Convertible infant chair and standing platform

Abstract

An infant chair convertible to a standing platform, the infant chair comprising: a foldable support frame having a front leg and a rear leg configured to stably support the standing platform; and an elevated seat assembly for a child. The seat assembly includes a seat portion, a backrest portion, and a movable lift frame. The seat assembly is vertically movable relative to the support frame. The seat portion and the backrest portion are movable relative to each other. A linkage that interconnects the seat portion with the support frame controls movement of the seat portion as the seat assembly moves relative to the support frame. In one configuration, the seat assembly is generally disposed above the platform and is operable as a seat for a child. In the second configuration, the seat portion is repositioned in general alignment with the backrest portion to allow the child to stand on an underlying platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to portable seats for children, and more particularly to a portable seat that can be quickly and conveniently converted for use as a high chair or standing platform. Background Art

[0002] Portability and ease of use of child care accessories are increasingly important considerations among consumers. This is particularly important for chairs, stools, and other products that are primarily designed for use in homes where space is often limited. To this end, many of these products are designed to be easily adaptable to meet multiple needs with a single product and to fold into a compact configuration when not in use.

[0003] Many learning activities for children occur in the home kitchen or other locations with elevated counters or work surfaces. In most residential settings, elevated work surfaces are typically located about 36 inches above the floor. In order for young children to see and reach these elevated surfaces, elevated steps or platforms are required. It may be difficult for young children to maintain stability and balance on a footstool. For young children, optimal reach to countertop surfaces requires a step height of 15 to 18 inches above the floor. These requirements have given rise to new equipment (learning towers) that provide an optimally positioned standing platform and an elevated structure above the platform to provide a stable handrail or guard for the child.

[0004] The stability of the standing platform requires a significant amount of space, which creates a problem for storage of the device when not in use. The problem is compounded when the standing platform structure is single use and does not include adaptability to meet the child's other needs.

[0005] What is needed is a multi-purpose structure that can satisfy both the standing platform need and a secondary need, such as an elevated toddler chair or high chair. Additional benefits will be realized by a combination of a standing platform and toddler chair that can be folded into a compact configuration for storage when not in use. Other features and advantages will become apparent from this specification. The disclosed teachings extend to those embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims, regardless of whether they achieve one or more of the foregoing needs. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect, a toddler chair is provided that can be easily converted into a standing platform without the need for tools. The toddler chair includes a support frame having front and rear legs configured to stably support the standing platform and an elevated seat assembly for a toddler. The seat assembly includes a seat portion and a backrest portion connected to the lifting frame. The seat assembly may include armrests. The seat assembly can move vertically relative to the support frame. The seat portion and the backrest portion can move relative to each other. When the seat assembly moves relative to the support frame, a linkage device that interconnects the seat portion with the support frame controls the movement of the seat portion. In one configuration, the seat assembly is typically disposed above the platform and is operable as a seat for a child. In a second configuration, the seat portion is repositioned to be roughly aligned with the backrest portion to allow the child to stand on the platform below.

[0007] In another aspect, a convertible toddler standing platform and chair is provided, the convertible toddler standing platform and chair comprising front legs and rear legs, the front legs and rear legs being hingedly connected to allow the legs to be positioned in a compact arrangement when not in use. A movable platform is pivotally coupled to the front legs. A pivot linkage interconnects the platform and the rear legs. The platform and the pivot linkage allow the front legs and the rear legs to be selectively positioned in an operable configuration for use and a folded configuration for storage. When configured for use, the platform is disposed generally horizontally between the front legs and the rear legs, with the distal leg ends spaced apart for stability. A travel stop is provided to engage the linkage and hold the linkage and the platform in a stationary operable position. When the travel stop is engaged, the pivot arrangement of the linkage is positioned slightly over-center so as to inhibit accidental reverse pivotal movement of the linkage while the standing platform / chair is in use. The over-center arrangement also minimizes stress in any latching mechanism, which may be provided to prevent accidental or unintentional movement from the operable configuration. Movement of the platform toward the folded configuration pivots the rear legs toward the front legs to achieve a more compact stowable arrangement.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a toddler chair includes a support frame having front and rear legs configured to stably support a standing platform and an elevated seat assembly for a toddler. The front and rear legs are hingedly connected to allow the support frame to be arranged in an unfolded configuration for use, or arranged in a folded configuration for storage when not in use. The standing platform is pivotally coupled to the front and rear legs by an interconnected pivot linkage that coordinates the movement of the support frame. When folded, the standing platform is repositioned to stabilize the folded frame and allow the folded frame to stand unsupported in a generally upright and stable manner.

[0009] In another aspect, a convertible standing platform and toddler chair includes a support frame having front and rear legs configured to stably support the standing platform and an elevated seat assembly for a toddler. The seat assembly includes a seat portion and a backrest portion connected by a lift frame. The seat assembly is vertically movable relative to the support frame and is configured to function as a toddler chair or a learning tower. The seat portion and the backrest portion are movable relative to each other. Moving the seat assembly toward the learning tower configuration moves the seat portion into alignment with the backrest portion and generally displaces the seat assembly rearward to allow the learning tower to be positioned proximate to a cabinet supporting a work surface, thereby allowing a child standing on the platform to reach the work surface.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of the invention, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the configuration as a toddler chair and unfolded for use;

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the embodiment shown in , showing a configuration for use as a standing platform;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of the present invention, showing a configuration as a toddler chair;

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of the invention configured as a standing platform and shown positioned adjacent a counter height work surface;

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing a folded arrangement for storage;

[0017] Figure 6 is a partial view of the hinge connection between the front legs and the rear legs of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 7 is a partial view of an embodiment of a mechanism for repositioning a seat shown in a first configuration;

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 a partial view of the mechanism shown in a second configuration;

[0020] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An alternative view of the repositioning mechanism shown in;

[0021] Fig.10 is a partial view of a lift frame in a seat assembly, illustrating an embodiment of a lift frame retaining mechanism;

[0022] Figure 11A-11E The movement of the seat assembly between a high chair configuration and a standing platform configuration is illustrated;

[0023] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a toddler seat in a deployed position showing a platform folding link;

[0024] Fig.13 This is a bottom view of the toddler seat;

[0025] Figure 14A-14E The movement of the standing platform frame of the toddler chair between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration is illustrated;

[0026] Fig.15 is a view of an embodiment of a toddler chair and standing platform shown in a lowered configuration and having an infant seat connected thereto;

[0027] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A view of a toddler chair and standing platform shown in a raised configuration with an optional infant seat connected thereto;

[0028] Fig.17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a toddler chair and a standing platform configured as a standing platform and including a safety rail; and

[0029] Fig.18 Is has Fig.17 Alternative views of the safety rails for the toddler chair and standing platform.

[0030] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring to the drawings, a convertible toddler chair and standing platform device 10 is shown having a foldable frame 15 including front legs 20, rear legs 30, and a platform panel 40. The front and rear legs are pivotally coupled at their proximal ends by hinges 18 and can be moved between an expanded configuration ( Figure 1-Figure 4 ) and folded configuration ( Figure 5When deployed, the feet 25, 35 provided on the distal ends of the front and rear legs support the device 10 on a floor 100 or similar horizontal surface.

[0032] The seat assembly 50 is provided and selectively configured as a seat to support a young child occupant or to reposition a portion of the seat to provide clearance for the young child to comfortably stand on the platform panel 40. The seat assembly 50 includes a seat panel 54 and a backrest panel 56. A lifting frame 51 is movably connected to the frame 15 adjacent the hinge 18. The lifting frame 51 is selectively positionable in generally opposite lowering ( Figure 1 ) position and elevation ( Figure 2 ) position. The lifting frame 51 may include a downwardly extending telescopic extension 55 that engages the front legs 20 to facilitate raising and lowering the lifting frame 51. The lifting frame 51 may also include armrests 52. The lifting frame 51 may be generally U-shaped in a horizontal plane to extend behind the backrest panel 56 and extend forward on either side as armrests 52.

[0033] A retaining mechanism may be provided to retain the lifting frame 51 in at least the raised position until selectively repositioned by a user. The retaining mechanism 70 may include a movable pawl 72 positioned within the telescopic extension 55 and engageable with the interior portion of the front leg. The pawl 72 may include a resilient biasing member to urge the pawl into locking engagement with the interior portion of the leg. The interior of the leg may be configured with features for assisting the engagement of the pawl, such as a rack or spaced recesses or protrusions. A release actuator 74 may be provided and operably connected to selectively disengage the pawl 72 from engagement with the telescopic extension and allow the lifting frame 51 to move relative to the frame 15. The operably connected may include a rod, a cable, etc. The release actuator may be located on the lifting frame 51 to allow the user to easily operate it when grasping the armrest 52 or the lifting frame 51 to adjust the configuration of the seat assembly 50.

[0034] The seat panel 54 and the back panel 56 may be hingedly or pivotally connected to allow the seat panel 54 to move between a generally horizontal alignment generally parallel to the platform 40 and a generally upright orientation, the platform 40 being located below and angled relative to the back panel to allow the back panel to be used as a seat to support a child (seated configuration, Figure 1 ), in a generally upright orientation, the seat panel surface is rotated downward and rearward to a position generally aligned with the back panel surface, which allows clear space above the platform panel 40 to allow a child to stand on the platform panel 40 below for use of the device 10 as a standing platform or learning tower (standing configuration, Figure 2). In this configuration, the seat panel surface and the backrest panel surface form an upright barrier adjacent to the rear of the platform for a child user to lean against when standing on the platform and to limit the child's movement toward the rear end of the platform. The backrest panel 56 can be connected to the lifting frame 51 to move with the lifting frame. The seat panel 54 can be hingedly or pivotally connected to the backrest panel 56 and can move around the seat back hinge axis 210. The seat panel 54 and the backrest panel 56 can be configured to limit the degree of downward rotational movement of the seat panel 54. The movement of the seat panel 54 is achieved by raising and lowering the lifting frame 51 and the attached backrest panel 56.

[0035] A seat link 60 interconnecting the foldable frame 15 and the seat panel 54 may be provided and configured to cause the seat panel 54 to move when the lift frame 51 moves between the raised position and the lowered position. One embodiment of the seat link 60 may include an elongated link member 65 pivotally connected to the frame 15 at a first pivot point 67 and pivotally connected to the seat panel 54 at a second pivot point 68. The seat link 60 may include spaced apart link members 65 disposed on opposite sides of the seat panel 54 such that the respective first and second pivot points 67, 68 define a first pivot axis 220 and a second pivot axis 230. The positions of the link members 65 and the first and second pivot points 67, 68 may be configured to coordinate the rotation of the seat portion 54 about the hinge axis 210 when the back panel 56 is raised and lowered by movement of the lift frame 51. The spatial relationship of the first pivot point 67 and the second end pivot point 68 can be configured to position the link member 65 in an over-center configuration to replace or combine with the retaining mechanism 70 to maintain the lifting frame 51 in the raised position. FIG. 11C to FIG. 11E As best illustrated in FIG. 5 , the over-center seat link configuration requires slightly raising the lift frame 51 from the raised position to allow the links to rotate slightly so that when the lift frame 51 begins to move downward, the seat links can fully rotate to move the base panel toward the seat position.

[0036] The seat assembly 50 may include means for securing a child occupant in the seat when the device 10 is configured as a toddler seat. These provisions may include a safety belt or a provision for securing a booster or other seat device to the seat panel.

[0037] In the standing platform configuration, the seat assembly including the lifting frame 51, the seat panel 54 and the backrest panel 56 generally creates a guide barrier along three peripheral sides of the platform deck 40 and at a position above the platform panel surface to provide a handhold for stability for a child user of the standing platform. The telescopic movement of the lifting frame 51, preferably aligned with the angled direction of the front legs 20, causes the backrest portion 56, which may be fixed to the lifting frame 51, to move upward and slightly rearward. Figure 4 This rearward movement, best shown in FIG, moves the guide barrier formed by the back panel and the seat panel rearwardly relative to the frame, thereby allowing the entire standing platform assembly to be positioned closer adjacent the cabinet face 105 and providing better access to the countertop work surface 110 for the child user.

[0038] The platform panel 40 is directly pivotally connected to the front leg 20 at the front pivot 41 for rotation about the first platform axis 240 and is indirectly pivotally connected by pivotally coupling the platform support link 42, the interconnection causing rotation of the platform panel 40 as the leg moves between the folded configuration and the deployed configuration. The support link 42 is connected to the rear leg at the leg pivot 31 (pivot axis 250) and to the platform panel 40 at the platform pivot 43 (pivot axis 260). A stop 32 may be provided on the rear leg to engage the support link 42 and limit the extent of support link rotation as the leg rear portion 30 moves toward the deployed configuration. This limit establishes the range of leg deployment movement and the maximum space between the distal ends of the front and rear legs.

[0039] exist Figure 14A-14E 2 illustrates the movement of the legs and platform when the foldable frame moves from the deployed position to the folded position. When the seat assembly is in the toddler seat or standing platform configuration, the foldable frame 15 can move between the folded position and the deployed position.

[0040] When deployed, the weight of the platform panel 40 and the angle of the support link 42 relative to its pivot connection 31 to the rear leg 30 are slightly above center so that the weight of the platform holds the chair legs 20, 30 in the deployed configuration and the support link 42 in adjacent contact with the stop 32. The over-center locking alignment biases the deployed support legs toward the deployed configuration, thereby minimizing stress on any latching mechanism that may be provided to hold the support legs in the deployed configuration. Folding the frame requires first slightly lifting the platform panel 40 to begin moving the support links (such as Fig.14A ), then allowing the rear end 48 of the platform panel 42 to begin moving downward and allowing the frame to be fully folded.

[0041] In the folded position of the foldable frame 15, the distal ends of the front legs 20 and the rear legs 30 are brought into close proximity to reduce the space required for storage. The pivoting movement of the platform 40 moves its rear end 48 downwardly proximate the distal ends of the front legs 20 and the rear legs 30. The platform panel may be further configured so that when in the folded orientation, the rear end 48 may contact a floor surface and cooperate with the front leg feet 25, thereby allowing the folding device to stand generally upright on a floor surface.

[0042] The pivot axes including the hinge axis 200, the first axis 220 and the second axis 230 for the seat linkage, and the platform pivot axes 240, 250, 260 are all arranged transversely to the folding frame and parallel to each other. The second pivot axis 230 may be aligned or not aligned with the hinge axis 200 of the folding frame. In an exemplary embodiment, the second axis 230 and the hinge axis 200 are non-coaxial.

[0043] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 , an optional infant seat 80 is shown attached to the toddler chair and standing platform apparatus 10. The infant seat 80 increases the utility of the toddler chair by providing a seat configured for a younger, smaller occupant. The infant seat can be selectively attached to the armrest 52 so that the infant seat is movable between a raised position and a lowered position with movement of the lift frame 51.

[0044] refer to Fig.17 and Fig.18 , shows an embodiment of a toddler chair and standing platform device 10 configured as a standing platform. An optional safety rail 90 is shown and can extend from the armrests 52 of the lifting frame 51, connecting the corresponding armrests on either side of the device 10 to create an obstacle to the movement of a toddler standing on the platform. In one embodiment, the safety rail 90 includes a strip 92 that is flexible in one plane (horizontal) to allow the strip to bend and form a semicircular loop at the front end of the device, while being generally rigid in a vertical plane (vertical) so that the strip remains generally coplanar with the armrest 52 extending from it. The safety rail may include a retraction mechanism disposed in one armrest to allow the strip to selectively extend from it and be bent to the opposite armrest, where the strip can be selectively secured by any suitable means (such as a buckle or a receiver). The safety rail 90 may include a rigid member that is selectively attachable to the armrest 52 for use and removable when not in use.

[0045] Although the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings and described herein are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. Therefore, the present application is not limited to specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments.

[0046] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of different exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only some embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art who read the present disclosure that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, mounting arrangements, material use, color, direction, etc. of various elements) can be made without departing essentially from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in the claims. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the element can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity of the discrete element or position can be changed or changed. Therefore, all these modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any device plus function clause is intended to cover the structure of performing the function described herein, and not only covers structural equivalents, but also covers equivalent structures. Without departing from the scope of the present application, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A convertible toddler chair and standing platform, comprising: a frame assembly having front and rear legs pivotally connected and configured to enable the legs to move between a folded arrangement and a deployed arrangement; a platform panel supported by the frame assembly and movable between a first orientation and a second orientation when the frame assembly moves; A seat assembly is disposed above the platform and movably connected to the frame assembly via a lifting frame, the seat assembly including a seat panel and a pivotally coupled backrest panel, movement of the lifting frame causing pivotal movement of the seat panel between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration, the seat panel being substantially parallel to the platform panel when in the sitting configuration.

2. The convertible toddler chair and standing platform of claim 1, further comprising a platform support link, wherein: The platform deck is pivotally connected to the front leg, and the support link is pivotally connected to the rear leg at a first end of the support link and to the platform deck at a second end of the support link.

3. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 2, wherein: The platform deck and the platform support link operatively connect the front legs and the rear legs to coordinate movement of the legs and the platform deck between a folded position and a deployed position.

4. The convertible toddler chair and standing platform of claim 3, wherein: The platform support link connected to the rear legs includes a stop to limit movement of the support link when the frame moves toward the deployed configuration.

5. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 4, wherein: The pivotal connection at the first end of the platform support link and the pivotal connection at the second end of the platform support link are positioned in an over-center locked relationship when the platform is in the first orientation.

6. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 4, wherein: The platform deck includes a rear end, and movement of the frame assembly toward the folded arrangement causes the rear end to rotate downward, wherein when the frame assembly is in the folded arrangement, the juvenile chair and standing platform can be supported on a surface by the front legs and the rear end.

7. The convertible toddler chair and standing platform of claim 1, wherein: The seat assembly also includes a seat linkage interconnecting the seat panel and the frame assembly, wherein the seat linkage moves the seat panel toward the standing configuration when the lift frame moves in a first direction and moves the seat panel toward the sitting configuration when the lift frame moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

8. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 7, wherein: The seat link is pivotally connected to the seat panel at a first end of the seat link and pivotally connected to the frame assembly at a second end of the seat link.

9. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 8, wherein: The pivotal connection at the first end and the pivotal connection at the second end of the seat link are positioned in an over-center locked relationship when the seat panel is in the standing configuration.

10. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 1, wherein: The lift frame includes a telescoping connection with the front legs, the telescoping connection configured to allow bidirectional movement between a raised position and a lowered position, the lift frame being moved to the raised position such that the seat panel is positioned in the standing configuration.

11. The convertible toddler chair and standing platform of claim 1, wherein: The lift frame further includes a releasable lock configured to retain the lift frame in at least a first position corresponding to the standing configuration.

12. The convertible toddler chair and standing platform of claim 1, further comprising an infant seat selectively connectable to the lift frame.

13. A convertible toddler chair and standing platform comprising: a collapsible frame having front legs and pivotally coupled rear legs; a platform and a platform support link interconnecting the front legs with the rear legs; A lift frame is connected to the collapsible frame and is movable between relative raised and lowered positions, the lift frame having an attached seat assembly including a backrest panel and a movably coupled seat panel, movement of the lift frame causing the seat panel to move between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration.

14. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 13, wherein: Raising the lift frame moves the seat panel toward general alignment with the back panel in the standing configuration, and lowering the lift frame angles the seat panel relative to the back panel in the sitting configuration.

15. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 14, wherein: The seat assembly further includes a seat link interconnecting the seat panel and the frame assembly, the seat link being pivotally connected to the seat panel at a first end of the seat link and pivotally connected to the frame assembly at a second end of the seat link.

16. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 15, wherein: The pivotal connection at the first end and the pivotal connection at the second end of the seat link are positioned in an over-center locked relationship when the seat panel is in the standing configuration.

17. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 14, wherein: The lift frame includes a telescopic connection to the front legs, the telescopic connection configured to allow bi-directional movement between a raised position and a lowered position, and the lift frame includes a releasable lock configured to retain the lift frame in at least the raised position, wherein moving the lift frame to the raised position moves the seat panel toward the standing configuration.

18. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 13, wherein: The platform deck is pivotally connected to the front legs, and the platform link is pivotally connected to the rear legs at a first end of the platform link, and the platform link is pivotally connected to the platform deck at a second end of the platform link, the platform deck and platform support link being operable to coordinate movement of the legs and the platform deck between a folded position and a deployed position.

19. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 18, wherein: The platform deck includes a rear end, and movement of the frame assembly toward the folded arrangement causes the rear end to rotate downward, wherein when the frame assembly is in the folded arrangement, the juvenile chair and standing platform can be supported on a surface by the front legs and the rear end.

20. The convertible child chair and standing platform of claim 19, wherein: The pivot connection at the first end of the support link and the pivot connection at the second end of the support link are positioned in an over-center locked relationship when the leg and the platform deck are in the deployed position.

Images