Seat assembly for shopping cart

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat assembly for a shopping cart, comprising: a seat surface structure for providing a structural section serving as a seat surface; a leaning structure for providing a structural section serving as a backrest; the restraining structure is used for providing a restraining structure section which vertically and upwards exceeds the seat surface on the transverse side, facing away from the backrest, of the seat surface structure in the use configuration. The rest structure, the seat surface structure, and the constraining structure are movably arranged with respect to one another such that the seat assembly is convertible into a use configuration and a non-use configuration. According to the invention, a mating device is provided, which is designed such that, during the conversion of the seat assembly into the use configuration, the mating device enters a mating state in which the seat surface structure is coupled to the rest structure and / or the restraint device by means of the structures that are brought into cooperation with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat assembly, in particular to a seat assembly for a shopping cart having a frame and a basket arrangement, wherein the basket arrangement is configured such that geometrically compatible transport vehicles, in particular substantially structurally identical transport vehicles, can be longitudinally inserted into one another. In a more restricted sense, the present invention relates to a seat assembly for a transport or shopping cart for providing a seating area for a child, wherein the seat assembly can be transferred from a non-use configuration to a use configuration by shifting its movably coupled components. Background Art

[0002] EP 3 371 031 B1 discloses a transport vehicle with a seat assembly. The transport vehicle comprises a frame with wheels and a beam. A basket formed from a wire or plastic structure is arranged on the beam. The frame is also equipped with a sliding handle on which a coin deposit lock can be mounted. The transport vehicle may have a loading platform, for example, on which a beverage crate can be placed. The seat assembly includes a restraint structure that provides support for a child seated in the seat assembly. This restraint structure cooperates with the basket wall, which can be swung upward from a substantially vertical use position to a substantially horizontal non-use position when inserted into another vehicle.

[0003] Other transport vehicles are known, for example, from DE 10 2014 101 504 A1, US 2010 / 0327545 A1, CN 202669890U and ES 1 114 605. For example, EP 0 760 295 B1, US 7,350,269 B2, US 2014 / 0137368 A1, to name a few, relate to attaching wheels to the frame in such transport vehicles.

[0004] EP 1 451 053 B1 discloses a child seat for a shopping cart, which is made of plastic and consists of a seat and two components fixedly connected to one another, which form a backrest.

[0005] EP 0 895 921 A1 relates to a stackable shopping cart having a frame with two upwardly directed supports. These supports are used to support a basket equipped with a pivotable rear wall. The basket is placed on the supports via laterally arranged support blocks, hooks its rear edge into two fixedly arranged hook sections, and is locked to the supports by means of fastening means. A support device is provided for connecting the supports, on which the basket is additionally supported. DE 27 27 310 A1 discloses a shopping cart with a plastic basket.

[0006] DE 196 269 95 A1 relates to a frame for a transport vehicle that can be moved by hand, in particular a shopping cart, which has a trapezoidal basic frame, viewed from above, which supports at least three running wheels, whose longer parallel sides are absent, and from which supports for mounting baskets or containers extend upwards from its rear area and on two longitudinal sides, and the basic frame is essentially composed of at least two wires arranged one above the other.

[0007] US 3,147,021 relates to a stackable shopping cart having a base frame and arms extending therefrom for securing baskets.

[0008] EP 0 672 568 A1 relates to a shopping cart having a plastic basket and a supporting structure molded thereon, on which wheels are mounted.

[0009] US 2007 / 0063464 A1 also relates to a plastic basket for a shopping cart, wherein the plastic basket is inserted into a plastic cart frame.

[0010] WO 2003 / 047940 A1 relates to a plastic child seat for a shopping cart. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention is based on the object of proposing solutions by which a transport vehicle of the aforementioned type can be realized with a seat assembly which can be produced advantageously in terms of production and assembly technology and has a high degree of robustness.

[0012] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a seat assembly for a shopping cart, which comprises:

[0013] a seat surface structure for providing a structural section serving as a seat surface;

[0014] a backrest structure for providing a structural section serving as a backrest;

[0015] a restraint structure for providing a restraint structure section that projects vertically upwardly beyond the seat surface on a lateral side of the seat surface structure facing away from the backrest in the use configuration;

[0016] wherein the reclining structure, the seating surface structure and the restraining structure are arranged displaceably relative to one another so that the seat assembly can be converted into a so-called use configuration and a non-use configuration; and

[0017] A mating device is provided, which is configured so that during conversion of the seat assembly into the use configuration, the mating device enters a mating state in which the seat surface structure and the reclining structure and / or the restraint device are coupled by means of geometries that mate with each other only in or near an end position corresponding to the use configuration.

[0018] This advantageously enables the production of a seat component in which, in the operating configuration, the guides of the coupling mechanism provided for the movable coupling of components of the seat component are significantly relieved.

[0019] The components of the seat assembly are preferably coupled using a guide device for guiding the coupling of the seat structure to the backrest structure and / or the restraining structure in a translationally and / or pivotally displaceable manner. For this purpose, a track geometry can be formed, in particular in the backrest structure, in which a pin provided on the seat structure is displaceably and pivotally guided. The design of the guide device can correspond to the design of the guide device in EP 3 371 031 B1.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the engaging means can be configured to include claws and complementary structures that match these claws. Here, the engaging means can include left, right, and / or middle claws. When using left and right claws, these claws are preferably located on the outside of the side of the guide device.

[0021] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the engagement device can be designed to serve as a stop, which determines the end position of the seat structure relative to the resting structure or the restraining structure. This allows the connection mechanism originally provided for the movable coupling of the seat structure to the resting structure or the restraining structure to be relieved and, if necessary, allows a slightly longer path so that in the end position corresponding to the operating configuration, the engagement device (and not the guide device) is supported vertically. The engagement device is preferably designed for a positive-locking coupling.

[0022] The matching device realizes the load-bearing coupling of the leaning structure and the seat surface structure through the coupling structure. The matching device is structurally configured so that when the matching state is reached, the matching device at least unloads the guide device as much as possible.

[0023] Preferably, the claw is provided from the seat structure, and the complementary mechanism is provided from the leaning structure. Alternatively or in combination with this measure, the claw is provided from the leaning structure, and the complementary mechanism is provided from the seat structure.

[0024] The claws are preferably designed so that, during the reaching of the end position of the seat structure relative to the backrest structure corresponding to the configuration of use, they come into engagement with the complementary means of the backrest structure. The displacement path of the seat structure relative to the backrest structure, which ultimately leads to engagement, is preferably less than 5% of the displacement path of the guide means of the seat structure running in the backrest structure.

[0025] The mating device can advantageously be designed such that, when the mated state is reached, the claws interact with the complementary means and are load-bearingly coupled to the complementary means both perpendicularly and transversely to the engagement direction. The seat assembly can also be provided by a load-bearing stop geometry (which serves to stop the seat structure on the backrest structure) in addition to the mating device and the guide device. Thus, in particular, the vertical support of the seat structure on the backrest structure can be achieved by the support surface provided by the backrest structure, while the lateral areas of the seat structure are subjected to vertical compression and, in addition, tension in the plane of the seat structure. The guide device can thereby be relieved of its contribution to the vertical support of the seat structure.

[0026] Overall, by incorporating the cooperating device into the seat assembly according to the invention, an increase in strength can be achieved, since the seat structure and the reclining structure are coupled parallel to the guide device once the seat assembly has been brought into its use configuration.

[0027] The backrest structure, seat structure, and / or restraint device are preferably made of plastic material. The mating device can be designed so that the required load-bearing capacity of the connection between the seat structure and the backrest structure is achieved when using medium-strength plastics (especially PE, HDPE, and / or nylon). The use of recycled materials is also conceivable.

[0028] The backrest structure, seat structure, and / or restraint device can, in particular, have a core structure made of a mechanically only moderately loadable plastic, in particular a recycled material. The core structure can, in particular, be made of a material with limited mobility by a pressing process. The core structure is preferably injection-molded in a mold. This reduces the proportion of high-quality material. The core structure can also be made of other materials, in particular fiber materials.

[0029] The claws form downwardly open slots or recesses. A hook, preferably configured as an upwardly projecting nose, projects into these slots or recesses from below.

[0030] The basic mechanism of the seat assembly according to the present invention preferably corresponds to that of the seat assembly according to EP 3 371 031 B1, with the addition of a mating geometry that only assumes load when in the use configuration. In particular, the component of the seat assembly that also serves as the pivotable basket wall and forms the restraining structure with its upper section can also be made of metal, in particular a wire mesh component. The seat structure and preferably the backrest structure are also preferably plastic components manufactured by plastic injection molding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Further details and features of the present invention will be found in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which show:

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of a seat assembly according to the present invention in a deployed state corresponding to a use configuration;

[0033] Figure 2 according to Figure 1 A perspective exploded view of a seat assembly according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 Detailed illustrations for explaining the structure and working mode of the mating device incorporated into the seat assembly according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 A set of schematic diagrams for illustrating the structure of the guide device;

[0036] Figure 5 A set of schematic diagrams for illustrating the structure of the mating device;

[0037] Figure 6 A set of schematic diagrams for further illustrating the structure of the guide device and the adjacent matching device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 The diagram shows a seat assembly according to the present invention for a shopping cart, which comprises: a seat structure 1 for providing a structural section serving as a seat; a leaning structure 2 for providing a structural section serving as a backrest; and a restraint structure 3 for providing a restraint structure section that extends vertically upward beyond the seat on a lateral side of the seat structure 1 facing away from the backrest in the use configuration.

[0039] The reclining structure 2 , the seat surface structure 1 and the restraining structure 3 are arranged displaceably relative to one another so that the seat assembly can be converted into the use configuration shown here and into a non-use configuration characterized by folding the reclining structure 2 onto the restraining structure.

[0040] The seat assembly according to the invention is characterized in that a mating device 4 is provided, which is constructed so that during the conversion of the seat assembly into the usage configuration shown here, the mating device enters a mating state in which the seat structure 1 is coupled to the reclining structure 2 and / or the restraint device 3.

[0041] In the seat assembly shown, a guide device 5 is provided for guiding the coupling of the seat structure 1 and the backrest structure 2 in a translationally and swingably displaceable manner. The guide device 5 comprises a guide rail 5a constructed in the backrest structure 2 and a pin 5b constructed integrally with the seat structure 1 (see FIG. Figure 4 ), which is guided in a guide rail in a translationally sliding and simultaneously pivotable manner.

[0042] In the example shown, the three main components of the seat assembly are made of plastic material. The restraint structure 3 forms a basket wall that can be swung vertically upward around the axis X1. The restraint structure 3 consists of an upper section 3a extending vertically above the seat 1a of the seat structure 1 and a section 3b located below it. Openings 3c, 3d are provided in the upper section 3a, through which a child sitting therein can pass their legs when the seat assembly is in use. A mesh wall is formed in the lower area of ​​the restraint structure. The seat structure 1 is attached to the restraint structure 3 in a swingable manner so that it can be swung upward around the axis X2. The leaning structure 2 is attached to the restraint structure in a swingable manner in the lower area 3b of the restraint structure 3. The corresponding swing axis is marked as axis X3 in the figure.

[0043] The backrest structure 2 comprises a backrest 2a that projects vertically beyond the seat surface 1a of the seat structure 1. The backrest 2a comprises a central, slightly concavely curved backrest section and two lateral edge region sections 2b, 2c. A guide rail 5a extends in each of these edge region sections 2b, 2c, in which a corresponding pin 5b is guided.

[0044] The engaging means 4 according to the invention, which in this embodiment comprise claws and complementary structures, are implemented in the immediate vicinity of the outer edge of the backrest structure 2, thus between the corresponding guide rail 5a and the lateral outer edge of the backrest structure 2. These engaging means 4 are subjected to vertical downward pressure and horizontal tension in the plane of the seat structure 1, in the direction of the restraining structure 3. The load-bearing capacity of the engaging means 4 relieves the guide means 4 and also serves as a stop. The retraction path of the engaging means 4 into the engaged state corresponds approximately to the vertical thickness of the seat structure.

[0045] Figure 2 The diagram further illustrates the structural construction of the seat assembly. In this diagram, the seat structure 1, the leaning structure 2 and the restraint structure 3 are shown as a single component. In this illustration, a complementary section 4b can be seen as a nose configuration that projects vertically upwards, into which the downwardly open claws 4a of the seat structure 1 can be engaged. When the seat structure 1 is loaded by a child sitting on it, these complementary sections 4b are loaded in the vertical direction. The mating device is maintained in the mating position by the force acting on the seat structure when the seat structure 1 is loaded. The leaning structure 2 can be swung onto the restraint structure 3 about a swing axis X3 extending in its lower area. To this end, the seat structure 1 is folded upwards about the axis X2. The mating device 4 now enters a released state and the pin 5b of the guide device 5 can slide upwards in the track 5a.

[0046] Figure 3The figure shows the engagement device 4 in a detailed view, in a state of engagement under vertical compression and horizontal tension. The claw 4a is visible, which in turn engages with a complementary section 4b, here designed as a vertically upwardly projecting nose. In this engaged state, the guide device 5 is vertically unloaded. In this position, the guide device can also contribute to the strength of the connection between the backrest structure 2 and the seat structure 1, or it can serve as an auxiliary structure that provides additional load-bearing in the event of mechanical overload of the engagement device 4.

[0047] Figure 4 The illustration shows a pin 5b of a guide device 5 running in the reclining structure 2. The pin 5b is integrally formed with the seat structure 1. The claw 4a is also integrally formed with the seat structure 1. The corresponding pin 5b runs in a guide rail 5a of the guide device 5 provided by the reclining structure 2.

[0048] Figure 5 The illustration shows the complementary structures 4b of the engagement device, which, as already mentioned, are designed here as noses, which are covered from above by claws and which hereby realize a positive-locking vertical compression and horizontal tension connection of the seat structure 1 to the backrest structure 2. These complementary structures 4b are located near the side areas of the backrest structure 2.

[0049] Figure 6 The diagram of FIG illustrates a preferred configuration of the seat structure 1 in the generally described embodiment. The pins 5b of the guide device 5 are located in the immediate vicinity of the downwardly opening grooves or recesses of the claws 4a or the mating device 4. The guide device 5 comprises two pins 5b and two claws 4a. The pins 5b and claws 4a are arranged in two corner regions of the seat structure, which define the transverse edges by which the seat structure 1 adjoins the backrest structure 2 (see FIG. Figure 1 ).

Claims

1. A seat assembly for a shopping cart, comprising: a seat surface structure for providing a structural section serving as a seat surface; a backrest structure for providing a structural section serving as a backrest; and a restraint structure for providing, in the use configuration, a restraint structure section extending vertically upwardly beyond the seat surface on a lateral side of the seat structure facing away from the backrest; wherein the reclining structure, the seating structure and the restraining structure are movably arranged relative to each other so that the seat assembly can be converted into the use configuration and the non-use configuration; and An engagement device is provided, which is configured to enter an engagement state during conversion of the seat assembly into the use configuration, in which engagement state the seat surface structure is coupled to the reclining structure and / or the restraint device.

2. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A guide device is provided for guiding the coupling of the seat structure to the rest structure and / or the restraint structure in a translationally and / or pivotally displaceable manner.

3. The seat assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The mating means comprises a claw and a complementary structure.

4. Seat assembly according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The engaging means may comprise left, right and / or middle claws.

5. Seat assembly according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The engaging means acts as a stop.

6. Seat assembly according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The matching device realizes the load-bearing coupling between the leaning structure and the seat structure.

7. Seat assembly according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The engagement device is structurally designed such that, when the engagement state is reached, it relieves the guide device at least to a large extent.

8. Seat assembly according to at least one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that The detents are provided by aspects of the seating structure, while the complementary mechanism is provided by aspects of the resting structure.

9. Seat assembly according to at least one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that The pawl is provided by aspects of the rest structure, while the complementary mechanism is provided by aspects of the seat structure.

10. Seat assembly according to at least one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that Upon reaching an end position of the seating structure relative to the leaning structure corresponding to the use configuration, the pawls come into engagement with the complementary means of the leaning structure.

11. Seat assembly according to at least one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that When the mating state is reached, the claw cooperates with the complementary means and is load-bearingly coupled to the complementary means both perpendicularly and transversely to the joining direction.

12. Seat assembly according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The leaning structure, the seat structure and / or the restraint device are manufactured from a plastic material.

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