Nestable cot and end connector therefor

Abstract: A nestable cot (C1) has a web (3) of material on which an occupant of the cot can lay. The web is attached to a frame (F) which includes a plurality of rods (R1-R4) one of which extends along each side of the web. End connectors (5) are provided for connecting respective ends of adjacent rods to interconnect the rods and complete the frame. Each end connector includes an elongate housing (7) having an opening at each end in which respective ends of adjacent rods are received. The cot is supported in an elevated position off the ground by a pedestal (33) formed intermediate the length of the housing. The pedestal projects inwardly from an inner face (19) of the housing and extends downwardly a distance sufficient to elevate the web of material off the ground. A pad (49) is attachable to the bottom of the pedestal. The cot can be sat upon another cot (C2) with the base of the pad of the upper cot resting upon the upper surface of the pedestal of the lower cot whereby the upper cot nests in the lower cot.

Description: Background of the Invention This invention relates to pallets, cots and the like and more particularly, to a nestable cot for use in a children's day care facility. Many child care or childrens' day care facilities have a routine of activities for the children. For young children, particularly preschoolers, this routine often includes one or more scheduled rest periods. One such period may be scheduled in the morning, for example, and another such period in the afternoon. During this time, the children lie down to rest and to nap. In some facilities, mattresses, rest mats, or pallets are provided for the children to lie on. It is also common to provide cots. Cots have an advantage over rest mats in that they are raised off the floor. But, unlike rest mats, they are not readily rolled up or conveniently stored in place for other activities. Storage space must be provided for them when they are not in use. Since space in day or child care facilities is usually at a premium, it is important that the cots require as little storage space as possible. There is available upon the market a nestable cot wherein it includes tubing having connectors provided at its corners, but the connectors are fabricated of multiple components, with a series of fastening means provided within each tube insert, and requires the usage of various tools to provide initially for the assembly of the connector, and then its installation to the tubing forming the cot structure. This product is manufactured and marketed by a company named Dandelion Co., of Oregon. The current type of folding cot available for usage is either the old Army style wooden collapsible cot, but the concern with usage of that type of cot is that when folded, it may have a tendency to pinch the fingers, particularly of young children, when manipulating the same. In addition, there is the bent tubing type of cot, wherein the legs fold outwardly, generally at an angle, and thereby extend beyond the perimeter of the rest surface itself. Hence, this type of a cot is difficult to stack, as when stored. In US-A-3 886 606 there is disclosed a cot and an end connector for use in the frame thereof, according to the precharacterizing portion of independent claim 1 and independent claim 9, respectively. This known cot is also of the folding type and has legs for supporting the flexible web of the cot off the surface of the ground and for stacking a series of cots using spacer sections having the same fitting. Most cots are collapsible or can be disassembled. If disassembled after each use, they can be put away without too much trouble and the children using them will have ample activity room available. However, disassembling and reassembling cots once or twice a day is a time consuming activity and chore. It would be easier if the cots were left in their assembled state. This can be done if the cots can be safely and interlockingly stacked. Stackable rest mats and cots are known in the art. See, for example, US-A-3,400,671, US-A-2,916,239 and US-A-2,678,787. These patents address material handling pallets, and as such, are not compatible with cots such as those used by children. Other cot stacking arrangements are available. One of these, for example, replaces the normal corner connector structure of a cot with a complicated multi-component corner connector structure. To install one on each of the four corners of a cot is not only time consuming, but requires the use of various hand tools. And, if parts are lost or misplaced, the cots cannot be stacked or only stacked with difficulty. What is needed is a simple arrangement for providing stacking of fully assembled cots. The arrangement should be easy to install without the need of tools, or through usage of a single simple tool, such as a screwdriver, to facilitate assembly, when necessary, and provide easy stackability so that cots can be quickly set-out at the beginning of a rest period and put-away when the rest period is over. Summary of the Invention Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a cot; the provision of such a cot having end or corner connectors by which rods comprising a cot frame can be joined; the provision of such connectors to have a pedestal for elevating the cot off the ground; the provision of such connectors to include a shelf upon which corresponding connectors of other cots can rest thereby to allow the cots to nest in one another in a vertical, stackable arrangement; the provision of such connectors to be readily assembled on the frame either without the use of tools, or through application of a minimum of simple tools, such as a screwdriver; and, the provision of such a cot which is lightweight, transportable, and readily stacked with other, similar cots so as to require a minimal amount of storage space when the cots are not in use. According to the invention, to achieve this, there is provided a cot comprising a web of material on which an occupant of the cot can lay and a frame to which the web of material is attached, the frame including a plurality of rods one of which extends along each side of the web, and end connectors for connection to the respective ends of adjacent rods to interconnect the rods and complete the frame, each end connector including elongate housing means having an opening at each end in which respective ends of adjacent rods are received, characterized in that support means including a pedestal extending downwardly from the housing means for supporting the web of material in an elevated position off the ground is provided, in that said pedestal is formed along the length of the housing means and projects inwardly from the inner face of the housing means, said pedestal having a top surface located below the top of the housing means and said pedestal extending downwardly from said top surface a distance which is greater than the distance between the top surface of the pedestal and the top of the housing means, said top surface of the pedestal forming a shelf upon which the lower end of the pedestal on an end connector for a second cot can rest for the second cot to be nested with the first said cot in a vertical stacked arrangement with clearance provided between the housing means of the end connectors of said first and second cots. In further accordance with the invention there is provided an integral end connector for use on a cot having a web of material on which an occupant of the cot can lay and a frame to which the web of material is attached, the frame including a plurality of rods one of which extending along each side of the web, the end connector comprising elongate housing means having an opening at each end for receiving therein respective ends of adjacent rods, characterized in that support means including a pedestal extending downwardly from the housing means for supporting said housing means in an elevated position off the ground is provided, in that said pedestal is formed along the length of the housing means and projects inwardly from the inner face of the housing means, said pedestal having a top surface located below the top of the housing means and extending downwardly from said top surface a distance which is greater than the distance between the top surface of the pedestal and the top of the housing means, the top surface of the pedestal forming a shelf upon which the lower end of the pedestal on another end connector can rest. Advantageous features of the cot and end connector for use therein are recited in the dependent claims. Other features and advantages will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a top plan view of a cot of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of two costs nested together in a vertical, stacked arrangement; Figures 3 and 4 are respective top and bottom plan views of an end connector used on the cot; Figures 5 and 6 are respective top plan and front elevational views of a pad fitting on the bottom of the connector; Figure 7 is a sectional view of the pad taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 3; Figure 9 is an elevational view of two end connectors for separate cots and illustrates how one cot partially nests within another; and Figure 10 is a sectional view of a modified pad that is applied to the end connector to furnish it and the cot with greater height. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. Description of a Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings, a cot C1 for use in a child care or day care center is shown. The cot comprises a web 3 of a suitable material forming a bed B on which a person such as a child can lay. The web is generally rectangular in shape with the corners each trimmed back to form diagonal edges E1-E4. The material along each side and end of the web is folded back over on itself to form an open selvage with the two layers then sewn together to form respective sleeves S1-S4. It will be understood that the material may be any suitable natural or synthetic material and the sleeves may be formed by fusing or otherwise joining the layers of material together, if the material is a synthetic, rather than by sewing. The material is attached to a frame F which includes longitudinally and laterally extending rods R1-R4. In the alternative, the selvage S3 may connect to its respective rod R4 under pretensioning principles, whereby the end of the proximate material may be rolled onto the rod R4, and the rod R4 may incorporate an internal spring that continuously turns it in a direction that causes sustained tensioning for the material, and thus maintains the cot material reasonably tight, during all applications and usage. Such a spring means may be akin to the type that is used in the window shade industry, as is known in the art. This may provide an automatic tensioning to the material forming the surface on the cot. The rods are of an appropriate length and diameter so to fit through the sleeves formed on the respective sides and ends of the web. As shown in Figure 1, rods R1 and R3 extend along the sides of the web and rods R2 and R4 across the ends. End connectors indicated generally at 5 are provided for connecting the respective ends of adjacent rods to interconnect them and complete assembly of the cot. Each end connector is identical in appearance so to be interchangeable. The connectors are, for example, of a molded plastic constuction and each includes a housing 7 having respective end sections 9 and 11 and an intermediate center section 13. The housing has a rounded top 15, rear wall 17, front wall 19 and end walls 21 and 23. The housing is also of an integral molded construction in which the end sections angle or flare diagonally outwardly from the center section. Thus, the end connector does not present any sharp corner on which a child could be injured if he or she ran into or fell upon it. The interior of the housing is hollow (as shown in Figures 4 and 8) with various interior walls, walls W1-W3 for example, being formed during molding, such as polymer molding, of the housing to strengthen it. Each end section of the housing has an opening, such as the openings 25 and 27, in its respective end wall. The openings are sized to accommodate the ends of the respective rods and a cylindrical pocket, 29 and 31 respectively, extend into the interior of the end section from the opening. The length of these pockets is sufficient to insure the end of rods are firmly mounted to the connector and cannot be easily dislodged. Again, this is for protection of the children using the cot. The housing next includes a pedestal or stand portion 35. The pedestal is located intermediate the length of the housing and, for example, extends the length of the center section thereof. The pedestal is integrally formed with the housing and projects outwardly from the base portion of the front wall of the housing. It also extends downwardly a distance sufficient to elevate the bed off the ground. The height is such that when someone is recumbent on the bed, the downward stretch in the material caused by their weight will not cause the bed to touch the ground. As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 8, the pedestal has an upper or top surface 35, a front wall 37, a rear wall 39, and side walls 41 and 43. The pedestal is generally trapezoidal in plan with the front and rear walls being parallel to each other. Further, the front wall is longer than the rear wall for the end walls to each angle inwardly from front to rear. Referring to Figures 4 and 8, internal wall W1 extends downwardly from the top of the housing beyond the base of rear wall 17. The wall has an arcuate shape and extends from one end of the rear wall of the pedestal to the other at a point intermediate the height of the pedestal. The height H1 of pedestal 33 (see Figure 8) is greater than the height H2 between top surface 35 of the pedestal and top surface 15 of the housing. This means the pedestal of an end connector 5 on one cot can be set upon or be nested with the end connector 5 of another cot. Top surface 35 of the one pedestal then forms a shelf or platform upon which the base of the other pedestal can rest. As shown in Figures 2 and 9, cot C1 and a cot C2 are nestable together in a vertical, stacked arrangement. This is done by fitting the pedestal portion of each end connector on cot C1 over the housing portion of the corresponding end connector on cot C2. Since the height of the respective pedestals exceed the distance between their tops and the tops of their associated housings, the pedestals slide down over the front of the housings until they rest atop the pedestal on the end connector below. When they touch, there is ample clearance between the base of the upper end connector and the top of the lower one. The benefit to maintaining clearance between the base of the connector, or the underside of the cot, and the top of the surface of the cot maintained therebelow, is to afford proper ventilation between the cots, as when stacked, and not in use, and in addition, to prevent any pinching to occur to particularly the children, when manipulating the cots to and from a storage condition. It will be understood that while only two cots are shown in a nested, stacked arrangement, additional cots using end connectors 5 could be added to the stack. The materials used in making the cots are lightweight so the cots are easy to lift, move, and stack. Referring to Figures 5-7, a pad means 47 includes a pad 49 having an integrally formed base section 51 and a stem 53 extending upwardly from the base section. The pad is typically formed of the same polymer or other material as the rest of the end connector. The stem is trapezoidal in plan and designed to be received in the open bottom of the pedestal. Thus, the outer dimensions of the front wall 55, rear wall 57, and respective end walls 59 and 61 of the stem correspond to the inner dimensions of the corresponding walls of pedestal 33. A notch 63 is formed on the inner face of front wall 37 of the pedestal. A vertically extending finger 65 is formed in Front wall 55 of the pad, the finger having an outwardly projecting portion 67 at its upper end receiveable in the notch to interlock the pad and the pedestal. Vertical slots 69 and 71 respectively extend downwardly on either side of the finger, from the top of front wall 55. The slots provide flexibility for the finger during insertion of the stem in the pedestal so it will not break. The bottom of pad base section 53 has a rounded shoulder 73 extending circumferentially therearound. A shoulder 75 also extends around the upper face of the base section outwardly of the walls forming the stem. The bottom of the pedestal abuts this shoulder when the pad is attached to the pedestal. It can likewise be seen that the end sections 9 and 11, at their under surfaces, have fastener receiving slots, as noted, as at 77, wherein a fastener may be inserted, and fixed in place as by means of a screwdriver, to achieve a securement of each connector to its respective rod R. It should also be noted that the concept of this invention is generally formed from the styled connector, as seen, and that straight tubing, as at R, is utilized throughout the structure of the shown cot. The usage of straight tubing significantly adds to the economy of the manufacture and assembly of the cot of this invention. As previously alluded to, it is desirable to maintain some clearance between the surface of the cots as they are stacked one above the other, as during temporary storage. To achieve such, or to further assure that adequate clearance is provided, particularly in those jurisidictions where regulations may require such, it may be necessary to add further extension to the height of the connector pedestal 33. In referring to Figure 10, in lieu of the style of pad 49, as shown, a slightly different configured pad 79 may be employed. And, its interfitting within the pedestal, as at 33, will be done similarly to that as the previously identified pad 49, but in this prticular instance, it can be seen that the pad is configured having a much longer extension, as at 81, extending downwardly from its connector portion. This extension 81 may be to any length, preferably 25 to 50 mm (one to two inches) in dimension, so as to greatly heighten the overall length of the pedestal 33, within the cot structure, and thereby provide even greater clearance between cots when stacked, or for the elevation of a cot off of the floor, when arranged into position for usage. In the alternative, an extension similar to that as shown in Figure 10 may be used, and extend the height of the cot up to approximately 50 mm (2 inches), or more, with the exception that there will be no integral bottom pad located thereon. Instead of it, the upper part of the extension may look like that as shown in Figure 10, and then have the extending portion 81 lengthening a few centimeters (inches) the leg of the cot, and the bottom of the extension will have an interior cavity therein, similar to that as shown for the interior downward portion of the pedestal 33, so as to accommodate a standard pad means 47 therein, to provide a closure to the bottom of the extension, and a pad which may rest upon the floor. While the definition of the invention herein has basically been analyzed from the standpoint of being used in conjunction with the fabrication of cot, it is lust as likely that the principle of the connector, as shown and described, could be used in other structures, or particularly items of furniture, such as tables, beds, chairs, cribs, playpens, and related types of constructions.

Claims: A cot comprising a web of material (3) on which an occupant of the cot (C₁) can lay and a frame (F) to which the web of material (3) is attached, the frame (F) including a plurality of rods (R₁-R₄) one of which extends along each side of the web (3), and end connectors (5) for connection to the respective ends of adjacent rods (R₁-R₄) to interconnect the rods and complete the frame (F), each end connector (5) including elongate housing means (7) having an opening (25, 27) at each end in which respective ends of adjacent rods (R₁-R₄) are received characterized in that support means including a pedestal (33) extending downwardly from the housing means (7) for supporting the web of material (3) in an elevated position off the ground is provided, in that said pedestal (33) is formed along the length of the housing means (7) and projects inwardly from the inner face (19) of the housing means (7), said pedestal (33) having a top surface (35) located below the top (15) of the housing means (7) and said pedestal (33) extending downwardly from said top surface (35) a distance which is greater than the distance between the top surface (35) of the pedestal (33) and the top (15) of the housing means (7), said top surface (35) of the pedestal (33) forming a shelf upon which the lower end of the pedestal (33) on an end connector (5) for a second cot (C₂) can rest for the second cot (C₂) to be nested with the first said cot (C₁) in a vertical stacked arrangement with clearance provided between the housing means (7) of the end connectors (5) of said first and second cots (C₁, C₂). The cot according to claim 1, characterized in that the pedestal (33) is hollow and the cot (C₁) further comprises pad means (47) including a pad (49;79) having a base (51;81) and a stem (53) extending upwardly from the base (51;81), said stem (53) fitting within the pedestal (33). The cot according to claim 2, characterized in that the stem (53) is integrally formed with the base (51;81) and includes means for interlocking the pad (49;79) and the pedestal (33). The cot according to claim 3, characterized in that the interlocking means includes a flexible finger member (65) formed on one sidewall (55) of the stem (53) and having an outwardly projecting portion (67) and the pedestal (33) has a corresponding notch (63) formed on an inner wall (37) thereof in which the projecting portion (67) is received. The cot according to claim 4, characterized in that the pedestal (33) and the pad (49;79) are generally trapezoidal in plan. The cot according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing means (7) has two end sections (9, 11) and a central section (13), the end sections (9, 11) angling diagonally away from the central section (13). The cot according to claim 6, characterized in that the end sections (9, 11) and central section (13) of the housing means (7) and the pedestal (33) are integrally formed. The cot according to claim 1, characterized in that one of said rods (R₁-R₄) incorporates tensioning means, to provide for continuously biasing the web of material (3) to sustain its taughtness during usage of the cot. An integral end connector (5) for use on a cot (C₁) having a web of material (3) on which an occupant of the cot (C₁) can lay and a frame (F) to which the web of material (3) is attached, the frame (F) including a plurality of rods (R₁-R₄) one of which extending along each side of the web (3), the end connector (5) comprising elongate housing means (7) having an opening (25, 27) at each end for receiving therein respective ends of adjacent rods (R₁-R₄), characterized in that support means including a pedestal (33) extending downwardly from the housing means (7) for supporting said housing means (7) in an elevated position off the ground is provided, in that said pedestal (33) is formed along the length of the housing means (7) and projects inwardly from the inner face (19) of the housing means (7), said pedestal (33) having a top surface (35) located below the top (15) of the housing means (7) and extending downwardly from said top surface (35) a distance which is greater than the distance between the top surface (35) of the pedestal (33) and the top (15) of the housing means (7), the top surface (35) of the pedestal (33) forming a shelf upon which the lower end of the pedestal (33) on another end connector (5) can rest. The end connector according to claim 9, characterized in that the pedestal (33) is hollow and the end connector (5) further includes pad means (47) attachable to the lower end of the pedestal (33), the pad means (47) including a pad (49;79) having a base (51;81) and a stem (53) extending upwardly from the base (51;81), said stem (53) fitting within the pedestal (33), and means for interlocking the pad (49;79) and the pedestal (33), the interlocking means including a flexible finger member (65) formed on one sidewall (55) of the stem (53) and having an outwardly projecting portion (67), the pedestal (33) having a notch (63) formed on a corresponding inner wall (37) thereof in which the projecting portion (67) is received. The end connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the housing means (7) has two end sections (9, 11) and a central section (13) all of which are integrally formed with the pedestal (33), the end sections (9, 11) angling diagonally away from the central section (13). The end connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the pedestal (33) and the pad (49;79) are generally trapezoidal in plan.

Inventors: KELLY RAY G, KELLY, RAY G.
Applicants: ANGELES GROUP INC, ANGELES GROUP, INC.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: A47D9
IPC codes: A47C19, A47D7, A47D9