U.S. patent application number 09/825871 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for convertible swing/highchair and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Paesang, Chinawut Paul, Sitarski, Gerald P..
Application Number | 20010028184 09/825871 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23685509 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010028184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sitarski, Gerald P. ; et
al. |
October 11, 2001 |
Convertible swing/highchair and method of use
Abstract
A child support device is disclosed that can be converted
between a highchair configuration and a swing configuration. The
support device includes a frame from which a U-shaped swing arm is
rotatably mounted. A child seat is located on the U-shaped arm such
that it can be slid between a distal position at the bottom of the
U-shaped swing arm (swing configuration) and a proximal position at
the upper ends of the U-shaped swing arm (highchair configuration).
When in the highchair configuration, a swing lock can be provided
to rotatably lock the U-shaped swing arm with respect to the frame
such that the seat cannot swing. The swing lock can include a
retractable post that can be extended to contact a portion of the
frame to prevent rotation of the swing arm. An over rotation stop
can also be provided to limit the angle of rotation through which
the seat swings when in the swing configuration, and to work in
conjunction with the retractable post to lock the swing arm in
place when in the highchair configuration. A reversible softgoods
device is also disclosed to provide padding for the child support.
The softgoods device includes a first layer and second fluid
resistant layer that can be selectively exposed from the child
support device.
Inventors: |
Sitarski, Gerald P.; (Grand
Island, NY) ; Paesang, Chinawut Paul; (Hamburg,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS
1800 M STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-5869
US
|
Assignee: |
Mattel, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23685509 |
Appl. No.: |
09/825871 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09825871 |
Apr 5, 2001 |
|
|
|
09425179 |
Oct 22, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/105 20130101;
A47D 1/002 20130101; A47D 1/004 20130101; A47D 1/08 20130101; Y10T
29/49716 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/118 |
International
Class: |
A47D 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A support device, comprising: a frame having a lower portion and
an upper portion; a swing arm rotatable with respect to said frame
and having a longitudinal axis with a proximal portion and a distal
portion, said proximal portion located adjacent said upper portion
of said frame; and a support structure located on said swing arm
and movable along said longitudinal axis of said swing arm between
a highchair configuration and a swing configuration.
2. The support device of claim 1, further comprising: a swing lock
located on one of said swing arm, support structure and frame to
prevent rotation of said swing arm relative to said frame.
3. The support device of claim 2, wherein said swing lock includes
a retractable post located on said swing arm such that it can
selectively interact with said frame to prevent rotation of said
swing arm relative to said frame.
4. The support device of claim 1, further comprising: a swing
support rotation lock located on said support structure to lock
said support structure at a predetermined rotational angle with
respect to said swing arm.
5. The support device of claim 4, wherein said support structure
includes a front portion and a back portion, and said swing support
rotation lock includes a notch located on said back portion of said
support structure.
6. The support device of claim 5, wherein said swing arm is
U-shaped including two longitudinal extensions and a cross arm
extending between said two longitudinal extensions, and said swing
support rotation lock includes a mating surface located on said
cross arm and configured to mate with said notch on said support
structure to lock said support structure with respect to said swing
arm.
7. The support device of claim 1, further comprising: a highchair
support rotation lock located on said support structure to prevent
rotation of said support structure with respect to said swing
arm.
8. The support device of claim 7, wherein said highchair support
rotation lock includes a lock extension located on one of said
swing arm and said support structure and a lock surface located on
the other of said swing arm and said support structure, said lock
surface configured to mate with said lock extension to prevent
rotation of said support structure with respect to said swing
arm.
9. The support device of claim 8, wherein said lock extension is
configured as a rail and said mating surface is configured as a
channel such that said support structure can be guided along said
swing arm via said rail and channel to said highchair
configuration.
10. The support device of claim 1, further comprising: a position
lock located on said swing arm to lock said support structure at a
predetermined location along the longitudinal axis of said swing
arm.
11. The support device of claim 1, further comprising: a swing
motor located adjacent said swing arm.
12. The support device of claim 11, wherein said swing motor is an
electric motor.
13. A method for converting a support device between a highchair
configuration and a swing configuration, comprising the steps of:
providing a frame, a swing arm having a distal portion and a
proximal portion rotatably attached to said frame, and a support
structure movably located on said swing arm, moving the support
structure between a first position in which the support structure
is located at the distal portion of the swing arm and the support
device is in the swing configuration, and a second position in
which the support structure is located at the proximal portion of
the swing arm and the support device is in the highchair
configuration.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: locking
said swing arm to prevent rotation relative to said frame when the
support device is in the highchair configuration.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: locking
said support structure to prevent rotation relative to said swing
arm when the support device is in the highchair configuration.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: locking
said support structure to prevent movement relative to said swing
arm when said support device is configured in the swing
configuration.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:
providing a highchair tray; and securing said highchair tray to
said support structure when the support device is in the highchair
configuration.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:
providing a swing tray; and securing said swing tray to said
support structure when the support device is in the swing
configuration.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:
providing a swinging motor for swinging said swing arm; and
swinging said swing arm with said swing motor.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said swinging motor is an
electric motor.
21. A support device, comprising: a frame; a swing arm rotatably
mounted on said frame such that said swing arm can rotate through a
predetermined angle of rotation with respect to said frame; a
support structure located on said swing arm and configurable
between a highchair configuration and a swing configuration; and a
swing lock located on one of said frame, said swing arm and said
support structure, said swing lock configured to selectively
prevent rotation of said swing arm with respect to said frame.
22. The support device of claim 21, wherein said support structure
is located at a first position with respect to said frame when in
said highchair configuration, and said support structure is located
at a second position that is different from said first position
with respect to said frame when in said swing configuration.
23. The support device of claim 21, wherein said predetermined
angle of rotation includes a rest angle at which said swing arm
will eventually reside when no force other than gravity is applied
to the swing arm, and said swing lock is configured to lock said
swing arm at a particular angle that is different from said rest
angle.
24. The support device of claim 21, wherein said swing lock
includes a retractable post.
25. The support device of claim 21, further comprising: a swing
support rotation lock located on said support structure to lock
said support structure at a predetermined rotational angle with
respect to said swing arm.
26. The support device of claim 25, wherein said support structure
includes a front portion and a back portion, and said swing support
rotation lock includes a notch located on said back portion of said
support structure.
27. The support device of claim 26, wherein said swing arm is
U-shaped including two vertical arms and a cross arm extending
between said two vertical arms, and said swing support rotation
lock includes a mating surface located on said cross arm and
configured to mate with said notch on said support structure to
lock said support structure with respect to said swing arm.
28. The support device of claim 21, further comprising: a highchair
support rotation lock located on said support structure to prevent
rotation of said support structure with respect to said swing
arm.
29. The support device of claim 28, wherein said highchair support
rotation lock includes a lock extension located on one of said
swing arm and said support structure and a lock surface located on
the other of said swing arm and said support structure, said lock
surface configured to mate with said lock extension to prevent
rotation of said support structure with respect to said swing
arm.
30. The support device of claim 29, wherein said lock extension is
configured as a rail and said mating surface is configured as a
channel such that said support structure can be guided along said
swing arm via said rail and channel to said highchair
configuration.
31. The support device of claim 21, further comprising: a position
lock located on said swing arm to lock said support structure at a
predetermined location along the longitudinal axis of said swing
arm.
32. The support device of claim 21, further comprising: a swing
motor located adjacent said swing arm.
33. The support device of claim 21, wherein said swing motor is an
electric motor.
34. The support device of claim 21, further comprising: a softgoods
device shaped to fit within the support structure, said softgoods
device includes a first layer, a second layer, and a padding
material located in between said first layer and said second layer,
said second layer including a fluid resistant material.
35. A reversible softgoods device for use with a child support,
comprising: a first layer; a fluid resistant second layer; and a
padding material located between said first layer and said second
layer, wherein said softgoods device is shaped to fit within a
child support structure in a first configuration and a second
configuration such that, when in said first configuration said
first layer is outwardly exposed from the child support, and when
in said second configuration said second layer is outwardly exposed
from the child support to provide a fluid resistant layer.
36. The softgoods device of claim 35, wherein said first layer
includes a woven fabric.
37. The softgoods device of claim 35, wherein said second layer
includes a coated fabric.
38. The softgoods device of claim 35, further comprising a hood
located on a top portion of the softgoods device for connection to
a child support, said hood being reversible such that it can be
selectively disposed over one of a portion of said first layer and
a portion of said second layer.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a support device and its method of
use, and more particularly, to a child's support device that is
convertible between a highchair configuration and a swing
configuration. The invention also relates to a reversible softgoods
seat structure that can be placed within the support device to
provide a cushioning surface for a child to rest on.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Highchairs and swings are well known support devices that
can be used for children. A conventional highchair includes a seat
structure that is elevated from the floor by a support structure.
Typically, the highchair includes a tray mechanism that is placed
on top of the seat structure when a child is seated therein. The
tray provides an eating surface for the child while also securing
the child within the highchair seat structure.
[0003] A conventional child's swing includes a seat structure that
has at least one arm extending upwardly from the seat structure and
rotatably attached to a frame. The frame and arm suspend the seat
above the floor such that the seat can rotate or swing with respect
to the frame. The frame generally includes several metal or plastic
bars that are fastened together to form a substantially symmetrical
geometric configuration and evenly distribute the downward force
from the seat and arm to the floor. In swing structures that
include two arms extending from the seat, the two arms are often
connected to a single bar that extends over the seat structure and
is attached to two identically shaped triangular three-bar
structures. The base portion of the triangular structures typically
include bars extending between the triangular structures to further
support the triangular structures and lock the distance between the
triangular structures. The seat is free to rotate about the
overhead bar and in between the triangular structures.
[0004] Recently, open top swings have become popular in which the
overhead bar is replaced with hubs that are built into the top apex
of each triangular side structure. An example of a conventional
open top swing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,113 to Mitchell
et al. In the Mitchell open top swing, the hubs are each connected
to an arm structure extending to each side of the seat such that
the seat can rotate about a rotational axis of the hubs. The open
top swing provides the benefit of free and clear access to the seat
so that an adult can easily place a child into or remove a child
from the seat without obstruction from an overhead bar.
[0005] In the past, there have been some attempts to combine some
of the features of a highchair with that of a swing structure. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,291 to Alionis discloses a convertible
highchair and swing apparatus. The invention includes two
upstanding lateral support members 14 that are joined by upper and
lower horizontal cross members 30 and 36 and a rear cross member
40. A chair member 60 is rotatably attached to the lateral support
members 14 by a pair of fastening members 42, each of which extends
into a boss member 26 on either of the support members 14. The
chair member 60 includes a reversible hammock like seat structure
70 that extends between two cross members 64 and in between lateral
support members 62. Conversion between the high chair mode and the
swing mode is accomplished by flipping the chair member 60 over
about the fastening members 42. The Alionis device provides no
ability to adjust either the tray position or the seat position in
either of the high chair and swing modes. In addition, the device
can only be manually operated when in the swing mode. The swing
range for the device is also limited by the length of the frame of
the chair member. Ergonomic design of the seat structure is limited
by the fact that the seat must be reversible and therefore designed
as a hammock type of seat. Finally, an upper cross member 32
located above the seat and extending between the lateral support
members prevents quick and easy access to a child seated in the
device when in the swing mode.
[0006] Another example of a device that can be arranged in both a
high chair mode and a swing mode is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,413,399 to Myers. Conversion between modes is accomplished by
complete removal and reattachment of the seat from a frame
structure. When switching from the high chair mode to the swing
mode, the first step includes removing the seat member 50 from its
seated high chair position secured atop a frame structure 12.
Second, the seat is reattached to the frame 12 by rotating a
portion of the tray structure (handle member 90) to extend
vertically above the seat, and hanging the seat from the frame via
dowel members 99 located on the handle member 90. The device
disclosed by Myers requires the use of a large tray structure that
is not adjustable and results in miscellaneous non-functional
structures being present when in the high chair mode. In addition,
the device can only be manually operated when in the swing mode.
The device also does not permit adjustment of seat position in
either of the swing or high chair modes and does not permit easy
access to a child located in the seat when in the swing mode.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The drawbacks of the prior art are overcome by the present
invention, which provides a child support device that can be
quickly and easily converted between a highchair configuration and,
preferably, an open top swing configuration. The device can include
an ergonomically designed seat that is adjustable in either of the
highchair and swing configurations. The seat can be automatically
operated (swung) when in the swing configuration. An adjustable
highchair tray and swing tray for use in the highchair and swing
configurations, respectively, can also be provided. The invention
combines the advantages of the motorized open top swing, e.g.,
quick and easy access to the child located in the swing seat, easy
assembly and automatic operation, with the ability to convert the
device to an adjustable highchair configuration.
[0008] The process of converting the device between the highchair
configuration and swing configuration is also relatively simple.
Specifically, conversion can be accomplished by unlocking the seat
structure from a first configuration and sliding the seat along a
slide arm to the second configuration. A position lock that can
include multiple button locks located on the swing arm permits the
seat structure to be quickly and easily adjusted along the swing
arm between configurations and also allows the seat to be located
at a number of height positions in the highchair configuration.
Other types of locks can be built into the frame, swing arm and
seat to provide the adjustability necessary to switch between the
high configuration and the swing configuration. In particular, a
swing lock can be provided to prevent the seat and swing arm from
rotating with respect to the frame when in the high chair
configuration, a high chair support rotation lock can be provided
to lock the angular seat positions with respect to the swing ann
when the device is in the high chair configuration, and a swing
support rotation lock can be provided to lock the seat at a
predetermined angle with respect to the swing arm when in the swing
configuration.
[0009] The invention also includes a reversible softgoods device
for placement in the seat of the convertible swing/highchair
device. The reversible softgoods device is shaped to fit within the
seat of the swing/highchair device and finctions to provide comfort
and padding to a child resting in the device. When in the high
chair mode, the softgoods device has the dual function of providing
comfort and resisting absorption of food, drink and other solid and
liquids that may be spilled or otherwise released while the child
is seated in the high chair configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child support device made
in accordance with the principles of the invention and in the high
chair configuration;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the child support device
shown in FIG. 1 in the swing configuration;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view of the swing arm of
the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of the support pivot
of the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an isolated perspective view of the swing arm and
support structure of the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an isolated perspective view of the swing arm and
support structure of the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an isolated perspective view of the swing arn and
support structure of the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the support pivot of the child
support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIGS. 9A-B are perspective views of the key portion for the
child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the swing ann tube of the
child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an isolated perspective view of the swing lock of
the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 12 is an isolated perspective view of the swing lock of
the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 13 is an isolated perspective view of the swing lock of
the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the swing lock of the child
support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the child support device shown in
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the swing tray for the
child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the highchair tray of the
child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIGS. 18A-B are perspective views of the highchair tray grip
for the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the upper frame joint with
motor for the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the upper frame joint with
idler for the child support device shown in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the child support device
shown in FIG. 1 during conversion from the swing configuration to
the highchair configuration;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the child support device
shown in FIG. 1 during conversion from the swing configuration to
the highchair configuration; and
[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the child support device
shown in FIG. 1 during conversion from the swing configuration to
the highchair configuration.
[0033] FIGS. 24A-C are back, front and reversed perspective views,
respectively, of a reversible softgoods support made in accordance
with the principles of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV
of FIG. 24C.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] A convertible swing/highchair device and method of use
embodying the principles of the invention is illustrated in FIGS.
1-25 and described below.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates the swing/highchair device 1 in its
highchair configuration. The device includes an open top type of
frame 100 from which a child support structure can be suspended via
a swing arm 300. The child support structure can be configured as
an ergonomic child's seat 400 and can include a highchair tray 500
adjustably and removably mounted to the seat 400 to provide an
eating or playing surface for the child. In the highchair
configuration, the seat is positionally and rotationally locked to
the swing arm 300. The swing arm 300 is also positionally and
rotationally locked to the frame 100 when in the highchair
configuration and can include a footrest 324. Conversion to the
swing configuration can be accomplished by sliding the seat 400
along the swing arm 300 to a lowermost position and rotating the
seat 400 with respect to the swing arm 300 to a desired angular
orientation. Several locking, adjusting and pivoting mechanisms can
be used to facilitate this conversion of the swing/highchair
device, and are described below.
[0037] In the swing configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
seat 400 is positioned at a lower end of the swing arm 300 and is
rotationally adjustable relative to the swing arm 300. The swing
arm 300 can be constructed of a U-shaped tubular member 304 that
includes two vertical arms 301 and a horizontal arm 303 (as shown
in FIG. 10). The end of each vertical arm is secured via a button
lock 700 to pivot hubs 250 located on upper frame joints 200 of the
frame 100. The pivot hubs 250 can rotate with respect to the frame
100 and thus allow the swing arm 300 and seat 400 to swing relative
to the frame 100. A motor can be located in one of the upper frame
joints 200 to automate the swinging motion of the swing arm 300 and
seat 400. Batteries can also be stored within the frame joint 200
behind a battery cover plate 202, and the speed of the motor can be
controlled by a control knob 201 located on the frame joint 200, as
best seen in FIG. 19.
[0038] The frame 100 of the swing/highchair device can be
constructed from a number of tubular members that are secured
together via button locks 700. A button lock 700, such as those
sold under the trademark "VALCO", includes a rounded, button shaped
piece that is biased towards and extends through a hole located in
a first tube member. A second tube member can be attached to the
first tube member by depressing the button shaped piece into the
first tube member and sliding a large outer portion of the second
tube member over the first tube member. When a hole located in the
second tube member aligns with the button shaped piece, the piece
springs out and extends through the hole in each of the first and
second tube members to lock the tube members together. The tubes
can be released by depressing the button shaped piece back into the
first tube and pulling the tubes apart.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 100 preferably includes a
front lower tube 110 that is attached to a front left upper tube
111 and front right upper tube 112 via button locks 700. A rear
lower tube 120 is connected to a rear left upper tube 121 and a
rear right upper tube 122 via button locks 700. The front and rear
tubes angle towards each other and are connected to each other by
upper frame joints 200 and 230 to form an open top frame
configuration. Front and rear ground stays 131 and 132,
respectively, can be attached to corners of the front and rear
lower tubes to protect the frame and prevent the swing/highchair
device from sliding on the floor.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the seat 400 can be rotationally
adjustable with respect to the swing arm 300 when in the swing
configuration. A number of different rotational orientations can be
achieved by aligning one of a number of notches 401 formed in the
rear of the seat structure 400 with a mating surface 323 provided
on the footrest 324. The weight of the seat 400 and/or child keep
the notches 401 in contact with the mating surfaces 323 to maintain
the rotational position of the seat 400 with respect to the swing
arm 300 during use. Button locks 701 located on the swing arm 300
prevent the seat from moving away from its lower position on the
swing arm when in the swing configuration. In addition,
overrotation stops 321 provided on either side of the footrest 320
prevent the swing arm 300 and seat 400 from rotating past either of
the front upper frame members 111 and 112 or the rear upper frame
members 221 and 222. Thus, the swing arm and seat are designed to
have an angular rotation confined within the frame 100.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4-8, the seat 400 includes symmetrical
left and right pivots 450 that connect either side of the seat to
the vertical arms 301 of the swing arm 300. Each pivot 450 includes
a cap 451 that is rotatably connected to a pivot base 410 on the
seat 400 as shown by arrow A in FIG. 8. A swing arm throughway 453
is provided in the cap 451 and is configured to allow a vertical
arm 301 to be slid between the pivot base 410 and the swing arm
throughway 453. A ramped flange 455 located at three of the four
exterior corners of the throughway 453 allows the pivot cap to pass
over a button lock without interruption or locking. The fourth
exterior corner is not flanged and includes a stop surface 458 that
is configured to abut against a button lock 701 to keep the seat
400 in its lowermost position when in the swing configuration. The
pivot cap 451 can also include a rotation limit 457 molded into the
inner surface of the cap 451. The rotation limit 457 rides along a
circular guide portion 411 of the pivot base 410 and can contact a
stop structure 412 to limit the amount of rotation permitted
between the seat 400 and the swing arm 300.
[0042] A button opening 456 as shown in FIG. 8 located in the pivot
cap 451 can be used to lock the pivot 450 and seat 400 at a
particular location along the length of the swing arm 300.
Specifically, the vertical arms 301 of the swing arm 300 include
two button locks 702 and 703 that can cooperate with button opening
456 in each of the pivot caps 451. Button lock 702 is located at a
lower position than button lock 703 and is deigned for use in a
lower high chair mode. Button lock 703 is located higher than
button lock 702 and is designed for use in a normal (upper) high
chair mode. Any number of additional button locks could be provided
on the swing arm 300 to allow use of the swing/highchair device in
a greater variety of high chair modes.
[0043] The pivot 450 also includes a keyway 461 that is defined by
a key portion 460 (as best shown in FIGS. 9A-B). Key portion 460 is
a semicircular structure that is positionally and rotationally
fixed on the pivot base 410 and sandwiched between the pivot cap
451 and pivot base 410. The keyway 461 acts in conjunction with a
rail 302, best seen in FIG. 10, located on each of the vertical
arms 301 on the swing arm 300. Only when the seat 400 is rotated to
a position at which the keyway 461 is aligned with the rail 302 can
the seat 400 be moved vertically up the slide arm 300. In addition,
a user must depress button lock 701 to permit upward movement of
the seat 400.
[0044] A button lock 704 can also be provided at an upper location
on the vertical arms 301 to contact the stop surface 458 and
prevent the seat from being lifted up and off the top extent of the
rail 302. Accordingly, once the rail 302 is mated into the keyway
461, the seat 400 is locked at a particular angular orientation
with respect to the swing arm 300 during its entire upward movement
towards the highchair configuration.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 10, several button locks are positioned
about the U-shaped tubular member 304 to provide adjustment and
locking ability. Button locks 701 prevent the seat 400 from lifting
off of the footrest 320 when the device is in the swing
configuration. Button locks 702 cooperate with button opening 456
on the pivot cap to lock the seat 400 at a lower high chair
position. Similarly, button locks 703 lock the seat 400 in an upper
high chair position. Button locks 704 prevent the seat 400 from
lifting up and off the rail 302. Finally, button lock 705 secures
the swing arm 300 to each of the pivot hubs 250 on the upper frame
joints 200.
[0046] Once the seat 400 has been slid upward along the slide arm
300 and one of the button locks 702 or 704 has engaged the button
opening 456 in the pivot cap, the swing arm 300 should then be
rotationally locked with respect to the frame 100 to complete the
conversion from the swing configuration to the highchair
configuration.
[0047] FIGS. 11-14 illustrate a preferred swing lock for locking
the swing arm 300 with respect to the frame 100. A retractable post
330 is located within the footrest 320 and can be selectively
extended and retracted. When extended, the retractable post 330
acts in conjunction with the overrotation stop 321 of the footrest
320 to sandwich and secure one of the front upper frames 111 or 112
therebetween. A post lock 331 located on the bottom of the footrest
320 and extending through a channel 337 in the post cover 322
operates to lock the retractable post 330 in its extended locked
position. The post lock 331 is attached to the retractable post 330
such that they both move together when post lock 331 is slid in
channel 337. When the post lock 331 is located at a position that
corresponds to the extended position for the retractable post 330,
post lock 331 snaps into lock notch 333 by action of the post lock
spring 334. Thus, the post lock 331 and retractable post 330 are
locked in the extended position. To unlock and retract the
retractable post 330, a user must pull the post lock 331 in a
direction away from the footrest such that the post lock 331 can
clear the lip of the lock notch 333 and then be slid to a retracted
position.
[0048] The seat 400 can include a padding layer attached or formed
onto its surface for comfort. The seat 400 can also include
beltways 403 for insertion of a safety strap to further secure a
child within the seat 400. A highchair tray 500 and a swing tray
600 can be attached to the seat 400 to provide a playing and eating
surface for a child when the device is in either the highchair
configuration or swing configuration, respectively.
[0049] The highchair tray 500 can be adjustably attached to the
seat 400 via a grip 510 that cooperates with corrugated indents 404
located on each side of the seat 400. As shown in FIGS. 171 8B, the
highchair tray 500 can include pivoting attachment grips 510
located within a grip housing 501 on the bottom surface of the
highchair tray 500. The grips 510 are pivotally secured within the
grip housing 501 via post axes 511 that are located within grip
throughholes 502. A number of ratchet teeth 512 provided on the
grip 510 are designed to mate with the corrugated indents 402
located on either side of the seat 400, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 5. A
spring (not shown) can be located between the grips 510 and the
bottom surface of the highchair tray to bias the grip faces 513
towards an outward position and to bias the ratchet teeth 512
inward. In use, a person pushes the grip face 513 inward and
attaches the highchair tray 500 to the seat 400. Once in place, the
user releases the grip face 513 allowing the spring bias to rotate
the ratchet teeth 512 back inward to lock onto a particular set of
corrugated indents 402 located on the seat 400. Accordingly, the
highchair tray 500 can be adjusted quickly and easily by depressing
the grips 510 and moving the tray to a desired position with
respect to the seat 400.
[0050] A swing tray 600, shown in FIG. 2, can be provided that is
smaller and narrower than the highchair tray 500. The size of the
swing tray 600 allows the swing tray to pass between the front left
upper frame 111 and front right upper frame 112 when the swing arm
300 and seat 400 are swinging. The swing tray 600 can be secured to
the seat 400 when the swing/highchair device is in the swing
configuration by flexing the handles 601, seen in FIG. 16, outward
and mating an indent/throughhole 602 on the side of the swing tray
with an outdent 404 positioned on the seat 400 (see FIG. 3). Once
the swing tray is in position, the handles 601 can be released to
flex back to their original location and lock the swing tray 600
with respect to the seat 400. Ribs 603 can be provided in the rear
surface of the swing tray 600 to increase the tray's strength and
flexure characteristics.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the upper frame joints 200 and
230 can include a motor structure and an idler structure,
respectively. Upper frame joint 200 can include an outer housing
210, an inner housing 214 and a middle housing 212. A motor 204
attached to a flywheel 203 can be provided within the upper frame
joint 200 and controlled by a PC board 202. The motor 204 acts in
cooperation with a drive spring to drive lever arm 206 and pivot
hub 250, and thus automatically operate the swing/highchair
device.
[0052] Upper frame joint 230 can include an idler mechanism that is
sandwiched between an inner housing 232 and an outer housing 233
and includes a thrust bearing 231.
[0053] Each of the upper frame joints 200 and 230 includes two
pathways for inserting and locking the front and rear tubular frame
members. Specifically, a front or rear right upper frame tube 112
or 122 can be inserted along slideway 209 in the upper frame joint
200. Once the frame 112 or 122 reaches the end of the slideway, a
first button lock located in the frame tube 112 or 122 locks the
end of the frame into the upper frame joint 200. The frame 112 or
122 can then be rotated, using the first button lock as a pivot
point, to slide a second button lock (located at a lower position
on the frame tube) along slideway 208. When the frame 112 or 122 is
rotated into place, the second button lock will reach the end of
slideway 208 and lock into a mating opening in the inner housing
214 to lock the frame in place.
[0054] A specific method for converting the swing/highchair device
from a swing configuration to the highchair configuration will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 21-23.
[0055] A user can first rotate the swing arm until the overrotation
stops 321 are in contact with the frame 100. The post locks 331
should then be slid outward and away from the footrest so that both
retractable posts 330 lock the frame between the posts 330 and the
overrotation stops 321. Next, the user slides the seat 400 upwards
along the vertical arms 301 until the stop surfaces 458 of the
pivot caps 451 come into contact with button locks 701. The user
must manually depress the button locks 701 to permit further upward
movement of the seat 400 along the vertical arms 301 and to release
the seat lock notches 401 from the mating surfaces 323 on the
footrest 320. Once the notches 401 and mating surfaces 323 are
separated, the seat 400 can be rotated about the pivot 450 until
the keyways 461 align with the rails 302 on the vertical arms 301.
The seat 400 can be slid upwardly until the button openings 456 in
the pivot cap reach button locks 702 to automatically lock the seat
400 in the lower highchair position. If the upper highchair
position is desired, button locks 702 must be manually depressed
and the seat slid upwardly until button openings 456 reach button
locks 703. Button locks 704 prevent further upward movement of the
swing 400 and keep the rails 302 within the keyways 461 to
rotationally lock the seat 400 with respect to the frame 100 and
the swing arm 400. A highchair tray 500 can be attached to the seat
400 and the device can be operated as a typical highchair.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 24A-25, a reversible softgoods device 950
can be provided that includes a first layer 951 that is preferably
made from a soft material such as cotton, polyester or other
fabric. A second layer 952 is attached to the first layer 951 and
is preferably made from a material that resists fluids and stains,
such as polypropylene, coated vinyl, coated cotton, etc. The first
layer 951 and second layer 952 can be substantially identical in
shape and attached about their periphery to contain a soft padding
material 953 such as cotton, foam or other sponge like materials.
The softgoods device 950 should be shaped to easily fit within the
seat of the swing/highchair device and include beltways 958 for
passage of a safety belt. An opening in the base of the softgoods
device can be provided to allow a child positioning structure 409
to extend through the reversible softgoods device 950 when located
on the seat 400. A hood 954 can be provided on the seat back
portion of the second layer 952 to secure the back portion of the
softgoods device to the back of the seat 400. An elastic band 956
can be incorporated into the base of the seat portion of the
softgoods device 950 to fit the base of the softgoods device snugly
to the base of the seat 400. In addition, hook and loop tabs 957
can be provided at either corner of the base of the softgoods
device 950 to further secure the device to the seat 400.
[0057] In operation, a user can fit the reversible softgoods device
onto the seat 400 with the second layer 952 facing the seat 400
when the swing/highchair device is in the swing configuration. The
hood 954 can be snugly fit over the back of the seat 400 while the
elastic band 956 and hook and loop tabs 957 are attached to the
base of the seat 400. After the swing/highchair device is converted
to the highchair configuration, the reversible softgoods device 950
can be flipped over such that the first layer 951 faces the back of
the seat 400 and the second layer 952 is outwardly exposed. The
hood 954 can be inverted about the upper portion of the softgoods
device 950 to act in the same manner when attached to the back of
the seat 400 with the first layer 951 facing the seat back. The
lower seat portion of softgoods device can be attached to the seat
400 by attaching the elastic band 956 and hook and loop tabs 957
over the base of the seat 400. The outwardly exposed second layer
952 provides a durable, stain resistant surface that can endure the
numerous spills and food droppings that often occur when a child is
in a highchair.
[0058] Although the invention has been described with specific
reference to the enclosed drawings, it should be understood that
many variations can be made to the disclosed structures without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example,
the method for converting the device from the swing configuration
to the highchair configuration can be accomplished in many
different ways and sequences. It is possible that the seat never be
required to slide along the vertical arms at all and that the
vertical arms with seat attached be pulled through the pivot hubs
to a highchair configuration. It is also possible that the
overrotation stops could be incorporated into the hubs and/or inner
structure of the upper frame joints. In addition, a variety of
different locks could be used in place of the disclosed button
locks, swing locks and seat locks, including screw fasteners,
ratcheting fastening structures, pin locks, clamps and other
locking mechanisms. The material of the frame is preferably metal
tubing, but can conceivably be made from plastic and other rigid
materials.
[0059] The softgoods device is disclosed as used with the
swing/highchair device, but it is contemplated that the softgoods
device be used in many different types of child support devices to
provide the ability to quickly and easily change from a comfortable
padding type of softgoods device to a fluid and stain resistant
version of the same softgoods device by simply flipping the
softgoods device over.
* * * * *