TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of children’s products, and more particularly to children’s seats.
BACKGROUND
Sitting upright is an integral step in the early stages of a child’s development. Once the child is able to hold up their own head, they can begin practicing sitting upright. Parents and guardians may assist the child with sitting up or may utilize a pillow or other support to help encourage a baby to develop the skills and strength necessary to sit upright. However, there are drawbacks to the parental/guardian-assisted and pillow-assisted approaches to helping an infant learn to sit up. For example, with the parental-assisted approach, the parent must physically assist the child by placing their hands on the child’s back at all times.
Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improvements in children’s seats for assisting children with sitting upright. It is to the provision of a solutions meeting these and other needs that the present disclosure is primarily directed.
SUMMARY
In example embodiments, the present disclosure provides an activity seat for assisting a child with sitting upright. Generally, the activity seat is configured for supporting a child above a support surface. The seat comprises a seat assembly coupled to a frame assembly. The seat further includes a tray that is releasably coupled to the seat assembly or the frame assembly.
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a folding activity seat. The folding activity seat preferably includes a frame and a seat pivotably coupled to the frame. The seat is also preferably reconfigurable between a first height and a second height.
In example embodiments, the folding activity seat comprises an arm pivotably connected to the seat and the frame. The arm may comprise a locking mechanism operative for releasably locking the arm in a plurality of pre-determined positions. The plurality of positions may comprise an upright position, a prone position, and an intermediate position between the upright and prone positions. The locking mechanism may comprise an operable actuator, a locking wheel or wheel lock aligned to the operable actuator, and a biasing component urging the locking wheel towards the actuator. The locking wheel may comprise a plurality of radially extended teeth. The arm may comprise a recess substantially in the shape of the locking wheel and configured to receive the locking wheel therein. Optionally, frame may comprise a recess configured to receive the locking wheel in a plurality of predetermined positions.
In another example embodiment, the folding activity seat comprises a connector or adapter for releasably connecting a seat accessory. Optionally, the seat accessory is a toy bar assembly or a canopy assembly.
In yet another example embodiment, the folding activity seat includes a tray releasably coupled to the seat. Alternatively, the folding activity seat includes a tray releasably coupled to the frame. When releasably coupled to the frame, the tray nests within the frame.
In still other example embodiments, the folding activity seat includes a detachable seat sling. Optionally, the seat sling may include a child receiving portion and a ground-covering.
In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a collapsible child supporting apparatus for supporting child over a support surface. The child supporting apparatus includes a frame having a base portion and a pair of arms pivotably connected to the base portion, a seat assembly pivotably connected to the arms, and a tray assembly removably connected to the seat assembly in a use configuration. Preferably, the child supporting apparatus is reconfigurable between an erected position and a collapsed position. Preferably, in the erected position, the pair of arms are substantially transverse to the base portion and, in the collapsed position, the pair of arms are substantially parallel to the base portion.
In example embodiments, the child supporting apparatus may be reconfigurable between the erected position, the collapsed position, and an intermediate position between the erected and collapsed positions. Optionally, the base portion may also include connectors for removably connecting the tray assembly in a storage configuration. Optionally, the seat assembly may include a seat ring connected between the pair of arms and a seat cover, the seat cover having a first portion detachably secured to the seat ring and a second portion extending from the first portion and covering at least an area under the seat assembly. Preferably, the child supporting apparatus also includes a canopy or a toy bar detachably connected to the frame
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed example embodiments will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments on the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor activity seat with a tray table in a use position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the floor activity seat of FIG. 1 with a seat sling secured to floor activity seat and the tray table stored away in a storage position.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the seat sling of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the tray table according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tray table connected to a base portion of a frame of the floor activity seat according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 6A-6C are side perspective views of the floor activity seat of FIG. 1 transitioning from an upright, use configuration to a lowered, storage configuration with the tray table in the use position.
FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of a pivotal arm and foot of the base portion of the floor activity seat according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 8A-8C show relative positions of the pivotal arm, locking wheel, and rigid bracket as the floor activity seat of FIG. 1 is transitioned from the raised, use configuration to the collapsed, storage configuration.
FIG. 9 is a partially exploded view of a toy bar accessory usable with the floor activity seat of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the floor activity seat showing the toy bar accessory secured to floor activity seat according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the floor activity seat with a canopy assembly secured to the floor activity seat according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a universal canopy attachment mechanism of the floor activity seat according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the universal canopy attachment mechanism of FIG. 12
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the floor activity seat of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
With reference now to the drawing figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a floor activity seat 10 for supporting a child above a ground or support surface. Although described as a floor activity seat, the activity seat may be used on any suitable flat support surface. Generally, the floor activity seat 10 comprises a frame or frame assembly 100, a seat assembly 200 for receiving a child and supported above the support surface by the frame 100, and a tray or tray assembly 300 configured for removable engagement to the seat assembly 200 or frame 100. For example, FIG. 1 shows the floor activity seat 10 with the tray assembly 300 connected to the seat assembly 200 in a tray use configuration. FIG. 2 shows the floor activity seat 10 with the tray assembly 300 connected to a base portion of the frame assembly 100 and store away in a tray storage configuration. In example embodiments, the floor activity seat 10 is reconfigurable between an erected, use configuration and a collapsed, storage configuration. In the erected configuration, the seat assembly 200 is raised above the support surface such that the child is at least partially suspended over the support surface while seated in the seat assembly (see FIG. 6A). In the collapsed configuration, the seat assembly is folded towards the frame assembly 100 and at least partially nested therein for allowing easier storage and carriage (see FIG. 6C). In example embodiments, with the activity seat 10 in the erected configuration, the overall length of the floor activity seat is between about 550 mm and 750 mm; the overall width is between about 500 mm and 550 mm; and the approximate height of the tray above the support surface is between about 300 mm and 350 mm.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 14, the frame 100 generally comprises a frame base assembly or ground engaging portion 102 including a first foot or fore-frame portion 112ʹ, a second foot or fore-frame portion 112ʺ, a first rear-frame portion 110ʹ connected to the first foot portion 112ʹ, and a second rear-frame portion 110ʺ connected between the second foot portion 112ʺ and the first rear-frame portion 110ʹ. The frame 100 also includes a first support arm 104ʹ pivotably connected to the first foot portion 112ʹ and a second support arm 104ʺ pivotably connected to the second foot portion 112ʺ In particular embodiments, the frame base assembly 102 comprises wide feet 112 at the front of the floor activity seat 10 for improving stability of the seat while a child is seated in the seat assembly 200. In example embodiments, the seat and frame assembly components may be coupled to another using any suitable coupling mechanism or method, such as for example, friction-fit coupling, snap-fit coupling, fasteners, clips, clamps, snaps, adhesives, and/or other mechanisms for selectively coupling the seat and frame assembly components to one another.
In example embodiments, each of the rear-frame portions 110 include one or more apertures 108 for receiving and releasably retaining a least a portion of the tray assembly 300. In example embodiments, with the first rear-frame and second rear-frame connected to one another, at least one pair of apertures 108 are aligned and configured to receive and releasably retain the tray assembly 300 as described in greater detail below.
In example embodiments, the frame base assembly 102 is generally U-shaped and may further include a base frame crossbar 106 connected between the foot portions 112 for providing additional support to the frame base 102. In alternate embodiments, the frame base assembly 102 may be any suitable shape. For example, the frame base 102 may comprise two separate l-shaped portions, two T-shaped portions, and/or any other suitable shape or configuration that will provide a stable support for the floor activity seat 10 on a support surface. In particular embodiments, the crossbar 106 includes one or more apertures or connectors 108 for coupling the tray 300 to the frame assembly 100. In example embodiments, the frame base assembly 102 further includes a cutout or handle 122 for making it easier to carry and transport the floor activity seat 10 when in the folded or collapsed configuration.
The seat assembly 200 includes a seat ring or seat frame 202 removably connected to the support arms 104 (as shown in FIG. 1) and a seat cover or seat sling 204 detachably secured to the seat ring 202 (as shown in FIG. 2). When secured to the seat ring 202, the seat sling 204 provides a suspended seat for receiving a child therein and supporting the child over the support surface. In example embodiments, the seat sling 204 comprises a pair of leg openings 206 that allow the child to extend their legs therethrough and one or more belts or straps 210 to prevent the child from falling through the leg openings and/or falling out of the seat. See FIGS. 2 and 3. The seat sling 204 may also include additional padding or waterproofing features for comfort and cleaning, respectively. In various embodiments, the seat sling 204 further comprises a floor-covering portion 208 for providing a barrier between the child and the support surface and providing an area for the child to rest their legs and feet. The floor covering 208 may be coupled to any portion of the seat sling 204 and/or directly to the seat ring 202. In alternate embodiments, the floor covering may be coupled directly or indirectly to any portion of the frame assembly 100. For example, the floor covering 208 may be coupled to the fore-frame portions 112 of the frame assembly 100 to prevent toe-entrapment of the child. Alternatively or additionally, the floor covering 208 may be coupled to an upper portion of the fore-frame portions 112 or may be coupled to the fore-frame portions via one or more channels and/or fasteners.
FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the detachable tray assembly 300. In example embodiments, the tray assembly 300 includes a tray portion 314 generally rectangular in shape with a substantially flat upper surface, as best shown in FIG. 1. The tray portion 314, in particular embodiments, can be used to hold food and other items, such as for example children’s toys. In example embodiments, the tray portion 314 includes a lip around its periphery for preventing items from being easily knocked off the tray. In example embodiments, the tray portion 314 is made from a dishwasher safe and/or food-grade material. In some embodiments, the tray portion 314 may include one or more partitions for separating items placed on the tray.
Referring to FIG. 2 (or as also shown in FIG. 9), the seat assembly 200 comprises one or more apertures 212 for releasably receiving the tray assembly 300. Preferably, the one or more apertures 212 of the seat assembly 200 are identical to the one or more apertures 108 of the frame assembly 100 such that the tray assembly 300 can be interchangeably coupled to the seat assembly or to the frame assembly. In alternate embodiments, different apertures may be used on the seat assembly and the frame assembly. While not shown, well-fitting caps or covers can be used to over the apertures 108 or 212 when they are not in use.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tray assembly 300 can be coupled to the seat assembly 200 in a tray-use configuration or to the frame assembly 100 in a tray-storage configuration. When coupled to the frame assembly 100, the tray assembly 300 nests within the frame base 102 so as to allow the floor activity seat 10 to fold down into a generally flat configuration, for example as shown in FIG. 6C. Additionally, by coupling the tray assembly 300 to the frame base 102 in the tray-storage configuration, it is less likely for caregivers to misplace the tray assembly 300. As discussed above, the seat assembly 200 and the frame assembly 100 both include one or more apertures 212, 108 for receiving projecting tray arms 302 and securing the tray assembly to the seat assembly or the frame assembly. In example embodiments, the tray assembly 300 may be coupled to apertures 108, 212 using any suitable coupling mechanism (e.g., friction-fit slide, ratchet mechanism, snap-fit coupling, gears, notches, clips, clamps, snaps, and/or other components for selectively coupling the tray assembly to either the seat assembly 200 or the frame assembly 100).
In the depicted embodiment, each of the tray arms 302 include an elongated user-operable member or lever 316 having a first end 310, a second end 312 opposite the first end, a user interfacing surface 306, and a retaining tooth 308. As shown in FIG. 5, the second end 312 of the lever 316 is fastened or fixed to the body of the tray arm 302. The first end 310, on the other hand, is loosely retained inside the tray arm to allow the lever 316 to deflect further into the tray arm 302 when the user interfacing surface 306 is pressed inward. The retaining tooth 308 is configured to engage or catch onto a retaining aperture 114 positioned along the one or more tray-arm receiving apertures 212 and/or 108. Preferably, the leading edge of the retaining tooth 308 is chamfered or angled so that as the leading edge encounters the peripheral walls of the apertures 212 or 108, the lever 316 deflects enough for the retaining tooth 308 to clear any interference with the peripheral walls until the retaining tooth reaches the retaining aperture 114 and falls or catches therein. To detach the tray assembly from the frame base 110 or seat ring 202, the retaining levers 316 are deflected into the tray arms 302 by applying an inward force on the interfacing surface 306 and causing the retaining teeth 308 to clear the teeth retaining apertures 114. With the retaining teeth 308 cleared out of the teeth retaining apertures 114, the tray arms can be pulled out or removed from the tray arm retaining apertures 212 or 108.
As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C and 8A-8C, the support arms 104 are pivotably coupled to the frame base 102 and to the seat ring 202 such that the seat assembly may be lowered for storage and travel and raised for use. FIGS. 6A-6C show the floor activity seat 10 transitioning from a first, raised or use configuration to a second, lowered or storage configuration with the tray assembly 300 coupled to the seat assembly 200. Conversely, the floor activity seat 10 may be transitioned from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the support arms 104 include an arm housing comprising a first, outer shell 408 and a mating second, inner shell 410, a rigid arm bracket 414 provided between the inner and outer arm shells, and a seat ring connector or adapter 416 pivotably connected to the top, distal end of each support arm 104. In example embodiments, each of the support arms 104 include a lower locking mechanism 126 adjacent the bottom, proximal end of the support arm and an upper pivoting mechanism 124 adjacent the top, distal end of the support arm for repositioning the floor activity seat between the use and storage configurations. In particular embodiments, the upper pivoting mechanism 124 simply comprises a pivot pin for pivoting between the storage and use configurations and does not include a locking mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the upper pivoting mechanism 124 may include a locking mechanism while the lower actuator 126 does not. In still other embodiments, both the upper actuator 124 and the lower actuator 126 may include locking mechanisms for transitioning the activity seat between the storage and use configurations.
In example embodiments, the lower, proximal ends of the brackets extend outside the arm housings and are pivotably secured to the feet 112. The upper, distal ends (opposite the proximal ends) of the brackets 414 are pivotably secured to the seat ring adapters 416. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, as the support arms 104 are pivoted or hinged relative to the feet 112, the arm bracket 414 pivots substantially about its lower end in a similar manner. Preferably, the rigid brackets 414 are shaped or configured such that, with one end of the seat ring adapters 416 being pivotally coupled to the upper ends of the arm brackets 414 and the opposing ends of the seat ring adapters 416 being pivotally coupled to the top, distal ends of the support arm 104 about the upper pivoting mechanisms 124, the seat assembly 200, or more specifically the seat ring 202, when coupled to the seat ring adapters 416, remains substantially leveled or parallel to frame base 102 with little or no rotation about the upper pivoting mechanisms 124 as the support arms 104 are pivoted about the lower locking mechanisms 126.
In the depicted embodiment, each of the support arms 104 comprises a lower locking mechanism 126. The locking mechanism 126 generally comprises a locking wheel 402 and a compression spring 406 positioned between the locking wheel and the outer shell 408 of the support arm 104. The locking wheel 402 comprises a gear-like profile (i.e., an annular disk with radially extending teeth 404), as shown in FIG. 7. Each support arm 104 includes a thin-wall projection extending from the outer shell 408 defining an open housing or cavity 412 generally matching the profile of the locking wheel 402 (i.e., including radial notches matching the radial teeth 404 of the locking wheel) such that the locking wheel is free to move in and out of the cavity 412 in an axial direction but the locking wheel is restricted from rotating about the axial axis inside the cavity 412. The compression spring 406 and locking wheel 402 are positioned between the outer shell 408 of the support arm 104 and the foot 112 on each side of the activity seat 10. An actuator cap or cover 116 is operatively secured to a side of each foot opposite the locking wheels. The actuator cap 116 generally comprises one or more retaining clasps 118 which help retain the actuator cap 116 secured to each foot 112. In particular embodiments, the retaining clasps 118 also function as plungers or extensions of the actuator caps 116 such that, when the actuator caps 16 are pressed into the feet 112, the clasps 118 abut the locking wheel and push the locking wheel further into the locking wheel cavity 412 against the bias from the compression spring 406. When no force is applied to the actuator caps, the compression springs 406 urge the locking wheels 402 towards the feet 112.
As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, each foot or fore-frame portion 112 also comprises an inner housing cavity 120 configured to receive the locking wheel 402. Preferably, the wheel housing cavity 120 is configured to receive the locking wheel in a plurality of pre-defined rotated positions which correspond to different configurations of the activity seat. For example, FIG. 8A shows the locking wheel 402 positioned in the wheel housing cavity 120 in a first wheel lock position corresponding to the fully raised configuration of the activity seat 10. For example, the locking wheel 402 is secured in the wheel cavity 120 with teeth 404 positioned at about the 11, 12, 5, and 6 o’clock positions. FIG. 8B shows the support arm 104 and locking wheel 402 rotated and positioned in the wheel housing cavity 120 in a second wheel lock position corresponding to an intermediate configuration between the fully raised and fully collapsed configurations of the activity seat 10. For example, the locking wheel 402 is secured in the wheel cavity 120 with teeth 404 positioned at about the 10, 11, 4 and 5 o’clock positions. Finally, FIG. 8C shows the locking wheel 402 in a third position (rotated even further from the second position) when the support arms 104 have been pivoted about 90 degrees from the vertical and the activity seat is in the fully collapsed position. In particular embodiments, when the floor activity seat is in the fully collapsed position, the locking wheel 402 is intended to be misaligned with the wheel cavity 120 to prevent the floor activity seat from locking in the fully collapsed position. In other words, the wheel cavity 120 is intentionally designed to prevent the locking wheel 402 from locking into the wheel cavity past the intermediate activity seat configuration.
In example embodiments, the wheel cavity 120 of foot 112 is configured to at least partially receive the locking wheel 402 in the first and second wheel lock positions, for example corresponding with the activity seat 10 in the fully upright, raised configuration and the intermediate configuration, respectively. For example, in the first and second positions, a portion of the wheel lock 402 is positioned within the wheel cavity 120 of foot 112 and another portion of the locking wheel is positioned within the wheel cavity 412 of support arm 104. In other words, the wheel lock 402 is positioned in both wheel cavities 120 and 412 simultaneously. Accordingly, the wheel lock 402 prevents the foot 112 and support arm 412 from slipping or rotating relative to one another until the wheel lock is moved completely into the wheel cavity 412 of the support arm 104 and out of the mating plane. In example embodiments, to unlock and move the support arms 104, both wheel locks 402 must be completely pushed into the wheel cavities 412 simultaneously by depressing the actuator caps 116 on both sides of the activity seat 10 together. In particular embodiments, the wheel locks 402 do not align with the wheel cavity 120 when the activity seat is in the collapsed configuration. Accordingly, the wheel lock 404 remains outside the mating plane and does not interfere with the movement of the support arms 104. In other example embodiments, the wheel cavity 120 of foot 112 may be configured to receive the locking wheel 402 in a third position corresponding to the activity seat in the fully collapsed configuration in addition to the first and second wheel lock positions described above.
FIGS. 9-13 show example accessories that may be coupled to the floor activity seat 10. For example, FIGS. 9 and 10 show a toy bar 130, and FIGS. 11 and 12 show a canopy assembly 140 that can be detachably coupled to the floor activity seat 10. The toy bar 130 allows for customization of the activity seat 100 as the child grows and as their interests and skills change. For example, one or more toys including bead chasers, electronic toys, ratchet toys, crinkle toys, spinning toys, squeakers, keyboards, musical toys, mirrors, rings, etc. may be coupled to the toy bar 130. The canopy assembly, on the other hand, provides coverage and protection over the seating assembly for shielding the child in the seat 100 from the surrounding, weather, and/or rays from the sun. In particular embodiments, the toy bar 130, the canopy assembly 140 and/or the activity seat 10 may further comprise one or more light or sound producing devices for entertaining and interacting with the child.
As shown in FIG. 9, the toy bar 130 includes an arcuate member 132 coupled between a pair of accessory attachment mechanisms 160, each of the accessory attachment mechanisms 160 comprising a frame coupling member 136 and a bar coupling member 138 pivotally connected to the frame coupling member 136. In example embodiments, the frame coupling members 136 comprise male connection or latch features for releasably coupling with receivers or buckles 418 connected to the seat ring adapters 416. The buckles 418 include an opening for receiving the male connection features and the male connection features are releasably secured therein. In example embodiments, the releasable connections between the male connection features of the frame coupling members and the buckles are multi-use snap-fit connections. However, other suitable coupling mechanisms may also be utilized, such as for example, friction-fit slide, ratchet mechanism, gears, notches, clips, clamps, snaps, and/or other components for selectively coupling the activity seat accessories to the floor activity seat.
Similarly, FIG. 11 shows the canopy assembly 140 including a soft-goods portion or canopy extended between a plurality of arcuate members 142. The plurality of arcuate members 142 are connected to a pair of accessory attachment mechanisms 160. As described above, each of the accessory attachment mechanisms 160 comprising a frame coupling member 136 and a bar coupling member 138 pivotally connected to the frame coupling member 136. In example embodiments, the frame coupling members 136 comprise male connection or latch features for releasably coupling with receivers or buckles 418 connected to the seat ring adapters 416. The buckles 418 include an opening for receiving the male connection features and the male connection features are releasably secured therein. In example embodiments, the releasable connections between the male connection features of the frame coupling members and the buckles are multi-use snap-fit connections. However, other suitable coupling mechanisms may also be utilized, such as for example, friction-fit slide, ratchet mechanism, gears, notches, clips, clamps, snaps, and/or other components for selectively coupling the activity seat accessories to the floor activity seat.
FIGS. 12 and 13 show another example method of mounting the canopy assembly 140 to a floor activity seat 10. As shown in FIG. 12, the canopy assembly 140 may be mounted to another arcuate bar member, such as for example, a toy bar 130. In the depicted embodiment, a pair of canopy mounts 150 is detachably secured to the toy bar 130. Each of the canopy mounts 144 comprises a recess for engaging a portion of the activity seat 10, such as for example a toy bar 130, and an upper slot or opening for receiving the male connection feature of the frame coupling member 136 of each accessory attachment mechanisms 160. In particular embodiments, the accessory attachment mechanisms 160 are universally adopted to other activity seat accessories. In this manner, all activity seat accessories may be utilized with the floor activity seat 10.
While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions, and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
Patent Application
20230112093
