Patent Grant
10575658
Not applicable
Not applicable
The present invention relates to a child restraint device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable folding child restraint device in the form of a folding chair having a specially configured frame with a corrugated or multi-panel seat and seat back that fold the panels around the frame in a storage position.
The following US patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 8,152,236.
The present invention provides an improved apparatus for restraining a child in a specially configured folding seat. The apparatus of the present invention combines the security of a device, such as a high chair or a shopping cart seat, designed specifically to hold the intended child with the convenience of a portable child seat. Most child seats outside of the home are made to accommodate children of various sizes. Accordingly, many children can move with minimal restriction in these seats which inhibits an adult's freedom while dining, shopping, or engaging in various other activities outside of the home.
The present invention provides an apparatus which can be attached to a bench or seat and adjusted to accommodate the height and weight of the child to be restrained thus eliminating the problem of unrestricted child movement which inhibits adult freedom in a public setting.
The present invention includes a foldable child's chair including a frame that includes an upper section and a lower section. Preferably there can be a means for pivotally joining the upper section to the lower section wherein the upper section is able to rotate into a folded, storage position wherein the folded, storage position, the upper and lower sections can be generally aligned. A corrugated seat back can be attached to the upper section, the corrugated seat back including a plurality of panels that each fold upon another of the panels in the folded, storage position. A seat bottom can be attached to the lower section. In the storage position some of the panels can abut the frame.
Preferably, the panels can be each of a plastic, synthetic, wood or metal material.
Preferably, the upper section includes spaced apart frame rods and wherein the seat back spans between the upper spaced frame rods.
Preferably, the lower section includes spaced apart lower frame rods and wherein the seat bottom spans between the lower frame rods.
Preferably, a score separates each panel from another panel.
Preferably, the scores can be generally parallel.
Preferably, the present invention further comprises a first folding strut mounted to the frame upper section next to the seat back that moves between relaxed and extended positions wherein the seat back is fully expanded by the strut when the strut is in the extended position.
Preferably, the present invention further comprises a second folding strut mounted to the frame lower section next to the seat bottom that moves between relaxed and extended positions wherein the seat bottom is fully expanded by the strut when the strut is in the extended position.
Preferably, the seat bottom includes a plurality of panels that each fold upon another of the panels in a storage position.
The present invention includes a foldable child's chair including a frame that includes an upper section that includes a pair of upper rods and a lower section. First and second pivotal connections can join the upper section to the lower section wherein the upper section is able to rotate into a folded position, storage wherein the upper and lower rods are generally aligned. A seat back can be attached to the upper section. A seat bottom can be attached to the lower section. One or both of the seat back and seat bottom can include a plurality of panels, each panel folding upon one or more other of the panels in a storage position. In the storage position the first and second pivotal connections move toward each other, some of the panels can abut the frame.
Preferably, the frame upper section includes spaced apart first and second upper rods.
Preferably, the frame lower section includes spaced apart first and second lower rods.
Preferably, the seat back attaches to each of the upper rods.
Preferably, the seat bottom attaches to each of the lower rods.
Preferably, each of the pivotal connections can be lockable in a selected position of multiple positions so that the angle between the upper section and the lower section can be changed to a selected angle.
Preferably, the present invention further comprises a seat harness that enables a connection to be made between the frame lower section and a selected, underlying bench, chair or seat.
Preferably, the present invention further comprises safety belts on the seat frame that enable a child to be restrained while sitting on the seat bottom.
Preferably, the seat back has one or more seat back openings and the safety belt passes through one or more of the seat back openings.
Preferably, at least some of the rods include multiple flat sides and the panels abut multiple of the flat sides in the storage position.
The present invention includes a foldable child's chair including a frame that includes an upper section and a lower section, each section having spaced apart frame rods. First and second pivotal connections can join the upper section to the lower section, each rod can be connected to a pivotal connection, wherein the upper section is able to rotate into a folded position wherein the upper and lower sections are generally aligned. A seat back can be attached to the upper section. A seat bottom can be attached to the lower section. The seat back and seat bottom each including a plurality of panels, each panel folding upon one or more other of the panels in a storage position. In the storage position some of the panels abut the frame and the pivotal connections move toward one another. Each seat back and seat bottom can be expandable into and expanded position. Foldable and expandable locking members can enable the seat back and seat bottom to be held in the expanded position.
The present invention includes a foldable child's chair that includes a frame having an upper section and a lower section, a means for pivotally joining the upper section to the lower section wherein the upper section is able to rotate into a folded, storage position wherein the folded, storage position, the upper and lower sections are generally aligned, a corrugated seat back that is attached to the upper section, said corrugated seat back including a plurality of panels that each fold upon another of said panels in the folded, storage position, a seat bottom attached to the lower section, and wherein in said storage position some of the panels abut the frame.
The present invention includes a foldable child's chair that includes a frame including an upper section that includes a pair of upper rods and a lower section, first and second pivotal connections that join the upper section to the lower section wherein the upper section is able to rotate into a folded storage position, wherein the upper and lower rods are generally aligned, a seat back that is attached to the upper section, a seat bottom that is attached to the lower section, one or both of said seat back and seat bottom including a plurality of panels, each said panel folding upon one or more other of said panels in a storage position, and wherein in said storage position, the first and second pivotal connections move toward each other, some of the panels abut the frame.
The present invention includes a foldable child's chair, including a frame that includes an upper section and a lower section, each section having spaced apart frame rods; first and second pivotal connections that join the upper section to the lower section, each rod connected to a said pivotal connection, wherein the upper section is able to rotate into a folded position wherein the upper and lower sections are generally aligned; a seat back that is attached to the upper section; a seat bottom that is attached to the lower section; the seat back and seat bottom each including a plurality of panels, each said panel folding upon one or more other of said panels in a storage position; wherein in said storage position some of the panels abut the frame and the pivotal connections move toward one another; each seat back and seat bottom being expandable into an expanded position; and foldable and expandable locking members that enable the seat back and seat bottom to be held in the expanded position.
For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:
The apparatus of the present invention provides a child's foldable or folding seat 10 or restraining device that can be easily attached to an underlying support such as a bench, chair or the like. The seat 10 provides a frame 11 that preferably includes an upper frame section 12 and lower frame section 13. Upper section 12 preferably includes seat back 14. Lower section 13 preferably includes seat bottom 15. Each of the seat back 14 and seat bottom 15 can be provided with a cover 28, 29. The seat back 14 has seat back cover 28. The lower frame section 13 has seat bottom cover 29.
A pair of spaced apart locking pivots or rotary connectors 16, 17 are preferably used to pivotally attach the upper frame section 12 to the lower frame section 13. In the expanded operating position of
Slots or openings 18, 19 are preferably provided in the seat back 14. One or more slots or openings 20 are preferably provided in the seat bottom 15. Seat back cover 28 can have openings that correspond in size and shape to openings 18, 19 in seat back 14. Similarly, seat bottom cover 29 can have openings that correspond in size and shape to openings 20.
The upper frame section 12 preferably includes seat back 14 and a pair of spaced apart upper frame rods 34, 35. Similarly, the lower frame section 13 preferably includes seat bottom 15 and a pair of lower frame rods 36, 37. Rivets or other fasteners can be used to secure seat back 14 to rods 34, 35 and to secure seat bottom 15 to rods 36, 37.
Pegs 21, 22 can be provided on the rods 34, 35, 36, 37. Each of the covers 28, 29 can be provided with openings or slots 23 for enabling a connection to be made between the selected seat back cover 28 or seat bottom cover 29 with pegs 21 or 22. Such pegs 21, 22 can be provided on selected ones of the upper frame rods 34, 35 or the lower frame rods 36, 37 as seen in
Seat 10 of the present invention preferably folds into a small bundle so that it can be placed in storage bag 24 as seen in
When folded, panels 58, 60 preferably form an angle of about ninety degrees (90°) with panel 59. Panel 57 folds to a position where it preferably abuts and contacts panel 56 as well as leg 34. Similarly, panel 61 folds to a position where it preferably abuts and contacts panel 60 as well as rod or leg 35. Panel 62 folds upon panel 63 and rod or leg 35. Similarly, panel 56 folds upon panel 55 and rod or leg 34. This folded configuration of the panels 55-63 and legs or rods 34, 35 can be seen in
Seat bottom 15 preferably folds in the same fashion as seat back 14. Seat bottom 15 has panels (e.g., nine (9) panels) and scores like seat back 14 (see
The apparatus 10 preferably provides a seat harness 26 for attaching the apparatus 10 to a selected bench or chair. The apparatus 10 also preferably provides a child's harness 27 that is used for securing a toddler or child to the frame 11 and covers 28, 29. In the drawings, a child or toddler 30 is shown having legs 107, torso 31, and shoulders 32. The seat harness 26 is fitted to the frame 11 for holding the child's folding seat 10 to an underlying support such as a bench or chair. The child harness 27 is used for securing the child or toddler 30 to the frame 11, frame sections 12, 13 and seat back 14 and seat bottom 15.
Child harness 27 preferably has a center strap 38, connector or fitting 39, and straps 40, 41. The strap 38 and the straps 40, 41 preferably connect to the fitting 39. Buckle parts 42, 43, 44 and 45 can be provided on harness 27 as shown. The buckle parts 43, 44 form a releasable connection with buckle part 42. Buckle 45 can connect to straps 40, 41 at the child's torso 31. In the drawings, the center strap 38 can be seen going in between the legs 107 of the child 30. When the child 30 is in a user's position sitting upon seat bottom 15 and cover 29 and leaning against seat back 14 and cover 28, adjustment fittings 46, 47 enable the length of the straps 40, 41 to be changed so that straps 40, 41 preferably fit snugly against the shoulders 32 and torso 31 of the child 30 as seen in
Seat harness 26 preferably has straps 48, 49, cross straps 50, 51 and buckles 52, 53, 54. Seat harness 26 can be used to secure the apparatus 10 to a bench 33, chair or other rugged support. Straps 48 and 49 each preferably connect at one end portion to rod 36 or 37 and at the other end portion to the lower end of a rod 34 or 35 using loops 75, 76. In
Locking mechanisms are preferably provided for holding seat back 14 and seat bottom 15 in the expanded position of
In
The locking pivotal connections or rotary connections 16, 17 can each use a release button 90 adjacent to the socket 91, 96 (
Slots/openings 109, as shown in
Dimples 110 are artifacts from the injection molding process and may be omitted.
The dimensions and materials for various parts can be as follows:
Seat 10—when open and fully extended: about 7.5-45 centimeters high by about 7.5-45 centimeters wide by about 7.5-45 centimeters deep,
preferably about 20-40 centimeters high by about 15-36 centimeters wide by about 16-28 centimeters deep, and
more preferably about 25-35 centimeters high by about 21-31 centimeters wide by about 18-24 centimeters deep; in a commercial embodiment, it is about 32.5 centimeters high by about 26.5 centimeters wide by about 20 centimeters deep when open and fully extended;
Seat 10—when open and fully retracted:
about 7.5-45 centimeters high by about 7.5-45 centimeters wide by about 7.5-45 centimeters deep,
preferably about 15-35 centimeters high by about 15-36 centimeters wide by about 10-21 centimeters deep, and
more preferably about 20-30 centimeters high by about 21-31 centimeters wide by about 12-18 centimeters deep; in a commercial embodiment, it is about 25 centimeters high by about 26.5 centimeters wide by about 15 centimeters deep when open and fully retracted;
In a commercial embodiment seat 10 is about 29 cm long by about 8 cm high by about 10 cm wide when fully retracted and folded, as shown in
Seat Back Cover 28—about 2.5-45 centimeters high, preferably about 16-24 centimeters high, and more preferably about 18-22 centimeters high; in a commercial embodiment, it is 20 centimeters high; seat back cover 28 can be made of, for example, neoprene.
Seat Bottom Cover 29—about 5-45 centimeters deep, preferably about 6-16 centimeters deep, and more preferably about 8-12 centimeters deep; in a commercial embodiment, it is about 10 centimeters deep; seat bottom cover 29 can be made of, for example, neoprene.
In a commercial embodiment, the angle between the seat back and the seat base can be adjusted from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, with preset stops at 0 degrees, about 36 degrees, about 72 degrees, about 144 degrees, about 108 degrees, and 180 degrees.
In a commercial embodiment seat back 14 and seat bottom 15 are made out of 0027-005-006-B PP-HO 35 brand homo-polymer polypropylene using melt clarified pellets (but other sufficiently flexible materials can be substituted, such as a similar plastic product); neoprene is used for covers 28, 29, but similar, preferably cushiony, materials could be substituted; mating part 80 and mating part 85 are made of ISOPLAST 101 LGF40 brand engineering thermoplastic resin with 40% long glass fiber available from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc., but other sufficiently strong, stiff, but somewhat flexible material could be used, such as another similar plastic product; button 90, outer pivot section 100, and inner pivot section 105 are made out of ZYTEL 70G33L NC010, supplied by DuPont Performance Polymers, which includes nylon resin with 33% glass fiber, also described as 33% Glass Reinforced Polyamide 66, but another strong, sufficiently stiff, material, such as a similar plastic product, could be used; and spring 98 can be made of metal.
The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention:
The embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein are exemplary of numerous embodiments that may be made within the scope of the following claims. It is contemplated that many other configurations may be used, and the material of each component may be selected from numerous materials other than those specifically disclosed. In short, it is the applicant's intention that the scope of the patent issuing herefrom will be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.
The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.
The following related patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/478,432, filed 29 Mar. 2017; and 62/572,202, filed 13 Oct. 2017; priority of these applications is hereby claimed.
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