Baby chair

Abstract

An infant support chair includes a frame, a seat movably supported on the frame, an integral tray, and a co-guiding and latching system. The co-guiding and latching system is configured to magnetically pull the integral tray toward at least one latching position when the integral tray is within range of at least one latching position relative to the seat, and to releasably secure the integral tray to the seat when the integral tray engages with at least one latching position. The tray engages with at least one latching position, and slidably positions the integral tray relative to the seat when the integral tray partially disengages from at least one latching position.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 902,718, filed September 19, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] background

[0004] 1. Field

[0005] Exemplary aspects of this disclosure generally relate to baby chairs, and more specifically to high chairs for infants and children.

[0006] 2. A brief description of related developments

[0007] High chairs can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and features. For example, a high chair can provide a safe and comfortable place for an infant to sit while eating or drinking. High chairs may include features for securing the infant and / or for preventing and / or limiting food and / or beverage spills.

[0008] Traditional highchairs typically consist of a frame, a seat, and a food tray. The seat is for children to sit in and can be moved up on the frame. The food tray is placed on the seat to hold food and drinks. Infants and toddlers are fed in the highchair during mealtimes. Children can be strapped into the seat, and then the highchair tray is attached to the child's face.

[0009] However, traditional high chairs suffer from various drawbacks that make them difficult to use. For example, traditional high chairs require the user to carefully align the tray with two tracks when attaching it to the seat. The tray is then pushed in one direction, and only in one direction, for attachment. This can be difficult to do with one hand. Multi-layer trays are now available with magnetic guidance and latching systems that help users align and place the tray on the seat. However, these multi-layer trays require additional and complex components to attach the tray to the seat and slide it in and out relative to the seat. These additional and complex components increase the complexity of the manufacturing process and significantly increase the cost of manufacturing high chairs.

[0010] Therefore, an improved high chair is needed to address these shortcomings.

[0011] It should be noted that the design and / or utility features disclosed in U.S. Patent No. D730,070, entitled HIGH CHAIR, are applicable and incorporated into various aspects of this disclosure, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Features of infant chairs described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0279800A1, entitled “Infant Chairs,” published October 4, 2018; U.S. Patent No. 9,560,919, granted February 17, 2017; and U.S. Patent No. 10,080,443, granted September 28, 2018, are also applicable and incorporated into various aspects of this disclosure, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above aspects and other features of the disclosed embodiments are explained in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of an infant support chair device in an upright configuration, which incorporates various aspects of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The illustrations schematically depict various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The baby support chair features an integrated tray latch system.

[0015] Figures 3A to 3C The illustrations schematically depict various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The baby support chair features an integrated tray guiding and latching system;

[0016] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustrations schematically depict various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The baby support chair equipment has an integrated tray latching system and armrest interfaces, which are in engaged and partially engaged states, respectively.

[0017] Figure 5 The illustrations schematically depict various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The baby support chair equipment features a two-stage belt and channel integrated tray latch system;

[0018] Figures 6A to 6C The illustrations schematically depict various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe integrated tray latching system of the baby support chair equipment has a release button and a release handle in the latched, unlocked, and released states, respectively;

[0019] Figures 7A to 7E The illustrations schematically depict various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The tilting component of the seat positioning system for infant support chair equipment; and

[0020] Figure 8 The illustrations schematically depict various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The height component of the seat positioning system for infant support chair equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exemplary “baby support” chair device (also referred to herein as baby support chair 100) in the form of a baby high chair is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. Although various aspects of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that various aspects of this disclosure may be implemented in a variety of forms. Furthermore, any suitable size, shape, or type of element or material may be used.

[0022] Still referencing Figure 1A and Figure 1B The term "infant support" as used herein is intended to include infants and toddlers who are typically fed using "high chairs" and similar high chairs. Furthermore, as this disclosure proceeds, those skilled in the art will readily understand that certain features of the chairs and various aspects of the chair components disclosed herein can find the same utility in use with respect to chairs and chair arrangements that can be more specifically tailored to support larger children or adults, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the illustrated aspect, the infant support chair 100 includes a frame assembly 110 configured to movably support the seat 200 at multiple heights above the floor or other surface where the frame assembly 110 is supported. As will be discussed in further detail below, the infant support chair 100 also includes a tray assembly 400 which is removably attachable or "releasably mountable" to the seat 200.

[0023] The frame assembly 110 is made of multiple parts, which can be made of a variety of structural materials. For example, the parts of the frame assembly 110 can be made of extruded aluminum or steel or other metallic materials, as well as structural blow-molded plastics and other polymeric materials and combinations thereof. The metallic parts can be painted or otherwise coated or encapsulated in antimicrobial and hydrophobic plastics, or coated or covered with powder coatings or other suitable coating materials to achieve, for example, a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0024] Frame assembly components can be joined together by fasteners or fastener media, such as screws, bolts, spring-biased stops, rivets, bent tabs, molded snap features, interference fits, extrudable features, hinges, tenon arrangements in slots, and / or any other suitable form of fastener. In some aspects, the fasteners may be removable to facilitate removal by the user for storage and / or transport purposes, while in others, the fasteners or fastener media may be non-removable. For example, in other aspects, frame assembly components can be joined together by welding, adhesives, etc. In yet another embodiment, the frame assembly can be integrally molded. For example, the frame assembly can be formed from structural blow-molded plastic or other suitable materials.

[0025] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, frame assembly 110 includes a right-side structure 120 and a left-side structure 150. The terms "left" and "right" are used herein for ease of explanation and are not intended to limit the structure of frame assembly 110. Right-side structure 120 includes a right vertical strut 122 attached to a right transition joint 124. A right front leg 126 and a right rear leg 128 are attached to the right transition joint 124. Similarly, left-side structure 150 includes a left vertical strut 152 attached to a left transition joint 154. As shown, a left front leg 156 and a left rear leg 158 are attached to the left transition joint 154. As shown, a front cross strut 180 is attached to and extends between the right transition joint 124 and the left transition joint 154. A rear strut 184 is attached to and extends between the right rear leg 128 and the left rear leg 158. A curved handrail 190 may also be attached to and extends between the right vertical strut 122 and the left vertical strut 152. The armrest 190 provides a convenient means of moving the baby support chair 100 to a desired position. In the illustrated aspect, the legs, support rods, and connectors are made of extruded metal such as aluminum or other suitable materials and are coupled together by screws (not shown) or other suitable fasteners, but in other aspects, as mentioned above, any suitable materials and fasteners (removable or non-removable) can be used.

[0026] Still referencing Figure 1A and Figure 1B Seat 200 includes a base 202, a right armrest 210R, and a left armrest 210L. The right armrest 210R and left armrest 210L extend from opposite sides of the seat base 202. An infant (or "occupant") can sit on the base 202 between the right armrest 210R and left armrest 210L of seat 200. Seat 200 also includes a backrest 250 extending upward from the rear side of the base 202. The backrest 250 is configured to support an infant (or occupant) positioned in an upright and / or sitting position within seat 200. In other respects, seat 200 may not include a backrest. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the seat 200 includes a restraint post 260 extending upward from the base 202 (see...). Figure 1B The restraint post 260 can be configured to assist in securing and restraining an infant or occupant positioned in the seat 200. In various aspects, the seat 200 can be made of plastics such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”), polyoxymethylene (“POM”), nylon-polystyrene (nylon PS), etc., with the restraint post 260 integrally formed thereto. In other aspects, the restraint post 260 is attached to the base 202 by screws, bolts, snap-fit ​​features, and / or any other suitable removable fasteners (such as those mentioned above) for assembly purposes and to facilitate the positioning and / or detachment of the restraint post 260 from and from multiple locations on the seat. In other aspects, the restraint post 260 can be non-removably attached to the base by adhesives, rivets, and / or any other suitable non-removable fasteners (such as those mentioned above). The seat 200 may also include a removable insert seat cushion 200C. In at least one aspect, for example, the insert cushion 200C includes an integral seat insert that conforms to at least a portion of the seat 200 and can be removed for cleaning purposes. In yet another aspect, the insert cushion 200C may be formed in multiple pieces from one or more cushion materials. The seat 200 may include a multi-piece restraint system (such as a two-point harness, three-point harness, four-point harness, five-point harness, or any other suitable restraint) for securing an infant within the seat 200, such as those described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0279800A1, published October 4, 2018, entitled “Infant Chairs”, U.S. Patent No. 9,560,919, granted February 17, 2017, and U.S. Patent No. 10,080,443, granted September 28, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0027] In the aspects shown, and in reference Figure 8 Seat 200 is movably coupled to frame assembly 110 via a seat positioning system generally designated 300 (see...). Figure 8 In at least one aspect of this disclosure, for example, the seat positioning system 300 includes a right seat height latch assembly 310R and a left seat height latch assembly 310L, in Figure 8 Only the left seat height latch assembly 310L is shown (note that the right seat height latch assembly 310R is located behind the left seat height latch assembly 310L, and...). Figure 8(The left seat height latch assembly 310L is obscured in the view shown). In the aspects shown, the right seat height latch assembly 310R and the left seat height latch assembly 310L are identical in construction and operation and are “mirrors” of each other, such that only the left seat height latch assembly will be described. Figure 8 The various parts of the left seat height latch assembly 310L are shown. The left seat height latch assembly 310L includes a left height adjustment lever 312L, which is configured to slidably engage a left recess 315L. The left recess 315L is attached to a left vertical support 152 and has three recesses 320. In other respects, the recess 315L may have any number of recesses 320.

[0028] In operation (note that the right height adjustment lever 312R has a substantially similar operation to the left height adjustment lever 312L), the user presses the left height adjustment lever 312L in the direction of arrow V. The left height adjustment lever 312L pivots about the left height lever pin (e.g., pivot point) 313L, thereby causing the locking arm 312LA of the left height adjustment lever 312L to rotate or more in the direction of arrow E. The movement of the locking arm 312LA in the direction of arrow E causes the left height adjustment lever 312L to disengage from one of the recesses 320, wherein the locking arm 312LA is integrally formed with or otherwise coupled to the left height adjustment lever so as to rotate about the left height lever pin 313L. The user can now raise or lower the seat positioning system 300 to a new height by releasing the left height adjustment lever 312L, which causes the left torsion spring 314L to pivot the left height adjustment lever 312L and the locking arm 312LA about the left height lever pin (pivot point) 313L, thereby moving the locking arm 312LA of the left height adjustment lever 312L into another (or the same) groove 320 in the direction of arrow F.

[0029] As previously described, the curved handrail 190 can be attached to and extend between the right vertical support 122 and the left vertical support 152. Figure 1B ) Attached to the right vertical support 122 and the left vertical support 152, to be attached to the right seat height latch assembly 310R and the left seat height latch assembly 310L (the connection between the curved armrest 190 and the left seat height latch assembly 310L is for illustrative purposes) Figure 8As shown, note again that the right seat height latch assembly 310R is substantially similar to the left seat height latch assembly 310L. In the illustrated aspect, when the user adjusts the height of the seat 200, the seat 200, the curved armrest 190, and the right and left seat height latch assemblies 310R and 310L move in unison. In the illustrated aspect, if the user presses only one of the height adjustment levers 312L or 312R in the direction of arrow V, the seat 200 will not move vertically along the vertical supports 122, 152, because the other height adjustment lever 312R or 312L will remain engaged in the groove 320 of the recess 315R or 315L. Therefore, this arrangement prevents the user from accidentally unlocking the latch of the seat 200 while a child is sitting in the seat, thus preventing height adjustment unless the user presses both height adjustment levers 312L or 312R simultaneously in the direction of arrow V.

[0030] refer to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figures 7A to 7E In the illustrated aspect, as described above, seat 200 is movably coupled to frame assembly 110 via a seat positioning system generally designated 300. In at least one aspect, for example, seat positioning system 300 includes a right seat tilt latch assembly 410R and a left seat tilt latch assembly 410L, in Figures 7B to 7E Only the left seat tilt latch assembly 410L is shown, but it should be noted that the right seat tilt latch assembly 410R is substantially similar to the left seat tilt latch assembly 410L. In the aspects shown, the right seat tilt latch assembly 410R and the left seat tilt latch assembly 410L are identical in construction and operation, and are “mirrors” of each other. Figures 7A to 7E The various parts of the left seat tilt latch assembly 410L are shown. The left seat tilt latch assembly 410L includes a left dovetail support 415L, which is configured to support and rotate the seat 200 relative to the frame assembly 110. The left dovetail support 415L mates with a dovetail support sleeve 416L. Figure 7E In, and around the dovetail-shaped support sleeve male connector 417L ( Figure 7C and Figure 7E Rotation. The dovetail support sleeve male connector 417L can be integrally formed with the seat 200, or can be attached to the seat 200 using any suitable attachment means (such as those described herein). The left dovetail support 415L has a dovetail support female connector 418L ( Figure 7C and Figure 7E The left dovetail support 415L slidably engages with and rotates about the dovetail support sleeve male connector 417L. The left dovetail support 415L has three dovetail support teeth 419L configured to engage with the dovetail support sleeve button 420L. Figure 7C and Figure 7EIn other respects, the dovetail support 415L may have any number of dovetail support teeth 419L. The left dovetail support 415L may also have a dovetail support locking feature 421L, which connects or locks the dovetail support 415L to the left vertical strut 152 of the frame assembly 110. Figures 7C to 7E ).

[0031] During operation, the user can pull or otherwise move the dovetail support sleeve buttons 420L and 420R (see arrow W) in the direction of arrow W. Figure 7C The backrest 250 is tilted at an angle, as will be described in more detail below. In one respect, the tilt angle of the backrest 250 may be between 23 and 42 degrees; however, in other respects, the tilt angle may be set to any suitable angle that restrains or otherwise holds the occupant within the seat 200. The operation of the left seat tilt latch assembly 410L and the right seat tilt latch assembly 410R will be described only with respect to the left seat tilt latch assembly 410L, and it should be understood that both the left seat tilt latch assembly 410L and the right seat tilt latch assembly 410R are actuated in a substantially similar manner to tilt the seat 200. In operation, the dovetail support sleeve button 420L is moved in the direction of arrow W, causing the dovetail support sleeve button locking tooth 422L to disengage from at least one of the dovetail support grooves 423L. As the dovetail support sleeve button locking tooth 422L disengages from at least one of the dovetail support grooves 423L, the user can tilt the seat 200 to different tilt angles, causing the dovetail support 415L to rotate about the dovetail support sleeve male connector 417L. When the desired tilt angle is achieved, the user can release the dovetail support sleeve button 420L, which is in the direction W2 ( Figure 7C The dovetail support sleeve button 420L is biased by any suitable biasing member, causing at least one of the dovetail support grooves 423L to engage with the dovetail support 415L (and seat 200) relative to the frame assembly 110. In one aspect, the biasing movement of the dovetail support sleeve button 420L is controlled by a biasing member, which in one aspect is a spring or other suitable elastic material / component, while in other aspects, the movement of the dovetail support sleeve button 420L in the direction W2 can be achieved by any suitable device, biasing / elastic member, pawl, etc., such that engagement between the dovetail support sleeve button locking teeth 422L and at least one of the dovetail support grooves 423L is maintained unless released by the user.

[0032] Now for reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 4A and Figure 4BAnd as indicated above, seat 200 includes a right armrest 210R and a left armrest 210L. Each of the armrests 210R and 210L has a molded cavity 270 therein. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The cavity is configured to accommodate the female latch socket 280. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The female latch socket 280 has a latch slot 282 formed therein. The latch slot 282 is defined by a relatively flat or planar upper surface 284. (As in...) Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figures 3A to 3C , Figure 4A and Figure 4B As can also be seen, a solid magnet 290 (also known as a magnetic guiding member) is also supported within the cavity 270, possessing a magnetic force in the upward direction U (see...). Figure 2B The arm cover 296 is attached to the corresponding armrests 210R, 210L by any suitable fasteners (such as those described herein) to cover the cavity 270 and at least a portion of its contents (e.g., the female latch socket 280 and solid magnet 290 mentioned above).

[0033] As indicated above, the infant support chair 100 also includes a tray assembly 400, which is configured to be releasably mounted to the armrests 210R, 210L of the seat 200. Now refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe tray assembly 400 shown includes an integral tray body 402 having a tray latching system 500 integrated into the integral tray body 402. The integral tray body 402 is an integral body or a monolithic body (which may consist of multiple component parts fixedly coupled to each other to form a single unit or monolithic body (e.g., these component parts cannot move relative to each other when assembled or otherwise coupled) or a single piece), wherein the tray latching system provides sliding movement / adjustment of the integral tray body 402 in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., toward and away from the seat 200), and release of the integral tray body 402 from the armrests 210R, 210L in at least a substantially vertical direction or from out-of-plane to a plane generally formed by the tray (e.g., lateral adjustment movement of the integral tray body 402 to its substantially horizontal position). The tray assembly 400 also includes a tray liner 800 configured to be removably coupled to the integral tray body 402. In at least one aspect, for example, the integral tray body 402 may be molded from plastic polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”), polyoxymethylene (“POM”), nylon, or any other suitable material. In the illustrated aspect, the integral tray body 402 includes a bottom portion 414 and a latch housing portion 416. In one aspect, the bottom portion 414 has a smooth outer surface texture that facilitates easy cleaning; however, in other aspects, the bottom portion 414 may have any suitable outer surface texture. In other aspects, the bottom portion 414 may have multiple feet (not shown) to facilitate supporting the tray assembly 400 on a surface such as a tabletop or countertop when the tray assembly 400 has been detached from the seat 200.

[0034] Also refer to Figure 3A The integral pallet body 402 includes a U-shaped right docking component 510R and a U-shaped left docking component 510L. Note Figure 3A Only the U-shaped left docking member 510L is shown. The right docking member 510R is structurally identical to the left docking member 510L, and each includes corresponding docking areas 520R and 520L (see...). Figure 2A and Figure 3AIn the aspects shown, for example, each of the docking members 510R, 510L is molded from plastic polyoxymethylene (“POM”), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”), nylon, or any other suitable material; however, in other aspects, the docking members 510R, 510L may be manufactured from any suitable material using any suitable manufacturing technique. Each docking member 510R, 510L includes ferromagnetic elements 515R and 515L, such as, for example, steel bars mounted to or otherwise coupled / attached to each docking member 510R, 510L. As will be discussed in further detail below, the right docking member 510R is configured to receive at least a portion of the top of the right armrest 210R therein, and the left docking member 510L is configured to receive at least a portion of the top of the left armrest 210L therein, to facilitate mechanical latching of the tray assembly 400 to the seat 200 via the tray latching system 500. In one aspect, ferromagnetic elements 515R, 515L and corresponding solid magnets 290 form at least a portion of the cooperative guiding and latching system. In one or more aspects, docking members 510L, 510R and portions of the aforementioned armrest form at least a portion of the cooperative guiding and latching system. To facilitate “forward and backward” adjustment of the tray assembly 400 relative to the seat 200 in the direction of arrow A after the tray assembly 400 has been latched to the seat 200, each docking member 510R, 510L can be selectively moved between multiple latching positions, as will be described herein.

[0035] Now for reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The integral tray body 402 includes an integrated tray latching system 500 (also referred to as a multi-stage tray latching system), which forms at least a portion of a cooperative guiding and latching system in one or more aspects. The tray latching system 500 is a haptic feedback multi-stage latching system configured (as described herein) to achieve both basic horizontal adjustment movement and at least vertical release movement of the integral tray body 402 (and tray assembly 400) using a single actuating mechanism, the actuating mechanism being common to both the horizontal and vertical movements of the integral tray body 402 (and tray assembly 400). The tray latching system 500 includes a release button 501 that operates in combination with a release lever 502. The combined operating state of the release button 501 and the release lever 502 is... Figures 6A to 6C Further illustrated and discussed below, the tray latching system 500 further includes a right tray latch assembly 505R and a left tray latch assembly 505L for latching the integral tray body 402 to and unlocking it from the seat 200. The operational states and interactions between the left tray latch assembly 505L of the integral tray body 402 and the seat 200 are described in detail below. Figure 4A and Figure 4BFurther illustrated and discussed below, the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly 505L are connected to the release lever 502 by right strap 506R and left strap 506L, respectively, wherein right strap 506R and left strap 506L are constrained by right channel 507R and left channel 507L, respectively. Straps 506R and 506L are flexible straps and may include any suitable material, including but not limited to plastics, metals, ropes, wires, cloth, and composite materials. The operating states of the left strap 506L and left channel 507L are as follows: Figure 5 This is further illustrated in the text and discussed further below.

[0036] The docking members 510R and 510L (only 510L is shown) may have a three-position latch attached thereto (latch, left tray latch finger 530L in) Figure 2B , Figure 3C , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The docking member 510L is shown in the diagram, and it should be understood that the docking member 510R includes a substantially similar latching element (i.e., the right tray latch finger 530R). In operation, the user can position the integral tray body 402 such that there is a magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic elements 515L and 515R in the docking members 510R and 510L of the integral tray body 402 and the solid magnets 290 in each of the right armrests 210R and left armrests 210L. Magnetic attraction guides (in some respects, together with the configuration of the guide engagement between the mating members 510L, 510R and the left armrest 210L and right armrest 210R) the integral tray body 402 to the latch position, thereby causing the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly 505L to retract slightly (e.g., the engagement of the mating members 510R, 510L with the corresponding right tray latch assembly 505R and left tray latch assembly 505L pushes or otherwise pulls the right tray latch assembly 505R and left tray latch assembly 505L toward the centerline CL of the tray body 402 (see...) Figure 2A (Move), while the integral pallet body 402 moves in direction U2 (see) Figure 2BThe tray assembly 400 is guided to contact the seat 200 by the magnetic attraction between at least ferromagnetic elements 515L, 515R and the corresponding solid magnet 290. Once the tray assembly 400 is in the latched position, the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly 505L are biased in any suitable manner to automatically extend into the female latch socket 280 and engage with the latch slot plates 282 of the right armrest 210R and the left armrest 210L, respectively (the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly 505L and the corresponding latch slot plates 282 can be collectively referred to as latching members). Thus, the magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic elements 515L, 515R and the solid magnet 290 provides a reasonable bias or pull on the tray body 402 when the tray is within a certain range, bringing it to at least one latched position relative to the seat 200. Seating between tray latch assemblies 505L, 505R and armrests 210L, 210R, wherein the tray body 402 is in at least one latched position under such bias / pull, causing a distinct tactile sensation that the tray body 402 is engaged with the armrests 210L, 210R in a stepped position. Release of release button 501 (as described herein) provides locking the tray body 402 in a position relative to the seat 200 when the seat is in the desired posture, or adjusting the tray body 402 back and forth to the desired position when the tray body 402 is engaged with the armrests 210L, 210R.

[0037] With the integral tray body 402 latched to the seat 200, the user can now move the integral tray body 402 in the "forward" or horizontal direction (e.g., direction A), and / or at least remove the integral tray body 402 from the seat 200 in the vertical direction U. To move the integral tray body 402 in the "forward" direction, the user can press and hold the release button 501 and pull the release lever 502 to the first position, thereby causing the straps 506L and 506R to retract or otherwise move toward the centerline CL, the right tray latch assembly 505R, and the left tray latch assembly 505L, and partially disengage from the latch slots 282 located in the right armrest 210R and the left armrest 210L, respectively. With the tray latch assemblies 505R and 505L partially disengaged from the latch slot plate 282, the user can move the integral tray body 402 to different latch positions in direction A (so as to move the tray body 402 closer to or further away from the seat 200 backrest 250) and release the release lever 502 and release button 501, thereby causing the tray latch assemblies 505R and 505L to engage with the latch slot plate 282 in the new positions (under any suitable bias force).

[0038] To remove the integral tray body 402 from the seat 200, the user can press and hold the release button 501 and pull the release lever 502 to the second position, causing the straps 506L and 506R to retract or otherwise move the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly 505L toward the centerline CL and completely disengage from the latch slots 282 located in the right armrest 210R and the left armrest 210L, respectively. With the tray latch assemblies 505R and 505L completely disengaged from the latch slots 282, the user can now remove the integral tray body 402 from the seat 200, such as by moving the tray body 402 in the direction U. In the aspects shown in the figure, the mating configuration of the docking members 510L, 510R with the corresponding portions of the handrails 210L, 210R and / or the tray latching system 500 components is such that the tray body 402 is removed from the handrails 210L, 210R essentially only in the vertical direction U; while in other aspects, the mating configuration of the docking members 510L, 510R with the corresponding portions of the handrails 210L, 210R can be any suitable mating configuration that allows the tray body 402 to be removed from the handrails 210L, 210R in any suitable direction(s).

[0039] Now for reference Figures 6A to 6C The release button 501 includes a release button flexure 505 and a release button locking protrusion 504 connected to the release button flexure 505 for movement with it. The release lever 502 includes a release lever channel 503 having a channel front wall 503F, a channel rear wall 503B, and a channel base plate 503FL. The release lever channel 503 is configured to receive or otherwise receive at least a portion of the release button locking protrusion 504. Figure 6A The release lever 502 is shown in a locked state or configuration, wherein in the locked state, the release button 501 is not pressed, the locking protrusion 504 is inserted into the channel 503, and the release button flexure 505 can be substantially parallel to the channel base plate 503FL (it should be understood that, in other respects, the release button flexure can have any suitable shape and can not be substantially parallel to the channel base plate 503FL). In the locked state, the release button locking protrusion 504 is located within the release lever channel 503, and the contact between the release button locking protrusion 504 and one or more of the channel rear wall 503B and channel front wall 503F substantially prevents the user or occupant from pulling or pushing the release lever 502 in direction A, and prevents the user from disengaging the right tray latch assembly 505R and left tray latch assembly 505L of the integral tray body 402 from the seat 200. Figure 6CThe release lever 502 is shown in either the unlocked or configured state. In the unlocked state, the release button 501 is pressed, and the release button flexor can be flexed or otherwise moved in the Z direction to remove the release button locking protrusion 504 from the channel 503. In the illustrated aspect, the release button flexor 505 can be at an angle not substantially parallel to the channel base plate 503FL. In the unlocked state, there is no contact between the release button locking protrusion 504 and the rear wall 503B of the channel, and the user can pull the release lever 502 to partially or completely disengage the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly 505L of the integral tray body 402 from the seat 200. Figure 6B The release lever 502 is shown in the unlocked state just before it is pulled.

[0040] Now for reference Figure 2A , Figure 3C , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The left tray latch assembly 505L includes a left tray latch finger 530L, configured to engage and disengage the integral tray body 402 from the seat 200. As described herein, the left armrest 210 includes a female latch socket 280 and a latch groove 282 located within the female latch socket 280. The latch groove 282 has four recesses 283 (more or fewer than four recesses may otherwise be present) configured to engage the left tray latch finger 530L. Figure 4A A fully extended left tray latch assembly 505L is shown (e.g., such that the left tray latch finger plate 530L is laterally offset away from the centerline CL (see...) Figure 2A This allows the left tray latch finger 530L to fully engage with the latch slot 282 (note that the right tray latch assembly 505R includes a substantially similar right tray latch finger 530R). When the left tray latch finger 530L and / or the right tray latch finger 530R are fully engaged with their respective latch slots 282 (e.g.) Figure 4A As shown in the diagram regarding the left tray latch finger plate 530L, the integral tray body 402 is essentially not movable in the "forward" direction (e.g., direction A) or removable from the seat 200. For illustrative purposes, Figure 4B A partially extended left tray latch assembly 505L is shown (e.g., such that the left tray latch finger plate 530L is laterally offset away from the centerline CL (see...) Figure 2AThis allows the left tray latch finger 530L to partially engage with the latch slot 282. With the left tray latch finger 530L and / or the right tray latch finger 530R partially engaged with their respective latch slots 282, the integral tray body 402 can move in a "forward" direction (e.g., direction A); however, when the left tray latch finger 530L and / or the right tray latch finger 530R are partially engaged with the latch slots 282, the integral tray body 402 cannot be removed from the seat 200.

[0041] Also refer to Figure 5 The tray latching system 500 includes a left strap 506L and a left channel 507L, wherein the left strap 506L can be constrained by the left channel 507L (note that the right strap 506R and the right channel 507R are similarly configured, such that only the left strap 506L and the left channel 507L will be described). The left channel 507L may have a left channel bulge 519L, and the left strap 506L may have a left strap bulge 518L. When the release lever 502 is pulled, the interaction between the left channel bulge 519L and the left strap bulge 518L provides the user with a level indication of being in a first stage (e.g., the first stage is when the left tray latch finger 530L is partially retracted from the latch slot plate 282) (e.g., the user feels tactile feedback through the actuation / motion resistance of the release lever 502), and then again provides the user with a level indication of being in a second stage (e.g., the second state is when the left tray latch finger 530L is fully retracted from the latch slot plate 282). The tactile feedback clearly identifies each of the first and second levels, making the first level distinguishable from the second level in a replaceable manner. Here, at least the release lever 502 and the straps 506R and 506L can be referred to as a multi-stage operating mechanism. In operation, the user can pull or otherwise move the release lever 502 in direction A2 (see...). Figure 2A and Figures 6A to 6CThe user continues pulling the release lever 502 until they feel resistance. This resistance is caused by the interaction between the left channel bulge 519L and the left strap bulge 518L when the user pulls the release lever 502. When the user feels resistance, this indicates that the tray latch system 500 is in its first stage, and the left tray latch finger 530L disengages from the latch slot plate 282, allowing the user to adjust the integral tray body 402 in the "forward" direction. The user can overcome the resistance caused by the interaction between the left channel ridge 519L and the left strap ridge 518L by further pulling or otherwise moving the release lever 502 in direction A2, causing the tray latch system 500 to move to the second stage (the movement of the release lever 502 in direction A2 can be restricted in any suitable manner, such as by any suitable hard stop or restriction on the travel of the left tray latch finger 530L and the right tray latch finger 530R), causing the left tray latch finger 530L to completely disengage from the latch slot plate 282, and the user can remove the integral tray body 402 from the seat 200. As can be seen above, actuation of the release lever 502 is common to both the horizontal adjustment movement of the tray body 402 relative to the seat 200 and the vertical removal movement of the tray body 402 relative to the frame assembly 110 / armrests 210L, 210R.

[0042] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an infant support chair is provided. The infant support chair includes a frame, a seat movably supported on the frame, an integral tray, and a co-guiding and latching system configured to magnetically pull the integral tray toward at least one latching position when the integral tray is within range of at least one latching position relative to the seat, to releasably secure the integral tray to the seat when the integral tray is engaged with at least one latching position, and to slidably position the integral tray relative to the seat when the integral tray is partially disengaged from at least one latching position.

[0043] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the latching system is a two-stage latching system.

[0044] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the seat can be moved in the height direction.

[0045] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the seat can be moved in the direction of the tilt angle.

[0046] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the cooperative guidance and latching system is integrated into the integral tray.

[0047] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the cooperative guidance and latching system is integrated into the integral tray.

[0048] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the cooperative guiding and latching system is further configured to remove the integral tray from the frame in a direction substantially transverse to the sliding direction of the integral tray when the integral tray is fully disengaged from at least one latching position.

[0049] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, an infant support chair includes a frame, a seat coupled to the frame, an integral tray, and a multi-stage tray latching system configured to releasably couple the integral tray to the frame. The multi-stage tray latching system includes: a magnetic guide member configured to move the integral tray toward the frame and achieve locking engagement of the integral tray and seat with the multi-stage tray latching system; a latching member that couples the integral tray to the frame in one of a plurality of horizontal positions relative to the seat; and a multi-stage operating mechanism having different operating stages for both partial disengagement and complete disengagement of the latching member, wherein: partial disengagement of the latching member enables horizontal movement of the integral tray between the plurality of horizontal positions, and complete disengagement of the latching member enables removal of the integral tray from the frame in a direction transverse to the horizontal movement of the integral tray.

[0050] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a multi-stage operating mechanism includes a lever, and different operating stages are identified by tactile feedback through movement of the lever.

[0051] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a multi-level operating system includes at least one flexible band coupling a lever to a latching member, and an integral tray includes at least one channel in which the at least one flexible band is disposed, the at least one flexible band and the at least one channel having pawl features that engage with each other to identify different operating levels.

[0052] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the latching member includes: a finger plate slidably coupled to an integral tray; and a latching slot plate coupled to a frame; wherein a multi-stage operating mechanism is coupled to the finger plate to enable graded movement of the finger plate relative to the latching slot plate.

[0053] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the infant support chair further includes a seat tilt latch assembly that rotatably couples the seat to the frame.

[0054] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the seat tilt latch assembly includes a slide lock that locks the seat in one of a plurality of rotational positions relative to the frame.

[0055] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the infant support chair further includes a seat height latch assembly configured to slidably couple the seat to the frame.

[0056] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the seat height latch assembly includes a pivot lock that locks the seat in one of a plurality of height positions relative to the frame.

[0057] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, an infant support chair includes a frame, a seat coupled to the frame, an integral tray coupled to the seat in one of a plurality of latching positions, and a co-guiding and multi-stage latching system configured to magnetically guide the integral tray to latching engagement with the seat in one of the plurality of latching positions, wherein the co-guiding and multi-stage latching system includes: a first stage in which a latch portion having the co-guiding and multi-stage latching system partially disengages between the integral tray and the seat, and a second stage in which the latch portion having the co-guiding and multi-stage latching system completely disengages between the integral tray and the seat. Partial disengagement: A change from one of the plurality of latching positions to another of the plurality of latching positions is achieved as the integral tray slides relative to the seat, and substantially prevents the integral tray from being removed from the seat. Complete disengagement: The integral tray is removed from the seat. The multi-stage operation of the latch portion of the co-guiding and multi-stage latching system is achieved using only a single actuating lever.

[0058] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the first and second stages are distinguished from each other by tactile feedback through the movement of a single actuating rod.

[0059] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the latching portion of the cooperative guidance and multi-stage latching system includes at least one flexible band coupling a single actuating rod to the latching member, and the integral tray includes at least one channel in which the at least one flexible band is disposed, the at least one flexible band and the at least one channel having pawl features that engage with each other to clearly identify the first and second stages.

[0060] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the latching member includes a finger plate slidably coupled to an integral tray and a latching slot plate coupled to a frame.

[0061] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the infant support chair further includes a seat tilt latch assembly that rotatably couples the seat to the frame.

[0062] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the infant support chair further includes a seat height latch assembly configured to slidably couple the seat to the frame.

[0063] It should be understood that the foregoing description is illustrative only for the purposes of this disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the various aspects of this disclosure are intended to include all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of any of the appended claims. Furthermore, the fact that different features are mentioned in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used advantageously, such a combination still remaining within the scope of the various aspects of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A baby support chair, comprising: frame; A seat that can be movably supported on the frame; One-piece pallet; as well as The cooperative guidance and latching system is configured as follows: With the integral tray within at least one latched position relative to the seat, the integral tray is magnetically pulled as a unit of a single-piece assembly toward the at least one latched position. With the integral tray engaged in the at least one latch position, the integral tray of the unit of the single-piece component is releasably secured to the seat using the latch assembly of the integral tray. The unit, which is releasably secured and magnetically pulled, is common to both the component and the other. When the latch assembly of the integral tray is partially disengaged from the at least one latch position, the integral tray of the unit of the one-piece assembly is slidably positioned relative to the seat, the slidably positioned unit being the one-piece assembly that is at least shared with the unit that is releasably fixed and magnetically pulled.

2. The infant support chair according to claim 1, wherein the cooperative guidance and latching system is a two-stage latching system.

3. The infant support chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat is movable in the height direction.

4. The baby support chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat is movable in the tilt angle direction.

5. The infant support chair of claim 1, wherein the synergistic guidance and latching system is integrated into the integral tray.

6. The infant support chair of claim 1, wherein the synergistic guiding and latching system is further configured to remove the integral tray from the frame in a direction substantially transverse to the sliding direction of the integral tray when the integral tray is fully disengaged from the at least one latched position.

7. A baby support chair, comprising: frame; Seats coupled to the frame; One-piece pallet; as well as A multi-stage tray latching system configured to releasably couple the integral tray to the frame, the multi-stage tray latching system comprising: A magnetic guide member is configured to move the integral tray as a whole toward the frame and to achieve locking engagement of the integral tray and the seat with the multi-stage tray latch system. A latching member that, in one of a plurality of horizontal positions relative to the seat, integrally couples the integral tray to the frame, and A multi-stage operating mechanism having different operating stages achieved by the coordinated movement of the multi-stage operating mechanism, the different operating stages achieving both partial disengagement of the latching member from the seat and complete disengagement of the latching member from the seat. in: The latching member disengages from the portion of the seat to allow the integral tray to move horizontally as a whole between the plurality of horizontal positions, and The complete disengagement of the latching member from the seat enables the integral tray to be removed from the frame as a whole in a direction transverse to the horizontal movement of the integral tray.

8. The infant support chair of claim 7, wherein the multi-level operating mechanism includes a lever, and the different operating levels are identified by tactile feedback through movement of the lever.

9. The infant support chair of claim 8, wherein the multi-stage operating mechanism includes at least one flexible band coupling the rod to the latching member, and the integral tray includes at least one channel in which the at least one flexible band is disposed, the at least one flexible band and the at least one channel having pawl features that engage with each other to identify the different operating stages.

10. The infant support chair of claim 7, wherein the latching member comprises: Finger plates that are slidably coupled to the integral tray; as well as A latching slot plate coupled to the frame; The multi-stage operating mechanism is coupled to the finger plate to enable the finger plate to move in stages relative to the latch slot plate.

11. The infant support chair of claim 7, further comprising a seat tilt latch assembly rotatably coupled to the frame.

12. The infant support chair of claim 11, wherein the seat tilt latch assembly includes a slide lock that locks the seat in one of a plurality of rotational positions relative to the frame.

13. The infant support chair of claim 7, further comprising a seat height latch assembly configured to slidably couple the seat to the frame.

14. The infant support chair of claim 13, wherein the seat height latch assembly includes a pivot lock that locks the seat in one of a plurality of height positions relative to the frame.

15. A baby support chair, comprising: frame; Seats coupled to the frame; The integral tray of the seat is centrally coupled to one of multiple latching positions; as well as A cooperative guidance and multi-stage latching system configured to magnetically guide the integral tray to latch engagement with the seat in one of the plurality of latching positions, wherein the cooperative guidance and multi-stage latching system includes: A latching portion having a first stage, wherein the first stage has the latching portion of the cooperative guidance and multi-stage latching system partially disengaging between the integral tray and the seat, the partial disengagement being: The sliding movement of the integral tray relative to the seat enables a change from one of the plurality of latch positions to another. Essentially, it prevents the integral tray from being removed from the seat as a whole; The latching portion has a second stage, the second stage having complete disengagement of the latching portion of the cooperative guidance and multi-stage latching system between the integral tray and the seat, the complete disengagement enabling the integral tray to be removed as a whole from the seat; and In the aforementioned cooperative guidance and multi-stage latching system, the multi-stage operation of the latching portion is achieved using only a single actuating rod.

16. The infant support chair of claim 15, wherein the first stage and the second stage are distinguished from each other by tactile feedback via movement of the single actuating rod.

17. The infant support chair of claim 15, wherein the latching portion of the synergistic guidance and multi-stage latching system includes at least one flexible band coupling the single actuating rod to the latching member, and the integral tray includes at least one channel in which the at least one flexible band is disposed, the at least one flexible band and the at least one channel having pawl features that engage with each other to clearly identify the first stage and the second stage.

18. The infant support chair of claim 17, wherein the latching member comprises: Finger plates that are slidably coupled to the integral tray; as well as A latching slot plate coupled to the frame.

19. The infant support chair of claim 15, further comprising a seat tilt latch assembly rotatably coupled to the frame.

20. The infant support chair of claim 15, further comprising a seat height latch assembly configured to slidably couple the seat to the frame.

Images