HK1173352B - Child chair - Google Patents

Description

Children's seat

Technical Field

The present device relates to a seat for a child, such as a high chair and booster seat. In particular, the present device relates to a child seat having an adjustable assembly.

Background

High chairs and booster seats have long been known and have been primarily designed to provide elevated seating surfaces for infants, toddlers and small children. Initially, the seat is simply raised to raise the child's position to, for example, the height of a table. Removable food trays soon became a useful add-on that made the modified high chair or booster seat a stand-alone child dining table and "must-do" for each family to meet the arrival of new lives.

Typically, these seats have been "universal" devices. Children can eat away from the table without the need for parental supervision and without disturbing others at home. The food tray can be removed and easily cleaned and the adjustable waist belt (much like a safety harness) helps to prevent a small child from inadvertently or intentionally sliding out of the seat and falling.

As child seats improved, softer, washable materials were used, rounded at the corners and added other safety and convenience features. However, known prior art seats do not address all or each of the problems addressed by the invention of the present application. The child seat of the present invention provides quick and convenient adjustability of several components, is simple to design and operate, and is adaptable to multiple uses.

Disclosure of Invention

Various embodiments of an improved seat are disclosed herein that avoid the disadvantages of the prior art devices while providing additional structural and operational advantages.

In a first embodiment, a high chair for use by a child is described. The highchair includes a seat having a bottom support and a back support, the bottom support including a fixed center post extending therefrom; a frame connected to the seat and supporting the seat at a height, a bottom support of the seat being adjustable between a plurality of fixed position channels on the frame; and a tray detachably coupled to only the center pillar of the seat.

In a second embodiment, the highchair comprises a seat having a bottom support and a back support, the bottom support including a fixed center post extending from the bottom support; a frame connected to the seat and supporting the seat at a certain height; and a tray having a locking mechanism on a bottom surface to adjustably couple to a center post of the seat at a position, wherein the position on the center post (including movement of the tray) can be adjusted via manipulation of a single release mechanism secured to the tray and coupled to the locking mechanism.

A third embodiment of the disclosed highchair comprises a seat having a bottom support comprising a fixed central post extending therefrom and a back support; a frame including a plurality of fixed seat position channels and a plurality of fixed footrest (footrest) position channels, wherein the frame supports the bottom support in a first seat position channel and the footrest is a first footrest position channel, and the seat bottom support and the footrest are independently adjustable between the seat position channels and the footrest position channels, respectively; and a tray detachably coupled to the center pillar of the seat.

In a fourth embodiment, the highchair comprises a seat having a bottom support including a fixed central post extending therefrom and a back support; a frame connected to the seat and supporting the seat at a certain height; a harness (harness) for securing a child in position in the seat, the harness being secured to the seat and being adjustable for various sizes at a location adjacent the back of the back support; and a tray detachably coupled to the center pillar of the seat.

In a fifth embodiment, the highchair comprises a seat having a bottom support and a back support, the bottom support including a fixed center post extending therefrom; a tray detachably coupled to the center pillar of the seat; a tray latching mechanism for connecting the tray to the center post and movable between a first connected position, a second connected position and a released position; a frame supporting the seat in a first position and a footrest in a second position on the frame, wherein the seat bottom support and the footrest are independently adjustable between a plurality of fixed seat position channels on the frame and a plurality of fixed footrest position channels on the frame, respectively; and a harness for securing a child in position in the seat, the harness being secured to the seat and being adjustable for various sizes at a location adjacent the back of the back support.

Also, a sixth embodiment of the highchair comprises a seat having a bottom support and a back support; a frame supporting the seat at a first position and a footrest at a second position on the frame, wherein a bottom support and footrest of the seat are independently adjustable between a plurality of fixed seat position channels on the frame and a plurality of footrest position channels on the frame, respectively; a tray detachably coupled to the seat; a tray latching mechanism for connecting the tray to the seat and movable between a first connected position, a second connected position and a released position; and a harness for securing a child in position in the seat, the harness being secured to the seat and being adjustable for various sizes at a location adjacent the back of the back support.

In a seventh embodiment, a child seat is disclosed that includes a seat having a bottom support and a back support; a frame having a plurality of fixed seat position channels, each of the channels configured to retain a bottom support therein, wherein the seat bottom support is vertically adjustable relative to the back support via the seat position channels; and a seat latching mechanism for retaining the seat in any one of the fixed seat position channels. In this embodiment, the seat latching mechanism includes a slide bar positioned to interdigitate each of the fixed seat position channels and movable along an axis between a locked position and a released position, wherein the seat is locked in the channel when the slide bar is in the locked position and is removable from the channel when the slide bar is in the released position; and a button connected to one end of the slide bar and movable along an axis transverse to the slide bar axis between a first position and a second position, wherein the slide bar is prevented from moving when the button is in the first position and the slide bar is slidable between a slide bar locking position and a slide bar release position when the button is in the second position.

In yet another embodiment, a chair includes a seat having a bottom support and a back support; a frame supporting the seat; a tray detachably coupled to the seat; and a tray latching mechanism for connecting the tray to either of the seat and the frame at a latching point and the latching mechanism is adjustable between three setting states. The three settings of the tray latching mechanism include a locked setting in which the tray is secured to the latching point and prevented from moving; adjusting a set state in which the tray is secured and slidably movable between a plurality of latching points; and releasing the set state in which the tray is disconnected. Preferably, the tray latching mechanism includes an actuator for moving the latching mechanism between the three setting states.

These and other embodiments and aspects of the present invention will be more readily understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, embodiments thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages will be readily understood and appreciated upon examination of the following drawings and consideration of the following description.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a highchair of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the highchair of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the highchair of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the highchair of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the highchair of FIG. 1;

6A-6C are exterior side views of an embodiment of a V-shaped support member illustrating operation of a release button;

FIG. 7A is an interior side view of the V-shaped support member;

FIG. 7B is a close-up view showing a detail of the side panel of the seat of FIG. 7A when the slide bar is in the locked position;

FIG. 8A is an interior side view of the V-shaped support member of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8B is a close-up view showing a detail of the seat side panel of FIG. 8A with the slide bar in the unlocked position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second (or inner) side of the seat side panel;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the bottom support of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a close-up view showing details of the center post of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a close-up view showing details of the T-shaped track of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the back side of the release button of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a slide bar of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tray of the present invention;

FIGS. 16A through 16E are various views of the embodiment of the tray shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a partially exploded view of the tray of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the underside of the tray of FIG. 15 in the "locked" position;

FIG. 18B is a close-up view showing details of the region shown in FIG. 18A;

fig. 19A is a perspective view of the underside of the tray of fig. 15 in its "adjusted" position:

FIG. 19B is a close-up view showing details of the region shown in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the underside of the tray of FIG. 15 in the "released" position;

FIG. 20B is a close-up view showing details of the region shown in FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a harness system showing the connection point at the base of the center post;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a five point harness system used in an embodiment of the present invention;

figures 23-26 are various views of another embodiment of a highchair of the present invention;

FIGS. 27-30 are various views of another embodiment of the highchair of the present invention; and

figures 31-39 are various views of an embodiment of a booster seat according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

While this application is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring to fig. 1-39, embodiments and features and components of a high chair, generally indicated by the numeral 10, are illustrated. In its most basic form, the high chair 10 comprises a frame 20 having four legs 22; a seat 60 having a bottom support 61 and a back support 62; and a tray 90. However, various modifications may also be made to these basic components to customize the features of the highchair as will be discussed herein, and it should be appreciated that each modification and customization may be added to the basic chair 10 to enhance safety and convenience, and/or to suit additional possible uses.

Frame structure

Referring to fig. 1-5, the basic highchair frame 20 can be readily understood. The frame 20 is made up of two inverted V-shaped members 21, the two V-shaped members 21 being spaced apart from each other and connected via a frame rear support 23 and a frame front support 24. The supports 23 and 24 are preferably fixed to the member 21 by nails, screws, adhesives, etc. and provide stability to the highchair frame 20. A recess 25 in the frame member 21 and corresponding tabs or extensions 26 on each side of the supports 23 and 24 help to properly position the supports 23 and 24 between the two members 21. The front support 24 may also provide a step to assist in climbing into and out of the highchair 10.

Additional stability to the frame 20 may be provided by a footrest 27, which footrest 27 is also positioned between the two V-shaped members 21, just above the front frame support 24. The footrest 27 is similar in appearance to the front support 24, but differs in that the footrest 27 is adjustable along the height of the frame 20. Fig. 1 shows a plurality of fixed footrest position channels 28 on the inner surface of the front leg of the frame 20. Footrest position channel 28 opens to the inside of V-shaped member 21 and terminates forward of the outside edge to create a stop 30. A corresponding projection 29 (fig. 5) on each end of the footrest 27 enables the footrest 27 to be positioned in each channel 28 by sliding the projection 29 into the open side of the channel 28 until the stop 30 prevents further insertion.

Although four (4) footrest position channels 28 are shown in the embodiment of fig. 1, and each of which is equally spaced from an adjacent channel, a different number of such channels can tailor the range of adjustability required — for example, the embodiment of fig. 6 has only three (3) footrest position channels 28. The protrusion 29 may be sized to create a friction fit within the groove 28 or a conventional locking mechanism (not shown) may be used to lock the footrest 27 in the groove 28 once it is properly positioned.

Of course, the front support 24 is mounted within the frame 20, much like the footrest 27 can be mounted to the V-shaped member 21.

At the top of the frame 20, a seat side panel 70 is connected into each of the V-shaped members 21. The side panel 70 is preferably mounted to the member 21 by screws or bolts. The side panels 70 are associated with the use and operation of the seat 60, and the seat 60 will be described in greater detail below.

Seat with a detachable cover

Referring to fig. 5, stability is further provided to the frame 20 by an adjustable seat 60. The seat 60 is preferably composed of two separate supports, namely a bottom support 61 and a back support 62. In certain embodiments, the two supports may be of unitary or one-piece design (not shown). However, the back support 62 is preferably fixed within the frame 20, mounted by side flanges 63 to the sides of the frame 20 at the top of the V-shaped member. Conversely, the bottom support 61 is preferably vertically adjustable to accommodate children of different sizes.

As shown in fig. 5 and 10, the bottom support 61 of the seat 60 is a U-shaped component, and when properly positioned, the bottom support 61 and the back support 62 create a safe and comfortable seat on the chair 10. As described above, the bottom support 61 is adjustable and fastenable to any one of a plurality of fixed seat position channels 64, the fixed seat position channels 64 being found on a seat side panel 70 connected to the inner surface of the seat frame 20. The grooves 64 (three (3) are shown in the figure) are preferably spaced vertically from each other in an equidistant manner. Of course, more or fewer channels 64 may be used in the panel 70 to vary the degree of seat adjustability.

Referring to fig. 5-9, the features of side panel 70 will be more clearly illustrated. A panel 70 is mounted to each inner surface of each of the V-shaped members 21. The panel 70 is shown as being trapezoidal in the figures, but preferably can be shaped and sized to match the upper frame profile. Each panel 70 is composed of a first surface 71 having three position grooves 64 thereon and a second surface 72 opposite the first surface 71 and abutting the frame 20 for connection. At least one of the side panels 70 should include a slide bar channel 73 created between the abutting second surface 72 and the V-shaped member 21. The slide bar channel 73 is substantially transverse to and intersects the seat position channel 64, as will be described in further detail below.

The seat position channel 64 preferably has a lateral "T" shaped cross section designed to receive, retain and guide a T-shaped rail 74, as shown, the T-shaped rail 74 is connected to each side of the bottom support 61. The seat T-rail 74 contains a small V-shaped groove 75 and can enter the intended channel 64 at the front end 76 of the seat side panel 70 and then be guided to the terminating end 77 of the seat position channel 64 adjacent the rear end of the side panel 70. The taper on the forward end of the T-shaped rail 74 helps guide its insertion into the desired seat position channel 64.

The seat position channels 64 extend such that the rearmost end of each channel 64 progressively terminates forward as one moves from the top to the bottom of the side panel 70. The result of this grooved feature is that as the bottom support 61 is lowered, the bottom support 61 will move forward of the back support 62. This feature is directed to accommodate a child of greater volume as it deliberately moves the bottom support 61 forward to accommodate the longer upper leg with a continuous middle upper back support.

To lock the bottom support 61 to one of the channels 64, a slide bar 78 operates within a slide bar channel 73 of at least one of the side panels 70. Preferably, as shown in fig. 14, the slide bar 78 includes a flange 79 with one triangular end located at each seat position channel 64 location, i.e., three flanges for three seat position channels. When the bottom support 61 is inserted into any one of the seat position channels 64, the corresponding flange 79 engages the v-groove 75 of the T-rail 74 (FIG. 12). The flange 79 prevents the T-shaped rail 74 and thus the seat bottom support 61 from backing out of the groove 64, locking the seat in a certain position.

As shown in fig. 6A-6C, the T-shaped track 74 may be unlocked by sliding the slide bar 78 in the slide bar channel 73 (downward as shown) to disengage the corresponding flange 79 from the v-groove 75.

Referring to fig. 7 to 8, the operation of the release button 80 is explained. The release button 80 is slidably connected to a flange 81, the flange 81 extending from one end of the slide bar 78. The release button 80 may be moved vertically to lock or unlock the slide bar 78. The release button 80 may include a small protrusion or other such active tactile effect on the bottom surface that facilitates gripping of the release button 80 by a user's finger and movement of the release button 80 between the locked and unlocked positions.

Referring to fig. 6A-6C, the release button 80 is preferably flush with both the bottom side and the outer surface of the frame 20 when in the locked position. A small recess 82 in the frame member 21 accommodates the release button 80 so that it is not only flush with the frame 20, but also inconspicuous to a young child who may otherwise pull or push the device. When unlocked, the release button 80 extends outwardly from the frame surface, as shown in fig. 6B and 6C, allowing the slide bar 78 to be adjusted vertically to lock and unlock the bottom support 61 in the seat position channel 64, as described above.

Center pillar

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, a center (or crotch) support 100 is detachably mounted on the top surface of the bottom support 61. The post 100 will provide several benefits to the disclosed highchair. Preferably, the posts 100 are attached via suitable screws or bolts from the bottom side of the bottom support 61 upwards (advanced). However, most any connection that results in a strong center post 100 is also suitable.

A first benefit of the center pillar 100 is that it acts as a safety device that prevents a child seated in the seat 10 from sliding forward off the bottom support 61. The post 100 is preferably positioned across the center of the bottom support 61 to allow a child to straddle the post 100 while seated. However, the center post 100 is not the only support for supporting a child and should be used in conjunction with other safety measures.

Center post 100 also provides a single strap attachment point 102. The strap connection point 102 is created using a strap 104, the strap 104 extending from a slot 106 in the base of the center post 100. Of course, the resulting harness 120 is another safety feature that is used in many child seats. A suitable harness buckle 122 (e.g., a two-point harness or a three-point harness, depending on the type of safety harness used) is connected to the extended end of the strap (i.e., the free end outside the post). Removing the center post 100 may result in the remaining harness straps being unusable.

Yet another feature of the center post 100 is that it provides the only connection for the tray 90. Referring to fig. 11, a tray guide 91 is shown at the upper end of the center pillar 100. The tray guide 91 is open at both ends to allow attachment of the tray 90 from either direction (see discussion below). However, the guide 91 may also be open only at the front face and closed at the back face of the center post, if desired. Also shown is a retaining groove 92 in the tray guide 91, the retaining groove 92 comprising a plurality of tray position recesses 93. The tray guide 91 allows the tray to move laterally without disengaging from the center pillar 100. The position recess 93 allows the tray to be mounted at a specific position. The preferred embodiment shown has three (3) different position recesses 93 to provide three separate tray connection depths. Obviously, more positional recesses may be provided for greater adjustability, if desired.

Tray

Referring to fig. 15-20, a preferred embodiment of a high chair tray 90 is seen. In top view, tray 90 is shown to include a recessed food area 94 and two arm rest members 95. In a bottom view of the tray 90, a single handle 96 is shown positioned toward the front edge of the tray. A small hand shroud 97 covers the handle 96. A central post groove 98 containing pins 99 is located rearward of the handle 96 and shroud 97. From the interior view of the tray 90, it can be seen that the handle 96 is directly coupled to the pins 99 such that movement of the handle 96 results in movement of the pins 99.

The handle 96 is movable between three positions: a locked position, an adjusted position, and a released position. As shown in fig. 18A and 18B, in the "locked" position, the handle 96 is almost exposed within the shroud 97 and the pin 99 extends completely within the center post groove 98. In the "adjustment" position, the handle 96 is positioned approximately midway in the shroud 97 and the pin 99 extends approximately halfway into the central post groove 98, as shown in fig. 19A and 19B. Finally, as shown in fig. 20A and 20B, in the "release" position, the handle 96 is almost completely outside the shroud 97 and the pin 99 is fully retracted.

Referring back to the center post 100 figures and description, the tray 90 is positioned on the center post 100 in alignment with the center post groove 98. With the handle 96 in the "released" position, the tray 90 can be properly placed in contact with the top of the post 100. Thereafter, when the handle 96 is moved to the "adjust" position, such as via a biasing spring (not shown), the pins 99 are simultaneously moved into the retaining grooves 92 to secure the tray 90 to the posts 100. The user may move the pin 99 to the "locked" position to further release the handle 96. In this position, the pin 99 enters one of the tray position grooves 93, thereby preventing further movement of the tray 90 within the guide 91. To move the tray 90 to the new position recess 93, the handle 96 need only be moved to an "adjustment" position, wherein the pin 99 will be locked in the retaining groove 92, but not within the particular position recess 93. When the pins 99 are locked in the retaining grooves 92, the tray 90 is only laterally movable and cannot be removed from the center post 100. Of course, all of these operations can be accomplished with a single hand of the user.

To help guide the tray 90, two additional guides 110 may be formed on the underside of the tray 90, as shown. These additional guides 110 engage the upper portion of the bottom support 61. The guides 110 help prevent twisting of the pallet on the post 100 which could damage the pallet locking features (including the pins 99) and reduce effectiveness.

Braces

For clarity of the other figures, the back belt 120 is not analyzed in most of the views. However, it should be understood that these embodiments may include the use of the harness described below.

As shown in figures 21 and 22, the preferred harness 120 of the disclosed highchair 10 is a five-point contact system. The five points of contact include: at one point for each shoulder (two total), one point for each hip (two total) and one point for the crotch. Four-point, three-point, and two-point contact harnesses may also be used, if desired. In this embodiment, in addition to the center post connection described above, the straps of the harness pass through the back support 62 of the seat at slots 122. Each of these straps may be individually adjustable from the rear of the back support 62 rather than the front. This allows an adult to easily adjust the harness 120 to suit the seated child without disturbing the child's hands. The back adjustment feature also prevents the adjustment device from becoming sticky and dirty, thereby making adjustment easier.

Other embodiments

Referring to fig. 23-30, other embodiments of the highchair 10 of the present invention are shown. For example, fig. 23-26 illustrate an embodiment of a highchair 210 of the present invention that does not use a tray. The high chair 210 may be used to allow a child to eat, play, or perform any other activity while sitting alone at a separate table. Fig. 27-30 illustrate an embodiment of a highchair 310 without a center post and tray. Similar to the previous embodiment, the highchair 310 may be adapted for use with a stand-alone table or desk. However, without a central post, this highchair 310 may be best suited for older children who do not easily slide forward out of the seat. Naturally, suitable harnesses may be used for both high chair embodiments 210 and 310, if desired.

Fig. 31-38 are directed to a final embodiment of the present invention, booster seat 410. The disclosed booster seat 410 includes a seat 460 having a center pillar 500, a tray 490, and a frame 420. The seat 460 is shown to include an adjustable bottom support 461, as described in detail above. The booster seat 410 differs significantly from the high chair 10 in that the frame 420 has a significantly reduced number of legs 422. Thus, no frame supports or footrests are provided on the booster seat 410. The adjustable tray 490 cooperates with the center post 500 as described above for the high chair 10.

The subject matter described in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While several embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the applicant's contribution to the broader aspects. The actual scope of protection sought is to be defined in the claims when viewed at the appropriate angles based on the prior art.

Claims (8)

1. A high chair for seating a child, the high chair comprising:

a seat having a bottom support and a back support, the bottom support including a central post extending therefrom;

a frame connected to and supporting the seat at an elevation, a bottom support of the seat being vertically adjustable relative to the back support between a plurality of fixed seat position channels on a panel connected to an inner surface of the frame, wherein the seat position channels are each arranged to retain the bottom support therein and the seat position channels extend such that a rearmost end of each seat position channel progressively terminates forwardly moving from top to bottom of the panel, the frame further comprising a slide bar channel intersecting the seat position channels;

a seat latching mechanism for retaining the seat in any of the fixed seat position channels, the seat latching mechanism comprising:

a slide bar on the frame, the slide bar located in the slide bar channel and intersecting each of the fixed seat position channels and movable along an axis between a locked position and a released position, wherein the seat is locked in one seat position channel when the slide bar is in the locked position and the seat is removable from the seat position channel when the slide bar is in the released position; and

a button connected to one end of the slide bar and movable along an axis transverse to the slide bar axis between a first position and a second position, wherein the slide bar is prevented from moving when the button is in the first position and the slide bar is slidable between the slide bar locking position and a slide bar release position when the button is in the second position;

and

a tray removably coupled to the center pillar of the seat.

2. The highchair of claim 1, wherein the center post is detachable from the bottom support.

3. The highchair of claim 1, further comprising a tray latching mechanism for connecting the tray to the center post and capable of holding the tray in one of a plurality of connected positions and a release position.

4. The highchair of claim 3, wherein the tray latching mechanism comprises a single actuator for adjusting the tray latching mechanism between three settings, comprising:

a locked set state in which the tray is secured to the center post and prevented from moving;

adjusting a set state in which the tray is secured to the center post and slidably movable between a plurality of latching points; and

releasing a set state in which the tray is released from connection with the center post.

5. The highchair of claim 1, further comprising a harness for securing a child positioned in the seat, the harness being secured to the seat and adjustable for various sizes at a location adjacent the back of the back support.

6. The highchair of claim 5, wherein the harness comprises a harness strap connected to the center post.

7. The highchair of claim 1, further comprising a footrest supported in a second position on the frame, wherein the footrest is adjustable between a plurality of fixed footrest position channels on the frame.

8. The highchair of claim 7, wherein the footrest and the seat are independently adjustable.