This provides a simple, robust and reliable mechanism for supporting the bassinet, while the connection at the mid-point helps to ensure that the support frame supports itself and maintains the bed portion in its correct shape in use.

In an embodiment, each of the upper and lower sides is formed from a pair of members. The members may be pivotally connected at one end via a catch. The catch may be lockable to hold the members in alignment, and unlockable to allow the members to pivot towards one another. This assists with collapsing the frame for storage and transport.

In an embodiment, the tubular members are sized to support the bed portion at a height substantially similar to that of an adult bed. This helps to ensure that a supervisory adult does not have to bend down too far to tend to an infant in the bassinet, and that the infant is away from the floor where it may be draughty, and where pets can access the bassinet.

In an embodiment, the bed portion comprises a base and an enclosing wall extending upwards from the base. The base may be self-supporting to maintain a substantially flat state in use. This provides a secure and simple structure for the bed portion, where the walls can be folded onto the base to fold the bed portion flat.

In an embodiment, the enclosing wall at each end of the bed portion comprises at least one loop, extending substantially horizontally across the end and configured to receive a portion of the support frame. This provides a simple and convenient mechanism and location for connecting the bed portion and the support frame.

In an embodiment, the portable bassinet further comprises a hood configured to extend up and over one end of the bed portion. This provides shelter for the head of an infant in the bassinet, and helps to hold in warmer air around their exposed head.

In an embodiment, the hood is supported by a flexible pole that extends across the open front of the hood. This ensure the hood remains upright and does not collapse in use.

In an embodiment, the flexible pole further comprises a secondary pole that connects 35 to the flexible pole and extends across the hood to the rear. This helps to ensure that the whole of the hood will maintain its shape and not collapse or sag towards and infant in the bassinet.

In an embodiment, the hood comprises an extension of the enclosing wall. This 5 helps to simplify construction of the bed portion.

In an embodiment, the hood further comprises at least one support extension that extends from the open front of the hood to connect with the opposed end of the bed portion to support the hood in an upright position. This helps to maintain the hood in 10 an upright position, and provides a simple and effective mechanism for doing so.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the enclosing wall is formed to allow a user to see through the wall. This helps parents or other carers to quickly and easily check on an infant in the bassinet.

In an embodiment, the portion is formed from mesh. This provides a simple, effective and robust material that can be seen through.

In an embodiment, the portable bassinet further comprises a night light configured to 20 attach to the hood at or towards the top of the hood. This helps to ensure peaceful sleeping for an infant in the bassinet and helps adults to check on the infant easily.

This light may be attached in use or manufacture, and comprise low energy light emitting diodes.

In an embodiment, the portable bassinet further comprises a carry bag configured to contain the bed portion and support frame when folded flat. This helps a user to more easily transport and store the bassinet.

The sub-frames, base portions and carry bags may be interchangeable or modular. The present invention thereby according to a further aspect provides a system of interchangeable and/or modular parts.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of an embodiment of the portable bassinet of the present invention, having a bed portion configured to form a substantially enclosed, open-topped sleeping area for an infant, the bed portion comprising a base and an enclosing wall extending upwards from the base, the base self-supporting to maintain a substantially flat state in use, and an X-frame support frame configured to support the bed portion above a surface, the support frame detachable from the bed portion and foldable flat, and the walls of the bed portion foldable onto the base to fold the bed portion flat.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the portable bassinet of figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

An embodiment of portable bassinet according to the present invention will now be 15 described with reference to the figures.

A portable bassinet 1 has two main parts: a bed portion 2 and a support frame 3.

The bed portion 2 forms a substantially enclosed, open-topped sleeping area for an infant when in use. The bed portion 2 has a base 4 that is flat and rectangular in plan view, and which is self-supporting so that it will remain flat even when not resting directly on a supporting surface. An enclosing wall 5 extends upwards from the edge or perimeter of the base, all the way around the edge of the base 4. The wall 5 is mostly formed from canvas or a similar robust flexible cloth material. However, the two longer side walls are formed from a mesh material or similar, so that a user can see through the wall 5 without this compromising the safety of an infant in the bassinet 1.

In use, a mattress is placed on the base so that an infant can sleep within the bed 30 portion. In use the wall 5 extends upwards from the base 4, but when not supported in the manner described in detail below, the wall 4 can be folded down onto the base 4.

A hood 6 is formed as an extension to the wall 5 at one end of the bed portion 2, 35 across one of the shorter sides and extending partly down each of the longer sides of the bed portion 2. When deployed, the hood 6 extends up and over one end of the bed portion 2 to provide shelter for the head of an infant in the bassinet 1, helping to hold in warmer air around their exposed head. The hood 6 is supported by a flexible pole (not shown) that extends across the front edge of the hood 6 -i.e. across the open front of the hood 6, in a closed pocket or loop across the front of the hood 6.

This ensures the hood 6 remains upright and does not collapse in use. A secondary pole (not shown) extends across the top of the hood from the mid-point of the first flexible pole to the centre of the shorter edge at the rear of the hood 6, the two poles appearing as a t-shape in plan view. The second pole helps to keep the main body portion of the hood 6 upright so that it doesn't sag down towards the face of an infant in the bassinet 1. As noted above, the hood 6 is formed as an extension of or to the material that forms the wall 5. This helps to simplify construction of the bed portion. A pair of cloth extensions 7 pass from each side of the hood 6, close to the top of the arch at the front of the hood to each side, to the opposite corners of the bed portion. This helps to hold the hood 6 upright.

Each of the short edges of the wall 5 has a loop formed at the top edge, the loop forming a closed pocket 8 that runs across the top edge of the wall 5, and open at each end (the corners), and in the centre. In use, this pocket 8 receives and holds part of the support frame as will now be described in detail.

The support frame 3 is formed from two sub-frames 3a and 3b connected at pivot 33. Each of the sub-frames is formed from tubular members 9 as a hollow rectangle. The ends of the tubular members 9 are connected via hinge connectors 10 (at the corners of the rectangle) so that the tubular members 9 can pivot in towards one another. The two shorter sides are each formed from two shorter members connected at their inner ends via a hinge connector 10 so that they can pivot towards one another when the hinge connector is unlocked. This allows the frame to be collapsed, the shorter sides collapsing in towards the centre so the two longer sides move towards one another.

In some further embodiments in order to allow rocking movements the pivot 33 may be moveable on the subframes, so as to allow rocking of the bed portion, for example so as to allow the pivot to slide along at least one subframe. In some embodiments the pivot may be slideable along both subframes.

The sliding of the pivot may be acting against a spring bias.

In other embodiments in addition or the alternative the tubular members adjacent or at the hinge connectors at the bottom of each subframe may be sprung to allow rocking movements.

In use, the upper shorter side of each of the sub-frames 3a, 3b is passed through one of the pockets 8 at each end. The sub-frames 3a, 3b are angled so that they cross over one another at the centre point of the longer sides, under the bed portion 2, the sub-frames pivotally connected at this point. The lower one of the shorter sides of each of the sub-frames 3a, 3b forms a base that allows the bassinet to rest on a surface such as the floor of a room. The longer sides of the sub-frames 3a, 3b are sized so that in use the bed portion 2 will be held at substantially the same height as that of an adult bed.

In use, the bed portion 2 is suspended between the top bars of the two sub-frames 3a, 3b by the pockets 8 at each end. As the sub-frames are crossed over to form an X-frame when viewed from the side, the top bars will tend to pull away from each other due to the suspended weight between them, which pulls the wall 5 taut and prevents the wall 5 collapsing. As outlined above, the frame 3 can be folded flat.

The items above form the main parts of this embodiment of bassinet 1. A bag (not shown) can also be provided for the folded flat bed portion 2 and frame 3 for transport and storage. A night light can also be provided, connecting to the hood 6 at or close to the apex of the curve of the open front of the hood 6 via a magnetic connection, a hook or similar.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are 35 deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the 5 invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents 10 may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable bassinet comprising: a bed portion configured to form a substantially enclosed, open-topped sleeping area for an infant; and a support frame configured to support the bed portion above a surface; wherein the bed portion and support frame are configured to be foldable into a folded position, such that in the folded position the bed portion and the support 10 frame are substantially flat.
2. A portable bassinet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support frame comprises a pair of sub-frames; each sub-frame having an upper end configured for connection to the bed portion, and a base portion configured to rest on a support surface; wherein the base portions of the sub-frames are spaced apart from each other in use to provide stable support for the bed portion, and wherein the upper ends of the sub-frames are pivotally connected to the bed portion so that the sub-frames are rotatable relative to the bed portion.
3. A portable bassinet as claimed in claim 2 wherein each sub-frame is formed from a tubular member or members arranged to form a hollow rectangle, wherein an upper side of each hollow rectangle sub-frame provides the upper end of the sub-frame for connection to the bed portion, and a lower side of each hollow rectangle sub-frame provides the base portion configured to rest on a support surface, wherein the upper and lower sides of each sub-frame are connected by an upright side portions, and wherein each upright side portion of a sub-frame is pivotally connected to an upright side portion on the other sub-frame at substantially the mid point thereof.
4. A portable bassinet as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of the upper and lower sides is formed from a pair of members, the members pivotally connected at one end via a catch, wherein the catch is lockable to hold the members in alignment, and unlockable to allow the members to pivot towards one another.
5. A portable bassinet as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the tubular members are sized to support the bed portion at a height substantially similar to that of an adult bed.
6. A portable bassinet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the bed portion comprises a base and an enclosing wall extending upwards from the base, the base self-supporting to maintain a substantially flat state in use.
7. A portable bassinet as claimed in claim 6 wherein the enclosing wall at each end of the bed portion comprises at least one loop, extending substantially horizontally across the end and configured to receive a portion of the support frame.
8. A portable bassinet as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 further comprising a hood configured to extend up and over one end of the bed portion.
9. A portable bassinet as claimed in claim 8 wherein the hood is supported by a flexible pole that extends across the open front of the hood.
10. A portable bassinet as claimed in claim 9 wherein the flexible pole further comprises a secondary pole that connects to the flexible pole and extends across the hood to the rear.
11. A portable bassinet as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the hood comprises an extension of the enclosing wall.
12. A portable bassinet as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the hood further comprises at least one support extension that extends from the open front of the hood to connect with the opposed end of the bed portion to support the hood in an upright position.
13. A portable bassinet as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein at least a portion of the enclosing wall is formed to allow a user to see through the wall.
14. A portable bassinet as claimed in claim 13 wherein the portion is formed from mesh.
15. A portable bassinet as claimed in any one of claim 8 to 14 further comprising a night light configured to attach to the hood at or towards the top of the hood.
16. A portable bassinet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 further comprising a carry bag configured to contain the bed portion and support frame when folded flat.
17. A portable bassinet according to any of the preceding claims wherein the bed portion is configured to allow incremental rocking movement on the support frame.
18. A portable bassinet according to any of the preceding claims wherein the support frame is configured to allow rocking movement of the bed portion.
19. A portable bassinet according to claim 18 wherein the support frame comprises slidable parts.
20. A portable bassinet according to claim 18 wherein the support frame comprises sprung parts.
21. A portable bassinet substantially as show in the figures and described herein.