auxiliary seat

Abstract

The invention relates to an auxiliary seat (10) for a child having a footprint and comprising a base provided with at least one of: a set of stabilizing legs (50-56) having a use position comprising a retracted position and a laterally extended position in which the stabilizing legs are laterally extended relative to the base (28) to increase the footprint; and a set of height increasing legs having a use position comprising a retracted position and a height increasing position in which the height increasing legs are extended downwardly relative to the base to raise the base relative to a surface on which the auxiliary seat is supported. The auxiliary seat further comprises an actuator which is operable to move the legs between their use positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to assistive seats for infants and other children. Background Technology

[0002] Assistive seats are secured to chairs to allow infants or other young children to sit at table height, enabling them to join family members during mealtimes. Typically, assistive seats have straps to secure them to the chair, providing a stable platform and eliminating the risk of a child causing the seat to fall off.

[0003] The assistive seat can also be used as a child's independent seat by placing it on the floor or other surfaces. In this case, it is expected that the assistive seat itself is stable enough to resist tipping or falling over by a noisy or active child. However, if the primary purpose of the assistive seat is to be mounted on a traditional chair seat, its footprint is limited by the fact that it needs to be mounted on a traditional chair seat. Therefore, a compromise must be made between designing the size of the assistive seat to be mounted on a regular chair seat and providing stability for independent use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an auxiliary seat as described in claim 1.

[0005] The present invention also includes the auxiliary seat as described in claim 11.

[0006] The invention also includes a method for increasing the height of an assistive seat, the assistive seat comprising a plurality of laterally movable stabilizing legs, the method comprising: manually moving a corresponding booster leg mounted on the stabilizing legs from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the booster leg is disposed within the stabilizing legs, and in the extended position the booster leg protrudes from the corresponding stabilizing legs. The booster leg can be mounted to the corresponding stabilizing legs to pivot between the retracted and extended positions. The stabilizing legs can be moved synchronously between the retracted and extended positions by a rotation actuator. Attached Figure Description

[0007] In the following disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 This shows a perspective view of the auxiliary seat fixed to the chair;

[0009] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the assistive seat placed on the floor with the stabilizing legs of the assistive seat in a laterally extended position;

[0010] Figure 3The bottom surface of the base of the auxiliary seat is shown, with the stabilizing feet positioned... Figure 1 The retracted position is shown in the figure;

[0011] Figure 4 It corresponds to Figure 3 The view shows Figure 2 The stabilizing leg shown is in a laterally extended position;

[0012] Figure 5 It corresponds to Figure 3 The view shows the booster leg of the assistive seat in the extended position, which also... Figure 6 As shown in the image;

[0013] Figure 6 Is with Figure 1 A perspective view roughly corresponding to an auxiliary seat fixed to a chair, but with the booster legs positioned... Figure 5 The extended position shown;

[0014] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the base of the auxiliary seat from above, showing the stabilizing legs and part of the actuator;

[0015] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing one of the stabilizing legs and a perspective view showing the second part of the actuator;

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of the part shown;

[0017] Figure 10 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view of line XX in the diagram;

[0018] Figure 11 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line XI-XI in the middle;

[0019] Figure 12 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view of line XII-XII in the middle;

[0020] Figure 13 It is along Figure 4 A perspective view of line XIII-XIII in the middle;

[0021] Figure 14 This is a schematic bottom view of alternative stabilizing legs and booster legs for auxiliary seats;

[0022] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of the stabilizing legs and the extension legs, showing the extension legs under deployed conditions; and

[0023] Figure 16 Is it set with Figure 14 and Figure 15 The diagram shows a perspective view of the base of a stabilizer and extender, similar to those shown. Specific Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 An assistive seat 10 is shown. The assistive seat 10 is shown supported by a raised surface in the form of a seating surface 12 of the seat portion 14 of an adult chair 16. The assistive seat 10 can be secured to the chair 16 by straps 18. It will be understood that the assistive seat 10 can be supported by many other suitable raised surfaces, such as surfaces defined by benches, car seats, high chairs, or tabletops. Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary seat 10 can also be used as a stand-alone seat by placing it unsecured on a non-raised surface such as the floor 20.

[0025] Reference Figure 2 The auxiliary seat 10 may include a base 28 and a seat 30 mounted on the base. The seat 30 may include a seat housing 32 and a seat insert 34 removably positioned within the seat housing. The seat housing 32 may be made of a relatively rigid plastic material, and the seat insert 34 may be made of a relatively soft, cushioning plastic material. For example, the seat housing 32 may be made of polypropylene (PP), and the seat insert 34 may be made of polyurethane (PU) foam. In other examples, the seat 30 may be a monolithic unit that may include multiple non-removable parts bonded together or otherwise permanently joined to form a housing that may be relatively rigid and lack cushioning. The seat 30 may be made of materials other than those described above, and in principle, may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, including one or more of foam, graphite, fiberglass, metal, fabric, and composite materials. The two-piece seat 30 with the detachable seat insert 34 as shown can be configured such that the seat insert 34 limits the seat space to a relatively small area for younger children, while the seat shell 32 limits the seat space to a relatively large area for older children.

[0026] Still refer to Figure 2 The seat 30 may include a backrest portion 36, a bottom support portion 38, and two opposing sidewall portions 40. The backrest portion 36 and the sidewall portions 40 may extend upward from the bottom support portion 38. The profile of the bottom support portion 38 may be at least partially recessed. In some examples, the seat 30 may include a corner member 42 that extends substantially upward from the front end of the bottom support portion 38, such that in use, the corner member 42 will be positioned between the legs of a child seated in the assistive seat 10. The corner member 42 helps prevent the child from sliding downward and forward.

[0027] Still refer to Figure 2 Optionally, the assistive seat 10 may include a tray 44. The tray 44 may be removably attached to the seat 30. The tray 44 may keep food, beverage bottles, toys, and other items near the seated child, and the tray 44 may also help restrain the child in the seat 30. The tray 44 may be of a conventional type well known to those skilled in the art. The tray 44 may be fixed to the seat 30 or removable. A fixed tray 44 may be hinged to the seat 30 such that the fixed tray 44 can be removed from the seat 30. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The usage position shown is moved away to make it easier to place a child in the seat. In the example where the tray 44 is removable, the assistive seat 10 may be provided with accessories or one or more storage compartments or pockets to allow the tray 44 to be secured to or otherwise partially stored in the assistive seat 10 when not in use.

[0028] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The base 28 is provided with a set of stabilizing feet 50 to 56 and an actuator 58 operable to move the stabilizing feet between multiple usage positions. Figures 3 to 5 In the image, only the manually operated rotatable input component 60 of actuator 58 is visible. Actuator 58 is... Figures 7 to 12 The diagram is shown in more complete form and will be described in more detail below. Although not strictly necessary, in the example shown, actuator 58 is configured such that the movement of stabilizing feet 50 to 56 is at least substantially synchronized.

[0029] Still refer to Figures 3 to 5 The auxiliary seat has a coverage area 62 defined by the outer periphery of the base 28 and the front ends of the stabilizing legs 50 to 56. The usage positions of the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 include... Figure 3 The retraction position shown and Figure 4 The lateral extension position shown in the diagram indicates that the legs extend laterally relative to the base 28 to increase the coverage area 62 of the auxiliary seat 10. When the auxiliary seat 10 is in a position such as... Figure 2 When the standalone mode shown is used, the increased coverage area 62 provides greater stability.

[0030] The base 28 may also be provided with a set of extension legs 64 to 70. The extension legs 64 to 70 may have the following usage positions: These usage positions include... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The retraction position shown and Figure 5 and Figure 6The heightened position is shown. When the heightened leg is deployed in its heightened position, the heightened leg extends downward relative to the base 28 relative to the surface supporting the auxiliary seat (such as, Figure 1 and Figure 6 The seating surface 12 of the seat 14 shown is raised from the base. The extension legs 64 to 70 are operable to provide or increase the space between the base 28 and the surface on which the auxiliary seat 10 is supported. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the booster legs 64 to 70 can be placed in a raised position, in which the base 28 is raised from the seating surface 12 on which the seat portion 14 of the auxiliary seat 10 is supported, thereby effectively increasing the height of the auxiliary seat 10 by the distance d that the booster legs extend downward relative to the base.

[0031] While not strictly necessary, the riser legs 64 to 70 can be accommodated or mounted on the corresponding stabilizing legs 50 to 56. Figures 1 to 6 In the example shown, when the riser legs 64 to 70 are in the retracted position, they may be at least substantially flush with the bottom surface of the base 28 and the stabilizing legs 50 to 56, or even retracted into the stabilizing legs. However, it should be understood that it is not necessary and may be advantageous for the riser legs 64 to 70 to protrude from the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 when in the retracted position, so that the riser legs can always operatively provide a contact point between the auxiliary seat 10 and the surface or body supporting it.

[0032] Through the operation of actuator 58, the riser legs 64 to 70 can move between their retracted position and their extended position. While not strictly necessary, in the illustrated example, actuator 58 is configured such that the movement of the riser legs 64 to 70 is at least substantially synchronized. When the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 are... Figure 3 and Figure 4 When moving between the retracted position and the operating position, the stabilizing feet 50 to 56 move in a planar motion. The raising feet 64 to 70 move to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The movement of the raised position shown may be transverse to the plane of movement of the stabilizing feet and may be at least substantially perpendicular to that plane. Actuator 58 may be configured such that the movement of the stabilizing feet 50 to 56 is independent of the movement of the raised feet 64 to 70.

[0033] Reference Figures 7 to 9Actuator 58 may include a cam device configured to move at least the stabilizing leg and the raising leg from their retracted position to their extended position. In some examples, the cam device may be configured to operate to return one or both sets of legs to their retracted position. The cam device may include a first rotatable member 74 and a second rotatable member 76. Although not required, the first rotatable member 74 and the second rotatable member 76 may be connected to rotate simultaneously in response to manual input via input member 60. In some examples, the first rotatable member 74 may include a rib 78. Figure 9 The ribs 78 engage with mating grooves 80 provided on the second rotatable member 76. Although not mandatory, four ribs 78 arranged in a cross shape and corresponding grooves 80 provided on the second rotatable member 76 defined by ribs 82 (or another body or bodies defining suitable grooves) are possible. The engagement of the ribs 78 in the grooves 80 enables the transmission of rotational motion from the first rotatable member 74 to the second rotatable member 76, such that rotation of the input member 60 will cause the first rotatable member 74 and the second rotatable member 76 to rotate simultaneously.

[0034] The rotatable input member 60 may be an integral part of the first rotatable member 74. The input member 60 may be axially centered on the first rotatable member 74 and connected via an inlet 86 in the base 28. Figure 4 and 5 (As shown in the diagram) and accessible. The input member 60 and the inlet 86 can be configured such that the input member 60 substantially seals or fills the opening to prevent the entry of dust, etc. In some examples, the input member 60 may be a separate part that is releasably or permanently fixed to the first rotatable member 74. It may be desirable if the input member 60 is made of a different material than the first rotatable member 76.

[0035] Still refer to Figures 7 to 9 The first rotatable member 74 and the second rotatable member 76 define cam tracks 88 and 90. Cam tracks 88 and 90 are engaged by corresponding protrusions 92 and 94 associated with the stabilizing foot and the raising foot, respectively. Figure 8 As shown, the protrusion 92 associated with the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 engages with at least one first cam track 88 defined by the first rotatable member 74. Figure 7As shown, the protrusions 94 associated with the riser legs 64 to 70 engage at least one second cam track 90 defined by the second rotatable member 76. In the illustrated example, the first rotatable member 74 has a corresponding first cam track 88 for stabilizing legs 50 to 56, and the second rotatable member 76 has a corresponding second cam track 90 for the riser legs 64 to 70. It should be understood that discrete cam tracks for each stabilizing leg and each riser leg are not necessary, as one or both of the first rotatable member 74 and the second rotatable member 76 may be provided with continuous tracks having corresponding cam portions configured to actuate the corresponding legs. The first cam track 88 is configured such that rotation of the rotatable member 74 generates a driving force that is applied to the protrusions 92 to move the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 to their laterally extended positions. The second cam track 90 is configured such that the rotation of the second rotatable member 76 generates a driving force that will be applied to the protrusion 94 to move the heightening legs 64 to 70 to their downward extended positions.

[0036] In the example shown, the first cam track 88 and the second cam track 90 have the same construction. Therefore, the following description of the second cam track 90 also applies to the first cam track 88, and in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate similar portions or sections of the cam tracks 88 and 90.

[0037] As best in Figure 7 As seen herein, the second cam track 90 includes a neutral position 96, a non-movable portion 98 extending from the neutral position along a first direction, and a movable portion 100 extending from the neutral position along a second direction. The first and second directions are substantially opposite, and the neutral position 96 is located between the corresponding inner ends of the non-movable portion 98 and the movable portion 100. The first direction corresponds to the movable rotational direction A of the second rotatable member 76, and the second direction corresponds to the non-movable rotational direction NA of the second rotatable member. Figure 7 As seen in the illustration, the active direction and the first direction are generally clockwise, while the inactive direction and the second direction are generally counterclockwise. In the illustrated example, the first rotatable member 74 and the second rotatable member 76 are mounted in a parallel, face-to-face, and coaxial relationship, such that they share a common axis of rotation 102. In the example where the first rotatable member 74 and the second rotatable member 76 are connected to rotate synchronously, the first rotatable member 74 and the second rotatable member 76 are inverted relative to each other, so that when the first rotatable member 74 rotates along its active direction A, the second rotatable member 76 rotates in the same direction, but along its inactive direction NA.

[0038] The inactive portion 98 of the second cam track 90 is arc-shaped and has a substantially constant radius measured from the rotation axis 102. This configuration allows the second rotatable member 76 to move along the inactive direction NA (e.g., ...). Figure 7 If the second rotatable member 76 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (as seen in the image), the corresponding protrusion 94 can move from the neutral position 96 along the inactive portion 98 of the second cam track 90 toward the corresponding outer end 104. When the protrusion 94 moves along the inactive portion 98, no driving force is applied to the protrusion. Therefore, the lifting legs 64 to 70 will not move due to the rotation of the second rotatable member 76 in the inactive direction.

[0039] The movable portion 100 of the second cam track 90 includes: an arcuate inner end section 106 having a radius measured from the rotation axis 102, the radius of which gradually increases along the inner end section 106 in a second direction; and an arcuate outer end section 108 having a substantially constant radius. This configuration allows the second rotatable member 76 to move along the direction of movement A (e.g., ...). Figure 7 When rotated clockwise (as seen in the image), the protrusion 94 can move from the neutral position 96 along the inner end section 106 of the corresponding movable portion 100 toward the outer end section 108 in the second direction, and a driving force is applied to the protrusion 94 to move the raising legs 64 to 70 to their downward extended position. When the protrusion 94 enters the outer end section 108, although the second rotatable member 76 continues to rotate in the direction of movement A, the driving force applied to the protrusion 94 stops.

[0040] Reference Figures 9 to 12 Each of the riser legs 64 to 70 has a ramp surface 112 configured to convert a laterally directed driving force applied by the protrusion 94 into a downward movement of the riser leg, the downward movement being at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of the driving force. The ramp surface 112 is disposed on the radially inward-facing end of the riser legs 64 to 70 such that it faces the axis of rotation 102. The actuator 58 includes a corresponding moving body 114 that carries the protrusion 94 and transmits the force applied by the protrusion 94 to the riser legs 64 to 70. Each moving body 114 has an inclined actuating surface 116 that engages with the ramp surface 112 of the corresponding riser leg 64 to 70, via which the driving force is transmitted from the moving body to the corresponding riser leg. Therefore, the driving force provided by the actuator 58 is transmitted from the second rotatable member 76 to the raised legs 64 to 70 via the corresponding protrusion 94 and the pushing surface 116 of the moving body 114 pressing against the ramp surface 112.

[0041] Reference Figure 9Each of the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 includes a base member 118 and a hollow top housing 120 fixed to the base member. The corresponding extender legs 64 to 70 are housed in extender leg housings 122 defined within the top housing 120. The extender leg housings 122 are located at the front end or radially outer end of the respective stabilizing legs 50 to 56 and are configured to guide the respective extender legs 64 to 70 as they move between their retracted and downwardly extended positions. Figure 13 As shown, in the illustrated example, each of the riser legs 64 to 70 has a first guide member 124 configured to cooperatively engage with a second guide member 126 disposed in the riser leg housing 122 to guide movement of the riser leg between its retracted position and its extended position. The first guide member 124 may include a generally U-shaped structure, and the second guide member 126 may include one or more ribs received between the arms of the U-shaped structure to serve as one or more guide rails for the riser legs 64 to 70.

[0042] Reference Figure 9 The base member 118 is provided with a through hole 128 through which the corresponding extension legs 64 to 70 pass when extended downwards. While not strictly necessary, the through hole 128 is configured to mate with the extension legs 64 to 70 such that the extension legs slide within the through hole 128. This facilitates guiding the extension legs 64 to 70 as they move between their retracted and extended positions. However, while not strictly necessary, the extension legs 64 to 70 may be configured such that when in their retracted position, the front end portion of each leg is received within the corresponding through hole 128, thereby effectively blocking the hole to prevent dirt and dust from entering.

[0043] As best in Figure 7 As seen in the diagram, the corresponding ends of the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 may be beveled, or may otherwise be narrowed or thinned to allow the legs to be positioned close to the axis of rotation 102 when in their retracted position. This allows for more efficient use of the space in the base.

[0044] The booster legs 64 to 70 may be provided with corresponding pads 130, which are located on the front or outer ends of the legs. The booster legs 64 to 70 and the pads 130 may be configured such that the auxiliary seat 10 is supported on the pads in all cases, including with the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 and the booster legs 64 to 70. Therefore, when the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 and the booster legs 64 to 70 are in their retracted positions (e.g.,...), the booster seats 10 are supported on the pads. Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 10When (as shown in the diagram), the raised feet or at least the pads 130 protrude sufficiently from the bottom surface 132 of the base 28 to allow the pads to engage the support surface. Similarly, when the stabilizing feet 50 to 56 are in their laterally extended position (as shown in the diagram), Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 11 When (as shown in the diagram), it engages with the support surface via the pad 130. Furthermore, when the extendable legs 64 to 70 are in their downward extended position (as shown in the diagram), they engage with the support surface via the pad 130. Figure 6 and Figure 12 As shown in the diagram, the base 28 engages with the support surface via the pad 130. Therefore, in all usage positions of the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 and the booster legs 64 to 70, the bottom surface 132 of the base 28 is spaced apart from the support surface, and the auxiliary seat 10 rests on the pad 130. The pad 130 may be made of a material relatively softer than that of the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 and the booster legs 64 to 70, thereby protecting the support surface from scratches and similar damage caused by movement of the auxiliary seat relative to the surface. The material used to make the pad 130 may have a relatively high coefficient of friction to resist sliding movement of the auxiliary seat 10 when it is supported on a hard surface.

[0045] The movable body 114 is disposed within the top housing 120 of the respective stabilizing feet 50 to 56, rearward or radially inward of the riser foot housing 122. The movable body 114 is supported for relative sliding movement within the respective stabilizing feet 50 to 56, enabling movement toward the riser feet 64 to 70 to transmit driving force to the riser feet, causing them to extend downwards, and enabling movement away from the riser feet to allow them to return to their retracted position. The movable body 114 may be configured to slide back and forth between opposing, spaced-apart struts 140 projecting upwards from the base member 118. The struts 140 are used to secure the base member 118 to the top housing 120. While not strictly necessary, in some examples, the struts 140 may be configured to additionally serve as guides for the movable body 114.

[0046] As best in Figures 10 to 12 As seen, the protrusion 94 is embedded or otherwise mounted or secured to the corresponding movable body 114 for support or carrying by the movable body. The protrusion 94 may include a metal pin. The protrusion 94 projects upward through a corresponding slot 142 provided in the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 (see...). Figure 7The second cam track 90 engages with the second rotatable member 76. A slot 142 may be provided in the top housing 120. The slot 142 may extend radially relative to the axis of rotation 102 of the first rotatable member 74 and the second rotatable member 76. Thus, the slot 142 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the respective stabilizing legs 50 to 56. The slot 142 is configured to have sufficient length to allow the range of motion of the protrusion 94 imparted by the second rotatable member 76 to be sufficient to drive the movable body 114 to a position where it causes the raised legs 64 to 70 to extend or unfold fully downward.

[0047] Reference Figures 9 to 12 The base members 118 of the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 are provided with corresponding bosses 144, which are disposed on the upper side of the base members 118 such that the bosses are received within the corresponding stabilizing legs when the top housing 120 and the base members are assembled. Protrusions 92 are embedded in or otherwise mounted in the corresponding bosses 144 and protrude from the bottom surface of the base members 118 to engage the first cam track 88 of the first rotatable member 74. Protrusions 92 may be metal pins. The movable body 114 has corresponding longitudinally extending channels 146 for receiving the bosses 144, allowing the movable body to slide back and forth on the bosses.

[0048] like Figure 12 As shown, the second cam track 90 and groove 142 are configured to allow the movable body 114 to be driven to a fully extended position. In this fully extended position, the inclined surface 116 disengages from the corresponding ramp surface 112, and the movable body passes the inner or upper end 148 of the corresponding extender legs 64 to 70, such that the horizontally positioned locking surface or surface portion 150 of the movable body can engage the upper end 148 to prevent the extender legs from retracting from their downward extended position. The extender legs 64 to 70 are thus locked in their extended position until the actuator 58 is operated to retract the movable body 114 from its fully extended position to the position shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11 When the device is in the retracted position as shown. The locking surface 150 may simply include the bottom surface of the moving body 114, or it may be a suitable surface defined between the inclined surface 116 and the bottom surface of the moving body (e.g., by means of a recess provided below the push surface 116).

[0049] Reference Figure 13The extender legs 64 to 70 may be provided with a biasing mechanism, by which the extender legs 64 to 70 are biased to their retracted position. For example, the extender legs may be provided with a fixing member 152, through which a first end of a tension spring 154 is attached to the extender legs 64 to 70. The second end of the tension spring 154 is attached to the top housing 120 of the corresponding stabilizing legs 50 to 56 via a fixing member 156. The tension spring 154 is configured such that when the extender legs 64 to 70 are extended, the tension spring 154 is in a tensioned state, thereby allowing the moving body 114 to move from such a position. Figure 12 When the extended position shown is retracted, the extender legs will be automatically pulled back to their retracted position by tension spring 154. It will be understood that using tension springs to bias the extender legs 64 to 70 to their retracted position is not necessary. For example, the stabilizing legs and extender legs may be configured such that when the extender legs are extended in their downward extension position, the extender legs compress one or more resilient members or bodies (e.g., compression springs) capable of pushing the extender legs back to their retracted position when the movable body 114 retracts. Alternatively, a biasing mechanism may be omitted. The extender legs 64 to 70 may be held in their retracted position by a stop or by another locking mechanism disengaging from a pusher (which may have a similar construction to the movable body 114), allowing the extender legs to descend to their downward extension position. In this arrangement, the pusher can be used to lock the riser leg in its extended position in a manner similar to that of the movable body 114, and when the movable body retracts, the user can simply push the riser leg back to its retracted position for re-engagement, where it is held by its corresponding locking mechanism.

[0050] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the base 28 and stabilizing legs 50 to 56 define a roughly square coverage area 62 with rounded corners defined by the stabilizing legs and slightly curved sides defined by the base. The stabilizing legs 50 to 56 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the periphery of the base 28, and the base 28 has corresponding cutouts 160. Figure 4 The front end of the stabilizing leg is accommodated in the cutout 160. Ideally, in... Figure 9 As seen, the base member 118 is stepped to define the rear end portion 162 and the front end portion 164 connected by the vertical surface 166. The inner end of the cutout 160 and the vertical surface 166 are curved and configured to mate so that there is continuity between the bottom surface of the base 28 and the front end portion 164 of the stable foot when the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 are in their retracted position. The interface between the inner end of the cutout 160 and the vertical surface 166 may be adjacent to the outer periphery of the first rotatable member 74, so that the curvature of the cutout 160 and the vertical surface 166 is determined by the diameter of the first rotatable member.

[0051] Reference Figure 7 The stabilizing feet 50 to 56 are provided with side-mounted guide members 170 (see also...) Figure 13 The side-mounted guide member 170 engages with the upper surface 172 of the base 28. In the illustrated example, each stabilizing leg 50 to 56 has a pair of guide members in the form of elongated fins 170, which are arranged in an opposing relationship and project from opposite sides of the top housing 120. The stabilizing legs 50 to 56 are configured to slide into the opposing sidewalls 174 of the cutout 160 and corresponding arched openings 176 defined in the upright sidewalls 178 of the base 28. Figure 2 Between. The sidewall 174 and the wall defining the opening 176 cooperate to guide the stabilizing feet 50 to 56 to move linearly between their retracted and laterally extended positions, while the fin 170, the upper surface 172 of the base 28 and the wall defining the opening 176 cooperate to guide the stabilizing feet such that the movement between the retracted and laterally extended positions is at least substantially planar.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 When actuator 58 is set to neutral mode, stabilizer legs 50 to 56 and lift legs 64 to 70 are in their retracted positions, thereby assisting the seat to... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. When actuator 58 is in its neutral mode, input member 60 can be arranged such that the centrally positioned finger gripper moves along the axis shown in the diagram. Figure 3 The north-south oriented extension is shown. To deploy a set of stabilizing legs 50 to 56, the user rotates clockwise (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As seen in the diagram) Rotate input member 60. This causes the first rotatable member 74 to rotate in its active direction A, while the second rotatable member 76 rotates in its inactive direction NA. When the second rotatable member 76 rotates in its inactive direction NA, the protrusion 94 moves along the inactive portion 98 of the second cam track 90, no driving force is applied to the protrusion 94, and the set of raising legs 66 to 70 are in their retracted position. On the other hand, when the first rotatable member 74 rotates in its active direction A, the first protrusion 92 moves along the active portion 100 of the first cam track 88. This causes a lateral or radially outward force to be applied to the protrusion 92, which responds by moving radially outward relative to the axis of rotation 102 and driving the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 to their laterally extended positions. When the protrusion 92 enters the corresponding outer end section 108 of the active portion 100, the driving force is stopped, the protrusion stops in the inactive position, and the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 are fully extended. Figure 4 As shown, when with Figure 3Compared to the configuration shown, when a set of stabilizing legs 50 to 56 are in their lateral extended position, the coverage area 62 of the auxiliary seat 10 is increased. This increases the coverage area 62 of the auxiliary seat 10 in situations such as... Figure 2 The stability shown in the independent mode reduces the risk of tipping over for active children. When the user wishes to retract the stabilizing legs 50 to 56, the input member 60 is simply moved from... Figure 4 Rotate counterclockwise to the position shown. Figure 3 As shown, the deployment process is reversed, and protrusion 92 applies a radially inward force to the stabilizing foot to drive the stabilizing foot back to its original position. Figure 3 The location shown.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 When the user wishes to extend the set of height-adjusting legs from 64 to 70, input component 60 from... Figure 3 Rotate counterclockwise to the position shown. Figure 5 The position shown in the diagram. This causes the first rotatable member 74 to rotate along its inactive direction NA, and the second rotatable member 76 to rotate along its active direction A. Since the first rotatable member 74 rotates along its inactive direction NA, the protrusion 92 moves along the inactive portion 98 of the first cam track 88 and no driving force is applied to the protrusion. Therefore, the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 remain in their retracted position. When the second rotatable member 76 rotates along its active direction A, the protrusion 94 moves along the active portion 100 of the second cam track 90. ​​This causes a lateral or radially outward force to be applied to the second protrusion 94, thereby driving the second protrusion 94 in the direction of the front end of the stabilizing legs 50 to 56. Since the protrusion 94 is fixed to the moving body 114, this causes the moving body to be driven in the direction of the applied force. As the moving body 114 slides toward the front end of the corresponding stabilizing leg 50 to 56, the pushing surface 116 presses against the ramp 112 of the corresponding raising leg 64 to 70, causing a downward (as shown in the diagram) force to be applied to the raising leg. Figure 12 (As seen in the image) force. This causes the outriggers to rise 64 to 70 degrees from their retracted position (as shown in the image). Figure 10 (as shown) move to its downward-extended or unfolded position (as shown) Figure 12 (As shown in the diagram). This arrangement allows the raised legs to be positioned at 64 to 70 degrees. Figure 12 As shown in its extended position, the inclined surface 116 of the movable body 114 has moved over the ramp 112, and the upper surface 148 of the extension legs 64 to 70 is engaged by the locking surface 150 of the movable body 114 to resist the restoring force applied by the tension spring 154, holding the extension legs in their extended position. When the user wishes to return the extension legs 64 to 70 to their retracted position, as... Figure 3and Figure 5 As shown, rotating the input member 60 clockwise causes the actuator 58 to retract the movable body 114. As the movable body 114 retracts, the tension spring 154 pulls the extension legs 64 to 70 back to their retracted positions.

[0054] Therefore, it will be understood that actuator 58 is configured to move the stabilizing legs 50 to 56 and the raising legs 64 to 70 independently from their retracted positions to their extended positions in response to a simple rotary input motion, and that when one set of legs moves, all legs in that set move together. Similarly, the legs can be returned from their extended positions to their retracted positions by simply rotating the input member 60 of actuator 58.

[0055] In the example shown, the cam track is a groove defined in the rotatable member. In other examples, the cam track may be defined by a recess or rib provided in or on the rotatable member.

[0056] In the example shown, the assistive seat has a set of four stabilizing legs and a corresponding number of booster legs. This is not required. For example, the set may have fewer or more than four stabilizing legs. In one example, the assistive seat may include a set of three stabilizing legs arranged at equal angular intervals around the base of the assistive seat. Having a set of booster legs is also not required. Therefore, the assistive seat may include a set of stabilizing legs without booster legs. Similarly, the assistive seat may include a set of booster legs without stabilizing legs.

[0057] In the example shown, the actuator is configured to operate to actuate a set of stabilizing legs and a set of booster legs. This is not required. In some examples, the actuator may be configured to actuate only the stabilizing legs. In such an example, the booster legs may be configured to be manually deployed by being pulled out of the base and locked in their deployed position using a locking mechanism such as a stop mechanism. For example, the booster legs may pivot from a retracted position to a deployed position, in which the booster legs extend downward relative to the base of the auxiliary seat to increase the height of the auxiliary seat. In such an example, the booster legs may still be accommodated within the corresponding stabilizing legs to make efficient use of the available space on the base, and it is feasible to have larger stabilizing legs, for example, if the booster legs are positioned between adjacent pairs of stabilizing legs.

[0058] Figure 14 and Figure 15A stabilizing leg 250, which may be the same as or similar to the assistive seat 10, is shown. The stabilizing leg 250 can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position by an actuator (such as an improved actuator 58), which is configured to move multiple such stabilizing legs 250 between the retracted and extended positions in a manner similar to how actuator 58 moves stabilizing legs 50 to 56. The stabilizing leg 250 is provided with a riser leg 252, which is movable between its retracted and extended positions without being controlled by the actuator that moves the stabilizing leg. The riser leg 252 may be pivotally connected to the stabilizing leg 205 to be movable between its retracted and extended positions by pivoting relative to the stabilizing leg 250. Although not strictly necessary, in the illustrated example, the riser leg 252 is movable from its retracted position (… Figure 14 (as shown) move to its unfolded position ( Figure 15 During the process shown in the figure, it pivots toward the front end or outer end 254 of the stabilizing foot 250.

[0059] The stabilizing foot 250 may include a hollow housing comprising opposing sidewalls 256 and a top wall 258 extending between the sidewalls, such that the stabilizing foot has a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section that opens at its rear end 260 and is closed at its opposite ends by a wall defining a front end 254. A foot pad 262 extends inwardly from the front end 254 on the bottom surface of the stabilizing foot 250 to contact the support surface on which the assistive seat rests, except when the raised foot 252 is deployed to support the assistive seat. The foot pad 262 may be configured to be at least substantially parallel to the top wall 258. Optionally, the foot pad 262 may be provided with a contact pad 264 made of a material relatively softer than the stabilizing foot 250, thereby protecting the support surface from scratches and similar damage caused by movement of the assistive seat relative to the surface. The material used to make the contact pad 264 may have a relatively high coefficient of friction to resist sliding movement of the assistive seat when it is supported on a hard surface.

[0060] The stabilizing foot 250 may be provided with a pair of internally disposed housing walls 266, which extend along the inner or bottom surface of the top wall 258 in a relatively spaced-apart relationship. The housing walls 266 may extend from the wall defining the front end 254 of the stabilizing foot 250. The extender foot 252 is received between the housing walls 266 in its retracted position. In the illustrated example, the extender foot 252, in its retracted position, is completely received within the cavity or recess defined between the housing walls 266. However, this is not necessary, and in some examples, the extender foot 252 may protrude between the housing walls 266, as long as the extender foot 252 does not protrude from the stabilizing foot 250.

[0061] The extender leg 252 is provided with a pivot member 268 that extends from the opposite side of the extender leg and engages in a corresponding hole provided in the housing wall 266, allowing the extender leg to pivot about a pivot axis 270. The pivot axis 270 extends perpendicular to the direction of movement 272 of the stabilizing leg 250. In some examples, instead of a corresponding pivot member 268, the extender leg 252 may be mounted on an axis extending between the housing walls 266.

[0062] The riser leg 252 can be a generally rectangular body or it can be hollow. The front end 274 of the riser leg 252 can be provided with a contact pad 276 in a manner similar to the contact pad 264 of the riser leg pad 262.

[0063] The stabilizing leg 250 is constructed to allow easy access to the booster leg 252, enabling the user to manually move the booster leg 252 from its retracted position to its extended position. The stabilizing leg 250 may be equipped with a locking device to lock the booster leg 252 in its extended position. In the illustrated example, the foot pad 262 is configured to restrict the pivoting movement of the booster leg 252. The arrangement of the foot pad 262 and the booster leg 252 causes the booster leg to stop in an over-center position, locking it in its extended position when it supports the assist seat. It will be understood that instead of using the foot pad 262 as a stop, a separate stop or movement limiter may be provided.

[0064] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the lower part of the base 328 for an auxiliary seat, which includes a set of stabilizing legs 350 to 356 and corresponding booster legs 364 to 370 mounted on the stabilizing legs. The stabilizing legs 350 to 356 and the booster legs 364 to 370 are designed to... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The stabilizing feet 250 and 252 shown operate in a similar manner. Stabilizing feet 350 to 356 are movable between a retracted position and an extended position via an actuator (not shown), which includes a manually operated rotatable input member 368. This actuator, except that it is configured to drive only stabilizing feet 350 to 356, can be similar to... Figures 7 to 12 The actuator 58 is shown. Figure 16 In the diagram, stabilizing feet 350 to 356 are shown in their retracted position.

[0065] The extender legs 364 to 370 can move independently of the actuator. Specifically, the extender legs 364 to 370 can be manually moved from their retracted position to... Figure 16The diagram shows the extended position. In the retracted position, the extender legs 364 to 370 are disposed within the stabilizing legs 350 to 356. In the extended position, the extender legs 364 to 370 protrude from the respective stabilizing legs 350 to 356. In this example, the stabilizing legs 350 to 364 do not have inner walls defining the housings for the respective extender legs 364 to 370. Instead, the opposing sidewalls 372 of the stabilizing legs 350 to 366 are provided with corresponding mounting members 374 to which the extender legs 364 to 370 are pivotally connected.

[0066] In the extended position of the extender legs, the extender legs are positioned to abut against the corresponding foot pads 376 of the stabilizing legs 350 to 356, each stabilizing leg having a contact pad 378. The foot pads 376 are configured such that when contacted by the extender legs 364 to 370, the extender legs are in an over-center position.

Claims

1. A child support seat having a coverage area and comprising: The base is provided with: A set of stabilizing legs having a use position including a retracted position and a laterally extended position, wherein the stabilizing legs extend laterally relative to the base to increase the coverage area. and A set of extender legs having a use position including a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position, the extender legs extend downward relative to the base to raise the base relative to the surface supporting the auxiliary seat; as well as An actuator operable to move the stabilizing foot and the elevating foot between their respective operating positions, wherein the actuator includes a cam device configured to move the stabilizing foot and the elevating foot, wherein the cam device includes at least one rotatable member defining at least one cam track engaged by a corresponding protrusion on a foot in a foot assembly, and the at least one cam track configured such that rotation of the rotatable member causes a driving force to be transmitted via the protrusion to the corresponding foot. The protrusion includes a corresponding first protrusion associated with the stabilizing leg and a corresponding second protrusion associated with the raising leg; The cam device includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member, the first rotatable member defining at least one first cam track engaged by a first protrusion, and the second rotatable member defining at least one second cam track engaged by a second protrusion. The at least one first cam track is configured such that rotation of the first rotatable member causes the driving force to be applied to the stabilizing foot via the first protrusion, thereby moving the stabilizing foot to the lateral extension position; and The at least one second cam track is configured such that rotation of the second rotatable member causes the driving force to be applied to the riser leg via the second protrusion, so that the riser leg moves to the riser position.

2. The auxiliary seat according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is configured to move the legs in the leg assembly simultaneously.

3. The auxiliary seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The stabilizing leg moves in a first plane when it moves between the retracted position and the laterally extended position, and the elevating leg moves in a direction transverse to the first plane when it moves between the retracted position and the elevating position.

4. The auxiliary seat according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the set of stabilizing legs and the set of raising legs, wherein, The support legs in the set of heightening legs are at least partially housed in the corresponding stabilizing legs in the set of stabilizing legs.

5. The auxiliary seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The actuator includes a rotary input member and is configured such that rotating the input member in a first direction causes the stabilizing leg to move to the lateral extension position, and rotating the input member in a second direction causes the raising leg to move to the raising position.

6. The auxiliary seat according to claim 1, wherein, Both the first cam track and the second cam track include a neutral position, a non-moving portion extending from the neutral position along a first direction, and a moving portion extending from the neutral position along a second direction. The inactive portion is configured such that rotation of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member in the inactive direction does not cause the driving force to be applied to the stabilizing leg and the raising leg, and rotation of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member in the active direction causes the driving force to be applied, wherein the inactive direction is the direction opposite to the active direction.

7. The auxiliary seat according to claim 6, wherein, The cam device is configured such that the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member rotate simultaneously, and is oriented such that rotation of the first rotatable member along the active direction causes rotation of the second rotatable member along the inactive direction, and rotation of the first rotatable member along the inactive direction causes rotation of the second rotatable member along the active direction.

8. The auxiliary seat according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein, The first rotatable member defines a corresponding first cam track for the first protrusion, and the second rotatable member defines a corresponding second cam track for the second protrusion.

9. The auxiliary seat according to claim 1 or 7, wherein, Each booster leg has a ramp surface configured to receive the driving force applied in the lateral direction relative to the base and cause the booster leg to move in a direction transverse to the lateral direction, so that the booster leg moves to a downward extension position.

10. The auxiliary seat according to claim 9, wherein, The actuator includes a corresponding movable body for applying the driving force to the riser leg, each of the movable bodies having an inclined pushing surface for engaging the corresponding ramp surface and bearing the corresponding protrusion.

11. The auxiliary seat according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the moving bodies can be moved to a position in which the inclined pushing surface disengages from the ramp surface and the corresponding raising leg is engaged by the locking surface of the moving body, such that the raising leg remains in the downwardly extended position.

12. The auxiliary seat of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of resilient biasing members configured to return the booster leg from the downwardly extended position to the retracted position.

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