Toddler high chair and procedures for its use

Abstract

Toddler high chair (100), including: a stand frame (102) comprising a locking element (118) actuating to lock the stand frame (102) in an unfolded state, and a release actuating element (172) functionally connected with the locking element (118) and arranged near a foot (110) of the stand frame (102); a seat assembly (104) comprising a seat support frame (124) connected to the stand frame (102), wherein the seat support frame (124) is vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame (102); a locking device (154), operable to lock the seat assembly (104) at a desired height relative to the stand frame (102); a side segment (138), pivotably connected to the seat support frame (124), wherein the side segment (138) is rotatable between a folded state and an unfolded state; and a linkage (162) functionally connected to the side segment (138) and the locking device (154); wherein a rotation of the side segment (138) in a folding direction causes a sliding movement of the linkage (162) which actuates an unlocking of the locking device (154) to allow a vertical movement of the seat assembly (104) relative to the stand frame (102), and a downward displacement of the seat assembly (104) to a predetermined lower position forces the release actuating element (172) into a movement to actuate a release mechanism of the locking part (118) so that a folding of the stand frame (102) is made possible.

Description

Cross-reference to related patent application(s)

[0001] This application is a divisional application of German patent application No. 102015106785.4, filed on April 30, 2015, which claims priority rights from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 996,261, filed on May 2, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 998,924, filed on July 11, 2014. Background 1. Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to toddler high chairs. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0003] High chairs for toddlers and children typically consist of a rigid frame supporting a seat above the floor and a tray attached to the seat. Conventional high chairs for toddlers usually have a large base and an oversized tray that can take up significant space in a kitchen or other room, making it difficult for a caregiver to organize the dining area in a space-limited room. Another disadvantage of certain existing high chairs is a relatively complex folding procedure: A caregiver often has to perform three or more steps or operate several locking devices separately in a sequence to fold the high chair for storage. Furthermore, a certain folded configuration of the high chair may not be compact enough for convenient storage, which can discourage the caregiver from folding the high chair.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved high chair for toddlers that has a more compact storage size and can at least address the above problems.

[0005] US 4,722,570 A relates to a foldable high chair with multiple use positions, comprising a base frame consisting of two pairs of legs arranged, in use, substantially in the shape of an inverted V; a seat provided with a support frame slidably engaged by sleeves along the front legs of the base frame; and a U-shaped control lever. The seat is movable from a lowered position to a fully raised position.

[0006] US 6 050 643 A relates to a children's chair comprising a frame, a seat slidably mounted on the frame, and a height adjustment mechanism configured to fix the seat at a selected height on the frame. US 6 161 898 A relates to an adjustable high chair having a seat connected to a frame via seat position adjustment elements.

[0007] US 2009 / 0 250 977 A1 relates to a folding device for a high chair. The folding device is located at the pivot point between the rear leg frame and the front leg frame of a high chair and allows a user to complete the folding process by pressing a drive element. When the drive element is pressed, an engagement element of the folding device moves accordingly to an unlocked position, allowing the rear leg frame to detach from the front leg frame and pivot around it. Summary

[0008] The present application describes an infant high chair that is easily foldable and can be folded into a more compact size for easier storage. In one embodiment, the infant high chair includes a stand frame, a seat assembly, a locking device operable to lock the seat assembly at a desired height relative to the stand frame, a side segment, and a linkage operatively connected to the side segment and the locking device. The stand frame includes a locking member operable to lock the stand frame in an extended state, and a release actuator operatively connected to the locking member and disposed near a base of the stand frame. The seat assembly includes a seat support frame connected to the stand frame, the seat support frame being vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame.The side segment is pivotally connected to the seat support frame, and the side segment is rotatable between a folded state and an unfolded state. Rotation of the side segment in a folding direction causes a sliding movement of the linkage, which actuates unlocking of the locking device to enable vertical movement of the seat assembly relative to the stand frame. Downward displacement of the seat assembly to a predetermined lower position urges the release actuator to move, actuating a release mechanism of the locking member, thus enabling folding of the stand frame.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a toddler high chair includes a stand frame and a seat assembly. The stand frame includes a locking member operable to lock the stand frame in an extended state, and a release actuator operatively connected to the locking member and disposed proximate a foot of the stand frame. The seat assembly includes a seat support frame connected to the stand frame, the seat support frame being vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame. Downward displacement of the seat assembly relative to the stand frame to a predetermined lower position urges the release actuator to actuate a release mechanism of the locking member, thereby enabling folding of the stand frame.

[0010] According to yet another embodiment, a toddler high chair comprises a stand frame, a seat assembly, a locking device, a side segment, and a linkage. The stand frame includes a locking member operable to lock the stand frame in an extended state. The seat assembly includes a seat support frame connected to the stand frame, wherein the seat support frame is vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame. The locking device is operable to lock the seat assembly at a desired height relative to the stand frame. The side segment is pivotally connected to the seat support frame, wherein the side segment is rotatable between a folded state and an unfolded state. The linkage is operatively connected to the side segment and the locking device.Rotation of the side segment in a folding direction causes a sliding movement of the linkage, which actuates unlocking of the locking device to allow vertical movement of the seat assembly relative to the stand frame.

[0011] The present application describes a toddler high chair that is easily foldable and can be folded into a more compact size for easier storage. In one embodiment, the toddler high chair includes a stand frame, a seat assembly, and a side segment. The seat assembly includes a seat support frame movably connected to the stand frame, and rear and front seat portions each connected to the seat support frame, with the front seat portion being connected to the seat support frame and the side segment, respectively, at two vertically spaced locations. The side segment is pivotally connected to the seat support frame about a pivot axis and is rotatable between a folded state and an unfolded state.Rotation of the side segment in a folding direction from the unfolded state to the folded state drives a rearward sliding displacement of the front seat part relative to the rear seat part.

[0012] According to another embodiment, an infant high chair includes a stand frame, a seat assembly, a locking device operable to lock the seat assembly at a desired height relative to the stand frame, a side segment pivotally connected to the seat support frame and rotatable between a folded state and an unfolded state, and a linkage operatively connected to the side segment and the locking device. The stand frame includes a locking member operable to lock the stand frame in an unfolded state, and a release actuator operatively connected to the locking member and disposed near a foot of the stand frame. The seat assembly includes a seat support frame connected to the stand frame, the seat support frame being vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame.Rotation of the side segment in a folding direction causes sliding movement of the linkage, which actuates the locking device to unlock to allow vertical movement of the seat assembly relative to the stand frame, and downward displacement of the seat assembly to a predetermined lower position urges the release actuator into movement to actuate an unlocking mechanism of the locking member.

[0013] The present application further describes a method of operating an infant high chair. The method includes rotating the side segment from the unfolded state to the folded state while maintaining the side segment in the folded state, moving the seat assembly downward relative to the stand frame to a lower position near a foot of the stand frame, wherein the downward movement of the seat assembly urges the release actuator to move to actuate a mechanism of the locking member to unlock the stand frame, and folding the unlocked stand frame.

[0014] Advantages of the toddler high chair described here include the ability to fold into a more compact size for easier storage and an easier folding process of the toddler high chair. Short description of the drawing Fig. 1 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a toddler high chair; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the Fig. 1 with a seat assembly adjusted to a different height; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the Fig. 2 shows the toddler high chair from a different angle; Fig. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a hinge assembly connecting two leg segments of the toddler high chair; Fig. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a portion of the toddler high chair including a seat assembly and two side segments; Fig. 6 is a schematic view illustrating internal construction details of a side segment including a locking member operable to lock the side segment in a deployed condition; Fig. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the seat assembly without the front seat portion; Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating the side segments turned downwards with respect to the seat assembly; Fig. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a locking device operable to lock the seat assembly of the toddler high chair at different heights; Fig. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a linkage device connecting a side segment to the Fig. 9 shown locking device; Fig. 11 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a lower portion of the linkage device including a rocker arm; Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing a process used in Fig. 11 shows the lever used in the linkage device; Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are schematic views illustrating exemplary operation of the linkage device coupling a folding rotation of the side segment with an unlocking movement of the locking device; Fig. 15 is a schematic view illustrating a guide track provided in a side segment of the toddler high chair; Fig. 16 is a schematic view illustrating the internal construction of a leg segment of the toddler high chair including a release actuator disposed near a foot of the leg segment; Fig. 17 is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the lever during a folding operation of the toddler high chair; Fig. 18 is a schematic view illustrating an intermediate state in a folding operation of the toddler high chair where the side segment is rotated toward a folded state while the stand frame is in an unfolded configuration; Fig. 19 is a schematic view illustrating another intermediate state in the folding process where the seat assembly with the side segment in the folded state is moved to a lower position near a foot of the stand frame; Fig. 20 is a schematic view illustrating the toddler high chair in a fully folded state; Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 are schematic views illustrating a safety device provided in the toddler high chair to prevent an arrangement in which the side segments are in the unfolded state and the seat assembly is in a lower position initiating unlocking of the stand frame; and Fig. 23 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a storage locking device provided in the toddler high chair. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0015] The Fig. 1 through 3 are schematic views illustrating one embodiment of an infant highchair 100. The infant highchair 100 may include a stand frame 102 and a seat assembly 104. The stand frame 102 may include a front leg frame 106 and a rear leg frame 108 pivotally connected to each other via a pivot axis P1. The front leg frame 106 may include two leg segments 106A and a transverse segment 106B connected between the two leg segments 106A near their lower ends. Similarly, the rear leg frame 108 may include two leg segments 108A and a transverse segment 106B connected between the two leg segments 108A near their lower ends. The lower end of each of the leg segments 106A and 108A includes a foot 110 that can rest adjacent a floor surface.In addition, wheel assemblies 111 may be provided at least on the leg segments 106A near the feet 110 to facilitate the transportation of the toddler high chair 100.

[0016] Two hinge assemblies 112 may each pivotally connect the upper ends of the leg segments 106A to the upper ends of the leg segments 108A about the pivot axis P1. In one embodiment, the two hinge assemblies 112 may be similar in construction and may be arranged at a left and a right upper end of the stand frame 102. In conjunction with the Fig. 1 to 3 is Fig. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a hinge assembly 112 connecting a leg segment 106A to a leg segment 108A. The hinge assembly 112 may include a coupling shell 114 attached to the leg segment 106A, another coupling shell 116 attached to the leg segment 108A, a locking member 118 pivotally connected to the coupling shell 114, and a spring 120 having two ends anchored to the locking member 118 and a fixed point of the coupling shell 114, respectively. For clarity, a portion of the coupling shell 114 is shown in FIG. Fig. 4 has been omitted to better show the arrangement of the locking member 118 and the spring 120. The locking member 118 can rotate relative to the coupling shells 114 and 116 to engage and disengage from an opening 122 formed through the coupling shell 116. Coupling the locking member 118 to the opening 122 can lock the leg segments 106A and 108A in an extended state, and disengaging the locking member 118 from the opening 122 can enable folding of the leg segments 106A and 108A by rotation about the pivot axis P1.

[0017] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 3, the seat assembly 104 may include a seat support frame 124 movably connected to the stand frame 102, and a rear seat portion 126 and a front seat portion 128, each connected to the support frame 124. The seat support frame 124 may include two side portions 124A disposed on a left and right side of the toddler high chair 100, respectively, and a transverse portion 124B fixedly connected to the side portions 124A at their lower portions. The lateral portions 124A may each be secured with sleeves 130 through which the leg segments 106A of the front leg frame 106 are slidably mounted, such that the seat support frame 124 is movable along the leg segments 106A for vertically adjusting the seat assembly 104 relative to the stand frame 102. The transverse portion 124B may be configured as a footrest for a child sitting on the seat assembly 104.

[0018] The rear seat portion 126 may have an upper surface 126A for receiving a child in a seated position and may be connected to the seat support frame 124. For example, the seat support frame 124 may be attached to a transversely extending axle portion 131 (as shown in Fig. 3), and a rear portion of the seat portion 126 may be connected to the axle portion 131. In one embodiment, rotation of the rear seat portion 126 by several degrees relative to the seat support frame 124 may be permitted, e.g., by pivotally connecting the rear seat portion 126 to the seat support frame 124 about the axle portion 131.

[0019] The front seat portion 128 may include a seat support surface 128A and left and right sides, to which two lugs 132 and 134 are attached, respectively. The lugs 132 and 134 may extend downwardly and upwardly, respectively, relative to the seat support surface 128A and may be located near a front end of the front seat portion 128. The lugs 132 may each be pivotally connected to the side portions 124A of the seat support frame 124 about a pivot axis P2. In addition, the front seat portion 128 may further include a support board 136 having left and right sides, each attached to the two lugs 132. The support board 136 may extend downwardly from the seat support surface 128A at the front end of the front seat portion 128 and may provide support for a child's legs.

[0020] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 3, the toddler high chair 100 may further include two armrests, also referred to as side segments 138, which are arranged on the left and right sides of the seat assembly 104, respectively. The two side segments 138 may have a generally similar shape and may each be pivotally connected to the side portions 124A of the seat support frame 124 about a pivot axis P3. The pivot axis P3 is located above the upper seating surface of the seat assembly 104 and near the rear ends of the side segments 138. The side segments 138 may be movable relative to the seat support frame 124 between a deployed state in which the side segments 138 extend substantially parallel to and above the seating surface of the seat assembly 104 (as in Fig. 1), and a folded state in which the side segments 138 are inclined downward to be rotatable about the pivot axis P3 to lie substantially parallel to the leg segments 106A of the front leg frame 106 (as exemplified in Fig. 18 to 20). How better in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a tray 139 may be attached to the side segments 138, upon which food and drink for a child may be placed. The tray 139 may be removably attached to the side segments 138 and extend transversely relative to the seat assembly 104. When the tray 139 is removed, the side segments 138 may serve as armrests of the seat assembly 104.

[0021] Fig. 5 to 8 are schematic views illustrating construction details of the side segment 138 and the seat assembly 104. For clarity, the tray 139 is shown in the Fig. 5 to 8 are not shown. The two side segments 138 are each movably connected to the two lugs 134. More specifically, each of the side segments 138 can include a guide slot 140 with an elongated portion 140A extending from a rear portion to a front portion of the side segment 138, and a curved portion 140B toward the front portion of the side segment 138. Each of the lugs 134 of the front seat part 128 can each include a projection 142 that can be guided for sliding movement along a corresponding guide slot 140 in a region in front of the pivot axis P3 of the side segment 138. Accordingly, the front seat part 128 is connected to the seat support frame 124 and the side segments 138, respectively, at two locations vertically spaced in front of the pivot axis P3.

[0022] The sliding connection between the projection 142 and the guide slot 140 is such that rotation of the side segments 138 in a folding direction from the deployed state to the folded state can drive a rearward sliding movement of the front seat part 128 relative to the rear seat part 126. In particular, as shown schematically in Fig. 8, downward rotation of the side segments 138 about the pivot axis P3 toward the folded state can cause sliding movement of each projection 142 toward a rearward end of the corresponding guide slot 140, which can drive the front seat portion 128 to slide rearward beneath the rear seat portion 126. As a result, the front-to-rear length of the seat assembly 104 can be reduced for convenient storage. When the seat assembly 104 needs to be opened for use, the side segments 138 can be rotated about the pivot axis P3 from the folded state to the deployed state, resulting in rearward sliding movement of each projection 142 toward a front end of the corresponding guide slot 140 to drive the front seat portion 128 to slide forward relative to the rear seat portion 126 to extend the seat assembly 104.

[0023] With reference to the Fig. 5 to 8, each of the side segments 138 may further include a locking member 144 for locking the side segment 138 in the deployed state. The locking member 144 may be pivotally mounted on the side segment 138 adjacent an inner side wall of the guide slot 140. When the side segment 138 is in the deployed state, the projection 142 is located at one end of the guide slot 140 adjacent a cam portion 140B, and the locking member 144 may be spring-biased to extend into the guide slot 140, thereby blocking movement of the projection 142 along the guide slot 140 in a folding direction. The locking member 144 may be operable to retract into the side wall of the guide slot 140 to clear the path for movement of the projection 142 along the guide slot 140 to fold the side segment 138.

[0024] As shown, a handlebar 146 may be further attached to the two side segments 138. The handlebar 146 may be profiled to be easily grasped by a caregiver to operate and move the two side segments 138 and the seat assembly 104. In one embodiment, the handlebar 146 may, for example, bend downwards at the rear of the side segments 138. The locking element 144 in each side segment 138 may be connected via a wire 148 (in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) may be connected to a common release button 147 disposed on the handlebar 146. Each of the two wires 148 may be routed along an interior of the handlebar 146 and have two opposite ends coupled to the locking element 144 and the release button 147, respectively. A caregiver may thus use one hand to actuate the release button 147 to drive simultaneous unlocking of the locking elements 144 and, at the same time, rotate the side segments 138 as desired.

[0025] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 8, a backrest frame 150 may be further mounted to the seat assembly 104. The backrest frame 150 may be pivotally connected to the seat support frame 124 near the rear seat portion 126. A latching device (not shown) may be provided to lock the backrest frame 150 at any one of several angular positions, and an actuating rod 152 may be operable to cause the latching device to unlock to enable reclining of the backrest frame 150.

[0026] As described above, the seat assembly 104 is vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame 102. In conjunction with Fig. 1 to 8 is Fig. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a locking device 154 operable to lock the seat assembly 104 at various heights on the stand frame 102. The locking device 154 may be mounted in a lateral region 124A of the seat support frame 124 at a location adjacent to the sleeve 130 and may include a latch 155, a spring 156, and a release actuating member 158. The same locking device 154 may be disposed on each of the left and right sides of the seat assembly 104 below the pivot axis P3 of the side segment 138. The latch 155 is pivotally connected to the lateral portion 124A of the seat support frame 124 adjacent a corresponding leg segment 106A and is rotatable about a pivot axis P4 extending transversely from a left to a right side of the seat assembly 104. The leg segment 106A may have a plurality of openings 160 (better shown in Fig. 10) distributed along a length of the leg segment 106A to define a plurality of locking positions for the seat assembly 104. The latch 155 is rotatable to engage any of the openings 160 of the leg segment 106A to lock the seat assembly 104 at a desired height or to disengage from the openings 160 to allow vertical movement of the seat assembly 104 along the leg segment 106A.

[0027] The spring 156 may have two opposite ends connected to the latch 155 and a fixed point in the lateral region 124A of the seat support frame 124, respectively. The spring 156 may bias the latch 155 to a locked state for coupling to the leg segment 106A.

[0028] The release actuating portion 158 attaches the pawl 155 below the pivot axis P3 of the side segment 138 and is rotatable about the same pivot axis P4 as the pawl 155. In one embodiment, the release actuating portion 158 may be provided as a separate part fixedly attached to the pawl 155. In other embodiments, the release actuating portion 158 may be integrally formed with the pawl 155. The release actuating portion 158 is accessible for operation from outside the side portion 124A of the seat support frame 124 and can be depressed to cause the pawl 155 to rotate to an unlocked state for decoupling from the leg segment 106A.

[0029] An exemplary function of the locking device 154 is described below with reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 9. On each of the left and right sides of the toddler high chair 100, the latch 155 can engage the corresponding leg segment 106A to lock the seat assembly 104 to the stand frame 102. When a caregiver desires to change the vertical position of the seat assembly 104, each release actuator 158 can be independently depressed to cause the corresponding latch 155 to disengage from the leg segment 106A. This operation of the release actuator 158 can be performed while the side segment 138 remains in the deployed position described above. The unlocked seat assembly 104 can then slide along the leg segments 106A until it reaches a desired height. Once the seat assembly 104 is set to the desired height, the spring 156 may urge the latch 155 to engage a corresponding opening 160 of the leg segment 106A to hold the seat assembly 104 in position.Examples of vertical positions that may be assumed by the seat assembly 104 may include one or more vertical positions where the side segments 138 are above the hinge assemblies 112 (as shown in FIG. Fig. 1), and include one or more vertical positions where the side segments 138 are located below the hinge assemblies 112 (as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown).

[0030] In an advantageous use, the position of the seat assembly 104 can be lowered close to the level of the feet 110 of the stand frame 102 when the toddler high chair 100 is folded, so that the overall height of the folded toddler high chair 100 can be reduced to facilitate storage. Furthermore, a toddler high chair 100 described herein can include a linkage device that allows for easy folding without requiring a caregiver to perform multiple manual unlocking steps. In conjunction with Fig. 9 are Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are schematic views illustrating a linkage device 159 that may be mounted in the lateral region 124A of the seat support frame 124 on either the left or right side of the toddler high chair 100 to achieve the above-mentioned functions. Fig. Fig. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the linkage device 159, and Fig. 11 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a part of the linkage device 159 around a region including the release operating part 158.

[0031] With reference to the Fig. 9 to 11, the linkage assembly 159 may include a linkage 162 mounted for up-and-down sliding movement through an interior of the lateral portion 124A of the seat support frame 124. The lateral segment 138 may include a guide track 164, a ramped surface 158A may be provided on the release actuation portion 158, and the linkage 162 may each include an upper portion guided for movement along the guide track 164 and a lower portion in sliding contact with the ramped surface 158A. The linkage 162 can thereby connect the side segment 138 to the corresponding locking device 154 such that rotation of the side segment 138 in a folding direction can drive an upward sliding movement of the linkage 162 that actuates the locking device 154 to unlock, thereby enabling vertical adjustment of the seat assembly 104 with respect to the stand frame 102.

[0032] In one embodiment, the linkage 162 may include an elongated beam 166 and a rocker arm 168 pivotally connected to each other. The beam 166 is mounted in the lateral portion 124A for up and down sliding movement and has an upper portion on which a projection 169 is provided that can be guided for movement along the guide track 164. Furthermore, the beam 166 may include a hollow portion 166A in which the rocker arm 168 is mounted. For clarity, Fig. 11, parts of the beam 166 and the lateral portion 124A are shown in dashed lines to better illustrate the arrangement of the rocker arm 168. The rocker arm 168 is disposed at a lower portion of the beam 166 and includes a projection 168A that comes into sliding contact with the ramp-shaped surface 158A of the release actuating portion 158. The rocker arm 168 may be pivotally connected to the beam 166 about a pivot axis P5. While the pivot axis P4 of the pawl 155 and the release actuating member 158 extends generally transversely from a left to a right side of the toddler high chair 100, the pivot axis P5 of the rocker arm 168 extends generally longitudinally from a rearward region to a forward region of the toddler high chair 100. A rotational plane of the rocker arm 168 may be substantially perpendicular to a rotational plane of the pawl 155 and the release actuating member 158.

[0033] The rocker arm 168 can be further provided with a spring 167 (in Fig. 11 with dashed lines) configured to bias the rocker arm 168 toward a position in which it is coupled to the ramp-shaped surface 158A of the release actuating part 158. The spring 167 may, for example, be a torsion spring arranged about the pivot axis P5 of the rocker arm 168.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, a lever 170 may be mounted on the side portion 124A of the seat support frame 124, which lever is located adjacent to the rocker arm 168. The lever 170 is individually Fig. 12. The lever 170 is pivotally connected to the lateral portion 124A about a pivot axis P6 located below the pawl 155 and the release actuating part 158. The pivotal connection of the lever 170 to the lateral portion 124A may be made at an axle portion 170A of the lever 170. The pivot axis P6 extends generally longitudinally from a rearward portion to a forward portion of the toddler high chair 100 and is substantially parallel to the pivot axis P5 of the rocker arm 168. An end portion 170B of the lever 170 offset from the pivot axis P6 is disposed adjacent an end portion 168B of the rocker arm 168, the end portion 168B being on a side opposite that of the projection 168A with respect to the pivot axis P5 of the rocker arm 168. In addition, the lever 170 may have a ramp-shaped surface 170C (in Fig. 12), which is offset from the pivot axis P6 and is located below the pawl 155 and the release actuating part 158.

[0035] Combined with Fig. 9 to 11 are Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 schematic views illustrating exemplary operation of the linkage device 159. In Fig. 13, the side segment 138 is shown in a deployed state extending substantially horizontally and parallel to the upper seating surfaces of the rear and front seating sections 126 and 128. In this deployed state, the projection 169 of the beam 166 is adjacent a first end of the guide track 164, and the linkage 162 may be in a downward position allowing independent movement of the latch 155 in a locking and releasing direction. Thus, while the side segment 138 is in the deployed state, the latch 155 may unlock for vertical adjustment of the seat assembly 104 and couple with the leg segment 106A to lock the seat assembly 104 at a desired height.

[0036] With reference to Fig. 14, the side segment 138 can be rotated downward about the pivot axis P3 into a folded state to fold the seat assembly 104, resulting in a relative movement of the projection 169 of the linkage 162 along the guide track 164 of the side segment 138. Thanks to the sliding cooperation between the projection 169 and the guide track 164, this downward rotation of the side segment 138 can drive the linkage 162 (including the beam 166 and the rocker arm 168) to slide upward relative to the lateral portion 124A of the seat support frame 124 from the downward position to an upward position. This upward movement of the linkage 162 causes the projection 168A (in Fig. 11), against the ramped surface 158A of the release actuator 158, which drives the release actuator 158 and the pawl 155 to rotate in a direction to uncouple from the leg segment 106A. The seat assembly 104 is thereby unlocked and can be lowered to a lower position near the base 110 of the leg segment 106A while the side segment 138 is in the folded state. The linkage 162 and the lever 170 can move together with the seat assembly 104 as the seat assembly 104 is lowered to the lower position.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 15, the guide track 164 can be divided into three sections, for example. A first section of the guide track 164 can be defined between a first end A0 and a first intermediate point A1 of the guide track 164, wherein the first end A0 corresponds to the deployed state of the side segment 138 and the first intermediate point A1 corresponds to a downward rotation of the side segment 138 by approximately 28 degrees relative to the deployed state. A second section of the guide track 164 can be defined between the first intermediate point A1 and the second intermediate point A2, which corresponds to a downward rotation of the side segment 138 by approximately 58 degrees.A third section of the guide track 164 may be defined between the second intermediate location A2 and the second end A3 of the guide track 164, corresponding to a fully collapsed state of the side segment 138, wherein the fully collapsed state is achieved with a downward rotation of approximately 66 degrees from the deployed state. The first section between the first end A0 and the first intermediate location A1 of the guide track 164 and the third section between the second intermediate location A2 and the second end A3 of the guide track 164 may have a profile that does not pull the linkage 162 upward, i.e., the linkage 162 may remain substantially in place while the projection 169 slides along these sections.In other words, during the movement of the projection 169 along the first section and the third section of the guideway 164, the radial distance between the projection 169 and the pivot axis P3 is substantially the same. The second section, between the first and second intermediate locations A1 and A2 of the guideway 164, may have a different profile designed to drive vertical movement of the linkage 162 as the projection 169 slides along the second section. In other words, during the movement of the projection 169 along the second section of the guideway 164 from the first intermediate location A1 to the second intermediate location A2, the radial distance between the projection 169 and the pivot axis P3 decreases.

[0038] Fig. 16 is a schematic view illustrating an internal construction of the leg segment 106A. A release actuator 172 may be disposed within the leg segment 106A near its base 110. The release actuator 172 may be movable relative to the leg segment 106A and may be operatively connected to the locking portion 118 at the top of the leg segment 106A via a wire 174. The wire 174 may be disposed along the interior of the leg segment 106A and may have two opposite ends anchored to the release actuator 172 and the locking portion 118, respectively.

[0039] Further provided on leg segment 106A is a strip 176, which is arranged adjacent to the release actuation element 172 and protrudes on an outer side of the leg segment 106A. In one embodiment, the strip 176 can be attached to the release actuation element 172. In another embodiment, the strip 176 can be attached to the leg segment 106A. A similar arrangement of the release actuation element 172, the wire 174, and the strip 176 can be arranged on the left and right leg segments 106A, respectively.

[0040] When the seat assembly 104 moves downward to the lower position near the base 110 with the side segment 138 in the folded state, a portion of the seat support frame 124 (e.g., its lateral portion 124A) may contact the release actuator 172 and push it downward. This downward movement of the release actuator 172 may pull on the wire 174, which actuates the locking member 118 to rotate to unlock the stand frame 102, thereby enabling folding of the stand frame 102. Because the lower position of the seat assembly 104 near the base 110 allows the stand frame 102 to be triggered to unlock, this position may also be referred to as the trigger position.

[0041] Combined with Fig. 16 is Fig. 17 is a schematic view illustrating the interaction of lever 170 with strip 176 during folding of toddler highchair 100. As seat assembly 104 descends toward the release or lower position near base 110 with side segment 138 in the folded state, ramped surface 170C of lever 170 may contact strip 176, causing lever 170 to rotate against rocker arm 168. As a result, rocker arm 168 is urged to rotate to decouple from ramped surface 158A of release actuator 158, thereby enabling locking movement of spring 156-biased latch 155, regardless of the folded position of side segment 138.In other words, the locking function of the latch 155 can be reset by the lever 170 once the seat assembly 104 reaches the release or lower position near the foot 110. In this way, when the toddler high chair 100 is unfolded and the seat assembly 104 is moved upward from the lower position, the latch 155 can be biased by the spring 156 to automatically engage an opening 160 of the leg segment 106A to lock the seat assembly 104 at a desired height, even when the side segments 138 are in the folded state. This can advantageously facilitate unfolding the toddler high chair 100 from the folded state.The actuation of the lever 170 by the strip 176 to enable independent movement of the latch 155 may occur shortly before, shortly after, or approximately simultaneously with the actuation of the release actuator 172 by the seat assembly 104 to unlock the locking member 118.

[0042] In connection with the Fig. 1 to 17 are the Fig. 18 to 20 are schematic views illustrating an exemplary operation for folding a toddler high chair 100. In Fig. In Figure 1, the toddler high chair 100 is shown in an unfolded state, suitable for accommodating a child. In this unfolded state, the side segments 138 extend substantially horizontally, and the rear and front seat portions 126 and 128 are extended relative to each other. Furthermore, the locking device 154 can couple to the leg segments 106A to lock the seat assembly 104 in position.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 18, to fold the toddler high chair 100, a caregiver may press the release button 147 on the handle bar 146 to unlock the side segments 138, and then rotate the handle bar 146 and the side segments 138 downward about the pivot axis P3 from the unfolded state to a folded state. As described above, the downward rotation of the side segments 138 drives the front seat portion 128 to slide rearwardly beneath the rear seat portion 126 and also causes each latch 155 to unlock via the coupling of the linkage 162 on each of the left and right sides of the seat assembly 104. When fully folded, the side segments 138 may be substantially parallel to the leg segments 106A, and the seat assembly 104 is unlocked.

[0044] Next, with reference to Fig. 19, while the stand frame 102 remains locked in the deployed configuration, the seat assembly 104, with the side segments 138 in the folded state, then slides downward in unison to a predetermined lower position near the feet 110 of the leg segments. As described above, upon reaching the lower position, the seat assembly 104 may abut the release actuator 172 on the left and right sides of the seat assembly 104 to cause an unlocking movement of the locking members 118 and thereby unlock the stand frame 102. Furthermore, the strip 176 may rotate the lever 170, which in turn urges the rocker arm 168 to disengage from the ramped surface 158A of the release actuator 158, thereby resetting the locking function of the latch 155. Accordingly, the spring 156 may bias the pawl 155 into contact with an outer surface of the leg segment 106A.

[0045] Next, with reference to Fig. 20, while the seat assembly 104 remains in the lower position near the feet 110 of the leg segments 106A, the unlocked stand frame 102 can be folded by rotating the leg segments 106A and the seat assembly 104 toward the leg segments 108A until the front leg frame 106 and the rear leg frame 108 are substantially parallel to each other. The thus folded toddler high chair 100 can have a compact size with a reduced height and smaller size of the seat assembly 104, which can facilitate its storage. Furthermore, the folding process of the toddler high chair 100 is simple and requires only a single manual unlocking step, i.e., pressing the release button 147 to unlock the side segments 138.

[0046] The above-mentioned process can be performed in reverse to unfold the toddler high chair 100 for use. First, the stand frame 102 is unfolded. With the stand frame 102 in the unfolded configuration, the seat assembly 104, with the side segments 138 held in the folded state, is then raised from the lowered position near the feet 110 to a desired height. As the seat assembly 104 moves upward, away from the release actuators 172, the spring 120 in each hinge assembly 112 can urge the locking member 118 to move to a coupled position, locking the stand frame 102 in its unfolded configuration. Once the seat assembly 104 has reached a desired height, the latch 155 can couple with the corresponding opening 160 on the leg segment 106A.The side segments 138 can then be rotated from the folded state to the deployed state to open the seat assembly 104. Rotation of the side segments 138 to the deployed state can drive the linkages 162 to move downward to their downward positions, bringing the projections 168A into their initial positions below the ramped surfaces 158A of the release actuation members 158.

[0047] For safer use of the toddler high chair 100, setting the side segments 138 in the unfolded state should not be permitted while the seat assembly 104 is in the lower or deployment position (as shown in Fig. 19), which corresponds to an unlocked state of the stand frame 102. Otherwise, a child can sit on the opened seat assembly 104 while the stand frame 102 is unlocked. In conjunction with Fig. 1 to 9 are Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 are schematic views illustrating a safety device provided on the seat assembly 104 to be operated to prevent an arrangement in which the side segments 138 are in the deployed state and the seat assembly 104 is in the deployed or lowered position. With reference to Fig. 9, Fig. 21 and Fig. 22, this safety device may include a preventer 180 pivotally connected to the seat support frame 124, a spring 182 connected to the preventer 180, a projection 184 attached to the linkage 162, and a stop 186 attached to the leg segment 106A of the stand frame 102.

[0048] The prevention member 180 is pivotally connected to the seat support frame 124 about a pivot axis P7 and has an upper and a lower portion 180A and 180B located on two opposite sides of the pivot axis P7. The pivot axis P7 may extend generally transversely from a left to a right side of the toddler high chair 100 and parallel to the pivot axis P4 of the latch 155. For a more compact design, the prevention member 180 may be disposed adjacent to the latch 155 and the release actuating member 158. Because it is connected to the seat support frame 124, the prevention member 180 can move up and down together with the seat assembly 104. In addition, the prevention member 180 is rotatable about the pivot axis P7 between two positions corresponding to a locked state (in Fig. 22) and a release state (in Fig. 21), wherein the blocking state is adapted to stop the seat assembly 104 before it reaches the lower position that triggers the unlocking of the stand frame 102, and wherein the release state permits movement of the seat assembly 104 to the lower position. The spring 182 is configured to bias the prevention member 180 toward the blocking state and may be connected to the prevention member 180 or an inner side wall of the release actuation member 158.

[0049] The projection 184 is attached to the linkage 162 (e.g., the beam 166) near a lower end thereof and can move up and down with the linkage 162 driven by the rotation of the side segment 138. More specifically, when the side segment 138 is in the deployed state, the projection 184 is in a locking position by being adjacent to one side of the upper portion 180A (as shown in Fig. 22), which prevents rotation of the prevention member 180 from the blocking state to the release state in a direction that moves the lower portion 180B away from the leg segment 106A. The prevention member 180 is thereby restricted to remain in the blocking state. When the side segment 138 is in the folded state, the linkage 162 is moved to its upward position, which brings the projection 184 into a release position above the upper portion 180A of the prevention member 180 (as shown in Fig. 21) and thereby allowing rotation of the preventing member 180 from the blocking state to move the lower portion 180B away from the leg segment 106A.

[0050] The stop 186 is attached to the leg segment 106A near the foot 110 and is set at a fixed position on the path of the prevention member 180 along the leg segment 106A. As shown in Fig. 3, the stop 186 may be located adjacent to the strip 176.

[0051] In Fig. 21, the projection 184 is shown in the release position, which corresponds to the folded state of the side segment 138. As the seat assembly 104 moves downward and approaches the release actuator 172, the lower portion 180B of the prevention member 180 may come into contact with the stop 186. Because the projection 184 is in the release position, the prevention member 180 can be pushed by the stop 186 (e.g., by contact of the stop 186 with a ramped end surface 180C of the prevention member 180) to rotate in the direction D from the blocking state to the release state, allowing the lower portion 180B of the prevention member 180 to pass the stop 186 and further downward movement of the seat assembly 104 to the lower position to initiate unlocking of the locking member 118 by pressing against the release actuator 172.

[0052] While the seat assembly 104 is in the lower position, the preventing member 180 remains in the release state, and the upper portion 180A of the preventing member 180 abuts a lower surface of the projection 184 in the release position, which can block downward movement of the linkage 162 and consequently block rotation of the side segment 138 from the folded state to the deployed state. Accordingly, rotation of the side segment 138 from the folded state to the deployed state for opening the seat assembly 104 can be prevented while the seat assembly 104 is set in the lower position and the stand frame 102 is unlocked.

[0053] In Fig. 22, the projection 184 is shown in the locked position, which corresponds to the deployed state of the side segment 138. When the seat assembly 104 moves downward with the projection 184 in the locked position and approaches the release actuator 172, the lower portion 180B of the prevention member 180 may come into contact with the stop 186. However, as shown in Fig. 21, the preventing member 180 cannot rotate in the direction D from the locking state to the release state due to the locking position of the projection 184 against the upper portion 180A. As a result, the preventing member 180 is restricted by the projection 184 to remain in contact with the stopper 186 in the locking state, which can support the weight of the seat assembly 104 stopped at a position above the lower position. Accordingly, the seat assembly 104 does not exert pressure on the release actuator 172, and the stand frame 102 can remain locked by the locking member 118.

[0054] When the seat assembly 104 is moved upwardly away from the lower position near the base 110 (as occurs, for example, when the toddler high chair 100 is unfolded for use), the spring 182 can bias the preventer member 180 to resume its locked state, leaving a gap on one side of the upper portion 180A for the passage of the projection 184. Accordingly, once the seat assembly 104 is positioned at a desired height, the preventer member 180 does not interfere with the deployment of the side segment 138, which can rotate to its deployed state and drive downward movement of the linkage 162 to move the projection 184 to its locked position, as described above.

[0055] The aforementioned safety device can ensure that the seat assembly 104 cannot be opened while the stand frame 102 is unlocked, and that the seat assembly 104 cannot be lowered to the deployment position unless the side segments 138 are in the folded state. Accordingly, the toddler high chair 100 can be safer to use.

[0056] Combined with Fig. 2 is Fig. 23 is a schematic view illustrating a stow locking device 188 operable to lock the stand frame 102 in a folded configuration. The stow locking device 188 may be mounted on a leg segment 108A and include a housing 189, a latch 190, a spring 193, a release button 195, and a lever 196. The housing 189 is attached to the leg segment 108A and includes two cavities in which the latch 190 and the release button 195 are disposed, respectively.

[0057] The locking element 190 is slidably mounted in the housing 189 and can project toward an inner side of the leg segment 108A, which faces the area where the seat assembly 104 sits. The spring 193 has two opposite ends connected to the locking element 190 and an inner side wall of the housing 189, respectively, and biases the locking element 190 toward a locking state for coupling to the seat assembly 104.

[0058] The release button 195 is slidably mounted within the housing 189 and may project outwardly on two opposite sides of the leg segment 108A, i.e., the inner side of the leg segment 108A facing the area where the seat assembly 104 sits, and the outer side of the leg segment 108A. The release button 195 may have a generally cylindrical surface in which a recess 195A is formed. The housing 189 may include a resilient spur 189A operable to engage and disengage from the recess 195A.

[0059] The lever 196 is pivotally connected to the housing 186 and has two opposite ends connected to the locking element 190 and the release button 195, respectively. Through the connection of the lever 196, the locking element 190 and the release button 195 are coupled to each other and can slide in opposite directions. An outer plate 194 facing the outside of the leg segment 108A can be attached to the housing 186 and can have an opening 194A through which the release button 195 can extend outwardly.

[0060] If, with reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 20 and Fig.23 When the stand frame 102 is fully folded, the locking element 190 can be biased by the spring 193 to engage an opening 197 provided on an outer surface of a lateral portion 124A of the seat support frame 124. The stand frame 102 can thereby be locked in the folded state. While the locking element 190 is in the locked state, the resilient spur 189A is decoupled from the recess 195A of the release button 195.

[0061] To unfold the stand frame 102, the release button 195 can be pushed inward, causing the latch 190 to disengage from the opening 197 and the resilient spur 189A to engage the recess 195A. Coupling the resilient spur 189A with the recess 195A can maintain the release button 195 in the depressed position and the latch 190 in the unlocked state, eliminating the need for the caregiver to continually press the release button 195 to unlock the stow locking device 188. While the release button 195 is in the depressed state, one end of it projects outwardly on the inside of the leg segment 108A.When the stand frame 102 is deployed, the end of the release button 195 protruding from the inside of the leg segment 108A can come into contact with a raised portion 198 on the outer surface of the side portion 124A, which pushes the release button 195 to slide toward the outside of the leg segment 108A and causes the latch member 190 to slide in a direction opposite to that of the release button 195. Accordingly, the stow locking device 188 can switch from the unlocked state to the initial state that enables locking engagement of the latch member 190.

[0062] Advantages of the configurations described here include the ability to create a toddler high chair that can be folded into a more compact size for easier storage. The folded toddler high chair has a reduced height, and the seat assembly can be arranged to occupy a smaller volume. Furthermore, the toddler high chair can be fully folded with a single manual release, making it easier to use.

[0063] Implementations of the toddler high chair are described in the context of specific embodiments. These embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Numerous changes, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. These and other changes, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0064] Examples are described below: 1. Toddler high chair, including: a stand frame; a seat assembly including a seat support frame movably connected to the stand frame, and a rear and a front seat portion each connected to the seat support frame; and a side segment pivotally connected to the seat support frame about a pivot axis, the side segment being rotatable between a folded state and an unfolded state, and the front seat part being connected to the seat support frame and the side segment, respectively, at two locations with a vertical distance; wherein rotation of the side segment in a folding direction from the unfolded state to the folded state drives a rearward sliding displacement of the front seat part relative to the rear seat part. 2. A toddler high chair according to example 1, wherein the front seat part slides rearward under the rear seat part when the side segment rotates in the folding direction. 3. A toddler high chair according to example 1 or 2, wherein the seat assembly is vertically adjustable and the toddler high chair further comprises: a locking device operable to lock the seat support frame at a desired height relative to the stand frame; and a linkage operatively connected to the side segment and the locking device, whereby rotation of the side segment in the folding direction further causes sliding movement of the linkage, which actuates the locking device to unlock to allow vertical movement of the seat assembly relative to the stand frame. 4. A toddler high chair according to example 3, wherein the side segment has a guide track and the linkage has an upper portion guided for movement along the guide track during rotation of the side segment relative to the seat support frame, wherein movement of the upper portion along the guide track results in a sliding movement of the linkage relative to the seat support frame. 5. A toddler high chair according to example 3 or 4, wherein the stand frame includes a first and a second leg segment pivotally connected to each other, and the locking device includes: a latch pivotally connected to the seat support frame, the latch operable to couple with the first leg segment at any one of a plurality of locking positions to lock the seat support frame in place; and a release actuating member connected to the latch and accessible from outside the seat support frame for actuating the latch to decouple from the first leg segment, the linkage being movable to abut against a ramped surface of the release actuating member to cause an unlocking movement of the latch. 6. Toddler high chair according to example 1 or 2, wherein the base frame contains: a locking member operable to lock the first and second leg segments in an extended state; and a release actuator operatively connected to the locking member and disposed near a foot of the stand frame; wherein downward displacement of the seat assembly to a predetermined lower position while the side segment remains in the folded state causes the seat assembly to come into contact with the release actuator and urge it into movement to actuate an unlocking mechanism of the locking member. 7. Toddler high chair according to example 6, further comprising: a locking device operable to lock the seat support frame at a desired height relative to the stand frame; and a linkage operatively connected to the side segment and the locking device, wherein rotation of the side segment to the folded condition causes sliding movement of the linkage which actuates the locking device to unlock to enable downward translation of the seat assembly to the lower position. 8. The toddler high chair of example 7, wherein the locking device includes a pawl and a release actuator, and the linkage includes a beam and a rocker arm pivotally connected together, the rocker arm abutting a ramped surface of the release actuator to drive an unlocking movement of the pawl when the side segment is rotated to the folded state, and the rocker arm is decoupled from the ramped surface of the release actuator when the seat assembly is adjacent the lower position. 9. The toddler high chair of example 8, wherein the seat support frame is further connected to a lever disposed adjacent the rocker arm and a strip is provided on the first leg segment disposed adjacent the release actuator, wherein downward displacement of the seat assembly to the lower position while the side segment is in the folded state further causes the lever to come into contact with the strip such that the lever is pushed by the strip to move to press against the rocker arm, thereby disengaging the rocker arm from the ramped surface of the release actuator to enable locking movement of the latch. 10. The toddler high chair of claim 7, 8, or 9, further comprising a safety device operable to prevent an arrangement in which the side segment is in the deployed state and the seat assembly is in the lower position. 11. A toddler high chair according to example 10, wherein the safety device includes: a preventing member pivotally connected to the seat support frame, the preventing member being rotatable between a blocking state and a releasing state; a spring biasing the preventing member to the blocking state; a stop attached to the first leg segment; and a projection attached to the linkage, the projection being located at a position that blocks rotation of the prevention member from a blocking state to the release state while the side segment is in the deployed state, and the projection being moved to a release position to allow rotation of the prevention member from the blocking state to the release state when the side segment is rotated from the deployed state to the folded state; wherein the preventing member, when restricted by the projection from remaining in the blocking state, comes into contact against the stopper to stop the seat assembly at a position above the lower position, and the releasing position of the projection allows the preventing member to be pushed by the stopper from the blocking state to the releasing state, thus allowing the seat assembly to move downward to the lower position. 12. The toddler high chair of claim 11, wherein while the seat assembly is in the lower position, the preventing member remains in the release state and abuts a bottom surface of the projection in the release position to block rotation of the side segment from the folded state to the unfolded state. 13. Toddler high chair according to example 1, wherein the base frame contains: a first and a second leg segment pivotally connected to each other, the seat assembly being movable along the first leg segment; a locking member operable to lock the first and second leg segments in an extended state; and a release actuator operatively connected to the locking member and disposed on the first leg segment proximate a foot thereof; wherein downward movement of the seat assembly while the side segment is in the folded state pushes the release actuator into a movement to actuate an unlocking mechanism of the locking part to enable folding of the first and second leg segments towards each other. 14. The toddler high chair of example 13, wherein the locking member is disposed near an upper end of the first and second legs, and the release actuator is connected to the locking member via a wire. 15. Toddler high chair, comprising: a stand frame including a locking member operable to lock the stand frame in an extended state, and a release actuator operatively connected to the locking member and disposed proximate a foot of the stand frame; a seat assembly including a seat support frame connected to the stand frame, the seat support frame being vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame; a locking device operable to lock the seat assembly at a desired height relative to the stand frame; a side segment pivotally connected to the seat support frame about a pivot axis, the side segment being rotatable between a folded state and an unfolded state; and a linkage operatively connected to the side segment and the locking device; wherein rotation of the side segment in a folding direction causes sliding movement of the linkage, which actuates the locking device to unlock to allow vertical movement of the seat assembly relative to the stand frame, and downward displacement of the seat assembly to a predetermined lower position urges the release actuating member into movement to actuate an unlocking mechanism of the locking member. 16. A method of operating a toddler high chair, the toddler high chair including: a stand frame, a locking member operable to lock the stand frame in an extended state, a release actuator disposed on the stand frame and operatively connected to the locking member, a seat assembly including a seat support frame movably connected to the stand frame, a locking device operable to lock the seat assembly at a desired height relative to the stand frame, and a side segment pivotally connected to the seat support frame, the method comprising: Rotating the side segment from an unfolded state to a folded state; while the side segment remains in the folded state, moving the seat assembly downward relative to the stand frame to a lower position near a foot of the stand frame, wherein the downward movement of the seat assembly urges the release actuator to actuate a mechanism of the locking member to unlock the stand frame; and Folding the unlocked stand frame. 17. The method of example 16, wherein the step of rotating the side segment from the deployed state to the folded state causes the locking device to unlock to allow vertical movement of the seat assembly. 18. The method of example 16 or 17, wherein the seat assembly further includes a rear and a front seat portion, and the step of rotating the side segment from the deployed state to the folded state further causes relative movement between the front seat portion and the rear seat portion. 19. The method of example 16, 17 or 18, wherein the step of folding the unlocked stand frame is performed while the seat assembly is in the lower position. List of reference symbols 100 toddler high chairs 102 stand frames 104 Seat assembly 106 front leg frame 106A first leg segment 106B Transverse segment 108 rear leg frame 108A second leg segment 110 feet 111 Wheel assembly 112 Hinge structure 114 coupling shell 116 coupling shell 118 Locking part 120 spring 122 Opening 124 seat support frame 124A lateral areas 124B transverse area 126 rear seat part 128 front seat part 128A Seat support surface 130 sleeve 132 approach 134 Approach 136 Investment board 138 page segment 139 Tray 140 guide slot 140A elongated area 140B curve area 142 lead 144 Locking element 146 handlebar 147 release button 148 wire 150 backrest frames 152 operating rod 154 Locking device 155 jack 156 spring 158 Release actuation part 158A ramp-shaped area 160 opening 162 rods 164 guideway 166 bars 166A hollow area 168 rocker arms 169 lead 170 levers 170A axle part 172 Release actuator 174 wire 176 stripes 180 Prevention part 182 spring 184 lead 186 attack 188 Stowage locking device 189 housings 190 locking element 193 spring 195 release button 196 levers 197 Opening 198 raised area P1 swivel axis P2 swivel axis P3 swivel axis P4 swivel axis

Claims

[1] Toddler high chair (100), comprising: a stand frame (102) including a locking member (118) operable to lock the stand frame (102) in an extended state, and a release actuator (172) operatively connected to the locking member (118) and disposed proximate a foot (110) of the stand frame (102); a seat assembly (104) including a seat support frame (124) connected to the stand frame (102), the seat support frame (124) being vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame (102); a locking device (154) operable to lock the seat assembly (104) at a desired height relative to the stand frame (102); a side segment (138) pivotally connected to the seat support frame (124), the side segment (138) being rotatable between a folded state and a deployed state; and a linkage (162) operatively connected to the side segment (138) and the locking device (154); wherein rotation of the side segment (138) in a folding direction causes sliding movement of the linkage (162) which actuates unlocking of the locking device (154) to enable vertical movement of the seat assembly (104) relative to the stand frame (102), and downward displacement of the seat assembly (104) to a predetermined lower position urges the release actuating element (172) into movement to actuate an unlocking mechanism of the locking part (118) so that folding of the stand frame (102) is possible. [2] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 1, wherein the side segment (138) includes a guide track (164) and the linkage (162) includes an upper portion guided for movement along the guide track (164) during rotation of the side segment (138) relative to the seat support frame (124), wherein movement of the upper portion along the guide track (164) results in sliding movement of the linkage (162) relative to the seat support frame (124). [3] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking device (154) includes: a latch (155) pivotally connected to the seat support frame (124), the latch (155) operable to couple to the stand frame (102) at any one of a plurality of locking positions to lock the seat support frame (124) in place; and a release actuating member (158) connected to the latch (155) and accessible from outside the seat support frame (124) for actuating the latch (155) to decouple from a leg segment (106A) of the stand frame (102), the linkage (162) being movable to abut against a ramp-shaped surface (158A) of the release actuating member (158) to cause an unlocking movement of the latch (155). [4] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 3, wherein the release actuating portion (158) is operable to cause an unlocking movement of the latch (155) while the side segment (138) remains in the deployed state. [5] The infant high chair (100) of claim 3 or 4, wherein the linkage (162) includes a beam (166) and a rocker arm (168) pivotally connected to one another, the rocker arm (168) abutting the ramped surface (158A) of the release actuator (158) to drive an unlocking movement of the latch (155) when the side segment (138) is rotated to the folded state, and the rocker arm (168) is uncoupled from the ramped surface (158A) of the release actuator (158) when the seat assembly (104) is adjacent the lower position. [6] The infant high chair (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a safety device operable to prevent an arrangement in which the side segment (138) is in the deployed state and the seat assembly (104) is in the lower position, the safety device comprising: a prevention member (180) pivotally connected to the seat support frame (124), the prevention member (180) being rotatable between a blocking state and a release state; a spring (182) biasing the preventing member (180) to the blocking state; a stopper (186) attached to a leg segment (106A) of the stand frame (102); and a projection (184) attached to the linkage (162), the projection (184) being at a position that blocks rotation of the prevention member (180) from a blocking state to the release state while the side segment (138) is in the deployed state, and the projection (184) being moved to a release position to allow rotation of the prevention member (180) from the blocking state to the release state when the side segment (138) is rotated from the deployed state to the folded state; wherein the preventing member (180), when restricted by the projection (184) from remaining in the blocking state, comes into contact against the stopper (186) to stop the seat assembly (104) at a position above the lower position, and the releasing position of the projection (184) allows the preventing member (180) to be pushed by the stopper (186) from the blocking state to the releasing state, thus allowing the seat assembly (104) to move downward to the lower position. [7] Toddler high chair (100), comprising: a stand frame (102) including a locking member (118) operable to lock the stand frame (102) in an extended state, and a release actuator (172) operatively connected to the locking member (118) and disposed proximate a foot (110) of the stand frame (102); and a seat assembly (104) including a seat support frame (124) connected to the stand frame (102), the seat support frame (124) being vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame (102); wherein downward displacement of the seat assembly (104) relative to the stand frame (102) to a predetermined lower position urges the release actuating element (172) into movement to actuate an unlocking mechanism of the locking part (118) so that folding of the stand frame (102) is possible. [8] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 7, wherein the stand frame (102) is folded while the seat assembly (104) remains in the lower position near the base (110). [9] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 7 or 8, wherein the stand frame (102) further includes first and second leg segments (106A, 108A) pivotally connected to each other, the locking member (118) is disposed near an upper end of the first and second leg segments (106A, 108A), and the release actuator (172) is connected to the locking member (118) via a wire (174). [10] Toddler high chair (100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: a locking device (154) for locking the seat assembly (104) at a desired height relative to the stand frame (102); a side segment (138) pivotally connected to the seat support frame (124), the side segment (138) being rotatable between a folded state and a deployed state; and a linkage (162) operatively connected to the side segment (138) and the locking device (154); wherein rotation of the side segment (138) in a folding direction causes sliding movement of the linkage (162) which actuates the locking device (154) to unlock to allow vertical movement of the seat assembly (104) relative to the stand frame (102). [11] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 10, further comprising a safety device operable to prevent an arrangement in which the side segment (138) is in the deployed state and the seat assembly (104) is in the lower position, the safety device comprising: a preventing member (180) pivotally connected to the seat support frame (124), the preventing member (180) being rotatable between a blocking state and a releasing state; a spring (182) biasing the preventing member (180) to the blocking state; a stop (186) attached to the stand frame (102); and a projection (184) attached to the linkage (162), the projection (184) being at a position that blocks rotation of the prevention member (180) from a blocking state to the release state while the side segment (138) is in the deployed state, and the projection (184) being moved to a release position to allow rotation of the prevention member (180) from the blocking state to the release state when the side segment (138) is rotated from the deployed state to the folded state; wherein the preventing member (180), when restricted by the projection (184) from remaining in the blocking state, comes into contact against the stopper (186) to stop the seat assembly (104) at a position above the lower position, and the releasing position of the projection (184) allows the preventing member (180) to be pushed by the stopper (186) from the blocking state to the releasing state, thus allowing the seat assembly (104) to move downward to the lower position. [12] Toddler high chair (100), comprising: a stand frame (102) including a locking member (118) operable to lock the stand frame (102) in an unfolded state; a seat assembly (104) including a seat support frame (124) connected to the stand frame (102), the seat support frame (124) being vertically adjustable relative to the stand frame (102); a locking device (154) operable to lock the seat assembly (104) at a desired height relative to the stand frame (102); a side segment (138) pivotally connected to the seat support frame (124), the side segment (138) being rotatable between a folded state and a deployed state; and a linkage (162) operatively connected to the side segment (138) and the locking device (154); wherein rotation of the side segment (138) in a folding direction causes sliding movement of the linkage (162) which actuates unlocking of the locking device (154) to enable vertical movement of the seat assembly (104) relative to the stand frame (102). [13] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 12, wherein the side segment (138) includes a guide track (164) and the linkage (162) includes an upper portion guided for movement along the guide track (164) during rotation of the side segment (138) relative to the seat support frame (124), wherein movement of the upper portion along the guide track (164) results in sliding movement of the linkage (162) relative to the seat support frame (124). [14] A toddler high chair (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the locking device (154) includes: a latch (155) pivotally connected to the seat support frame (124), the latch (155) operable to couple to the stand frame (102) at any one of a plurality of locking positions to lock the seat support frame (124) in place; and a release actuating member (158) connected to the latch (155) and accessible from outside the seat support frame (124) for actuating the latch (155) to decouple from a leg segment (106A) of the stand frame (102), the linkage (162) being movable to abut against a ramp-shaped surface (158A) of the release actuating member (158) to cause an unlocking movement of the latch (155). [15] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 14, wherein the release actuating portion (158) is operable to cause an unlocking movement of the latch (155) while the side segment (138) remains in the deployed state. [16] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 14 or 15, wherein the linkage (162) includes a beam (166) and a rocker arm (168) pivotally connected to each other, the rocker arm (168) abutting against the ramped surface (158A) of the release actuating member (158) to drive an unlocking movement of the latch (155) when the side segment (138) is rotated to the folded state. [17] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 16, wherein the rocker arm (168) is disengaged from the ramped surface (158A) of the release actuator (158) when the seat assembly (104) is adjacent the lower position on the stand frame (102). [18] The toddler high chair (100) of claim 17, wherein the stand frame (102) further comprises a release actuator (172) operatively connected to the locking portion (118) and disposed proximate a foot (110) of the stand frame (102), and downward displacement of the seat assembly (104) to the lower position urges the release actuator (172) to move to actuate an unlocking mechanism of the locking portion (118) to enable folding of the stand frame (102).

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