U.S. patent application number 11/916518 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-27 for adjustable high chair.
This patent application is currently assigned to Funtastic Limited. Invention is credited to Matthew Golias.
Application Number | 20080290699 11/916518 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37498022 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080290699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golias; Matthew |
November 27, 2008 |
Adjustable High Chair
Abstract
A high chair assembly (10) for an infant includes a frame (12)
for resting on a supporting surface and a seat support (14) which
is removably mounted on the frame (12). The seat support (14) is
adapted to be self-supporting on the supporting surface when
selectively removed from the frame (12). The seat support (12) may
be in the form of a peripheral frame (40) supporting a seat and
backrest comprised of flexible material (16) supported on the frame
(40). The peripheral frame (40) may be moveably mounted relative to
the frame (12) for movement between two or more positions including
an upright and an inclined position. The frame (12) may have a base
portion (29) and a leg portion (28) which is pivotally mounted on
the base portion (29). This may allow for selective movement
between an operative configuration and a folded configuration in
which the leg portion (28) lies substantially co-planar with or at
least substantially parallel to the base portion (29). The leg
portion may be adjustable in length to provide for height
adjustment of the seat support (14).
Inventors: |
Golias; Matthew; (Middle
Park, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE, 1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Assignee: |
Funtastic Limited
Glen Waverley
AU
|
Family ID: |
37498022 |
Appl. No.: |
11/916518 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
June 6, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2006/000773 |
371 Date: |
June 4, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/16.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 1/023 20170501;
A47D 1/002 20130101; A47D 1/0085 20170501; A47D 1/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/16.1 |
International
Class: |
A47D 1/04 20060101
A47D001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2005 |
AU |
2005903018 |
Claims
1-17. (canceled)
18. A high chair assembly for an infant comprising: a support frame
for resting on a supporting surface; and a seat support in the form
of a peripheral frame supporting a seat and backrest comprised of
flexible material supported on the peripheral frame, the peripheral
frame being moveably mounted relative to the support frame for
selective movement between two or more positions including an
upright and an inclined position.
19. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the high
chair assembly is provided with a tray mounted to the seat support
to maintain a level disposition during movement of the peripheral
frame between the two or more positions.
20. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the seat
support and the support frame are mounted together with one or more
release actuators to facilitate reclining movement of the seat
support relative to the support frame, the one or more release
actuators requiring both hands to operate.
21. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein
actuators are provided in two spaced dispositions on the frame or
seat support requiring two hands to operate respective
apertures.
22. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the
flexible material incorporates a footrest.
23. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the two
or more positions of the seat support include a folded
configuration in which the seat support lies substantially
co-planar with or at least substantially parallel to the support
frame.
24. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 23 wherein the
support frame has a base portion and a leg portion which is
pivotally mounted on the base portion for selective movement
between an operative configuration and a folded configuration in
which the leg portion lies substantially co-planar with or at least
substantially parallel to the base portion.
25. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 24 wherein the
support frame is a cantilevered construction in which the leg
portion extends upwardly from one side of the base portion and is
inclined over the base portion for balance, the leg portion being
extensible to provide for height adjustment of the seat
support.
26. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the seat
support is removably mounted on the support frame and is adapted to
be self-supporting on the supporting surface when selectively
removed from the support frame.
27. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein the seat
support includes a support leg pivotally mounted to the peripheral
frame, the support leg being moveable from an inoperative to an
operative position.
28. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the seat
support is removably mounted on the support frame and is adapted to
be self-supporting on the supporting surface when selectively
removed from the support frame, and wherein the tray is carried by
the seat support for removal with the seat support when it is
removed from the support frame.
29. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 28 wherein the tray
is selectively removable from the seat support to facilitate
storage.
30. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein the seat
support and the support frame are mounted together with one or more
release actuators to provide for disengagement, the one or more
release actuators requiring both hands to operate.
31. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 30 wherein latches
are provided in two spaced dispositions on the support frame or
seat support requiring two hands to operate respective latches.
32. A high chair assembly for an infant comprising: a frame for
resting on a support surface, the frame having a base portion and a
leg portion extending upwardly from one side of the base portion
and inclined over the base portion; and a seat support mounted on
the leg portion providing support for a seat, wherein the leg
portion of the frame is adjustable in length to provide for height
adjustment of the seat support.
33. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 32 wherein the leg
portion comprises two leg struts which respectively support either
side of the seat support.
34. The high chair assembly as claimed in claim 33 wherein the leg
portion is pivotable relative to the base portion for folding to a
storage configuration.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a high chair assembly to
enable an adult to feed an infant at a height which is comfortable
for the adult. In particular, although not exclusively, the
invention is particularly adapted to enable the infant to be
disposed over a range of different heights, including particularly
close to the ground. Another particular feature of the present
invention, while the invention is not exclusively limited thereto,
is that of a high chair assembly which is easy to fold into a
configuration especially adapted for storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One known form of high chairs is configured in an A-frame to
support a seat portion of the high chair. Such high chairs do
permit some adjustment of height as well as adjustment to make the
high chair somewhat more compact for storage. However, such high
chairs do not collapse or fold in a particularly compact manner and
therefore require a relatively large amount of room for storage.
Known high chairs are often sold in a flat pack configuration and
have parts which assemble by clicking the parts together. However,
these high chairs do not easily come apart to facilitate compact
storage. Furthermore, most known high chairs have a rigid seat
portion which further adds to the bulk in the storage
configuration.
[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a high chair assembly which addresses at least some of the
aforementioned disadvantages or provides the public with a useful
choice.
[0004] The foregoing prior art discussion is not to be taken as an
admission of common general knowledge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a high chair assembly for an infant including: a
frame for resting on a supporting surface; and a seat support which
is removably mounted on the frame, the seat support providing
support for a seat wherein the seat support is adapted to be
self-supporting on the supporting surface when selectively removed
from the frame.
[0006] The frame may comprise a number of legs which engage with
the supporting surface. In one alternative embodiment, the frame
may comprise a pedestal type structure. However, in a most
preferred form of the invention, the frame is a cantilevered
construction which includes a base portion and a leg portion. The
base portion may comprise frame members which define a rectangular
base frame. Preferably, the leg portion extends upwardly from one
side of the base portion and is inclined over the base portion for
balance. There may be two leg struts which respectively support
either side of the seat support. The frame may be made up of hollow
metal sections which are fitted together with plastic molded
fittings whereby the plastic molded fittings provide for relative
adjustment. For example, the leg portion may be pivotable relative
to the base portion for folding to a storage configuration.
[0007] The frame may support the seat support to be height
adjustable. This may be achieved by the leg portion being
extensible. For example, the two leg struts, of the leg portion may
be telescopic and adjustable between a plurality of positions. One
or more locking devices may be provided to lock the leg struts into
position with one or more release actuators to selectively release
the locking devices.
[0008] The releasable mounting between the frame and seat support
may be achieved by the frame and seat support having mutual
engagement portions. For example, the seat support may have a pair
of spaced protrusions which engage with complimentary recesses in
the frame. More specifically, the frame may comprise hollow
extrusions in which the protrusions are received. In an alternative
configuration, each of the frame and seat support may be provided
with complementary fittings.
[0009] Preferably the releasable mounting is provided with a safety
feature to preclude the seat support from being inadvertently
removed from the frame. As such, the seat support and the frame may
lock together with one or more release actuators to provide for
disengagement. Preferably, the one or more release actuators
require both hands to operate. Accordingly, latches may be provided
in two spaced dispositions on the frame or seat support requiring
two hands to operate respective latches. The latches may operate by
a push button in each case.
[0010] The seat support may also be moveably mounted relative to
the frame so that the seat may be adjusted between upright and
inclined positions. Accordingly, the seat support may be pivotally
mounted to the frame. Further, a locking device may be provided to
lock the seat support in case of the various positions with release
actuators provided to facilitate movement from one position to
another.
[0011] As set out in the above statement of invention, the seat
support is self-supporting in that it supports the seat in an
upright or inclined position on the supporting surface. On removal
from the frame, the seat support may be ready adapted for
self-support on the supporting surface. Alternatively, the seat
support may require adjustment for self-support on the supporting
surface. For example, a support leg may be moveable from an
inoperative to an operative position. Most preferably, the seat
support may comprise a seat frame together with a supporting leg
frame which is pivotally mounted to the seat frame. One or more
locking devices and/or release actuators may be provided to effect
movement of the pivoting leg frame.
[0012] The seat support may support a rigid seat. However, in a
more preferred embodiment, the seat support is in the form of a
support frame which supports a seat constructed of flexible
material. For example, the seat may be comprised of cloth or fabric
with weight supporting straps.
[0013] The high chair assembly may also be provided with a tray.
Preferably, the tray is carried by the seat support for removal
with the seat support when it is removed from the frame.
[0014] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a high chair assembly for an infant including: a
frame for resting on a supporting surface; and a seat support in
the form of a peripheral frame supporting a seat and backrest
comprised of flexible material supported on the frame, the
peripheral frame being moveably mounted relative to the frame for
movement between two or more positions including an upright and an
inclined position.
[0015] The frame may incorporate any of the features described
above in connection with the first aspect of the invention. The
seat support may have any of the features described above in
connection with the first aspect of the invention. Preferably the
assembly is such that the tray does not pivot with the seat
portion. The flexible material may also incorporate a footrest.
[0016] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention
there is provided a high chair assembly for an infant including: a
frame for resting on a support surface, the frame having a base
portion and a leg portion which is pivotally mounted on the base
portion for selective movement between an operative configuration
and a folded configuration in which the leg portion lies
substantially co-planar with or at least substantially parallel to
the base portion; and a seat support providing support for an
infant seat.
[0017] Preferably, the seat support is pivotally mounted on the
frame for selective movement between an operative configuration and
a folded configuration in which the seat support lies substantially
co-planar with or at least substantially parallel to the frame.
[0018] Accordingly, the high chair assembly may be packed down to a
relatively flat configuration which makes the assembly easy to
carry and/or store. To facilitate the flat storage, the seat
support may provide support for an upholstery or cloth seat as
described above. Furthermore, the high chair assembly may also
include a tray which is removable or foldable to facilitate
storage.
[0019] Preferably, locking devices are provided to lock the high
chair assembly in each of the configurations. Release actuators may
also be provided to facilitate movement between the various
operative and folded configurations. Any of the features described
above in accordance with the first aspect of the invention may be
incorporated into the third aspect of the invention.
[0020] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention
there is provided a high chair assembly for an infant including: a
frame for resting on a support surface, the frame having a base
portion and a leg portion extending upwardly from one side of the
base portion and inclined over the base portion; and a seat support
mounted on the leg portion providing support for a seat, wherein
the leg portion of the frame is adjustable in length to provide
height adjustment for the seat support.
[0021] Any of the features described above in connection with the
first aspect of the invention may be incorporated into the fourth
aspect of the invention.
[0022] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the
parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, and
any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements
or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates,
such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if
individually set forth.
[0023] The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages
constructions of which the following gives examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In order that the invention may be more fully understood,
one embodiment will now be described by way of example with
reference to the drawings in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a high chair according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the high chair of FIG.
1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view of the high chair of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a frame forming a portion of
the high chair;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a seat support which is detachable from the frame
of FIG. 4, the seat support shown without the seat and the tray
assembly;
[0030] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the seat support of FIG.
5;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a detailed exploded view of some of the parts of
FIG. 6;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating tilting of the
seat support relative to the frame;
[0033] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the tray assembly;
[0034] FIG. 10 is an exploded view from underneath of the parts
shown in FIG. 9;
[0035] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a portion of the frame in
FIG. 4;
[0036] FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing the parts in FIG. 11 in
a different orientation;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the folding of the
base portion of the frame;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the parts of the frame
and the seat support in substantially planar configuration for
storage;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a perspective view similar to that shown in FIG.
14, expect with the seat removed for clarity;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the seat portion
removed from the frame, with the tray assembly removed;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a view of the seat support of FIG. 16 in
self-supporting configuration;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the seat support of
FIG. 17;
[0043] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the high chair in a
lowered configuration;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19, expect with the tray
in an extended position;
[0045] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of components which facilitate
the height adjustment; and
[0046] FIG. 22 is a more detailed view of the components
illustrated in FIG. 21.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates the main components of the high chair 10
which include a frame 12 supporting a seat support 14. The seat
support 14 supports a sling style seat made of fabric 16 which may
be supported by appropriate straps or webbing (not shown) to
support the weight of an infant. As will subsequently be explained,
the seat support 14 is adjustable in its angle relative to the
frame 14 by the use of a tilt release actuator 18.
[0048] Connected to the frame 12 is a tray assembly 20. The tray
assembly 20 includes arms 22 and a tray top 24. The tray top 24 is
slideable in the direction indicated by arrow A relative to the
arms 22. The assembly 20 may be removed in its entirety including
tray top 24 and arms 22 using tray separation release actuators
26.
[0049] The frame 12 includes a leg portion 28 and a base portion
29. The leg portion 28 is pivotable relative to the base portion 29
through the use of folding release actuators 30, as will
subsequently be explained. The base portion 29 is in the form of a
peripheral frame which is approximately rectangular with castors 32
at each corner.
[0050] The leg portion 28 is made up of a pair of spaced leg struts
34 which are pivotally mounted on a common side of the base portion
and extend at an inclined angle over the base portion 29. The leg
struts 34 are extensible through the use of height adjustment
release actuators 36.
[0051] In FIG. 2, the approximate form of the upholstery seat 16
can be seen more clearly. It will be appreciated from FIGS. 2 and 3
that the high chair assembly 10 is largely symmetrical about the
longitudinal centre plane. Each of the actuators 18, 26, 30 has a
counterpart on the other side of the assembly 10, requiring
respective hands to operate. This functions as a safety device
minimising the risk that a child will be able to effect any of the
possible adjustments.
[0052] From the rear view in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the frame
12 also includes a cross bar 38 for constructional stability.
[0053] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the seat support 14 and the frame 12 are
shown separately. The seat support 14 may be removably mounted in
the frame 12. The seat support is in the form of an approximately
rectangular peripheral frame 40. On either side of the peripheral
frame are provided tilt adjustment housings 42 with dependent
spigots 44. The spigots 44 are received in the open ends 46 of
respective leg struts 34 as shown in FIG. 4. Each of the tilt
adjustment housings 42 also includes a separation release actuator
48 which moves an associated engagement tooth 51 in and out of
engagement with a detent (not shown) in the associated upper end of
the leg strut 34. Therefore, on depression of the separation
release actuators 48, the seat support 14 can be removed from its
mounting with the frame 12. It will be appreciated that to remove
the seat support 14, both actuators 48 will need to be depressed by
respective hands, thereby minimising accidental removal of the seat
support.
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates the components within one of the tilt
adjustment housings 42. The tilt adjustment housing includes a
first part 50 which is pivotable relative to a second part 52. The
first part 50 includes an integral first spigot portion 54. A
discrete second spigot portion 56 is connectable to the first
spigot portion 54 to house the separation release actuator 48
therebetween. The separation release actuator 48 is pivotally
mounted between the two spigot portions 54, 56 and a spigot spring
58 biases the separation release actuator 48 so that the button
portion 60 protrudes through aperture 62 in first spigot portion 54
and the engagement tooth 51 is biased outwardly through aperture 64
in second spigot portion 56.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 7 for greater clarity, it can be seen that
the first and second parts 50 and 52 of the tilt adjustment housing
42 are both approximately cylindrical in form to house a cog 66
therebetween. Both parts 50, 52 of the housing have an internal
shape which is complementary to the cog 66 so that when the cog 66
is engaged with both parts 50, 52, both parts will be held in fixed
disposition relative to one another. There may be a number of
different relative positions for the housing parts 50, 52 as
determined by the shape of the cog teeth 66. Further, stops may be
provided to limit rotation of the first part 50 relative to the
second part 52.
[0056] Cog spring 68 biases the cog 66 toward the first part 50.
The first part 50 is also provided with an annular flange 70
incorporating arcuate slots (not shown). The tilt release actuator
18 is in the form of a push button having dependent arcuate
projections 72. These projections 72 extend through the arcuate
slots. When the tilt release actuator 18 is pushed, the projections
72 will bear against the cog 66 to push the cog 66 out of
engagement with the complementary internal shape. This thereby
releases the housing part 50 for pivotal movement relative to
housing part 52 around pivot pin 76. The angle of adjustment of the
spigot 44 relative to the peripheral frame 40 of the seat support
14 can thereby be adjusted. Since the spigots 44 are received in
the open end 46 of the leg struts 34, the angle of the seat support
14 can accordingly be adjusted. It will be appreciated that it will
be necessary to depress both tilt release actuators 18 on opposite
sides of the seat support to effect the adjustment. In the present
embodiment, adjustment can be effected between a feeding position
illustrated in FIG. 1 and an inclined position illustrated in FIG.
8.
[0057] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the components making up the tray
assembly 20. The tray assembly 20 includes a pair of spaced arms 22
which are substantially encased between the tray top 24 and tray
base 80. Each arm 22 is made up of a tray arm housing 82 and a
partial backing plate 84. The plate 84 includes a pair of spaced
fulcrums 86 on which is mounted a tray separation release actuator
26 having a pair of spaced pivot pins 88. One end of the release
actuator 26 is provided with a depressible button portion 90. The
other end of the release actuator 26 is biased by means of a spring
(not shown) away from the tray arm housing 82 so that the button
portion 90 extends through an associated aperture 92 in tray arm
housing 82.
[0058] Reverting to FIG. 5, it can be seen that each tilt
adjustment housing 42 includes forwardly extending receptors 94 to
receive the rearward ends 96 of the tray arms 22. Receptors 94 also
include an aperture 98 to receive the button portion 90 of the tray
separation release actuator 26. When the button portion 90 is
depressed, it will be removed from engagement within aperture 98 to
thereby release the tray arm from the associated receptor 94. It
will be appreciated that both button portions 90 of the tray
separation release actuator 26 need to be depressed on opposite
sides of the tray assembly 20 to release the tray assembly 20 from
engagement with the receptors 94. The tray assembly 20 is therefore
removed together with the tray arms 22. From a review of FIG. 7, it
can be seen that the receptors 94 form part of the first part 50 of
the tilt adjustment housing 42, this being the part which is
secured to frame 12 by means of the spigot 44. Accordingly, the
receptors 94 do not pivot with the seat support 14 and thus, even
when the seat support 14 is tilting as shown in FIG. 8, the tray
assembly 20 and the tray top 24 will remain in a substantially
level configuration.
[0059] The tray top 24 and the tray base 80 are also slideable
relative to the tray arms 22. As shown in FIG. 10, a tray
adjustment mechanism 100 includes a Y-shaped linkage 102 with a
finger slot 104 disposed in the bottom of the Y. The figure slot
104 is accessible through an aperture 106 in the tray base 80. In
the home position, the finger slot 104 will be disposed at the
inner end of the aperture 106 closest to the seat. The Y-shaped
linkage 102 is adapted for sliding movement with a slot 107 guiding
the sliding movement as determined by pin 108 integral with the
tray top 24. A pair of spaced springs 110 biases the Y-shaped
linkage 102 towards the home position, as depicted by arrow B.
[0060] Each end of the Y-shaped linkage 102 is pivotally connected
to a respective dog-leg linkage 112 which is pivotally mounted
about pivot 114. Each dog-leg linkage 112 is biased in the
direction of arrow C by means of spring 116. The dog-leg linkages
112 each has a tang 118 which is received in a slot 120 of the
associated tray arm housing 82. Although not shown, the slot 120
includes a series of detents along its length and the tang 118 may
be selectively disposed in one of the detents. Accordingly, to
adjust the relative position of the tray top 24 to the arms 22, the
user actuates the adjustment mechanism 100 by pulling the Y-shaped
linkage 102 by means of finger slot 104. A movement in the
direction opposite to arrow B rotates each of the dog-leg linkages
112 about associated pivots 114 to withdraw the tangs 118 from the
slots 120. Thus, the tray top 24 together with tray base 80 may be
moved to a selected one of a series of relative positions.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 9, two link arms 122 extend between the two
tray arm housings 84 to prevent a parallelogram type movement of
the tray arms.
[0062] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the components of a folding
mechanism 130 to enable the base portion 29 to fold relative to the
leg portion 28 as depicted in FIG. 13. Each side of the high chair
is provided with a folding mechanism 130 as illustrated in FIG. 11.
A folding mechanism 130 is incorporated into the two forward
corners of the rectangular peripheral frame making up the base
portion 29. The mechanism 130 includes first and second parts 132,
134 of a cog housing which houses a cog 136 which is biased towards
the first part 132 by means of the cog spring 138. The folding
release actuator 30 includes two spaced arcuate projections 140
which project through arcuate recesses 142 on the first part 132 of
the cog housing as best shown in FIG. 12. The two parts 132, 134 of
the cog housing define spindle parts 142, 144 along which the tooth
cog 136 may slide.
[0063] When the folding release actuator 30 is depressed the
arcuate projections 140 push the toothed cog into the second part
134 of the cog housing and out of engagement with the complementary
shaped recesses of the first part 132. The second part 134 will
thereby be permitted to rotate relative to the first part 132. It
can be seen in FIG. 13 that the leg portion 28 of the frame is
received within a mounting spigot 145 of the second part 134.
Likewise, the base portion 29 is received in the mounting spigot
146 integrally connected to first part of the cog housing.
Accordingly, on depression of the folding release actuator 30, the
leg portion 28 will be permitted to rotate relative to the base
portion 29. Depending upon the configuration of the cog 136, the
leg portion 28 may adopt any one of a series of relative
dispositions. Stops may be provided to limit the degree of relative
rotation. In FIG. 13, the leg portion and the base portion are
fully folded so that they lie substantially parallel to one another
forming a compact configuration.
[0064] It can be seen that given the configuration of the cog 136
with two teeth disposed at 180.degree., there will only be a single
locking position for the leg and base portions 28, 29 in the
operative configuration. Thus the frame will not be locked in the
folded configuration. The seat support 14 may also be oriented to a
folded position relative to the frame 12 where it lies
substantially parallel to or is coplanar with the frame 12. In FIG.
14, the tray assembly 20 has been removed. Given that the seat 16
is constructed of flexible material, it can be seen that the folded
configuration of the high chair 10 without the tray assembly 20 is
essentially planar. FIG. 15 illustrates the high chair without the
seat 16 for clarity.
[0065] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective illustrating the seat portion
14 once it has been removed from the frame 12. Each tilt adjustment
housing 42 includes a swivel mounting 150 for a pivotal rear leg
152. The pivotal rear leg 152 is in the form of a U-shaped frame,
each end of which is attached to a respective swivel mounting 150.
The pivotal leg 152 is rotatable to the position illustrated in
FIG. 17 where it locks into position. In the configuration shown in
FIG. 17, the seat portion 14 is thus able to be self-supporting on
a supporting surface such as the ground.
[0066] FIG. 18 illustrates the seat support from the front. In FIG.
19, in the assembled configuration of the high chair 10, it can be
seen that the seat portion 14 has been moved to a lowered position
on the frame 12. This is achieved through the use of height
adjustment release actuators 36.
[0067] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate the components of each height
adjustment mechanism 160 from the outer side in FIG. 21 and inner
side in FIG. 22. Each of the leg struts 34 is telescopic and
comprises an outer portion 162 and an inner portion 164. The inner
portion 164 has a longitudinal recess 166 on the inner side which
receives an elongate rack 168 with detents. The inner part 164
assembled with the rack 168 is slideable within the outer portion
162.
[0068] The height adjustment mechanism 160 includes an outer
housing portion 170 and an inner housing portion 172 which form an
enclosure around the outer portion 162. Received within the
enclosure are the height adjustment release actuator 36 and fulcrum
plate 176. The fulcrum plate 176 and the inner housing 174 each
have fulcrum recesses 174 which together define a fulcrum for the
height adjustment release actuator 36. The release actuator 36 has
pivot pins 178 received in the fulcrum. A spring 180 is mounted on
spring spigot 182 as shown in FIG. 22.
[0069] As further shown in FIG. 22, the outer portion 162 has
positioning slots 184 for the positioning tabs 186 disposed on the
outer side of the fulcrum plate 176. When the housing portions 170,
172 are assembled around the outer portion 162 then the positioning
tabs 186 secure the position of the fulcrum plate 176 relative to
outer portion 162. Likewise, positioning tabs 188 on the inner face
of the outer housing portion 170 are received in positioning slots
190 on the outer face of the outer portion 162 to secure the
position of the outer housing portion 170.
[0070] The fulcrum plate 176 and the inner face of the outer
portion 162 have aligned apertures 190, 192 through which the pawl
193 of the release actuator extends. The pawl 193 is normally
biased to extend through apertures 190, 192 by the operation of
spring 180 against the underside of the release actuator. The pawl
193 engages in one of a series of detents provided in the rack 168.
Therefore, to operate the height adjustment mechanism the user
depresses the end of the release actuator opposite the pawl 193 to
thereby remove the pawl 193 from engagement with the rack 168. By
griping the housing portions 170, 172 the user may thereby lift the
outer portion 162 relative to the inner portion 164 of the leg
strut 34. It will be appreciated that in order to height adjust the
frame 12, both release actuators 36 must be depressed with
respective hands. This prevents inadvertent operation of the height
adjustment mechanism. As can be seen from FIG. 22, a stop 194 is
receive in the end of inner portion 164 which prevents the inner
portion 164 from being withdrawn from the outer portion 162 beyond
the height adjustment mechanism 160.
[0071] The foregoing describes only one embodiment of the present
invention and modifications may be made thereto without departing
from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *