U.S. patent application number 15/380831 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-04 for booster seat with stowable tray compartment and base panel.
This patent application is currently assigned to KIDS II, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is KIDS II, INC.. Invention is credited to Stephen R. BURNS, Cary COSTELLO, Noah E. DINGLER, Michael A. DOTSEY, Patrick B. NOLAN, Jacob SCLARE, John M. THOMSON.
Application Number | 20170119172 15/380831 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58638071 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170119172 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCLARE; Jacob ; et
al. |
May 4, 2017 |
BOOSTER SEAT WITH STOWABLE TRAY COMPARTMENT AND BASE PANEL
Abstract
A booster seat includes a storage compartment for a tray and/or
a storage compartment for securing straps. The tray-storage
compartment can be formed in a base of the seat and include an
access opening through a sidewall of the base. The tray-storage
compartment can include two opposite and inwardly-extending lips
that support the tray in the stowed position, and a support foot
that moves between a use position in the compartment where it helps
support the seat and a stored position displaced from the
compartment. Also, the tray-storage compartment can include ribs
that engage the tray in the stowed position to retain it there. The
strap-storage compartment can be formed in the base and include an
access opening with a closure for retaining the straps in the
compartment. A base panel can be provided for stability and
support.
Inventors: |
SCLARE; Jacob; (Dacula,
GA) ; THOMSON; John M.; (Johns Creek, GA) ;
COSTELLO; Cary; (Atlanta, GA) ; NOLAN; Patrick
B.; (Royersford, PA) ; DOTSEY; Michael A.;
(Pottstown, PA) ; DINGLER; Noah E.; (Phoenixville,
PA) ; BURNS; Stephen R.; (Cumming, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIDS II, INC. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KIDS II, INC.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
58638071 |
Appl. No.: |
15/380831 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14301891 |
Jun 11, 2014 |
|
|
|
15380831 |
|
|
|
|
61845426 |
Jul 12, 2013 |
|
|
|
61834487 |
Jun 13, 2013 |
|
|
|
62394483 |
Sep 14, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 1/0083 20170501;
A47D 1/10 20130101; A47D 1/0085 20170501; A47D 1/106 20130101; A47D
1/103 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 1/00 20060101
A47D001/00; A47D 15/00 20060101 A47D015/00; A47D 1/10 20060101
A47D001/10; A47C 7/62 20060101 A47C007/62 |
Claims
1. A booster seat comprising: a seat shell comprising a seating
surface for supporting a child seated thereon; a tray configured
for removable attachment to the seat shell, the tray being
repositionable between a use position accessible by the child
seated on the seating surface, and a stowed position at least
partially within a tray storage compartment in the booster
seat.
2. The booster seat of claim 1, further comprising a base panel
mounted to a bottom portion of the seat shell, wherein the tray
storage compartment is positioned between the seat shell and the
base panel.
3. The booster seat of claim 2, further comprising a harness
storage compartment formed in the base panel.
4. The booster seat of claim 2, wherein the base panel defines an
outer periphery at least partially matching and extending at least
flush with an outer periphery of the seat shell.
5. The booster seat of claim 4, wherein the base panel comprises at
least one stabilizer extension projecting laterally outwardly
beyond the outer periphery of the seat shell.
6. The booster seat of claim 2, wherein the base panel provides
sufficient stability to resist tipping at a test angle of at least
20.degree. from horizontal.
7. The booster seat of claim 2, wherein the base panel provides
sufficient stability to resist tipping at a test angle of at least
30.degree. from horizontal.
8. The booster seat of claim 2, wherein the seat shell comprises
first and second sidewalls, and wherein the base panel extends
across a bottom portion of the seat shell from the first sidewall
to the second sidewall.
9. The booster seat of claim 8, wherein the base panel defines an
undulating surface contour providing structural stiffness.
10. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein the tray storage
compartment bounds the tray in the stowed position along five sides
of the tray, and wherein a sixth side of the tray at least
partially covers the tray storage compartment when the tray is in
the stowed position.
11. The booster seat of claim 10, wherein the tray storage
compartment is formed between the seat shell and a base panel
mounted to a bottom portion of the seat shell.
12. The booster seat of claim 10, wherein the tray storage
compartment is formed in a seatback portion of the seat shell.
13. A booster seat comprising a base panel, first and second
sidewalls extending upwardly from the base panel, a seating surface
between the first and second sidewalls, and a tray, wherein the
tray is selectively repositionable between a use position in front
of a child seated on the seating surface, and a stowed position at
least partially within a tray storage compartment formed within the
booster seat above the base panel and between the first and second
sidewalls.
14. The booster seat of claim 13, wherein the base panel extends
across the width of the booster seat from the first sidewall to the
second sidewall.
15. The booster seat of claim 13, wherein the tray storage
compartment is between the seating surface and the base panel.
16. The booster seat of claim 13, wherein the tray storage
compartment has a compartment width defined between the first and
second sidewalls, and wherein the tray has a tray width slightly
less than the compartment width, whereby the tray is configured to
fit closely within the tray storage compartment.
17. The booster seat of claim 13, further comprising a strap
storage compartment formed within the base panel.
18. The booster seat of claim 13, wherein the first and second
sidewalls taper inwardly from lower portions adjacent the base
panel to upper portions to which the tray is attached in the use
position.
19. The booster seat of claim 13, wherein the base panel defines an
outer periphery at least partially matching and extending at least
flush with an outer periphery of the first and second sidewalls and
the seating surface.
20. The booster seat of claim 19, wherein the base panel comprises
at least one stabilizer extension projecting laterally outwardly
beyond the outer periphery of the first and second sidewalls and
the seating surface.
21. The booster seat of claim 13, wherein the base panel provides
sufficient stability to resist tipping at a test angle of at least
20.degree. from horizontal.
22. The booster seat of claim 13, wherein the base panel provides
sufficient stability to resist tipping at a test angle of at least
30.degree. from horizontal.
23. A booster seat comprising: a base panel; a seating surface
elevated above the base panel; first and second sidewalls on
opposite sides of the seating surface; a seatback behind the
seating surface extending upward and away from the base panel; and
a tray; wherein the tray is selectively repositionable between a
use position opposite the seating surface from the seatback,
releasably attached to the first and second sidewalls where it is
accessible by a child seated on the seating surface, and a stowed
position at least partially within a tray storage compartment
formed between the base panel and the seating surface and between
the first and second sidewalls.
24. The booster seat of claim 23, wherein the tray fits
substantially entirely within the tray storage compartment in the
stowed position, with a front panel of the tray substantially
covering the tray storage compartment.
25. The booster seat of claim 23, wherein the base panel comprises
stabilizer extensions projecting outwardly beyond an outer
periphery of the remainder of the booster seat.
26. The booster seat of claim 23, wherein the base panel provides
sufficient stability to resist tipping at a test angle of at least
20.degree. from horizontal.
27. The booster seat of claim 23, wherein the base panel provides
sufficient stability to resist tipping at a test angle of at least
30.degree. from horizontal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Non-Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 14/301,891 filed Jun.
11, 2014, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/845,426 filed Jul. 12, 2013, and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/834,487 filed Jun.
13, 2013; this application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/394,483 filed Sep. 14, 2016, the
entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for
all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to children's
accessories, and more particularly to booster seats for infants and
other children.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Booster seats are commonly mounted onto the seats of
highchairs, adult dining chairs, or other support surfaces to
elevate infants and small children so they are able to sit at table
height for mealtime. Typically, boosters seats can be used once a
baby can sit upright unassisted, thereby enabling the infant to
join the rest of the family at the table. This can be desirable
because mealtime becomes more interactive and fun when parents can
teach their small child to eat like the big kids side-by-side, and
the little ones are proud to graduate to the big chair. In
addition, such booster seats can also be used as TV chairs or for
general seating purposes. And some booster seats are designed for
use with child car safety seats and/or directly on the car seat
itself.
[0004] Conventional booster seats sometimes include trays that
mount in the front to provide a place for the child's food, drink,
and/or toys. But when not in use these trays can be bulky and
cumbersome, and for removable types they can become lost or
damaged.
[0005] In addition, conventional booster seats sometimes include
securing straps that mount the seat to a highchair and that secure
the child in the seat. But when not in use these straps can be
cumbersome and hazardous, and for removable straps they can become
lost or damaged.
[0006] Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for
improvements to booster seats to avoid the problems associated with
loose trays and straps. It is to the provision of solutions to
these and other problems that the present invention is primarily
directed.
SUMMARY
[0007] Generally described, the present invention relates to a
booster seat with innovative storage features. The booster seat can
be of a conventional design for mounting onto an elevated surface
such as a highchair, adult chair, bench, tabletop, or car seat, or
for merely resting (unsecured) upon a non-elevated surface such as
the floor. As such, the seat includes a base or bottom-support
portion that supports the child in a sitting position. Example
embodiments of the booster seat include a base panel providing
improved structural rigidity and improved stability to resist
tipping over, and forming a compartment for storing a removable
tray when the tray is not in use.
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a storage
compartment for a tray for holding the child's food, drink, and/or
toys. The tray-storage compartment can be formed in the base of the
seat and include an access opening through a sidewall of the base.
The tray-storage compartment can include two opposite and
inwardly-extending lips that support the tray in the stowed
position, and a support foot that moves between a use position in
the compartment where it helps support the seat and a stored
position displaced from the compartment. Also, the tray-storage
compartment can include ribs that engage the tray in the stowed
position to retain it there.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention relates to a storage
compartment for securing straps. The straps are provided for
securing the seat to the support surface (e.g., a highchair) and
are removable from the seat. The strap-storage compartment can be
formed in the base and include an access opening with a closure for
retaining the straps in the compartment.
[0010] In another aspect, the invention relates to a booster seat
including a seat shell having a seating surface for supporting the
child seated thereon, and a tray configured for removable
attachment to the seat shell. The tray is preferably repositionable
between a use position accessible by the child seated on the
seating surface, and a stowed position at least partially within a
tray storage compartment in the booster seat.
[0011] In still another aspect, the invention relates to a booster
seat including a base panel, first and second sidewalls extending
upwardly from the base panel, a seating surface between the first
and second sidewalls, and a tray. The tray is preferably
selectively repositionable between a use position in front of a
child seated on the seating surface, and a stowed position at least
partially within a tray storage compartment formed within the
booster seat above the base panel and between the first and second
sidewalls.
[0012] In another aspect, the invention relates to a booster seat
including a base panel, a seating surface elevated above the base
panel, first and second sidewalls on opposite sides of the seating
surface, a seatback behind the seating surface extending upward and
away from the base panel, and a tray. The tray is preferably
selectively repositionable between a use position opposite the
seating surface from the seatback, releasably attached to the first
and second sidewalls where it is accessible by a child seated on
the seating surface, and a stowed position at least partially
within a tray storage compartment formed between the base panel and
the seating surface and between the first and second sidewalls.
[0013] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
summary and the following brief description of the drawings and
detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of
particular example embodiments of the invention and are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a booster seat according to
an example embodiment of the present invention, showing its tray
mounted in a use position.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the booster seat of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 shows the booster seat of FIG. 1 with the tray in a
stowed position.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the booster seat of
FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective detail view of a portion of the
booster seat of FIG. 1, showing a releasable attachment securing
the tray to the seat in the use position.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective detail view of a portion of the
releasable attachment of FIG. 5 with the tray removed from the seat
for stowing.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional detail view of the releasable
attachment taken at line 7-7 of FIG. 5 with the tray secured to the
seat in the use position.
[0021] FIG. 8 shows the releasable attachment of FIG. 7 actuated to
release the tray so it can be removed from the seat and stowed.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front perspective detail view of a portion of
the booster seat of FIG. 1, showing a retractable support foot in
the use position.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective detail view of the
booster-seat portion of FIG. 9.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a front-side detail view of the booster-seat
portion of FIG. 9.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a right-side detail view of the booster-seat
portion of FIG. 11, showing the removed tray being inserted into a
storage compartment and pushing/retracting the support foot from
the use position.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a right-side cross-sectional detail view of the
booster-seat portion of FIG. 12 with the tray fully inserted into
the storage compartment in a stowed position and the support foot
fully retracted into the stowed position.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective detail view of a portion of
the booster-seat of FIG. 1, showing a storage compartment with its
cover in an open position revealing securing straps held therein in
a stowed position.
[0028] FIG. 15 shows the storage compartment of the booster-seat of
FIG. 14 with the cover in a closed position.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a top view of the booster-seat of FIG. 1, showing
the securing straps removed from the storage compartment.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a side view of the booster-seat of FIG. 16,
showing the securing straps in a use position securing the seat to
a chair.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a side detail view of a portion of the
booster-seat of FIG. 17, showing one of the securing straps mounted
to the seat in the use position.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a rear bottom perspective view of the
booster-seat of FIG. 17, showing two of the female attachments for
receiving the securing straps.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of a booster seat
according to another example embodiment of the present invention,
showing the tray being inserted into a storage compartment on the
seat backrest.
[0034] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a booster seat according to
another example embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIGS. 22 and 23 are perspective views of the booster seat of
FIG. 21, showing a tray portion of the seat being stowed in a
storage compartment formed in a base portion thereof.
[0036] FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective assembly view of the booster
seat of FIG. 21, showing the tray portion removed from the
seat.
[0037] FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the tray portion of the
booster seat of FIG. 21.
[0038] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a booster seat having
stability extension portions on its base, according to another
example embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0039] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of example
embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing
figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be
understood that this invention is not limited to the specific
devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown
herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not
intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all
patents and other publications identified in this specification are
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
[0040] Also, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural,
and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least
that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one
particular value and/or to "about" another particular value. When
such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one
particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly,
when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the
antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value
forms another embodiment.
[0041] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-9 show a booster seat 10 according to an
example embodiment of the present invention. The basic design of
the booster seat 10 can be of a conventional type well known in the
art. As such, the booster seat 10 can be of a type for mounting
onto an elevated surface such as a highchair, adult chair, bench,
tabletop, or car seat, or for merely resting (unsecured) upon a
non-elevated surface such as the floor.
[0042] For example, in the depicted embodiment the booster seat 10
includes a seat shell 12 and a seat insert 14 removably positioned
within the seat shell. Typically, the seat shell 12 is made of a
hard plastic material and the seat insert 14 is made of a
cushioning soft plastic, though other embodiments are one-piece
units (including for example two pieces that are not detachable),
are made of other materials such as foam, graphite, fiberglass,
metal, fabrics, and/or composites, and/or are not cushioned.
[0043] The seat shell 12 can include a backrest portion 16, a
bottom-support portion 18, and two opposing sidewall portions 20,
with the backrest and the sidewalls extending upward from the
bottom support. Typically but not necessarily, the seat shell 12
can also include a horn 22 extending generally upward from a front
portion of the bottom-support (i.e., base) portion 18 so that it is
positioned between the legs of a child seated in the booster seat
10 to prevent the child from sliding downward and forward. The seat
insert 14 can generally conform to the internal surfaces of the
seat shell 12 so that it reduces the volume of the booster seat's
seating area to accommodate smaller children and can be removed to
accommodate larger children. As such, the seat insert 14 can
include a backrest portion 24, a bottom-support portion 26, and two
opposing sidewall portions 28. Typically but not necessarily, the
seat insert can also include a horn 30. When referring to
commonly-named components of the shell 12 and the insert 14, it
will be understood that this is a reference to the shell, unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. And when referring to the
seat 10 generally, it will be understood that this is not limited
to a design with a discrete shell and insert, unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise.
[0044] In addition, the booster seat 10 includes a tray 32 that
removably attaches to the seat. The tray 32 can be of a
conventional type well known in the art. The tray 32 is shown
mounted in a conventional use position in FIGS. 1-2 and
repositioned to an innovative stowed position in FIGS. 3-4. In the
use position, the tray 32 can hold the child's food, drink bottles,
toys, and/or other accessories in proximity to the seated child,
and also aids in restraining the child in the seat 10. And in the
stowed position, the tray 32 is removed from the use position and
stored in the seat shell 12 so that it is out of the way and easily
transported with the seat 10 without getting lost or damaged.
[0045] Referring additionally to FIGS. 5-8, the tray 32 removably
mounts to the seat 10 (for example to the seat shell 12) by at
least one and typically two releasable attachments 34 (one on each
side of the seat). The releasable attachments 34 can be of a
conventional type well known in the art. As such, the releasable
attachments 34 can include mating male and female elements,
push-pin mechanisms, bayonet fittings, clamps or clips, hooks and
pins, or other mechanisms that permit ease, strength, and
reliability in mounting and removing the tray 32 to the seat
10.
[0046] As just one example, each releasable attachment 34 can
include a retractable male element 36 on one of the tray arms 38
and a female element 40 in one of the sidewall portions 20 of the
seat shell 12 that releasably engages the male element. In the
depicted embodiment, each male element 34 extends from a
cantilevered arm 42 formed by one of the tray arms 38, with the arm
including an actuator (e.g., a push button) 44, and with the arm in
the form of a living hinge that is resiliently deflectable between
a normal engaged position (see FIG. 7) and a retracted disengaged
position (see FIG. 8). And each female element 40 is formed in a
wall 46 defining a receptacle 48 that receives the respective tray
arm 38 (see FIGS. 5 and 7).
[0047] So when the tray 32 is in the use position secured to the
seat 10 and a caretaker decides to remove and stow the tray, the
caretaker simply pushes in the actuators 44, thereby retracting the
male elements 36 (from their normal engaged to their retracted
disengaged positions) from engagement with the female elements 40
to release the tray from the seat, then pulls the tray linearly
away from the seat until they are separated. And to mount the tray
32 onto the seat 10 in the use position, the caretaker merely
inserts the tray arms 38 into the seat receptacles 48 until the
male elements 36 deflect back to their normal engaged positions
received in the female elements 40.
[0048] With the tray 32 removed from the seat 10, it can be stowed
in an innovative way using the present invention. Referring
particularly to FIGS. 1, 3-4, 9-14, and 20 the seat 10 includes a
storage compartment 50 for the tray 32. The tray-storage
compartment 50 can be formed anywhere in the seat 10, though
typically it is formed in the seat shell 12, for example in the
bottom-support 18 or in or on the backrest 16, as shown in FIG. 20.
The tray-storage compartment 50 is sized and shaped to receive
substantially all of the tray 32 in the stowed position so that
there are no (or substantially no) protruding portions of the tray
extending laterally outward of the seat 10.
[0049] As just one example, the tray-storage compartment 50 can be
formed in the bottom-support (i.e., base) portion 18 of the seat
shell 12. In the depicted embodiment, the tray-storage compartment
50 has a top wall 52, two side walls 54, and two opposing lips 56
extending laterally inward toward each other and positioned below
the top wall. As such, the base portion 18 between the inner edges
of the two lips 56 defines a bottom opening 58 through which the
tray-storage compartment 50 is in communication with the exterior
of (the ambient space around) the seat 10. Typically, the lips 56
are at the bottom of the base 18 and the entire tray 32 slides into
the compartment above and is supported atop the lips, though
alternatively the lips can be elevated from the base bottom and the
tray can include lateral grooves that slidingly receive the lips to
support the tray in the compartment. The lips 56 each can be a
contiguous shelf or ledge, or each can be formed by a series of
tabs, fingers, or other inwardly extending structures. In any
event, the lips 56 support the tray 32 when it is held in the
tray-storage compartment 50 and the seat 10 is lifted off a
supporting surface (e.g., a highchair), and they provide a
low-profile and material-saving design. As such, the lips 56
typically have a thickness (height) that is less than the thickness
of the tray.
[0050] In addition, the tray-storage compartment 50 includes an
access opening 60 formed through the seat 10, for example in the
front sidewall 19 (or another portion of a peripheral sidewall) of
the base portion 18, through which the tray 32 can be inserted and
withdraw. When viewed from the front, this front access opening 60
(and the compartment 50 recessed in the base 18) typically has a
generally rectangular shape, or another shape conforming to the
front-view shape of the tray 32. The seat 10 can include one or
more mechanical stops 62 extending into the compartment 50 to act
as mechanical stops for the tray 32 when it is inserted into the
compartment, or a back wall 64 of the compartment can act as the
mechanical stop, with the mechanical stop cooperating in defining
the compartment.
[0051] With the compartment 50 sized and shaped to receive
substantially all of the tray 32 in the stowed position, in typical
embodiments the front edge 33 of the tray is generally flush with
the front surface 19 of the base portion 18 of the seat 10 (see
FIGS. 3 and 13). The width 51 of the compartment 50 (between the
side walls 54) is greater than the width 31 of the tray 32, which
is typically (for trays that extend across and attach to the seat
on both sides) greater than the width 21 of the sitting well
between the sidewall portions 20 (see FIGS. 3 and 13), where the
sitting well is formed by the base 18 and the upwardly extending
backrest 16 and sidewalls. And the height of the compartment 50
(between the lips 56 and the top wall 52) is greater than the
height of the base portion 18. (In embodiments without the ribs
described below, the height of the compartment can be substantially
equal to, including slightly less than, the height of the base
portion to cause a slight deflection of the lips thereby producing
a nominal frictional holding force on the tray (as described below
when describing the ribs).
[0052] To help hold the tray 32 in the compartment 50, one or more
ribs 66 extend downward into the compartment from the top wall 52
to contact the tray and apply a nominal frictional force to retain
the tray in the compartment. In typical embodiments, the lips 56
are capable of slight deflection downward (i.e., outward from the
compartment) to contact the tray and apply a nominal frictional
force to retain the tray in the compartment. The ribs 66 can have a
front end 68 positioned not at the front of the compartment 50 at
the access opening 60 (and thus not at the front surface 19 of the
base portion 18 of the seat 10), but instead inward from there and
still within the compartment (i.e., there is a rib-less gap between
the access opening and the rib front end) so that the tray 32 is
partially inserted into the compartment before it engages the ribs.
In this way, the tray 32 can be easily slid partially into the
compartment 50 until it engages the ribs 66, and then as it is slid
farther into the compartment the lips 56 deflect slightly
downward/outward and/or the ribs deflect slightly upward/outward to
permit smooth sliding but at the same time provide a nominal
frictional force that is sufficient to keep the tray 32 from
sliding out of the compartment 50 by gravity if the seat 10 is held
with the access opening facing downward and jostled. As such, the
distance between the ribs 66 and the lips 56 is about the same or
less than the height 35 of the tray 32. In other embodiments, the
ribs extend upward from the lips or from a bottom wall of the
compartment, or other tray-retention elements are provided such as
magnets or clips.
[0053] Furthermore, a retractable support foot 70 can be provided
to assist in proper support of the seat 10. The retractable support
foot 70 extends down into the compartment 50 with its bottom 71 in
the horizontal plane of the bottom surface 17 of the base 18 (e.g.,
the bottom surface of the lips 56) when in the deployed position
for assisting in supporting the seat 10 and in a retracted position
is moved out of the compartment 50 to provide clearance for the
tray 32 to be inserted into the compartment in the stowed position.
This feature is particularly, but not only, advantageous in
embodiments such as that depicted with the bottom opening 58 formed
between the lips 56.
[0054] In the depicted embodiment, for example, the support foot 70
is in the form of a panel that is positioned at the front 19 of the
seat 10 at the front access opening 60 for peripheral support when
in the deployed position (see FIG. 11), that is biased by a spring
72 toward the deployed position, and that pivots inward and upward
to a retracted position (see FIG. 12). An actuating head 74 can
extend forward from the support foot 70 and be contacted by the
tray 32 upon insertion into the compartment 50 to displace (e.g.,
push) the foot to the retracted position out of the compartment. In
other embodiments, the support foot extends upward from the lips,
or is provided by one or more pins, tabs, or other support-column
structures.
[0055] In some embodiments, the tray-storage compartment is formed
as a five-sided enclosure in the seat with an access opening, with
no bottom lips or opening (with instead a bottom wall provided),
thus effectively defining a slot or channel. In embodiments with an
access opening through which the tray is inserted and withdrawn,
the seat can include a closable door (e.g., a panel, grate, arm,
finger, bar, or frame) that moves (e.g., pivots or slides) between
open and closed positions to access the compartment.
[0056] In other embodiments, the access opening in the seat through
which the tray is inserted into and removed from the tray-storage
compartment is formed in the backrest or one of the sidewalls of
the seat shell. In still other embodiments, the seat does not
include an access opening and instead the tray is inserted into and
removed from the tray-storage compartment vertically (e.g., by
stacking the seat upon the tray) by the lips being repositionable
(e.g., horizontally pivotal or slidable) between access and
retaining positions or by the lips providing a snap-fit connection
with the base.
[0057] Referring now particularly to FIGS. 14-19, the booster seat
10 can include an innovative way to store its securing straps when
not in use. The securing straps can be of a conventional type for
mounting onto an elevated surface such as a highchair, adult chair,
bench, tabletop, or car seat. As such, the securing straps are
typically provided by flexible webbing (or belts or cords), and
they typically include buckles for length-adjustment, though they
can be provided in other forms such as clips (to clamp the booster
seat to the support surface) or other conventional retaining
devices.
[0058] In the depicted embodiment, for example, there are provided
three sets of securing straps, including child-securing straps 80
to secure a child in the seat 10, as well as seat-securing straps
82a to mount the seat to a horizontal seat surface (e.g., the seat
of a highchair) and seat-securing straps 82b to mount the seat to
an upright surface (e.g., the backrest of a highchair). In other
embodiments, more or fewer sets of securing straps are provided for
these or other securing functionalities.
[0059] The seat-securing straps 82a-b detachably couple to the seat
10 so that they can be mounted to the seat for use and detached
when not in use. For example, the straps 82a-b (collectively, the
straps 82'') can include male attachments (e.g., the depicted hooks
84, or clips, snaps, or ties) at their opposing ends that are
removably received in female attachments (e.g., the depicted slots
86, or recesses, openings, or notches) in the seat 10. In other
embodiments, other types of conventional detachable couplings, such
as latches, buckles, clamps, snaps, ties, or the like, are provided
for the straps and the seat. In some embodiments, the
child-securing straps 80 are fixedly mounted to the seat 10, and in
other embodiments they are also detachable and can be stowed with
the seat-securing straps 82.
[0060] The seat includes an innovative strap-storage compartment 88
that receives and stores the straps 82 in a stowed position after
they are detached from the booster seat 10. In this way, the straps
82 (including their hooks 84) can be secured and stored out of the
way so they are not loose and dangling when transporting or storing
the seat 10. The compartment 88 can be located in the base 18, or
alternatively in the backrest 16 or another portion of the seat
10.
[0061] In the depicted embodiment, for example, the strap-storage
compartment 88 includes a peripheral sidewall 90 surrounding an
access opening 94, an end wall (not shown) opposite the access
opening, and a closure 96 for the access opening. The peripheral
sidewall 90 can be provided by four walls forming a rectangular
area, as depicted. The sidewall 90 can be generally vertical, with
two opposing portions formed by the back wall 15 of the base 18 and
by the back wall 13 of the sitting well (formed between the
sidewall portions 20). And the access opening 94 can face downward
(in use) so that the compartment 88 can be accessed to stow and
retrieve the straps 82 by lifting the seat 10 and turning it over.
Alternatively, the access opening can extend through a sidewall of
the base (or other portion of the seat) and face laterally outward
so the straps can be stowed without inverting the seat. Typically,
the compartment 88 is recessed into the seat 10 so that it does not
protrude from the seat, with the closure 96 recessed so that it
does not rest on the support surface in use.
[0062] The closure 96 can be provided by a flat panel, as depicted.
Alternatively, it can be provided by a grate, a screen, a plurality
of bars, or another structure that moves between an open position
providing access to the compartment 88 and a closed position
retaining the straps 82 in the compartment. The closure 96 can move
between the open and closed positions by pivoting about a hinge, or
it can slide, be completely removable, or otherwise move between
the open and closed positions. A releasable coupling 98 is provided
for retaining the closure 96 in the closed position. The releasable
coupling 98 can be provided by a conventional assembly such as a
living-hinge snap-fit coupling (as depicted), a strap with a snap,
or the like.
[0063] In other embodiments, the straps are permanently affixed to
the seat at fixed ends of the straps. In some such embodiments, the
strap fixed ends are permanently attached to the seat at or within
the compartment, and substantially all of the lengths of the straps
are stored within the compartment. The straps in such embodiments
can be routed from the compartment and removably received through
other portions of the seat (e.g., through open-ended slots, hooks,
or clips at the sidewalls of the seat for securing to a horizontal
surface i.e., a chair seat). And in some other such embodiments,
the strap fixed ends are permanently attached to the seat at
locations away from the compartment, and only portions of the
lengths of the straps (e.g., the free ends opposite the fixed ends)
are stored within the compartment.
[0064] FIGS. 21-25 show another example embodiment of a booster
seat 110 having features substantially similar to those described
above, with exceptions as noted. The seat 110 comprises a seat
shell 112 and optionally further comprises a seat insert 114
removably positioned or attached within the seat shell. The seat
shell 112 includes a backrest portion 116, a bottom-support portion
118, and two opposing sidewall portions 120, with the backrest and
the sidewalls extending upward from the bottom support. The booster
seat 110 further comprises a detachable and stowable tray 132,
shown mounted in a use position in FIG. 21, and shown being
repositioned to an example stowed position in FIGS. 22-24, and
shown in greater detail in a bottom plan view in FIG. 25 removed
from the seat.
[0065] The seat 110 further comprises a bottom base panel 140
attached to or integrally formed with the seat shell 112, defining
a storage compartment 150 for stowing the tray 132. In example
embodiments, the base panel 140 is permanently or semi-permanently
attached to the seat shell 112, for example with screws or other
fasteners, snap-fittings, adhesive or other attachment means; or
alternatively can be removably attached. The tray-storage
compartment 150 is sized and shaped to receive substantially all or
at least a significant portion of the tray 132 in the stowed
position, having width W, height H and depth D dimensions generally
configured slightly larger than corresponding width, height and
depth dimensions of the tray 132, so that the tray slides smoothly
and freely into the tray-storage compartment, and the tray fits
closely within the storage compartment (i.e., without significant
gaps or spaces, for example wherein the width of the tray is no
more than about 1''-2'' less than the width of the storage
compartment, such that gaps of no more than about 0.5''-1'', and
more preferably no more than about 0.25''-0.5'', remain when the
tray is stowed in the storage compartment). In example embodiments,
the tray-storage compartment 150 defines a substantially enclosed
chamber or enclosure bounded on the top by the seat shell 112, on
the bottom by the base panel 140, and on the back and both sides by
the intersection or confronting portions of the seat shell and the
base panel. For example, the tray-storage compartment 150 thereby
forms a five-sided enclosure with an opening at the front of the
seat 110. In example embodiments, when the tray 132 is in the
stowed position within the tray storage compartment as shown in
FIG. 23, the front face of the tray generally matches the
surrounding contours of the front and side surfaces of the seat
shell to substantially cover the open front of the storage
compartment 150. The tray-storage compartment 150 optionally
comprises one or more guide tracks to guide the insertion and
removal of the tray 132 in and out of the compartment, and/or one
or more retention members for removably retaining the tray in the
stowed position in the compartment. In example embodiments, the
side walls 120 of the seat shell 112 taper inwardly from bottom to
top, such that the base 140 of the seat is wider than the upper
portion of the seat 110 at which the tray 132 attaches in the use
position, for stability and to allow sufficient width at the base
to receive the tray within the storage compartment 150.
[0066] In example embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 24, the base
panel 140 defines a footprint having an outer periphery or profile
generally matching and flush with or extending slightly beyond at
least a portion of the outer periphery or profile of the seat shell
112, along the front, back and both sides of the seat 110, to
provide improved stability and resist tipping over when a child is
seated therein. In example embodiments, when in use with an infant
seated therein (or a simulated infant used for testing purposes),
the seat 110 maintains stability with the base panel 140 supported
on a test surface, retains the infant in the seat, and resists
tipping for at least a one minute test duration, when the test
surface is inclined at 20.degree. from horizontal in any angular
position, including the most onerous (most subject to tipping)
forward, sideward or rearward position(s), with the seat being
prevented from sliding on the test surface if necessary but not
prevented from tipping. In example embodiments, the seat 110
maintains stability with the base panel 140 supported on a test
surface, retains the infant in the seat, and resists tipping for at
least a one minute test duration, when the test surface is inclined
at 30.degree. from horizontal in any angular position, including
the most onerous (most subject to tipping) forward, sideward or
rearward position(s), with the seat being prevented from sliding on
the test surface if necessary but not prevented from tipping.
[0067] As further shown in FIG. 24, in example embodiments the base
panel 140 comprises a substantially solid or continuous panel along
the entire bottom of the seat shell 112, optionally defining a
wave-shaped or undulating wall configuration, and/or one or more
structural reinforcement members, to increase the base panel's
rigidity and brace the seat shell to prevent the sidewalls 120 from
splaying outwardly, thereby providing improved structural support
and rigidity when the seat is loaded with an infant seated on the
bottom-support portion 118. One or more elastomeric support feet
160 (four are shown, each at a respective corner) are optionally
provided on the bottom surface of the base panel 140, for example
formed of a soft polymeric or rubber material for improved gripping
to prevent the seat from sliding on a support surface. In example
embodiments, the support feet 160 may be attached to the base by
fasteners, adhesive, snap-fitting, press-fit, over-molding or
co-molding, or other attachment means. A harness-storage
compartment 170 is optionally provided in the base panel 140 to
receive harness straps or other securing members for attaching the
seat 110 to an adult chair or other support surface and/or for
securing a child on the booster seat.
[0068] FIG. 26 shows another example embodiment of a booster seat
210 having features substantially similar to those described above,
with exceptions as noted. The seat 210 comprises a seat shell 212
and a bottom base panel 240 attached to or integrally formed with
the seat shell. In this embodiment, the base panel 240 further
comprises one or more stabilizer extensions 245 projecting
laterally outwardly beyond the periphery of the seat shell. In
example embodiments, the stabilizer extensions 245 are provided at
both front corners of the seat 110 as depicted, extending laterally
forward beyond the periphery of the seat shell to resist tipping in
the forward direction, for example if a child seated on the booster
seat leans forward. In further embodiments, stabilizer extensions
can additionally or alternatively be provided extending rearwardly
from the back corners of the seat, and/or outwardly to one or both
sides of the seat, and/or outwardly from the center portion of the
front and/or back of the seat.
[0069] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and
deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *