GB2481628A

GB2481628A - Folding child seat

Info

Publication number: GB2481628A
Application number: GB1011070.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vanessa Ofori
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-01
Filing date: 2010-07-01
Publication date: 2012-01-04
Also published as: GB201011070D0

Abstract

A folding child seat comprises a base member 100 having a front 106 and a back 108; a top member 104 having a front 110 and a back 112; a leg member 102 having a base pivot 114 and a top pivot 116; with the base pivot 114 connected to the base member 102, either at the front or the back thereof; and the top pivot 116 connected to the top member 104, either at the front or back thereof; a seat 118.When folded, the envelope of folded shape comprises a smaller volume than that of upright state. The top, leg and base member form a Z-shape when upright, and a cuboid shape when folded. The apparatus can be used as a highchair or a baby feeding chair, and further comprises a carer seat 138 having a bridge member 140 and a stand member 142 which may be adjustable in height.

Description

Folding Child Seat

Background of the Invention

[111 The present invention relates to folding feeding chairs for babies.

[2] Folding feeding chairs are known in the art. For example, WO 2009033321 to Chen discloses a folding infant's feeding booster chair for using on top of an adult chair. The booster chair includes a seat, a chassis and folding brackets which are connected between the seat and the chassis.

The seat is provided with a removable tray. A space is vacant inside the chassis and the tray is accommodated and fixed in the space.

[311 US 5507550to Maloney discloses a highchair for an infant or toddler, which folds horizontally to a very small depth, while retaining its original width and height. The chair includes a seat element, a frame assembly for supporting the seat element on a supporting surface, and a feeding tray assembly on the seat element. The feeding tray assembly includes a centre support and retaining post which is secured to the front centre portion of the seat element, and a tray element which is adjustably secured to the upper end of the centre support and retaining post. The centre support and retaining post is operative for preventing a child from sliding downwardly between the seat element and the tray element regardless of the adjusted position of the tray element, and the seat element is secured to the frame assembly so that it is both vertically adjustable and reclinable.

[4] GB 2401544 to Caffyn discloses a foldable high chair which, when folded, stands at approximately half its vertical height and occupies very little of its original depth. The high chair comprises a seat portion and a frame. The frame supports the seat portion and comprises a front leg and a back leg. The seat portion comprises a back, a sitting portion and a tray, the seat portion and the frame being arranged such that when the seat is folded the seat portion is framed by the front leg and the front leg is framed by the back leg, and a face of the back is positioned adjacent to a face of the tray and a face of the sitting portion. The seat portion comprises a foot-rest, a calf-rest and a connecting section. The seat portion is arranged such that when the seat is folded a face of the back is flush with a first face of the tray and the sitting portion lies adjacent to a second face of the tray. The connecting section comprises a handle for carrying the chair when it is folded.

[5] Baby feeding chairs further having an associated carer seat are also known in the art.

[6] US 2006170260 to Schaller discloses a highchair apparatus having a first seat assembly for an infant or child and a second seat assembly for an adult or caregiver connected to and housed inside and preferably under the first seat assembly when not in use. In one embodiment, the adult seat assembly is detachable from the child seat assembly and positionable in relation thereto. In a further embodiment, the adult seat assembly is operatively connected to the child chair assembly and moveable to a plurality of positions in relation thereto.

Brief Simimry of the Invention [7] It can be seen from the forgoing that a need has arisen for a child feeding seat which folds small enough to be easily portable. It can further be seen that a need has arisen for such a folding feeding seat which as an associated carer seat.

[8] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a highchair or feeding seat which folds into a case-like size and shape adapted to be carried, which is easily portable.

It is a further object to provide such a baby feeding seat with an associated carer seat.

[9] To this end, a folding child seat apparatus is disclosed comprising: a base member having a front and a back; a top member having a front and a back; a leg member having a base pivot and a top pivot; wherein the base pivot is connected to the base member, either at the front or the back thereof; and the top pivot is connected to the top member, either at the front or back thereof. The apparatus further comprises a seat for supporting a child. The members pivot between an upright state and a folded state wherein an envelope of said folded shape comprises a smaller volume than an envelope of said upright state.

[10] An advantage of the present invention is that the highchair is lightweight and easy to carry when folded. A further advantage is that the shape when folded is not cumbersome and can be carried easily. A yet further advantage is that the apparatus unfolds automatically and does not require an extensive setup procedure.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing [11] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings, in which: [12] Figure 1 shows a front view of the apparatus in an upright state with a carer seat attached.

[131 Figure 2 shows a rear view of the apparatus in an upright state.

[14] Figure 3 shows the apparatus in a folded state.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[15] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 1-3 wherein like numerals refer to like components, a folding child seat apparatus is disclosed comprising: a base member 100 having a front 106 and a back 108; a top member 104 having a front 110 and a back 112; a leg member 102 having a base pivot 114 and a top pivot 116; wherein the base pivot is connected to the base member, either at the front or the back thereof; and the top pivot is connected to the top member, either at the front or back thereof. The apparatus further comprises a seat 118 for supporting a child. The members pivot between an upright state and a folded state wherein an envelope of said folded shape comprises a smaller volume than an envelope of said upright state.

[16] Preferably the top, leg, and base member form a Z shape when upright, and a cuboid shape when folded.

[17] The apparatus is designed to be used as a highchair or baby feeding chair, which can be easily folded from an upright Z shape in use, to a cuboid shape for transportation.

[18] The front and back of the base and top member are indicated in the figures and are so labelled with respect to a child sitting in the seat, thus the back is behind the child and the front is in front of the child.

[19] The base member is a substantially rigid panel or piece which is generally flat at least around its edges such that it forms a stable base to support the apparatus. As shown in the figures, the base member is preferably a substantially shaped as three sides of a rectangle, the fourth side being made up by the base pivot. The inside area of the rectangle is substantially empty creating a cavity. Advantages of this shape are that the rectangular shape enables the seat to fold into a cuboid which is convenient for storage and transport, and the emptiness uses less material and enables the whole assembly to be lighter, facilitating transport. Furthermore the cavity is a space into which other components can fold. The rectangular shape preferably comprises rounded edges as shown, ensuring smooth surfaces for the child and preventing injury from sharp corners. Alternatively the base member may comprise a filled in rectangular shape as opposed to an empty one, and may comprise any shape for example circular, elliptical, square, or any shape. Preferably the base is generally flat at least around its edge such that all parts of the base support the seat. Alternatively the base may not be flat and may comprise a number of support points which are horizontally level and support the seat, as well as a number of raised points. The base member pivots with respect to the leg member to fold the chair.

[20] The top member is a substantially rigid panel or piece which is generally flat at least around its edges such that it forms a level table or a stable frame or structure, to support a table. The top member is similar to, and may be the same as, the base member, and is preferably substantially shaped as three sides of a rectangle, the fourth side being the top pivot, the inside area of the rectangle being empty. Advantages of this are light weight, convenience of folding, and presence of a cavity as described above with respect to the base member. The top member may be smaller than the base member for added stability. The top member preferably comprises rounded corners for the same reasons as the top member. Alternatively the top member may be at least partially filled in, and in particular a filled in part of the top member may comprise a table for a child seated in the seat.

The top member preferably comprises at least some empty part or gap to admit the torso of a child being seated in the seat vertically below the top member, with the upper body of the child being above the top member, as is conventional in a high chair.

The top member is preferably the same shape as the base member to enable compact folding, however it may be a different shape. The top member may comprise any shape. The top member pivots with respect to the leg member to fold the chair. The axis of rotation of the top member is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the base member when folding.

[21] The leg member preferably comprises a substantially straight, rigid member since this is structurally the strongest shape. Preferably, the leg member can be made shorter in said folded state and longer to adjust a height of said seat in said upright state. The height adjustment means may comprise any such means known in the art. Most preferably, the leg member comprises two telescoping portions, an outside portion 120 and an inside portion 122 as shown, further comprising adjustment holes 124 with a push pin as shown for adjusting the length of the leg member and therefore the height of the chair. Furthermore the height adjustment means may be automatic and the leg may automatically extend upon release of the release means described below, for example via a spring inside the telescoping portions or other means known in the art. Alternatively the leg member may be any non-straight shape and may be of fixed length or may extend and contract via any means known in the art.

[22] The base and top pivots are preferably disposed as shown in the figures, with the base pivot connected to the front of the base member, and the top pivot connected to the back of the top member. This configuration provides a Z shape and is structurally strongest since the angles between the members are smaller than 900, and has the leg member behind the seated child where it will not be in the way of the child.

[23] However, alternatively base pivot may be connected to the back of the base member and the top pivot connected to the front of the top member. This configuration maintains the advantages of the Z shape although the leg member is more accessible to the child.

[24] Furthermore, the base pivot may be connected to the back of the base member and the top pivot connected to the back of the top member, providing a C or U shape. Such a shape may fold by bringing the top and base members in turn towards the same side of the leg member, or by rotating one of the top or base members away from and over the leg member to form a Z shape and folding as in the preferred arrangement. The shapes of the members may be adapted to enable flat folding.

[25] Yet further, the base pivot may be connected to the front of the base member and the top pivot to the front of the top member to form a C or U shape. Such a shape may fold in any of the ways mentioned above and the members may be adapted to enable flat folding.

[26] A defining feature of the top and base pivots is that both pivots are in the same plane, that is, the axes of rotation of the top and base members, rotating about the top and base pivots, are substantially parallel.

[27] The apparatus preferably further comprises a back member 144 pivotably connected to the back of said top member for supporting a back of a child. The back member preferably pivots about the top pivot mentioned above, thereby reducing weight and bulk by using one pivot to connect three members (top, back and leg) . Alternatively however there may be a separate pivot for this purpose, preferably in the same plane as the other pivots or alternatively in another plane.

[28] The back member may be a rigid, padded or flexible member or may comprise a rigid frame with flexible support fabric or the like inside the frame, or may comprise a padded cushion supported on a frame or backing. Preferably the height and width of the back member are such that, for a substantially hollow top member as shown in the figures, the back member folds to fit inside the cavity created by the shape of the top member.

Alternatively the back member may be any shape or size and may telescope, fold or otherwise reduce in size to fit within the folded apparatus or may protrude from the folded apparatus.

[29] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a table 128. The table is preferably a separate, removable component which slots or otherwise fits onto the top member for use, and is removed when not required. Furthermore, the table may be shaped as shown in the figures such that it also slots or otherwise fits over the entire apparatus in a folded state. The table may thus act as a release means for maintaining or fastening the apparatus in its folded state, simply by enveloping the top and base members when folded and holding them together, and releasing them when removed. Furthermore a release latch, catch, hook or other fastening or release means known in the art may be disposed on the table, top or base pivot, or any other member for releasing the apparatus from its folded state and allowing it to unfold automatically or to be unfolded manually. (An automatic unfolding mechanism for the apparatus is described below.) Alternatively, and as mentioned above, the table may not be removable and may comprise part of the top member. Advantages of a removable table are that it can be easily cleaned, and furthermore that it can be used as a release means for the apparatus in a folded state.

[30J The apparatus is preferably designed such that, upon release of the release means described above, the apparatus automatically pivots towards its upright state. To this end, the base and top pivots preferably comprise torsion springs as known in the art. The torsion springs are twisted and store potential energy when the apparatus is folded and held closed with the release means (such as a catch and/or the table) . When the release means is released, the torsion springs in the top and base pivots release their stored energy by unfolding the members connected to the pivots. Such a mechanism is widely known in the art with many variations, any of which may be used in the present apparatus. Furthermore, any other means of unfolding and erecting the apparatus automatically may be used. The pivots preferably further comprise locking means as known in the art, preferably disposed inside the pivots, for locking the top, leg and base members in their relative positions when upright. Unlocking means 126 such as a button, pin, catch or the like as known in the art may be disposed on the pivots or the top, leg and/or base members for releasing the members from their locked positions and enabling the apparatus to be folded. Automatic folding means may also be included.

[31] The seat of the apparatus preferably comprises a simple strip of flexible support material as shown in the figures for providing a support surface to hold a child's weight. The seat may comprise fabric, wipeable plastic, or any suitable material known in the art. The flexibility of the seat facilitates folding. Alternatively the seat may be rigid or stiff material and/or may be a more complex shape, for example shaped to more closely fit around the body of a child, or any shape. The seat may or may not be padded, and may or may not be connected to the back member. The seat may comprise a three or five point child harness 146 as known in the art to restrain a child seated therein.

[32] The apparatus preferably further comprises at least one handle, in its folded state, whereby the apparatus can be carried. The handle may be a small grip handle 132, which is shown disposed on the table although it may be elsewhere on the apparatus, and/or the handle may comprise a strap 134, for carrying the apparatus over a shoulder. This strap is also shown disposed on the table although it may be elsewhere on the apparatus. The strap may be removable and may be adjustable in length as known in the art.

[33] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a pocket 136 which is accessible with the apparatus both in the folded state and in the upright state. The pocket is preferably disposed behind the seat back thus is always accessible, and preferably comprises flexible material which can be flattened when not in use and can expand to accommodate the contents of the pocket.

Bottles, feeding equipment and the like can be carried in the pocket.

[34] Although various shapes have been mentioned herein, preferably the top and base members each comprise three sides of a rectangle, with the top pivot and base pivot respectively forming the fourth sides. With this in mind, preferably the apparatus folds into the general shape of a cuboid. The apparatus preferably folds by shortening the leg member (if it is of adjustable height) to have a length substantially equal *to the length of the top and base members in a direction measured perpendicular to the pivots, using the unlocking mechanism to unlock the top and base members, and folding to form approximately a cuboid as shown in Figure 3. An advantage of the cuboid shape is that it is easily transportable and easy to store. Storage facilities such as cupboards, shelves, boxes, overhead luggage compartments, suitcases, and the like are frequently designed to accommodate substantially cuboid shapes, and persons are accustomed to carrying cuboid shaped bags such as record bags, laptop cases and briefcases.

[35] Preferably, the dimensions of the apparatus when folded are substantially of the order of 40 x 41 x 10cm, which is within the size of commonly carried bags such as a record bag, briefcase, laptop case or the like, or less than these dimensions, therefore the apparatus is adapted to be carried and is easy to carry.

[36] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a carer seat comprising: at least one bridge member 140; a seat member 138 and at least one stand member 142. The carer seat is a removable seat for a carer caring for the child to sit on while feeding the child.

[37] The bridge member connects the carer seat to the leg member or another part of the apparatus and thereby holds the carer seat upright. The bridge member is preferably a substantially straight rigid strut. The at least one stand member provides at least one leg for the carer seat, and may be adjustable in height by any means known in the art.

[38] The stand member is preferably a substantially straight rigid strut incorporating height adjustment means which may be the same as those used in the leg member, or any other height adjustment means known in the art.

[39] The seat member provides the sitting surface and as such is preferably substantially flat or may be curved, ergonomically shaped and/or padded for comfort. The seat member may rotate with respect to the stand member enabling the carer to swivel and thereby adjust the position of the seat with respect to the child. The seat member is preferably shaped similarly to the base and top members such that it can be easily stored in the same place as the rest of the apparatus. Furthermore the bridge, seat and stand member may fit inside the rest of the apparatus in a folded state, for example with the seat member in the cavity mentioned above created by the empty rectangular shape of the base or top member, and the bridge and stand members either side of the leg member, enabling the whole to be carried and/or stored as one unit, that is, the carer seat can be contained substantially within the dimensions of the substantially cuboid shape of the apparatus in its folded state.

[40] Preferably the components of the carer seat are easily separable to dismantle the carer seat and enable folding of the apparatus. The components may screw, slot, snap fit or otherwise removably fit into each other and into the leg member to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the carer seat.

[41] The seat components preferably comprise carbon reinforced ABS or PET, chosen for strength, lightness of weight, durability and inexpensiveness, unless otherwise stated herein, or may comprise any other suitable material.

Claims

Claims 1. A folding child support apparatus comprising: a base member having a front and a back; a top member having a front and a back; a leg member having a base pivot and a top pivot; wherein said base pivot is connected to the base member at a location selected from the list comprising: front, back; wherein said top pivot is connected to the top member at a location selected from the list comprising: front, back; and a seat for supporting a child; wherein said members pivot between an upright state and a folded state wherein an envelope of said folded shape comprises a smaller volume than an envelope of said upright state.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base, top, and leg member are connected in a Z shape.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base, top, and leg member are connected in a C shape.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein an axis of rotation of said base member and an axis of rotation of said top member are substantially parallel.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a back member pivotably connected to the back of said top member for supporting a back of a child.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a table.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said table is removable.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said table comprises fastening means.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said top member supports saidtable.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said leg member is adjustable in length whereby said leg member can be made shorter in said folded state and longer to adjust a height of said apparatus in said upright state.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base and top pivots comprise torsion springs.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a release means wherein said apparatus automatically pivots towards said upright state upon release of said release means.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein, in said folded state, said apparatus comprises a handle whereby the apparatus can be carried.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein, in said folded state, said apparatus comprises a substantially cuboid shape.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein, in said folded state, said apparatus has dimensions substantially of the order of or less than 40 x 41 x 10cm whereby the apparatus is adapted to be carried.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a pocket wherein said pocket is accessible in said folded and said upright states.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a carer seat comprising: at least one bridge member; a seat member and at least one stand member.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein at least one from the list comprising: height of said carer seat, position of said carerseat, is adjustable.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein, in said folded state, said carer seat can be contained substantially within the dimensions of said substantially cuboid shape.*.:r: INTELLECTUAL . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No: GB 1011070.8 Examiner: Mr Philip J. Roe Claims searched: 1-19 Date of search: 10 November 2010 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X 1, 3-9 US 2007/0089648 Al (HARRISON et al) see whole document, especially paras [00091 - [0020], [0040], and figures 1-5.X 1,2,6 CN101721070A (GOODBABY CHILD PRODUCTS CO LTD); 09.06.20 10; see WPI Abstract Accession No. 2010/H35848-45, and all figures.A -W02007/112883A (L'INGLESINA BABY S.P.A.) see whole document, especially page 2 line 21 -page 3 line 4, and figure 1.A -CN201150393Y (DONGGUAN LIAOBU QIJA COMMODITY DESIGN); 19.11.2008; see WPI Abstract Accession No. 2009/A09170-01, and all figures.Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after. hut with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in Ihe following areas of the UKCX Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC I A47C; A47D The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report EPODOC, WPI, TXTE International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From A47D 000 1/02 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk