Convertible infant chair assembly

Abstract

A convertible high chair is described that includes a bucket seat having a contoured backrest and an adjustable seatbelt to securely and comfortably secure an infant in place when having a meal or performing various activities. The bucket type seat serving as an infant seat is also detachable so as to adapt to infants of different body types and ages. For example, the bucket seat may be removed to transition the high chair from serving as an infant feeding chair to serving as an infant feeding chair, where the height of the infant seat is adjustable. The high chair is further provided with a movable tray, and the distance between the tray and the infant can be adjusted, so that the infant can conveniently obtain food and beverage. The tray may also be provided with an anti-spill lip to prevent food and beverage from spilling onto the legs or floor of the infant. The high chair also includes a robust base with legs that ensure that it can remain stable on various surfaces.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,185, filed on August 23, 2023, and entitled “CONVERTIBLE INFANT CHAIR ASSEMBLY,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Feeding infants and young children, including babies and toddlers, can be a challenging task as infants and young children require proper support and stability during feeding. Existing infant feeding chairs, also commonly referred to as "high chairs," do not provide adequate support, stability, and adjustability to ensure that infants and young children are safely and comfortably positioned during feeding. Existing chair designs are often bulky, difficult to assemble, may not work as infants and young children grow, and are difficult to operate. Background Art

[0004] The invention relates to a high chair for infants and young children, and in particular to a high chair which can be converted between a baby chair and a toddler chair and has an improved function for feeding infants and young children. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first aspect, an infant chair assembly is described, comprising: a support frame; an infant seat assembly, the infant seat assembly comprising a seat configured to support an infant in a seated position; and a safety belt assembly secured to the seat without passing through or being secured to a back of the seat, the safety belt assembly comprising shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a crotch belt secured to a front portion of the infant seat. The shoulder straps and the waist belt are removably attached to a buckle, and at least one of the shoulder straps, the waist belt, and the crotch belt is at least partially made of a fiber-reinforced silicone coating material.

[0006] In some aspects, all of the shoulder straps, waist straps, and crotch straps are at least partially made of a fiber-reinforced silicone-coated material. The infant chair assembly may also include a crotch support, wherein the crotch support includes two horizontally extending top members and a vertically extending center member, the vertically extending center member being positioned perpendicular to the two horizontally extending top members; and a notch and a notch lip located between the two horizontally extending top members.

[0007] The chair assembly may also include a tray having a bottom surface and a protrusion extending downward relative to the bottom surface, the protrusion being sized and positioned to be positioned in and engage with the notch and notch lip of the crotch strap. The protrusion includes a top protrusion portion and a bottom protrusion portion connected to each other; and the top protrusion portion has a width less than the notch and notch lip, and the bottom protrusion portion has a width greater than the notch and notch lip, so that the top protrusion portion is nested in the notch and the bottom protrusion portion is located below the notch lip, generating pressure between the protrusion and the notch lip of the crotch strap.

[0008] In a second aspect, a convertible infant chair assembly is described, comprising: a support frame; an infant seat assembly removably attached to the support frame, the infant seat assembly including a bucket seat configured to support an infant in a seated position; and a belt hub located at a backrest of the bucket seat, the belt hub including a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, two vertically oriented holes disposed on the first end and the second end, and two horizontally oriented holes. The belt hub includes a front portion having a contoured front surface, a rear portion having a body angled relative to the front portion, and an arm extending between the front portion and the rear portion. The backrest of the bucket seat includes a hole. The arm is disposed through the hole so that the belt hub is secured to the bucket seat and so that the relative front surface of the front portion is substantially flush with the backrest of the bucket seat.

[0009] The convertible infant chair assembly may also include a safety belt assembly, the safety belt assembly including a strap, the strap including: a first shoulder strap disposed through a first of the two vertically oriented holes and a first of the two horizontally oriented holes; a second shoulder strap disposed through a second of the two vertically oriented holes and a second of the two horizontally oriented holes; a crotch strap disposed through a bottom hole of the bucket seat; and a buckle, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are removably attached to the buckle. At least a portion of the strap is made of a silicone material or a fiber-reinforced silicone-coated material.

[0010] The convertible infant chair assembly may also include a toddler seat assembly including at least two of a backrest, a toddler seat, and a footrest that are separate from the backrest of the bucket seat. The support frame includes a plurality of support frame legs having a plurality of toddler seat tracks disposed on inner surfaces of the support frame legs, the toddler seat having a variable height that can be adjusted relative to the backrest of the toddler seat assembly via the plurality of toddler seat tracks. The infant seat assembly includes a rear support extending from a rear surface of the bucket seat, the rear support including an edge that is configured to engage a surface of a toddler seat backrest. The convertible infant chair assembly may also include a tray and a tray liner that is removably attached to the tray, the tray being configured to be horizontally adjusted relative to the bucket seat.

[0011] In a third aspect, a convertible infant chair assembly is described, comprising: a support frame; an infant seat assembly removably attached to the support frame, the infant seat assembly including a bucket seat configured to support an infant in a seated position; and a belt hub located at the backrest of the bucket seat, the belt hub including a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, two vertically oriented holes disposed on the first end and the second end, and two horizontally oriented holes disposed between the two vertically oriented holes. The belt hub also includes a front portion having a contoured front surface, a rear portion having a body angled relative to the front portion, and an arm extending between the front portion and the rear portion. The backrest of the bucket seat includes a hole. The arm is disposed through the hole so that the belt hub is rigidly fixed to the bucket seat and so that the relative front surface of the front portion is substantially flush with the backrest of the bucket seat.

[0012] The convertible infant chair assembly also includes a safety belt assembly including a strap, the strap including: a first shoulder strap disposed through a first of the two vertically oriented holes and a first of the two horizontally oriented holes; a second shoulder strap disposed through a second of the two vertically oriented holes and a second of the two horizontally oriented holes; a crotch strap disposed through a bottom hole of the bucket seat; and a buckle, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are removably attached to the buckle. At least a portion of the strap is made of a silicone material or a fiber-reinforced silicone-coated material.

[0013] The convertible infant chair assembly also includes a toddler seat assembly, which includes a backrest separated from the backrest of the bucket seat, at least two of a toddler seat and a footrest. The support frame includes a plurality of support frame legs, and a plurality of toddler seat tracks are disposed on the inner surfaces of the plurality of support frame legs. The height of the toddler seat can be adjusted relative to the backrest of the toddler seat assembly via the plurality of toddler seat tracks.

[0014] The toddler seat track is a raceway including an elongated recessed area disposed in the inner surface of the support frame leg; and the convertible infant chair assembly also includes a coupling mechanism coupled to the bottom surface of the toddler seat, the coupling mechanism including a hole and a pull button positioned through the hole, the pull button connecting the coupling mechanism with the inner surface of the support frame leg. The pull button is a threaded pull button that can be twisted and pulled to cause the rod to threadably disengage from the groove nested in the raceway. The infant seat assembly includes a rear support extending from the rear surface of the bucket seat, the rear support including an edge configured to engage the surface of the toddler seat backrest. The convertible infant chair assembly also includes a tray and a tray liner removably attached to the tray, the tray being configured to be horizontally adjusted relative to the bucket seat.

[0015] The convertible infant chair assembly also includes a support frame leg of the support frame, a bucket seat connector and a coupling mechanism, and the bucket seat connector and the coupling mechanism are both removably attached to the inner surface of the support frame leg. The bucket seat includes a side body that protrudes laterally from the bucket seat, and each side body includes a recess, and the bucket seat connector and the coupling mechanism are slidably disposed in the recess. The coupling mechanism is oblong, and the coupling mechanism includes a lip, and the protrusion disposed in the recess is configured to slide on the lip and engage with the lip to form an interference connection therewith. The bucket seat connector includes a seat engagement portion and a plurality of clips, and the bottom of the side body of the bucket seat is configured to be located in the recess so that the seat engagement portion contacts the inner top surface of the recess, and the clips engage the inner side wall of the recess.

[0016] In a fourth aspect, a convertible infant chair assembly is described, comprising: a support frame; an infant seat assembly removably attached to the support frame, the infant seat assembly comprising a bucket seat configured to support an infant in a seated position; and a bucket seat connector and a coupling mechanism, each of which is removably attached to an inner surface of the support frame. The bucket seat comprises side bodies protruding laterally from the bucket seat, and each side body comprises a recess in which the bucket seat connector and the coupling mechanism are slidably disposed.

[0017] The convertible infant chair assembly also includes a belt hub and a strap located in the belt hub. The belt hub includes a front portion having a contoured front surface, a rear portion having a body angled relative to the front portion, and an arm extending between the front portion and the rear portion. The backrest of the bucket seat includes a hole. The arm is disposed through the hole so that the belt hub is rigidly fixed to the bucket seat and so that the opposite front surface of the front portion is substantially flush with the backrest of the bucket seat.

[0018] The first shoulder strap is disposed through a first of the two vertically oriented holes and a first of the two horizontally oriented holes. The second shoulder strap is disposed through a second of the two vertically oriented holes and a second of the two horizontally oriented holes. The crotch strap is disposed through a bottom hole of the bucket seat. The first shoulder strap, the second shoulder strap, and the crotch strap are removably attached to the buckle. At least a portion of the strapping is made of a silicone material or a fiber-reinforced silicone-coated material. The various features of the above aspects are interchangeable and can be combined with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Many aspects of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, with emphasis placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals represent corresponding components in each view.

[0020] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a convertible chair assembly for use as an infant high chair according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is another top perspective view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is a front view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a rear view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 is a bottom view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 is a top view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 is a left side view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 is a right side view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a strap hub of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.10 is a front perspective view of a belt hub for a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 11A-11C 2 are front and perspective views, respectively, of a safety belt assembly of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.12 is an enlarged rear view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.13 is an enlarged front view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Fig.14 is a top perspective view of a convertible chair assembly with an infant assembly removed according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Fig.15 is an enlarged view of a convertible chair assembly showing a toddler seat track according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.16is another enlarged view of a convertible chair assembly showing a toddler seat track according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.17 is an exploded view of a toddler seat of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.18 is an enlarged perspective view of a bucket seat connector of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.19 is another enlarged perspective view of a bucket seat connector of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 20-23 are various perspective views of an oblong coupling mechanism of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.24 is an exploded view of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.25 is a perspective view of a strap adjuster for a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.26 is an isolated view of a crotch post of a convertible chair assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present invention relates to a convertible infant chair assembly that provides enhanced support, stability, configurability and adjustability to facilitate feeding infants, including infants, toddlers, etc. This convertible high chair includes a bucket seat with a contoured backrest and an adjustable safety belt to safely and comfortably hold the infant in place while eating, sitting, playing, or performing various activities. The bucket seat that serves as the infant seat is also removable to accommodate infants of different sizes and ages. For example, the bucket seat can be removed to convert the high chair from being used as an infant feeding chair to being used as a toddler feeding chair, wherein the height of the toddler seat is adjustable. The bucket seat of the high chair can accommodate a removable tray that can be adjusted at a distance from the infant to facilitate the infant to obtain food and drinks. The tray can also be equipped with an anti-spill lip to prevent food and drinks from spilling onto the infant's legs or onto the floor. The high chair also includes a sturdy base with legs that ensures stability on various surfaces.

[0044] Turning now to the drawings, various views of a convertible chair assembly 100 are shown according to various embodiments. Specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front perspective view of the convertible chair assembly 100 is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The front view and the rear view of the convertible chair assembly 100 are shown respectively. In addition, Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 and 2 show a bottom view and a top view of the convertible chair assembly 100, respectively. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Alternate side views of the convertible chair assembly 100 are shown.

[0045] Comprehensive reference Figure 1-Figure 8 , the convertible chair assembly 100 can include a support frame 103, a toddler seat assembly 106, and an infant seat assembly 109, as well as other components, parts, etc. to be described. Generally, the support frame 103 can include a plurality of legs 112a...112d (collectively referred to as "legs 112") that support the toddler seat assembly 106, the infant seat assembly 109, and other components to be described. The support frame 103 can include four legs 112, although it should be understood that other suitable numbers of legs 112 can be implemented.

[0046] In various embodiments, such as Figure 1-Figure 8 As shown, the legs 112 can be part of a lambda-shaped structure. For example, the legs 112 can include elongated leg members 115 disposed on opposite sides of the support frame 103, wherein each elongated leg member 115 is positioned at a first angle relative to the ground surface. The elongated leg members 115 can have a height substantially similar to that of the infant seat assembly 103.

[0047] The legs 112 may also include a support leg member 118 located at or near the top or center region of the elongated leg member 115. The support leg member 118 may be positioned at a second angle relative to the ground surface such that the legs 112 have a lambda configuration or an inverted V-configuration, or in an alternative example, the legs 112 have an A-frame configuration with an additional cross member (not shown) disposed between the elongated leg member 115 and the support leg member 118. The support leg member 118 may be angled and have a length such that the bottom end of the support leg member 118 is located behind the toddler seat assembly 106 and the infant seat assembly 109, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown in side view.

[0048] Comprehensive reference again Figure 1-Figure 8, the angle α between the elongated leg member 115 and the support leg member 118 can be pre-selected to provide a strong and rigid base to ensure support on a variety of surfaces. In some embodiments, the angle α is between 100° and 125°, such as 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, and 125°, although other angles may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the legs 112 can have anti-skid pads 119a...119d or be connected to anti-skid pads 119a...119d (collectively referred to as "anti-skid pads 119"). It will be understood that the anti-skid pads 119a...119d are coated with an anti-skid material or otherwise formed.

[0049] The support frame 103 may also include one or more cross members 121a, 121b (collectively referred to as "cross members 121") that connect opposite sides of the support frame 103 to provide additional support and rigidity, as well as a footrest 124. In some examples, a first cross member 121a connects opposing elongated leg members 115 having a circular cross section, and a second cross member 121b connects opposing support leg members 118 having a square or rectangular cross section. However, embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to these specific examples, and other types and styles of cross members 121 may be employed.

[0050] The footrest 124 can further connect opposite sides of the support frame 103 and can be used to supplement or replace the cross member 121 in some configurations. In some embodiments, the footrest 124 can be statically positioned on the support frame 103 so that the position of the footrest 124 cannot be moved, especially in embodiments where the toddler seat is adjustable. However, in some embodiments, the footrest 124 can be adjustable to adjust the distance between the footrest 124 and the toddler seat, as described below.

[0051] Typically, the footrest 124 can have a rectangular body and a flat surface. In some embodiments, the footrest 124 can have a contoured surface with rounded corners, which can prevent injuries in the case where the surface is not rounded or curved. The first distal end of the footrest 124 can be disposed in a recessed portion of the leg 112c, the cross-section of the recessed portion of the leg 112c being substantially similar to the cross-section of the footrest 124. Similarly, the second distal end of the footrest 124 can be disposed in a recessed portion of the leg 112d, the cross-section of the recessed portion of the leg 112d being substantially similar to the cross-section of the footrest 124.

[0052] Turning now to the infant seat assembly 109, in various embodiments, the infant seat assembly 109 can include a bucket seat 130, a crotch support 133, a belt hub 139, a tray 142, and a tray liner 145. Generally, the bucket seat 130 can be ergonomically contoured to support an infant. To this end, in some embodiments, the bucket seat 130 can include a rounded backrest 148, which further helps to retain the infant in the bucket seat 130. Fig.11A As shown, the bucket seat 130 may further include armrests 151a, 151b (collectively referred to as “armrests 151”) disposed on opposite sides of the bucket seat 130. The armrests 151 may be integrally formed with the circular backrest 148, and thus may be made of the same material by molding, additive manufacturing, or similar processes.

[0053] The crotch support 133 may include a T-shaped configuration having horizontally extending top members 154a, 154b (see Fig.13 , collectively referred to as "top member 154"), the top members 154a, 154b are connected to a vertically extending central member 157, which is positioned perpendicular to the top members 154a, 154b. The top member 154 and the central member 157 can be integral with each other and can therefore be a single piece. It will be appreciated that the top member 154 and the central member 157 together define leg holes, and the legs of an infant can be positioned through the leg holes so that the legs of the infant are disposed on opposite sides of the central member 157.

[0054] A clip 162 or other suitable connection mechanism (e.g., a strap-like protrusion) can be used to removably attach the center member 157 to the bucket seat 130 or other suitable portion of the infant seat assembly 109. For example, the clip 162 can be removably attached to a buckle hole 163, which is located, for example, at the front, bottom portion of the bucket seat 130. Similarly, screws 166, buckles, protrusions, tacks, and other suitable connection mechanisms can be used to removably attach the top member 154 to the bucket seat 130 or other suitable portion of the infant seat assembly 109.

[0055] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the belt hub 139 is also shown separately. The belt hub 139 can be configured to hold and secure the straps 169 of the safety belt assembly 170 to the bucket seat 130, wherein the straps 169, the belt hub 139, and / or the crotch support 133 together restrain the infant in the bucket seat 130. In some embodiments, the belt hub 139 can be positioned at the contoured backrest 148 of the bucket seat 130. In some embodiments, the belt hub 139 can be made of a polymer material, such as silicone. Fig.13As shown, the central member 157 of the crotch support 133 may be positioned and engaged with the crotch support aperture 164 .

[0056] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 1, the belt hub 139 can include a front portion 172 having a contoured front surface 175; a rear portion 178 having a body that is angled relative to the front portion 172; and a connecting arm 181 extending between the front portion 172 and the rear portion 178. In some embodiments, the backrest 148 of the seat assembly can include an aperture 184 through which the connecting arm 181 can be disposed so that the belt hub 139 can be secured (e.g., rigidly or removably secured) or positioned adjacent to the bucket seat 130 and such that the opposing front surface 175 of the front portion 172 of the belt hub 139 is flush or substantially flush with the backrest 148 of the bucket seat 130.

[0057] In some embodiments, the front portion 172 is removably attached to the connecting arm 181 , and / or the rear portion 178 is removably attached to the connecting arm 181 , which may facilitate placement of the belt hub 139 through the hole 184 by removing and replacing one or more of the front portion 172 and the rear portion 178 .

[0058] In some embodiments, Fig.12 As shown, a safety clip 173 may be provided. The safety clip 173 holds the rear portion 178 of the belt hub 139 on the infant seat, for example, when a significant force is applied to the front side of the belt hub 139, which may remove the belt hub 139 from the infant seat. The safety clip 173 may include a notch that allows the connecting arm 181 to slide therebetween, so that the safety clip 173 is nested between the rear portion 178 of the belt hub 139 and the rear end 196 of the bucket seat 130. Thus, the safety clip 173 provides additional surface area, which increases the amount of force required to remove the rear portion 178 from the hole 184.

[0059] In addition, the front portion 172 of the belt hub 139 may include a plurality of holes 187. For example, the belt hub 139 may include two vertically oriented holes 187a, 187b (collectively referred to as "vertical oriented holes 187") and two horizontally oriented holes 187c, 187d (collectively referred to as "horizontal oriented holes 187") disposed on the first and second ends of the front portion 172. The horizontally oriented holes 187 are located between the vertically oriented holes 187, and the tops of all the holes 187 are substantially aligned.

[0060] Fig.11A and Fig. 11BA safety belt assembly 170 is shown. The safety belt assembly 170 includes a strap 169 that can be used with the convertible chair assembly 100. The strap 169 of the safety belt assembly 170 can include a first shoulder strap 169a having an end disposed through a first vertically oriented hole 187a and a first horizontally oriented hole 187c. The strap 169 can also include a second shoulder strap 169b having an end disposed through a second vertically oriented hole 187b and a second horizontally oriented hole 187d.

[0061] In some embodiments, the straps 169 may provide an alternative crotch strap 169c disposed through a bottom hole of the bucket seat 130. In some embodiments, a buckle 160 may be provided to which the first and second shoulder straps 169a, 169b may be removably attached via male protrusions, tacks, or similar connectors. Fig.11A The buckle 160 shown includes a Y-shaped configuration or a three-point buckle, however, it should be understood that other types of buckles 160 may be used. For example, a two-point buckle, a four-point buckle, a five-point buckle, etc. may be implemented based on corresponding adjustments to the strap 169 and its components. The crotch strap 169c may be fixedly connected to the buckle 160, for example, by sewing, although other types of fixed connections may also be used.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the strapping 169 may be made of a fiber reinforced polymer coating material. The underlying material may or may not be formed by depositing a polymer material (e.g., silicone), by extruding or molding a polymer onto fibers, or a similar structure, which, when cured, produces a flexible strapping material. Implementation of such a coating material may provide enhanced performance, particularly in terms of cleanability, compared to a woven material alone, as the polymer coating is easily wiped clean and does not absorb food or other contaminants. The particular arrangement of the holes 187 on the belt hub 139 facilitates the use of a strapping 169 made of a fiber reinforced polymer coating material.

[0063] Thus, various embodiments of the convertible chair assembly 100 include a safety belt assembly 170. The safety belt assembly 170 is secured to the bucket seat 130 without the safety belt assembly 170 or its straps 169 having to be passed through or secured to the back of the bucket seat 130. Thus, the safety belt assembly 170 includes shoulder straps 169a, 169b, a waist belt, and a crotch belt 169c, and may further include a belt adjuster 188, as described below. The crotch belt 169c may be secured to the front of the seating surface of the infant seat 130. The safety belt assembly 170 may also include a buckle 160. The first shoulder strap 169a and the second shoulder strap 169b are removably connected to the buckle 160, and similarly, the waist belts 169d, 169e are removably connected to the buckle 160. The safety belt, including at least one of the shoulder straps 169a, 169b, the waist belt 169d, 169e and the crotch belt 169c of the safety belt assembly 170, is at least partially made of a fiber-reinforced silicone coated material. Fig. 11B As shown, generally, the seat belt assembly 170 may be secured to the front side of the backrest 148 of the bucket seat 130 without passing through or being secured to the rear side of the bucket seat 130 .

[0064] Reference now Fig. 11C , the belt hub 139 is shown relative to the belt adjuster 188, wherein the belt adjuster 188 can be used to further facilitate the orientation and placement of the strap 169 of the safety belt assembly 170. The belt adjuster 188 may include an integral body made of a polymer material (e.g., silicone). The integral body of the belt adjuster 188 may include an elongated top hole 189a, an elongated bottom hole 189b, and flexible holes 189c, 189d. Therefore, the belt adjuster 188 can be placed on the chest of an infant or child or other suitable area, wherein the strap 169 is looped through the ends of the top hole and the bottom hole. For example, the first shoulder strap 169a can be looped through the first side of the elongated top hole 189a and the first side of the elongated bottom hole 189b. Similarly, the second shoulder strap 169b can be looped through the second (opposite) side of the elongated top hole 189a and the second (opposite) side of the elongated bottom hole 189b. Depending on the size and geometry of the strap adjuster 188 relative to the strap 169, the position of the strap adjuster 188 may be directed by pulling the strap adjuster 188 upward or downward.

[0065] Return to reference Fig.12 ,like Fig.12, the bucket seat 130 may also include a rear support 193 extending from a rear end 196 of the bucket seat 130. The rear support 193 provides an additional point of contact to provide additional security and retention relative to the toddler seat assembly 106 and the infant seat assembly 109. Thus, in some embodiments, the rear support 193 may include a downward facing hook 199 that engages a surface 202 of the back of the bucket seat 130. It will be appreciated that other connections between the rear support 193 and the toddler seat assembly 106 may be used to provide support at the rear of the convertible chair assembly 100.

[0066] Return to reference Figure 1-Figure 8 , the tray 142 may include a generally flat surface that overhangs the bucket seat 130. The tray 142 may include a geometric shape or contour to serve as a divider for separating utensils or food placed therein. In some embodiments, the tray 142 may be horizontally adjustable relative to the bucket seat 130. In other words, the distance between the tray 142 and the infant may be adjusted front to back. To this end, the infant seat assembly 109 may include tray supports 205a, 205b (collectively referred to as "tray supports 205"), such as Fig.13 shown.

[0067] In some embodiments, the tray support 205 is nested under the armrest 151 and provides an area in which the protruding portion of the tray 142 is nested. The tray support 205 provides an area in which a portion of the tray 142 can slide, so that the tray 142 is cantilevered to the bucket seat 130. In some embodiments, the tray support 205 can be spring-loaded. To this end, the springs 208a, 208b (collectively referred to as "springs 208") of the tray support 205 can be configured and biased to facilitate horizontal movement and removal of the tray 142, thereby minimizing the amount of work required to adjust or remove the tray 142 from the bucket seat 130. The tray liner 145 can include a bottom surface that corresponds to the top surface of the tray 142. The tray liner 145 can be connected to the tray 142 by a snap connection, an interference fit, a friction fit, or a similar connection.

[0068] In some embodiments, the bucket seat 130 can be removed from the support frame 103 and / or the toddler seat assembly 106. A perspective view of the convertible chair assembly 100 is shown with the bucket seat 130 removed for illustrative purposes. Notably, the toddler seat assembly 106 includes a toddler seat backrest 211 and a toddler seat 214. In various embodiments, the toddler seat backrest 211 can be ergonomically contoured and thus can include a U-shaped, C-shaped, and / or semi-circular body. Thus, when the bucket seat 130 is removed, the toddler can sit on the toddler seat 214 and rest against the backrest 211. The footrest 124 can further be used in this particular configuration. It will be appreciated that the toddler seat backrest 211 is separate from the backrest 148 of the bucket seat 130. Although in Fig.14 It is not shown, but it should be understood that the seat belt assembly 170 can be used Fig.14 In the construction shown.

[0069] The legs 112 of the support frame 103 may include a toddler seat track 217 disposed on an inner surface 220 of the opposing legs 112, or more specifically, disposed on an inner surface 220 of the elongated leg member 115. The toddler seat 214 may thus have a variable height such that the toddler seat 214 may be adjusted relative to the backrest 211 of the toddler seat assembly 106 via the toddler seat track 217, as described below.

[0070] Fig.15 and Fig.16 An enlarged view of one representative toddler seat track 217 is shown, with the bottom of the toddler seat 214 being at the bottom for illustration purposes. Fig.16 115. The toddler seat track 217 is again shown on the inner surface 220 of one of the elongated leg members 115. The toddler seat track 217 may include a raceway 223, which may include an elongated recessed area disposed in the inner surface 220. In some embodiments, the raceway 223 may be rectangular with rounded edges. However, it should be understood that other shapes of the raceway 223 may be employed.

[0071] The coupling mechanism 226 can be integral with or coupled to the bottom surface of the child seat 214. For example, the coupling mechanism 226 can include an integral portion of the child seat 214 that protrudes downward. The coupling mechanism 226 includes a hole 229. The threaded pull button 232 can be positioned through the hole 229 to connect the coupling mechanism 226 with the inner surface 220 and / or the raceway 223. For example, the threaded pull button 232 can be twisted and then pulled using two fingers, which causes the rod 239 ( Fig.16) is threadedly separated from one of the plurality of holes or slots 235 nested in the raceway 223 without being completely removed from the hole 229 of the coupling mechanism 226. Although a threaded pull button 232 is described, in other embodiments, a non-threaded pull button can be used with a slot 235 in which no threads are provided. It should be understood that other types of connection mechanisms can be used.

[0072] In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 226 includes a hole or slot 235, a compression spring (not shown), and a threaded shaft terminating in a knob 232, the threaded shaft being positioned through the hole 235, the hole 235 connecting the coupling mechanism 226 to an adjacent track of the leg 112 of the support frame 103. The threaded shaft including the knob 232 can be turned clockwise or counterclockwise to couple or decouple the child seat to the raceway located in the leg 112. When decoupling, the threaded shaft and / or the compression spring push the knob 232 outward to guide the coupling mechanism 226 to fully release.

[0073] By moving the threaded knob 232, the child seat 214 can be adjusted vertically, for example, relative to a floor surface or relative to the child seat back 211. Although the legs 112 can be made of wood, plastic, or other materials, the raceway 223 can be made of the same or a different material, as long as the material is sufficient to facilitate substantial vertical movement of the child seat 214.

[0074] like Fig.16 as well as Fig.17 As shown in the exploded view of the toddler seat 214, the toddler seat 214 can be composed of a top portion 238, a bottom portion 241, and a support structure 244 disposed between the top portion 238 and the bottom portion 241. For example, the top portion 238 and the bottom portion 241 can be removably attached to each other using a plurality of corresponding protrusions and holes, which sandwich the support structure 244 therebetween. The support structure 244 may include a tubular metal or other rigid material that is disposed at the rear and front of the toddler seat 214 to provide support. The support structure 244 may include an end 247 that is bent and nested within the coupling mechanism 226, wherein the coupling mechanism 226 protrudes downward from the bottom of the toddler seat 214, as described above. The support structure 244 can therefore be made of stainless steel, steel, or other tubular materials. The support structure 244 can take other materials and shapes.

[0075] Fig.18 An enlarged view of the bucket seat connector 250 is shown, Fig.19 The bucket seat 130 is shown engaged with the bucket seat connector 250, Figure 20-23 Various views of the coupling mechanism 251 are shown, which in some embodiments may be pill-shaped or oblong. As described above, the bucket seat 130 (and / or the infant seat assembly 109) may be removably attached to the support frame 103. Figure 3 11 , the bucket seat 130 may include side bodies 253 a , 253 b (collectively referred to as “side bodies 253 ”) that protrude laterally from the bucket seat 130 . The bucket seat connector 250 may be coupled to a coupling mechanism 251 , which in turn is coupled to the inner surface 220 .

[0076] refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 , the side body 253 may include a recess 256 in which the bucket seat connector 250 and the coupling mechanism 251 are disposed. For example, the side body 253 may slide over and couple to the bucket seat connector 250 and the coupling mechanism 251 so that the bucket seat connector 250 is nested or located within the recess 256 to form a snap-fit ​​connection, an interference connection, and / or a friction fit with the bucket seat connector 250 and the coupling mechanism 251. Fig.18 As shown, the coupling mechanism 251 includes a lip 260, wherein a protrusion disposed within the recess 256 can slide over and engage with the lip 260 to form an interference connection therewith.

[0077] The bucket seat connector 250 may include a seat engagement portion 259 and clips 262a, 262b (collectively referred to as "clips 262"). The bottom of the side body 253 of the bucket seat 130 may be located in the recess 256 until the seat engagement portion 259 contacts the inner top surface of the recess 256. The size and position of the clip 262 may be set to engage with the inner side wall 265 of the recess 256, thereby promoting a friction connection, an interference connection, or a latch connection.

[0078] In some embodiments, bucket seat connector 250 can be removed from inner surface 220 of support leg member 118. For example, bucket seat connector 250 can be coupled to coupling mechanism 251 (and inner surface 220) via screws or other coupling mechanisms. Thus, when a child outgrows bucket seat 130, bucket seat connector 250 and coupling mechanism 251 can be removed. For example, Fig.14 For illustration purposes, the bucket seat connector 250 is removed.

[0079] Specific reference Figure 20-23, various perspective views of the coupling mechanism 251 are shown according to various embodiments. The coupling mechanism 251 may include a body 263 defining a lip 260. A cover 266 may cover a compartment 269 in which a screw 272 or other connection mechanism may be disposed, wherein the screw 272 may be positioned through a hole 275 to removably attach the coupling mechanism 251 to the inner surface 220. For example, the cover 266 may include a notch 278 that facilitates removal of the cover 266 using a tool. The notch 278 may be aligned with a recessed step 281 disposed in the body 263. For illustrative purposes, the cover 266 is shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cover 266 is Figure 21-23 Similarly, screw 272 is hidden in Figure 20-Figure 22 , but for illustration purposes, screw 272 is Fig.23 Hidden in.

[0080] refer to Fig.24 Exploded diagram and Figure 4 and Fig.12 As shown in the rear view of the convertible chair assembly 100, the infant seat assembly 109 and / or the bucket seat 130 may also include rear hooks 254a, 254b (collectively, "rear hooks 254"). In some embodiments, the rear hooks 254 can be used to secure the safety belt assembly 170 when not in use. For example, when placing a child in or removing a child from the bucket seat, the safety belt assembly 170 can be secured to the rear hooks 254 as a convenient way to keep the safety belt assembly 170 and its components out of the way when placing an infant in or removing an infant from the seat.

[0081] The above-mentioned infant high chair for feeding provides enhanced support, stability and adjustability to facilitate feeding of infants. The high chair is easy for caregivers to use, clean and adjust to accommodate infants of different sizes and ages. The high chair provides a safe and comfortable environment for infants while being fed. Therefore, it is expected that the present invention will be widely used in the field of infant high chairs for feeding.

[0082] Any of the various components of the convertible chair assembly 100 described herein may include or be made of various polymers (e.g., polypropylene, nylon, ABS, silicone, etc.), wood, metal, and any combination thereof. In embodiments using polypropylene, silicone, or other polymer materials, such polymer materials may be of food grade quality. In some embodiments, the legs 112 are wooden (e.g., beech), the straps 169 are silicone or silicone-coated webbing, the toddler seat track 217 is nylon-6, and the remaining components are polypropylene. The silicone-coated webbing may include, for example, silicone or silicone-coated fibers, silicone-coated linearly arranged filaments, or similar materials. However, it should be understood that other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, other polymer materials, such as polyurethane, may be used.

[0083] In some embodiments, the toddler seat assembly 109 can be removed and replaced with an infant recliner, an infant seat, or other type of seat for securing an infant. For example, an infant recliner can include a connector that couples to a bucket seat connector 250. An infant recliner can include a pillow with grooves or recesses for holding an infant in a specific area of ​​the recliner and can be used to hold an infant in a reclining position.

[0084] then, Fig.25 1 is an isolated view of the crotch support 133 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Similarly, the crotch support 133 can include a T-shaped configuration with horizontally extending top members 154a, 154b coupled to a vertically extending center member 157. The top member 154 and the center member 157 can be integral with each other and thus can be a single piece. It will be appreciated that the top member 154 and the center member 157 together define leg holes through which the legs of an infant can be positioned such that the legs of the infant are disposed on opposite sides of the center member 157.

[0085] In some embodiments, the central member 157 may include a clip 162 at a distal end of the bottom thereof. The clip 162 may form a snap connection with the bottom of the bucket seat 130, such as a snap hole 163 or other component located at the bottom of the bucket seat 130. The top members 154a, 154b may form a threaded or snap connection with the sides or other components of the bucket seat 130. In some embodiments, the crotch support 133 may include a notch 159 and a notch lip 161. For example, the notch 159 and the notch lip 161 may be located between the horizontally extending top members 154a, 154b. In some embodiments, the notch 159 and the notch lip 161 may include a trapezoidal configuration, but it should be understood that other geometric shapes may also be used.

[0086] Fig.261 is a bottom perspective view of the crotch support post 133 engaging the bottom surface 191 of the tray 142 according to various embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the tray 142 includes a protrusion 192 that extends downward relative to the bottom surface 191 of the tray 142. In some embodiments, the protrusion 192 can include a semi-circular protrusion that is sized and positioned to be positioned in and engage with the notch 159 and notch lip 161 of the crotch strap 133. To this end, the protrusion 192 can slide into the notch 159 to form a connection between the tray 130 and the crotch strap 133.

[0087] In some embodiments, the protrusion 192 may include a top protrusion portion 194 and a bottom protrusion portion 195 that are coupled to each other. The width of the top protrusion portion 194 may be less than the width of the notch 159 and the notch lip 161, while the width of the bottom protrusion portion 195 may be greater than the width of the notch 159 and the notch lip 161. Thus, the top protrusion portion 194 may be nested within the notch 159 and the bottom protrusion portion 195 may be located below the notch lip 161, creating pressure between the protrusion 192 and the notch lip 161 of the crotch strap 133. This connection provides an additional safety feature, ensuring that the infant will not fall if the tray 130 or the crotch strap 133 become detached from each other.

[0088] The above-mentioned features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner, and if possible, the features discussed in each embodiment can be interchanged. In the following description, many specific details are provided in order to fully understand the embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical solution of the present invention can be implemented without one or more specific details, or other methods, components, materials, etc. can be adopted. In other cases, well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring various aspects of the present invention.

[0089] Although relative terms such as "upper", "lower", "upper" and "lower" are used in the specification to describe the relative relationship of one component to another component, these terms are used in the specification only for convenience, for example, as directions in the examples shown in the drawings. It should be understood that if the device is turned upside down, the above-mentioned "upper" component will become a "lower" component. When a structure is "on" another structure, the structure may be formed as a whole on the other structure, or the structure may be "directly" disposed on the other structure, or the structure may be "indirectly" disposed on the other structure through other structures.

[0090] In this specification, terms such as "a", "an", "the", and "said" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements and components. The terms "consisting of", "comprising", "having", "including", and variations thereof are open ended and mean that in addition to the listed elements, components, etc., additional elements, components, etc. are included unless otherwise specified in the appended claims.

[0091] The terms "first", "second", etc. are used only as labels and are not limitations on some objects. It should be understood that if multiple components are shown, these components can be referred to as the "first" component, the "second" component, etc. within the applicable scope.

[0092] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible embodiments proposed for a clear understanding of the principles of the present invention. Many changes and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention and are protected by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An infant chair assembly, comprising: Support frame; an infant seat assembly, the infant seat assembly comprising a seat configured to support an infant in a seated position; and a seat belt assembly secured to the seat without passing through or being secured to a back side of the seat, the seat belt assembly comprising a shoulder belt, a waist belt, and a crotch belt, the crotch belt being secured to a front portion of the infant seat; wherein the shoulder straps and the waist belt are detachably attached to the buckles, and Wherein, at least one of the shoulder straps, the waist belt and the crotch belt is at least partially made of a fiber-reinforced silicone coating material.

2. The infant chair assembly according to claim 1, wherein: All of the shoulder straps, the waist belt and the crotch belt are at least partially made of a fiber-reinforced silicone-coated material.

3. The infant chair assembly of claim 1, further comprising a crotch support, wherein: The crotch support includes two horizontally extending top members and a vertically extending center member, the vertically extending center member being positioned perpendicular to the two horizontally extending top members; and A notch and a notch lip are located between the two horizontally extending top members.

4. The infant chair assembly of claim 3 further comprising a tray having a bottom surface and a protrusion extending downwardly relative to the bottom surface, the protrusion being sized and positioned to be positioned in and engage the notch and notch lip of the crotch strap.

5. The infant chair assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The protrusion includes a top protrusion portion and a bottom protrusion portion, and the top protrusion portion and the bottom protrusion portion are connected to each other; The width of the top protrusion is smaller than the width of the notch and the notch lip, and the width of the bottom protrusion is larger than the notch and the notch lip, so that the top protrusion is nested in the notch and the bottom protrusion is located below the notch lip, generating pressure between the protrusion and the notch lip of the crotch strap.

6. A convertible infant chair assembly, comprising: Support frame; an infant seat assembly removably attachable to the support frame, the infant seat assembly including a bucket seat configured to support an infant in a seated position; and A belt hub positioned at the backrest of the bucket seat, the belt hub comprising a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, two vertically oriented holes disposed on the first end and the second end, and two horizontally oriented holes, wherein: The belt hub includes a front portion having a contoured front surface, a rear portion having a body that is angled relative to the front portion, and an arm extending between the front portion and the rear portion; The backrest of the bucket seat includes an aperture; and The arm is disposed through the aperture such that the belt hub is secured to the bucket seat and such that an opposing front surface of the front portion is substantially flush with a backrest of the bucket seat.

7. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 6, further comprising a safety belt assembly, the safety belt assembly comprising a strap, the strap comprising: a first shoulder strap disposed through a first of the two vertically oriented holes and a first of the two horizontally oriented holes; a second shoulder strap disposed through a second of the two vertically oriented holes and a second of the two horizontally oriented holes; a crotch strap disposed through a bottom hole of the bucket seat; and A buckle, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are removably attached to the buckle.

8. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 7, wherein: At least a portion of the strapping tape is made of silicone material or fiber-reinforced silicone coating material.

9. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 6, further comprising: a toddler seat assembly including at least two of a backrest separate from the backrest of the bucket seat, a toddler seat, and a footrest; Wherein, the support frame includes a plurality of support frame legs, the plurality of support frame legs have a plurality of child seat tracks, the plurality of child seat tracks are arranged on the inner surfaces of the plurality of support frame legs, and the child seat has a variable height that can be adjusted relative to the backrest of the child seat assembly through the plurality of child seat tracks.

10. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 9, wherein: The infant seat assembly includes a rear support extending from a rear surface of the bucket seat, the rear support including an edge configured to engage a surface of a backrest of the infant seat.

11. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 6, further comprising a tray and a tray liner removably attached to the tray, the tray being configured to be horizontally adjusted relative to the bucket seat.

12. A convertible infant chair assembly, comprising: Support frame; an infant seat assembly removably attachable to the support frame, the infant seat assembly including a bucket seat configured to support an infant in a seated position; and A belt hub is positioned at the backrest of the bucket seat, the belt hub comprising a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, two vertically oriented holes disposed on the first end and the second end, and two horizontally oriented holes located between the two vertically oriented holes.

13. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 12, wherein: The belt hub also includes a front portion, a rear portion, and an arm, the front portion having a contoured front surface, the rear portion having a body, the body being angled relative to the front portion, and the arm extending between the front portion and the rear portion; The backrest of the bucket seat includes an aperture; and The arm is disposed through the aperture such that the belt hub is rigidly secured to the bucket seat and such that an opposing front surface of the front portion is substantially flush with a backrest of the bucket seat.

14. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 13, further comprising a safety belt assembly, the safety belt assembly comprising a strap, the strap comprising: a first shoulder strap disposed through a first of the two vertically oriented holes and a first of the two horizontally oriented holes; a second shoulder strap disposed through a second of the two vertically oriented holes and a second of the two horizontally oriented holes; a crotch strap disposed through a bottom hole of the bucket seat; and A buckle, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are removably attached to the buckle.

15. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 14, wherein: At least a portion of the strapping tape is made of silicone material or fiber-reinforced silicone coating material.

16. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a toddler seat assembly including at least two of a backrest separate from the backrest of the bucket seat, a toddler seat, and a footrest; Wherein, the support frame includes a plurality of support frame legs, the plurality of support frame legs have a plurality of child seat tracks, the plurality of child seat tracks are arranged on the inner surfaces of the plurality of support frame legs, and the height of the child seat can be adjusted relative to the backrest of the child seat assembly through the plurality of child seat tracks.

17. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 16, wherein: The toddler seat track is a raceway comprising an elongated recessed area disposed in an inner surface of the support frame leg; and The convertible infant chair assembly also includes a coupling mechanism coupled to a bottom surface of the toddler seat, the coupling mechanism including a hole and a pull button positioned through the hole, the pull button connecting the coupling mechanism with an inner surface of the support frame leg.

18. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 17, wherein: The pull knob is a threaded pull knob that can be twisted and pulled to threadably disengage the rod from the groove nested in the raceway.

19. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 17, wherein: The infant seat assembly includes a rear support extending from a rear surface of the bucket seat, the rear support including an edge configured to engage a surface of a backrest of the infant seat.

20. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 12, further comprising a tray and a tray liner removably attached to the tray, the tray being configured to be horizontally adjusted relative to the bucket seat.

21. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 12, further comprising a support frame leg of the support frame, a bucket seat connector, and a coupling mechanism, the bucket seat connector and the coupling mechanism both being removably attached to an inner surface of the support frame leg; in, The bucket seat includes side bodies that protrude laterally from the bucket seat, and each of the side bodies includes a recess in which the bucket seat connector and the coupling mechanism are slidably disposed.

22. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 21, wherein: The coupling mechanism is in an oblong shape and includes a lip, and the protrusion disposed in the recess is configured to slide on and engage with the lip to form an interference connection therewith.

23. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 22, wherein: The bucket seat connector includes a seat engagement portion and a plurality of clips, wherein the bottom of the side body of the bucket seat is configured to be located in the recess so that the seat engagement portion contacts the inner top surface of the recess and the clips engage the inner side wall of the recess.

24. A convertible infant chair assembly comprising: Support frame; an infant seat assembly removably attachable to the support frame, the infant seat assembly including a bucket seat configured to support an infant in a seated position; and a bucket seat connector and a coupling mechanism, both of which are removably attached to the inner surface of the support frame, Wherein, the bucket seat comprises side bodies, which protrude laterally from the bucket seat, and each of the side bodies comprises a recess, in which the bucket seat connector and the coupling mechanism are slidably disposed.

25. The convertible infant chair assembly of claim 24, further comprising a strap hub and a strapping strap, the strapping strap being located in the strap hub, wherein: The belt hub includes a front portion having a contoured front surface, a rear portion having a body that is angled relative to the front portion, and an arm extending between the front portion and the rear portion; The backrest of the bucket seat includes a hole; the arm being disposed through the aperture so that the belt hub is rigidly secured to the bucket seat and so that an opposed front surface of the front portion is substantially flush with a backrest of the bucket seat; A first shoulder strap is disposed through a first of the two vertically oriented holes and a first of the two horizontally oriented holes; a second shoulder strap disposed through a second of said two vertically oriented holes and a second of said two horizontally oriented holes; The crotch strap is arranged through the bottom hole of the bucket seat; The first shoulder strap, the second shoulder strap, and the crotch strap are removably attached to buckles; and At least a portion of the strapping tape is made of silicone material or fiber-reinforced silicone coating material.

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