U.S. patent application number 11/942671 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for collapsible highchair.
This patent application is currently assigned to iLinko Ltd.. Invention is credited to Davy Kho, Jon Lake.
Application Number | 20080179921 11/942671 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37736055 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080179921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lake; Jon ; et al. |
July 31, 2008 |
COLLAPSIBLE HIGHCHAIR
Abstract
A collapsible highchair with a rack has a seat, a shackle
section, and legs, which are pivotable towards one another about a
hinged joint between an upright position for use and an opposite
compact position. A first latching device from the shackle section
is designed to pivot for detachable connection with a section of
the rack. The first latching device is provided on the front side
of the seat leaving two free spaces for the legs of a seated child,
with a connecting device encompassing the rack from the outside on
the side facing away from the seat. The connecting device is
designed as a clamping bracket comprising an upper claw-like
section supported on a tubular section of the rack, a second mobile
section clamped on the tube, and a third engaging section provided
on the mobile section and extending the lever of the mobile
section.
Inventors: |
Lake; Jon; (Sunnyvale,
CA) ; Kho; Davy; (Paris, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Assignee: |
iLinko Ltd.
Quarry Bay
HK
|
Family ID: |
37736055 |
Appl. No.: |
11/942671 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/16.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 1/023 20170501;
A47D 1/004 20130101; A47D 1/0085 20170501 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/16.2 |
International
Class: |
A47D 1/02 20060101
A47D001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 17, 2006 |
DE |
20 2006 017 552.0 |
Claims
1. A collapsible highchair with a rack, which has a seat, a shackle
section limiting the seat to the front, and legs, which are
pivotable towards one another about a hinged joint between an
upright position for use and an opposite compact position, wherein
a first latching device from the shackle section is designed to
pivot and limits the seat forwards for detachable connection with a
section of the rack and/or of the seat, in the upright position
positioned under the shackle section.
2. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
latching device is provided at a lower, free end for fixing the
mounting with a connecting device about a section of the rack
and/or of the seat.
3. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
latching device is provided on the front side of the seat leaving
two free spaces for the legs of a seated child, with a connecting
device encompassing a tubular section of the rack from the outside
on the side facing away from the seat.
4. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
connecting device is designed as a clamping bracket comprising an
upper claw-like section supported on a tubular section of the rack,
a second mobile section clamped on the tube, and a third engaging
section provided on the mobile section and extending the lever of
the mobile section.
5. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a tray set on the shackle section limiting the seat in a
forward direction.
6. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising at least one diagonal member provided to pivot on at
least one front leg, which is provided with a guide device in which
guide elements are provided on the rear legs.
7. A collapsible highchair with a rack having a seat, a shackle
section limiting the seat to the front, and legs, which are
pivotable towards one another about a hinged joint between an
upright position for use and an opposite compact position, wherein
at least one diagonal member is provided to pivot on at least one
front leg, which is provided with a guide device in which guide
elements provided on the rear legs move, so that the guide device
or the diagonal member approximate the extending of the legs when
the legs are pivoted towards one another and take up a position
substantially parallel to the legs, when in the compact
position.
8. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the
rack is a tubular rack.
9. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the
guide device is a slot guide and the guide elements are bolts.
10. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the
hinged joint is provided at the level of the shackle section
limiting the seat is a forward direction and/or that the shackle
section also pivots without latching on the hinged joint.
11. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1 or 7, further
comprising a second latching mechanism that connects at least one
rear leg or one element provided with a rear leg in the folded
state engaging with the underside of the folded shackle section
and/or connects the tray set thereon to one of the rear legs.
12. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1 or 7, further
comprising a strut connecting the rear legs which encloses the
second latching device.
13. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the
front legs are a component of a substantially U-shaped frame in the
form of a tubular rack, and the arc of the U-shaped upper region of
the frame runs in an upper end edge of a seat shell of the
seat.
14. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1 or 7, further
comprising a diagonal member located substantially in the seat
plane, which is connectable or connected to the guide device, and
which, when in the upright position, has a foot rest at its front
end extending obliquely downwards.
15. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 14, wherein the
foot rest on the lower end of the pivoting diagonal member pivots
at least partially beyond the rear legs when in a compact
position.
16. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the
front and/or rear legs are adjustable in length.
17. A collapsible highchair as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the
front legs and/or the rear legs have at least in part an arched
form with a bulge in the direction of the front side of the
collapsible highchair.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] With the use of collapsible highchairs, as they apply in
particular for small children at the meal table, there is a problem
of improving the folding mechanism of these chairs such that they
can be operated by a parent using one hand as far as possible, and
otherwise cannot be activated by small children sitting on them.
There is also a problem of constructing a collapsible highchair
that remains stable when being used and which is easy to transport
in a collapsed position without opening up.
[0002] Opened highchairs, normally used only for a short time by
small children for eating, occupy a significant amount of space due
to the large footprint required for stability against collapse.
They are thus mostly collapsed between mealtimes so that the space
at and around the table can be used for other purposes.
Additionally, since adults, when wanting to sit children in the
highchair, are frequently carrying the children in their arms when
coming from another room and so have only one hand free, those
highchair mechanisms that require two hands for setting up the
highchair prove to be highly unfavourable, since the children have
to be set down again for the time it takes to set up the
highchair.
[0003] A generic collapsible highchair is already known from DE 20
2004 014 197 U1, in which a folding standard can be fixed at a
specific angle on a highchair frame with a pushbutton mechanism.
The drawback to this construction is that though the seat shell can
be pivoted, a considerable width remains however due to the bale
located in front of the seat shell and tray being formed as one
piece with the rear legs.
[0004] It is especially disadvantageous that at least two hands
need to be used to set up this prior art highchair, specifically
for raising the seat shell while using the other hand to keep the
chair in a preset position and also to secure it against the
lifting movement.
SUMMARY
[0005] In various embodiments, disclosed herein is a collapsible
highchair with a tubular rack having a seat and a shackle section
limiting the seat to the front and legs, which can be pivoted
towards one another about a hinged joint between an upright
position for use and an opposite compact position.
[0006] Embodiments of a collapsible highchair are disclosed herein
which are easier to operate and preferably can be set up with one
hand, which stands stably in the upright state with a bale in front
of the seat, and in a collapsed state, take up as little space as
possible.
[0007] At least one embodiment is achieved by an easy-to-operate
construction, and comprises a first latching device extending from
the shackle section limiting the seat in a forward direction and
designed to pivot for detachable connection with a section of the
tubular rack. The first latching device of the seat is provided in
the seat region and is positioned in particular transversely under
the shackle section in the upright position. The latching device
can accordingly serve, e.g., as vertical strut for support on a
section of the tubular rack and/or of the seat provided in the seat
region and positioned under the latter in the upright position.
[0008] In a preferred configuration, a first latching device in the
form of a hasp fitting can be provided at a lower free end for
fixing the mounting with a connecting device about a section of the
rack and/or of the seat. Here it is of particular advantage for the
first latching device to be located on the front side of the seat
in the middle, leaving two free spaces for the legs of a seated
child. The first latching device is provided with a connecting
device and encloses the tubular section from the outside on the
side facing away from the seat.
[0009] In this way, the chair can be carried both in the opened and
in the folded state, for example, by gripping the upper end of the
seat shell. Moreover, the chair can easily be assembled in that,
while still in the folded state, the collapsible highchair is
leaned against a wall or the body of the carrier. After a
preferably provided second latching device holding the collapsed
chair is released, while the chair is still leaning against the
body, the chair is slowly unfolded and the end position of the
shackle section holding the child in the chair in the opened state
is fixed by the first latching device.
[0010] In a further configuration, the connecting device, in
particular the hasp fitting, is designed as a particularly monobloc
clamping bracket, in particular a synthetic pressure clamp, and
comprises an upper claw-like support on the tubular section, a
second mobile section clamped on the tube and a third section
provided on the mobile-engaging section extending the lever of the
mobile section.
[0011] Further disclosed herein is a collapsible highchair, that,
in addition to the features of the abovementioned variants,
contains at least one diagonal member that pivots on at least one
front leg. The at least one diagonal member is provided with a
guide device, in particular a slot guide, in which guide elements
provided on the rear legs (e.g., bolts) shift, so that the guide
device, i.e., the diagonal member, approximates the extension of
the legs when the legs are swung towards one another, and in
particular assumes a position in the compact position that is
substantially parallel to the legs.
[0012] Other variants of the collapsible highchair disclosed herein
are optionally characterised in that the hinged joint is provided
at the level of the shackle section limiting the seat in a forward
direction and/or that the shackle section also pivots on the hinged
joint without latching. At the same time, further embodiments of a
collapsible highchair can also have a second latching device that
connects at least one rear leg or an element provided with a rear
leg in the folded state, engaging with the underside of the folded
shackle section and/or of the tray set thereon to one of the rear
legs.
[0013] At the same time, a brace connecting the rear legs
substantially horizontally may encompass the second latching
device, in particular in the manner of a hasp fitting and/or in a
compact position, to encompass particularly from below.
[0014] At the same time, according to a further embodiment, the
front legs may be a component of a substantially U-shaped, monobloc
frame, in particular in the form of a tubular rack. The arc of the
U-shaped upper region of the frame, in particular a tubular rack,
runs in an upper end edge of a seat shell of the seat.
[0015] Further advantageous developments of a collapsible highchair
in this context have a diagonal member located substantially in the
seat plane, and in particular is connectable or connected to the
guide device. The diagonal member has a foot rest at its front end
extending obliquely down when in an upright position. At the same
time, the foot rest, when in a compact position, pivots at the
lower end of the pivoting diagonal member as far as the rear legs,
and in particular in behind them.
[0016] The chair can thus be securely set up, using weight in the
chair to constantly push the legs apart, by limiting the angle of
pivot of the legs which can be effected by at least one diagonal
member laid pivotably on the front legs. The at least one diagonal
member is provided with a guide device, in particular in the form
of a slot guide, in which guide elements provided on the rear legs,
such as radially projecting side bolts, move.
[0017] Only when it is unstressed will the diagonal member
approximate the extending of the legs when the legs are pivoted
towards one another and take up a position in the compact position
substantially parallel to the legs.
[0018] The intuitively simple construction of the collapsible
highchair enables safe operation in that incomplete unfolding of
the bracket or respectively of the tray on the bale will result in
the vertical strut (still) not being able to be fixed due to
excessive length, but whereby complete unfolding is safely achieved
by simply moving the strut further. In this position, the vertical
strut of the first latching device is latched.
[0019] An added advantage of the construction is that movement can
be controlled using one hand only. In particular, the arm of the
user can "clamp" an upper section of the seat shell under an arm,
while the respective hand grasps the first latching device. At the
same time, by sliding the hand to the lower end of the first
latching device, the advantageously-provided hasp fitting can be
fastened about a tubular section of the tubular rack and/or of the
seat.
[0020] A monobloc synthetic pressure clamp has proven effective for
fastening, for example, which can be formed from an upper,
claw-like section supported on the tubular section of the seat and
a second section clamped around the tube. The synthetic pressure
clamp advantageously has another third section projecting like a
tab to give the operator a larger lever for exerting force on the
second mobile section of the clamped clamping bracket, in
particular when opening.
[0021] The third section, for example, projects radially outwards
from the claw of the clamping bracket, and also makes it easier to
release the first latch, whenever the chair is to be folded up
again. Releasing the first latch is possible using one hand,
whereby the chair is again supported by the body and the actuating
arm.
[0022] Moreover, a small child sitting in the collapsible
highchair, whose legs come to rest near the latching mechanism
under the bracket that limits the collapsible highchair seat to the
front, will not be able to reach the underside of the seat and,
using intrinsic force, open the likewise fastened clamping bracket.
Even if this were to succeed, it would readily lead to the shackle
section or the tray fastened thereon folding down. Due to a
diagonal member, the chair will stand stably under the seat on
which gravity is exerted by the child, and no other position for
the legs will be possible. Only the legs of the child will be
restricted gently in their freedom of movement by a fold down tray.
Consequently, collapsible highchairs as disclosed herein can have a
tray set on the shackle section limiting the seat forwards.
[0023] In each case, the length of the front and/or the rear legs
can be adjusted telescopically.
[0024] Embodiments of collapsible highchairs as disclosed herein
have proven to be particularly suitable, in which the front legs
and/or the rear legs have at least a partial arched form, in
particular with a bulge, in the direction of the front side of the
collapsible highchair.
[0025] The foregoing summary introduces a selection of concepts in
a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed
Description. This summary is not intended to specify key features
of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to
determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a collapsible highchair in an
upright position,
[0028] FIG. 2 shows the collapsible highchair in a folded compact
position,
[0029] FIG. 3 shows the collapsible highchair in a first embodiment
only with a bale limiting the seat to the front in an upright state
with an already-released first latching device,
[0030] FIG. 4 shows the collapsible highchair of FIG. 3 with a tray
set on the bale in front of the seat and released pivoted first
latching device,
[0031] FIG. 5 shows the chair of FIG. 4 in a further collapsed
position, in which the diagonal member is easily recognisable,
[0032] FIG. 6 shows the fully collapsed compact position of the
collapsible highchair, in which the foot rest is evident behind the
slightly S-shaped pivoted tubular rack, and
[0033] FIG. 7 is a detailed illustration of FIG. 6, in which a
second latching device, which extends claw-like from the underside
of the tray to a diagonal member, is evident.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The collapsible highchair illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 has a
tubular rack 10 as a load-bearing construction, which accommodates
a seat, preferably as a synthetic shell (not illustrated), and a
shackle section 12 limiting the seat to the front against letting
the seat come forwards. The tubular rack 10 forms legs 14, 16. In
at least one embodiment, the length of the legs 14, 16 can be
individually telescopically adjusted.
[0035] Both front legs 16 are interconnected under the seat by a
cross connection, which has an advantageously tubular section that
the first latching device can engage. Further up, both front legs
16 form part of the tubular rack 10 bearing the seat and are
connected there as well.
[0036] A hinged joint 26 on each side of the seat connects the
front legs 16 to two rear legs 14, which are interconnected to a
diagonal member 34, so that the leg pairs can be adjusted between
an upright position for use and an opposite compact position. A
first latching device 18 from the shackle section 12 limiting the
seat in a forward direction results in detachable connection on a
section of the tubular rack and/or of the seat provided in the seat
region, positioned transversally in the upright position under the
bale.
[0037] The first latching device 18 is provided as a vertical strut
at its lower, free end for fixing to a hasp fitting 20 about a
tubular section of the tubular rack 10 and/or of the seat.
[0038] The first latching device 18 engages on the front side of
the seat in the centre, leaving two free spaces for the legs of a
seated child, with a hasp fitting 20 on the side facing away from
the seat and encompassing the tubular section from the outside,
preferably designed as a monobloc synthetic pressure clamp. This
synthetic pressure clamp preferably comprises a first claw-like
section supported on the tubular section, a second mobile section
clamped on the tube and encompassing the latter and a third
section, an engaging section provided on the mobile second section,
extending the lever of the mobile section for more powerful
handling.
[0039] In a further embodiment, a tray is set on the shackle
section 12 limiting the seat in a forward direction.
[0040] At the same time, the hinged joint 26 provided on both sides
and forming a common axis is provided at the level of the shackle
section 12 limiting the seat forwards, whereby the shackle section
12 also pivots on the hinged joint 26 without latching. At least
one diagonal member 28 is provided to pivot on the front legs 16,
which is provided with a slot guide 30 in which bolts provided on
the rear legs move so that the diagonal member 28 approximates the
extending of the legs. When the legs 14 and 16 are pivoted towards
each other, the diagonal member 28 takes up a position in the
compact position that is substantially parallel to the legs.
[0041] A second latching mechanism 32 ensures that a compact form
is maintained by connecting elements in the region of the rear legs
14 in the folded state and engaging with the underside of the
folded shackle section 12 and/or of the tray 22 set thereon to one
of the rear legs or adjacent regions of the tubular rack. The
second latching mechanism 32 can be fastened eccentrically as a
hook 32 on the table bottom such that it can be folded back and
clamped to the tray underside when not in use.
[0042] This second latching mechanism 32 preferably engages the
horizontal strut 34 horizontally connecting the rear legs, and does
this encompassing from below in the manner of a hasp fitting, so
that the degree of detachment is readily evident to the user viewed
from above.
[0043] It is finally proposed that the front legs 16 are designed
as a U-shaped monobloc, and the resulting arc 36 of the U-shaped
upper region of the tubular rack runs in an upper end edge of a
seat shell of the seat to strengthen the latter and at the same
time to make it easier to bear on the upper edge. A recessed grip
can be omitted by leaving an arched area out of the seat as a
grip.
[0044] The diagonal member 28 located substantially in the seat
plane is provided at its front end extending obliquely down, when
in an upright position, with a foot rest 40 extending transversally
over the front side, which however still fits in between the free
space of the leg pairs 16 and also 14 during collapsing. The
diagonal member 28 pivots in behind the rear legs 14 on the lower
end of the pivoting diagonal member 28, when in a compact
position.
[0045] The features of the invention disclosed in the above
description, in the claims and in the drawings can in their
different embodiments be present both individually and in any
combination required in order to realise the invention.
[0046] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *