Baby Seat And Collapsible Support Frame

Abstract

The baby seat is supported on the collapsible support frame by an interlocking relationship. The baby seat when not supported on the support frame has a pivotal extension bar at the rear which increases the support base area for the seat. The seat is adjustable into a number of inclined positions.

Parent Case Text

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 730,737, filed May 21, 1968 now abandoned.

Description

This invention relates to a baby seat. More particularly, this invention relates to a portable baby seat and support assembly.

Heretofore, various baby chair assemblies have been known wherein a baby seat is supported on a collapsible support frame. Generally, these assemblies have been used as high chair assemblies in order to position a baby or small child in an elevated position for feeding, etc. In addition, such assemblies have been used as described in my copending patent application, entitled Portable Baby Chair, Ser. No. 622,194, filed Mar. 10, 1967, wherein the seat is demountable from the support frame for use, for example, as a car seat.

However, in many instances these heretofore baby seat assemblies have required various types of releaseable locks to maintain the baby seat on the support frame. Generally, the locks have been complex in operation such that it has been difficult as well as inconvenient to operate the locks upon mounting or removing the baby seat from the support frame. Also, the baby seats which have been used have been found to be bulky and heavy so much as to be inconvenient for use as a car seat.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a baby seat which is useful as a car seat.

It is another object of the invention to easily and quickly mount a baby seat on a support frame.

It is another object of the invention to provide a portable baby chair assembly which is of light weight construction.

Briefly, the invention provides a portable baby chair assembly which includes a support frame which is collapsible into a generally flattened configuration and a seat which has an adjustable seating assembly therein and which is adapted for removable mounting on the support frame. In addition, means are provided for releaseably locking the seat on the support frame when the seat is to be utilized with the support frame, for example, as a high chair.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support frame is constructed of a pair of crosslegged frames which are adapted to open into a crossed supporting position, and the baby seat is constructed to rest upon the opened support frame. Also, the means for releaseably locking the seat on the support frame incorporates individual components of a locking assembly on each of the seat and support frame. This locking assembly includes a tab receiving slot on one leg frame of the support frame and either a tab means on the rear of the baby seat which is passed into the slot or a horizontal connecting piece which passes under the receiving slot. In addition, a friction lock is mounted on the front of the baby seat to snap onto the other leg frame of the support frame to maintain the baby seat in place. For example, in order to mount the baby seat on the opened support frame, the seat is first inclined and moved so that the tab means on or horizontal connecting piece at the rear of the seat passes into the tab receiving slot on the support frame and thereafter the seat is pivoted to snap the friction lock down onto the support frame. Removal of the seat occurs in an opposite manner by first exerting a manual force to release the friction lock from the support frame and then manually moving the seat away from the support frame.

In addition to being supported on the support frame, the baby seat is constructed to be seated on any substantially flat surface. To this end, in one embodiment, the baby seat is constructed of a tubular metal frame which includes a pair of upstanding arms between which a chair is pivotally mounted. In addition, a locking bar is pivotally mounted on the arms to engage in one of a number of slots of one or more slotted members secured to the back of the chair so that the chair can be locked into one of several positions. Also, in order to further insure the stability of the baby seat when the chair is placed on an uneven or rough surface, an extension bar is pivotally mounted on the metal frame to extend horizontally of the base of the metal frame so as to increase the extent of the base. The extension bar is maintained in place by being snapped into a pair of friction locks, each of which is mounted on the rear of the base of the metal frame. These friction locks can also serve to hold the extension bar in an upright position behind the chair when the chair is positioned in the forwardmost positions. Alternatively, when not in use, the extension bar can be folded up under the frame of the baby seat and held out of the way in this storage position by a pair of friction catches of, for example, a plastic material such as Nylon.

The extension bar of the baby seat also serves to secure the seat in place when the seat is mounted in a car by being inserted in wedging relation between the seat and the back of the seat in the car. To further maintain the baby seat in position the end of the extension bar is inclined upwardly at a slight angle so as to lie behind the back of the car seat or become wedged within the interior of the car seat.

The support frame is also provided with a collapsible foot rest assembly which is mounted on one of the crosslegs under the front of the baby seat. The foot rest assembly is constructed with a pivotal linkage to be collapsed with the crosslegs into a flattened configuration. This foot rest assembly also includes a tread which is selectively mounted in one of a number of fixed positions.

Also, the baby chair is provided with a tray which is adjustably mountable on the seat when in use as a feeding tray and mountable on the support frame when not in use. The tray is constructed with a pair of releaseable gripping locks on opposite sides to engage across the arms of the baby seat frame to provide a surface for supporting food, toys, etc., as well as to engage across one of the leg frames of the support frame to be stored with the support frame when collapsed into a flattened configuration. The releaseable gripping locks are constructed to cooperate with a stud in each arm of the baby seat so as to be positioned in one of a number of positions forwardly or rearwardly depending on the size of the child seated in the seating assembly.

The tray and foot rest when mounted in their secondary positions cooperate with the support frame when collapsed to define a generally flattened configuration.

When in use, the baby chair assembly provides a sturdy reliable support for a baby or child occupant while not in use the assembly is easily stored. In this latter event, the baby seat is removed from the support frame and the support frame is collapsed into a flattened configuration with or without the tray. The baby seat can also be used without the support frame by being easily carried from place to place and mounted on any suitable flat surface such as a table top, upholstered chair, or car seat.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of a baby seat and support assembly of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective back view of a baby seat and support assembly of FIG. 1 with the tray and foot rest assembly in the stored position;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged side view of the baby seat and support assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged front view of the baby seat and support assembly of FIG. 1 showing the connection of a tray of the invention connected to the baby seat;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the baby seat of the invention with the chair in two extreme positions;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the support frame of the invention with the foot rest in two extreme positions;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the support frame in a collapsed flattened configuration;

FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a releaseable gripping lock on a tray;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the releaseable friction lock on forward end of the seat;

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a tread according to the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a baby seat of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a modified friction lock for the extension bar;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a modified releaseable friction lock;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the friction lock of FIG. 13 in engagement with the support frame;

FIG. 15 illustrates a fragmentary view of the engagement of the rear of the seat in the support frame; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a view of a restraining strap in place on the seat.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the baby seat and support frame assembly 11 includes a support frame 12 and a baby seat 13 mounted on the support frame 12 in an elevated position.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, the support frame 12 is constructed of a pair of U-shaped leg frames 14, 15 which are pivoted together at intermediate points by a common cross bar 16 in a crosslegged manner. The leg frames 14, 15 are formed of tubular metal construction and are prevented from unrestrained movement relative to each other by slotted retaining bars 17. Each retaining bar 17 is pivotally mounted on a leg frame 15 and slidably receives a stud 18 fixedly mounted on the opposite leg frame 14. In the extreme open position of the leg frames 14, 15, the stud 18 is positioned at the end of the slot 19 in the retaining bar 17. The lower ends of the leg frames 14, 15 are each provided with a cover cap 20 of suitable material such as plastic or rubber which also serves to provide a frictional gripping surface for a floor surface.

The support frame 12 also includes a foot rest assembly 21 which is mounted on the forward leg frame 14 in a dependent manner. The foot rest assembly 21 includes a U-shaped tubular bar 22 which is pivotally secured at the ends as by rivets 23 to tabs 24 projecting downwardly and outwardly from the cross bar of the leg frame 14. The foot rest assembly 21 also includes an articulated linkage 25 which serves to position the bar 22 outwardly relative to the support frame 12 when the support frame 12 is opened. The linkage 25 includes a link 26 pivotally mounted to each depending leg of the forward leg frame 14, a stop bar 27 rotatably mounted in each of the links 26 and a link 28 fixed at one end to the stop bar 27 and pivotally secured to the bar 22. The stop bar 27 is sized to extend across the leg frame 14 so as to abut the leg frame 14 upon pivoting into its uppermost or lowermost position. The linkage 25 is operated in a manner to pivot the stop bar 27 upwardly against the leg frame 14 so as to fix the outward position of the bar 22 relative to the support frame 12 and seat 13 and to pivot the stop bar 27 downwardly against the leg frame 14 so as to collapse the bar 22 against the support frame 12.

In addition, referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 10, the foot rest assembly includes a tread 29, for example, of plastic material such as Nylon, which is adjustably mounted across the bar 22. Each end of the tread 29 is provided with a depending tubular ear 30 which is slotted to receive a leg of the bar 22 in loose fit relation and an upwardly projecting button 31 at the lower end of the ear 30 which is sized to be received in one opening 32 of a series of longitudinally disposed openings 32, for example, three, in the leg of the bar 22. The ear 30 is sufficiently flexible and resilient to permit removal and insertion of the button 31 in a desired opening 32. This allows the tread 29 to be adjustably mounted in a position suited to the occupant of the seat 13.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the forward leg assembly 14 includes a stud 33 which is fixedly mounted at a central point of the cross bar of the leg assembly 14. The stud 33 passes diametrically through the cross bar and includes an enlarged head 34 protruding at an upwardly inclined angle from the cross bar. This stud 33 forms a component of a releaseable friction lock 35 for securing the baby seat 13 on the support assembly 12 and is further described hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the rear leg assembly 15 includes a generally U-shaped bar 36 which is fixed to the top of the cross bar to define a generally centrally located tab receiving slot of rectangular shape with the cross bar for purposes as described hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5, the baby seat 13 includes a tubular metal frame 37 formed by a U-shaped horizontal tube 38 and a bent tube 39 fixedly secured, as by rivets 40, to the tube 38. The bent tube 39 is bent into a shape which provides a pair of spaced vertical upstanding arms 41 and a horizontal connecting piece 42 flush with and adjacent the horizontal tube 38. A cap 43, for example, of plastic material is fitted onto each end of the tube 39 below the plane of the horizontal tube 38 to support the baby seat 13 on a flat surface. The baby seat 13 also includes a chair 44 which is shaped in a manner to receive a baby or small child in a usual sitting position. The chair 33 is of a suitable plastic material and is pivotally secured as by studs 45 to intermediate points of the arms 41 of the tubular frame 37 so as to pivot substantially within the confines of the arms 41 (see FIG. 5) with the center of gravity of an occupant located below the plane of the pivot points.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, in order to fix the chair 44 in position within the tubular frame 39, a pair of apertured brackets 46 each of which contains a number of slots 47, for example, four, are fixed to the rear surface of the chair 44 and cooperate with a U-shaped bar 48 pivotally mounted on the arms 41 and passing through the bracket 46. Each bracket 46 has minute studs (not shown) formed on the sidewalls of the slots 47 which are spaced apart so as to retain the bar 48 in a slot after the bar 48 is snapped past the studs. The bar 48 is urged by a pair of torsion springs 48' connected to the arms 41 and bar 48 towards the chair 44 and is manually pivoted into any of the slots 47 of the bracket 46 so as to fix the chair 44 relative to the tubular frame 37. Since the bracket 46 forms a closed aperture, the bar 48 cannot fall away from the chair 44 and thus provides an automatic stop for preventing the chair 44 from continued rearward pivoting relative to the tubular frame 37. In a similar manner continued forward pivoting is prevented past the lowermost slot 47 in the bracket 46.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, where the baby seat 13 is mounted independently of the support frame 12, for example, on a flat surface (not shown), an extension bar 49 is provided to extend the base of the baby seat 13. This extension bar 49 which is of metal is pivotally mounted on the horizontal tube 38 of the tubular frame 37 to the rear of the seat 13 and includes an end which is angled upwardly at a slight angle (FIG. 5). In order to maintain the extension bar 49 in either an extended horizontal position or a retracted vertical storage position against the inclined lower edges of the brackets 46 and the bar 48, a pair of retaining members 50 are mounted on the ends of the horizontal tube 38. Each retaining member 50 is provided with a bore (not shown) to fit snugly over the end of the horizontal tube 38, an outwardly directed inclined slot 51 of semicircular cross section to receive and maintain the extension bar 49 when in extended position, and an inwardly directed sloped shoulder 52 for abutting and maintaining the extension bar 49 against the brackets 46 and bar 48 when in retracted position. The retaining members 50 are, for example, of a resilient material such as plastic which permits the extension bar 49 to ride over the shoulder 52 and out of the semicircular slot 51 under a manually exerted force while exerting sufficient force to maintain the extension bar 49 in either position under forces of lesser magnitude. Alternatively, the retaining members 50 can be of nonresilient material so that the extension bar 49 is caused to flex in passing over the slots 51 and shoulders 52. The retaining members 50 also permit the extension bar 49 to be pivoted into a depending position from the horizontal bar 38.

Referring to FIG. 2, the connecting piece 42 of the bent tube 39 has a U-shaped bar 53 secured at a central location to act as a tab which is received within the confines of the bar 36 fixed to the support frame 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 9, the horizontal tube 38 of the seat 13 is provided with a centrally located catch 54 of the friction lock 35 which cooperates with the stud 33 on the support frame 12. The catch 54 is fixedly secured as by studs 55 passing diametrically through the horizontal tube 38 in dependent fashion and includes an inwardly directed recess 56 which is positioned to envelop the head 34 of the stud 33 in a friction fit engagement. In addition, the catch 54 includes an outwardly directed channel shaped gripping portion 57 which can be manually gripped during removal of the catch 54 from friction fit engagement with the stud 33.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 8, a tray 58 is mounted on the arms 41 of the seat 13 to provide a support surface for food, toys, etc. for the occupant of the chair 44. The tray 58 which is made, for example, of plastic material has a pair of gripping locks 59 at opposite ends which releaseably secure the tray 58 to the arms 41.

Referring to FIG. 8, each gripping lock 59 cooperates with a projecting head 60 of a pin 61 fixedly secured in the arm 41 to lock the tray 58 in place. Also, each gripping lock 59 is fixed to the bottom of the tray 58, as by rivets (not shown) and includes a catch 62 pivotally mounted on a fixed pin 63 and biased by a spring (not shown) on the pin 63 inwardly towards the arm 41. The catch 62 is shaped with a curved lower flange 64 having a digitated edge defining a plurality of semicircular recesses for engaging the head 60 of the pin 61. Also, the catch 62 has an outwardly directed curved flange 65 which provides a manual gripping surface to rotate the catch 62 against the spring force out of engagement with the pin 61.

Referring to FIG. 2, the gripping locks 59 of the tray 58 are spaced apart a distance so as to engage the arms 41 in a tight fitting relation while an intermediate cross bar 16' of the rear leg frame 15 is spaced from the common cross bar 16 a similar distance to enable the tray 58 to be mounted in a stored position on the leg frame 15 when not in use.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to use the baby seat as, for example, a high chair, the collapsible support frame is opened into the crosslegged configuration and the baby seat mounted thereon. In mounting the baby seat, the tubular frame 37 is first tiled at a slight angle while the bar 53 forming the tab at the rear of the baby seat 13 is inserted into the confines of the bar 36 mounted on the support frame 12. With the bar 53 within the confines of the bar 36 the frame 37 is pivoted downwardly so that the catch 54 is pressed down over the stud head 34. The engagement of the stud head 34 within the recess 36 is sufficient to retain the baby seat 13 on the support frame 12. The baby seat 13 is thereby secured by the abutment of the bars 36, 53 at the rear and the friction lock 35 at the front. The bar 48 is then manually held while the chair 44 is pivoted into a desired position and the bar 48 is then inserted into one of the slots 47 to retain the chair 44 in this position.

After the baby seat 13 has been secured to the support frame 12, the foot rest assembly 21 is removed away from the support frame into a foot rest position below the chair 44. This is accomplished by manually gripping the stop bar 27 and rotating the stop bar in an upward direction until the stop bar abuts the leg frame 14. During this time the U-shaped bar 22 pivots about the tabs 24 to move the tread 29 outwardly of the support frame 12. Depending upon the size of the occupant of the chair 44, the tread is moved from one position to another by flexing of the ears 30 to insert the buttons 31 into the appropriate holes 32 in the bar 22.

After an occupant has been placed in the chair 44, the tray 58 can then be mounted in place across the arms 41 of the seat 13. In order to do this the gripping locks 59 at the ends of the tray are manually grasped about flanges 65 and the catches 62 are pivoted outwardly so as to permit removal of the tray 58 from the stored position on the leg frame 14. The tray 58 is then transported to a position above the arms 41. The catches 62 are again pivoted outwardly and placed down over the arms 41 so that digitated edges of the flanges 64 are positioned for abutment with the heads 60 of the pins 61 in the respective arms 41. The catches 62 are then released so as to pivot under the spring biasing force into locking relationship with the pin heads 60. It is noted that the placement of the tray on the arms may be accomplished by initially placing one gripping lock 59 in position with the pin head 60 on one arm 41 while the other gripping lock is thereafter locked in place by pivoting the tray 58 about the first gripping lock 59. In a similar manner the tray can be removed by releasing one gripping lock 59 and pivoting the tray about the other gripping lock 59.

Should the chair 44 be tiled into a reclined position while supported on the frame 12, the extension bar 49 is pivoted past the restraining members 50 into a depending vertical position instead of being locked into the horizontal position.

Referring to FIG. 5, in order to use the baby seat 13 independently of the support frame 12, the baby seat 13 is simply mounted on a flat surface (not shown) with the extension bar 49 in a vertical position. In this position, the baby seat 13 is supported by the lock 35, the caps 43 and retaining members 50 and the extension bar 49 is retained by the shoulders 52 of the retaining members 50 against the lower inclined ends of the brackets 46 and 48. This positioning of the bar 49 corresponds with a substantially upright position of the chair 44 with the bar 48 retained in the lowermost slot 47 of the bracket 46. In order to pivot the chair 44 into a reclined position, that is, with the bar 48 retained in the uppermost slot 47 of each bracket 46 as shown in phantom in FIG. 5, the bar 48 is manually moved past the studs in the slots 47 and pivoted downwardly away from the chair 44. The extension bar 49 thus moves along the inclined bottom edges of the brackets 46 to drop to an approximate 45.degree. angle to indicate that the bar 49 should be snapped into locking engagement with the respective slots 51 of the retaining members 50 so that the effective base of the baby seat can be extended. The extension bar 49 is then snapped into the slots 51. This increase in the base of the baby seat guards against possible rearward tipping of the seat 13.

It is noted that where the baby seat 13 is used independently of the support frame 12 that the baby seat 13 can be restrained against movement by insertion of the extension bar 49 into a restraining means. For example, where the baby seat 13 is used as a car seat the extension bar 49 can be pivoted into the extended position and slid between the back rest and seat of a car. In this case, the back rest and seat of the car form a gripping means to hold the baby seat in place. It is noted that the upwardly inclined end of the extension bar 49 further facilitates the securement of the baby seat 13 in place since the inclined end serves as an abutment against and within the back rest of the car.

It is noted that the extension bar can be easily removed from the car seat by a slight tilting and manual lifting of the baby seat 13.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the collapsible frame 12 is not in use, the frame 12 can be collapsed into a flattened configuration along with the foot rest assembly 21 and tray 58. This is accomplished by simply holding the leg frames 14 and 15 towards each other about the common cross bar 16. Also, the articulated linkage 25 of the foot rest assembly 21 is manually articulated to rotate the stop bar 27 downwardly against the support frame. This brings the tread 29 and bar 22 into a substantially parallel alignment with the leg frame 14 as shown. The tray 58 is mounted on the respective cross bars 16, 16' in a manner as described above so as to lie in a parallel plane to the leg frame 14.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 15, wherein like parts are indicated by like reference numerals as above, the baby seat 213 is constructed of a tubular metal frame 37 as above having tubes 38, 39 and the support frame 212 is constructed as above with a pair of leg assemblies 14, 15. The rear leg assembly 15 includes a bar 236 which is fixed to the upper cross bar and shaped to define a generally centrally located elongated recess of rectangular cross section for receiving the horizontal connecting piece 42 of the bent tube 39. The bar 236 extends across the frame 212 a distance substantially equal to the spacing between the tubes 38 so as to abut the tubes 38 and prevent side sway of the baby seat 213 when mounted on the support frame 212.

In addition, instead of using exposed torsion springs to bias the U-shaped bar 48 against the back of the chair 44, a tension spring 348' is coiled about each end of the bar 48 and fixed to the bent tube 39 in known manner so as to bias the bar towards the chair 44. Further, as shown a pair of minute studs 259 are disposed near the rear of each slot 47 in the brackets 46 to fix the bar 48 in place. These studs 259 are sized to permit passage of the bar 48 into or out of the slots 47 under a manually applied force.

Referring to FIG. 11, the extension bar 49 can also be mounted on the tube 38 of the seat 213 so as to be pivoted into a storage position under the seat 213. In this instance, a pair of friction catches 260 are mounted, one on each side of the tube 38, at points t receive the crosspiece of the extension bar 49 in a snap-fit locking engagement. Each friction catch 260 is of a resilient material such as Nylon and is shaped with an outwardly inclined leg so as to lock the extension bar 49 between this leg and the tube 38.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in order to permit movement of the extension bar 49 from a retracted storage position to an extended position, modified retaining members 250 are mounted on the ends of the horizontal tube 38. Each retaining member 250 is provided with a core 251 which fits snugly into the open end of the tube 38, an outwardly directed inclined slot 252 of semicircular cross section which is sized to receive and maintain the extension bar 48 when in extended position, and an upper shoulder 253 to prevent the extension bar 49 from moving above the inclined slot 252. The retaining members 250 are, for example, of a resilient material such as plastic which permits the extension bar 49 to ride up and into the inclined slots 252 under a manually exerted force while exerting sufficient force to maintain the extension bar 49 in the inclined slots 252. Alternatively, the retaining members 250 can be of nonresilient material so that the extension bar 49 is caused to flex in passing into the slots 252. The retaining members 250 also permit the extension bar 49 to be pivoted into a storage position up under the horizontal bar 38.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 13 and 14, the friction lock 235 is provided with a modified catch 254 which cooperates with the stud 33 on the leg assembly 14 of the support frame 212. The catch 254 is fixedly secured as by studs 55 which pass through the tube 38 and includes a recess 56 which is positioned to envelop the head 34 of the stud 33 in a friction fit engagement. In addition, the catch 254 includes a channel shaped gripping portion 257 which can be manually gripped during removal of the seat 213 from the support frame 212. The gripping portion 257 is formed with a pair of end flanges 258 and a front panel 259 which extends between the end flanges 258 and is of a generally L-shape. The panel 259 is substantially flush with the bottom of the flanges 258 but is spaced from the rear wall 260 of the catch 254 for molding purposes when made of a resilient plastic material.

Referring to FIG. 11, in order to mount the seat 213 on the support frame 212, the tubular frame 37 is first tilted at a slight angle while the horizontal connecting piece 42 at the rear of the baby seat 213 is inserted into the confines of the bar 236 mounted on the support frame 212. With the connecting piece 42 within the confines of the bar 236, the frame 37 is pivoted downwardly so that the catch 254 is pressed down over the stud head 34. The engagement of the stud head 34 within the recess 56 is sufficient to retain the baby seat 213 on the support frame 212. The baby seat 213 is thus secured by the abutment of the horizontal connecting piece 42 with the bar 236 at the rear and the friction lock 235 at the front. The seat 213 can then be utilized as above.

Referring to FIG. 16, the baby seat 213 can be provided with a strap assembly 240 which functions as a shoulder harness for restraining the occupant of the chair 44. As shown, the strap assembly 240 includes a pair of wirelike clips 241 of generally U-shaped profile and endless loop construction which are adapted to fit over the top of the chair 44. In addition, a strap 242 is looped through each clip 241 and is provided with an adjusting buckle 243 so that the opening afforded by the strap 242 can be adjusted. To this end, a central loop of the strap 242 is pulled through the buckle 243 to receive a suitable seat belt which envelops the waist of the seat occupant. The buckle 243 also permits adjustment of the shoulder harness.

The invention thus provides a portable baby chair which is easily managed and transported while also providing a baby chair which is easily and rapidly assemblied when put into use or collapsed when being transported or stored. Since the seat is readily detachable from the support frame and since the support frame together with the tray and foot rest are collapsible into a generally flattened configuration, the baby chair can be easily transported, as by automobile and used as a car seat, and stored in a limited space. Furthermore, since the seat is readily detachable from the support frame, the seat can be used independently of the support frame.

The baby chair which can be constructed of various suitable materials such as wood has a support frame which is of relatively light weight which can be easily managed and assembled. The positions for attaching the tray are readily accessible for complete assembling of the baby chair as a feeding table and are conveniently attached when not in use for ease in transporting and storing.

Further, in the case where the baby chair is made of tubular metal such as aluminum or steel and plastic components, the weight and bulk of the assembly is substantially at a minimum to permit ease of handling. It is noted that the support frame of the invention is capable of being conveniently stored or shipped in a compact manner since the frame is collapsible into a flattened configuration. Furthermore, since the foot rest assembly can be permanently secured to the support frame and articulated for reliable movement and positioning as illustrated in FIG. 1, the foot rest assembly provides a convenient structure which is easily manipulated. Also, since the tread of the foot rest assembly is mountable in a number of positions, the baby seat and support frame assembly can be utilized for differently sized children.

It is further noted that the baby seat of the invention can be used with or without the support frame. In this way, the baby seat becomes a versatile unit which can be used as a high chair, a car seat, a transportable baby seat, or feeding unit. Also, since the chair of the baby seat is pivotal within the confines of the arms of the seat frame and since the effective base of the seat can be extended through use of the extension bar, the baby seat is extremely stable against tipping forces such that infants can be placed within the seat and given a minimum of attention.

It is further noted that the chair of the baby seat can be provided with a suitable seat pad made, for example, of a foam core and a plastic or fabric cover. The seat pad can be contoured to the shape of the chair so as to comfortably support a baby thereon. Also, as a matter of convenience, the chair can be provided with slots at the top rear and bottom front to facilitate manual grasping of the baby seat when it is desired to transport the baby seat from one position to another.

It is further noted that the baby seat and support frame can be easily transported when secured together simply by grasping the arms or above-mentioned slots and moving the assembly from place to place. During such movement, the friction lock at the front of the baby seat and the interengagement of the bars at the rear of the baby seat of one embodiment or the recess type lock of the other embodiment provide a substantially secure locking relationship of the baby seat on the support frame. Further, the locking arrangement also prevents the baby seat from pivoting about a vertical axis with respect to the support frame, such that the assembly remains stable in use.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A baby seat comprising

a frame having a pair of upstanding arms;

a chair pivotally mounted on said arms for supporting an occupant;

at least one bracket fixedly mounted on the rear of said chair and containing a plurality of aligned slots therein; and

a bar pivotally mounted on said arms and releasably retained in a selective one of said slots for locking said chair in a selective position relative to said frame.

2. A baby seat as set forth in claim 1 including a pair of said brackets wherein each bracket includes an aperture therethrough communicating with said slots and said bar is fixedly retained within said aperture whereby said bar is retained against movement away from said brackets.

3. A baby seat as set forth in claim 1 wherein said chair is pivotally mounted at an intermediate point of said arms to pivot within the confines of said arms.

4. A baby seat as set forth in claim 1 further comprising an extension bar pivotally mounted on said frame to the rear of said chair and retaining means on said frame for releaseably securing said extension bar in an extended position substantially horizontally relative to said frame.

5. A baby seat as set forth in claim 4 wherein said retaining means includes a slot therein for receiving said bar therein to hold said bar in said extended position and a shoulder spaced from said slot for holding said bar in a retracted position.

6. A baby seat as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame includes a U-shaped horizontal tube and which further comprises an extension bar pivotally mounted on said frame to the rear of said chair and a pair of restraining members of resilient material mounted on the ends of said tube for securing said extension bar in an extended position substantially horizontally with respect to said tube.

7. A baby seat as set forth in claim 6 wherein said tube includes means for receiving said extension bar therein in releaseable engagement to maintain said extension bar in a retracted position beneath said frame.

8. A baby seat as set forth in claim 7 wherein said extension bar includes an inclined end at the end remote from said chair.

9. A baby seat as set forth in claim 8 wherein each said restraining member is made of resilient plastic material.

10. A baby seat and support frame assembly comprising

a collapsible support frame for collapsing into a generally flattened configuration, said support frame including receiving means at one end thereof; and

a seat removably mounted on said support frame, said seat including a means at the rear thereof removably received in said receiving means of said support frame and a means at the front thereof removably secured on said support frame to lock said seat to said support frame to maintain said support frame in an opened supporting position with said seat thereon.

11. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said receiving means is an upstanding U-shaped bar mounted on said support frame and said means at the rear of said seat is a substantially horizontal U-shaped bar mounted on said seat and projecting through said bar on said support frame.

12. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said receiving means is an upstanding bar mounted on said support frame to define a recess and said means at the rear of said seat is a horizontal connecting piece of said seat disposed within said recess.

13. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said means at the front of said seat includes a catch having a recess and said support frame has a stud thereon received in frictional engagement in said means, said catch being made of resilient plastic material.

14. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 10 which further comprises a tray having a pair of gripping locks thereon in opposed relation, said tray being mountable on said seat in a horizontal position and being mountable on said support frame in a stored position.

15. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said seat includes a frame having a pair of upstanding arms and a chair pivotally supported on said arms.

16. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 15 which further comprises a tray having a pair of gripping locks thereon in opposed relation, each said gripping lock having a depending flange thereon for enveloping one of said arms to secure said tray in front of said chair.

17. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said flange is pivotally mounted and includes a digitated edge defining a plurality of recesses and each said arm includes a projecting pin received in one of said recesses in abutment with said edge.

18. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein each said gripping lock includes an outwardly directed flange for manual gripping to pivot said depending flange outwardly.

19. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said support frame includes a pair of leg frames pivotally mounted with respect to each other and a foot rest assembly pivotally mounted on one of said leg frames in an articulated manner, said foot rest assembly having a tread thereon and a stop bar thereon abutting said one leg frame to position said tread below said chair.

20. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said tread is adjustably mounted thereon and includes a pair of flexible resilient depending ears at the ends thereof, each said ear having a button thereon received in an aperture of said one of said leg frames to lock said tread in place.

21. A baby seat and support frame assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said receiving means includes a substantially U-shaped bar having a portion overlying the rear of said seat, whereby said seat is locked on said support frame at the front and rear thereof.

22. A tray for a baby seat including a pair of gripping locks on opposed sides of said tray, each said gripping lock having a depending first flange of curved contour thereon for a least partially enveloping a correspondingly shaped member therein to the inside of said tray and an outwardly directed second flange for manual gripping thereof to radially rotate said first flange outwardly of said tray about the longitudinal axis of said gripping lock whereby said first flange is released from the enveloped member.

23. A tray as set forth in claim 22 wherein each said gripping lock is pivotally mounted to the underside of said tray.

24. A tray as set forth in claim 23 wherein each said gripping lock is spring biased inwardly of said tray.

25. A tray as set forth in claim 22 wherein each said first flange includes a digitated edge defining a plurality of recesses for receiving a protuberance of the enveloped member whereby said tray is longitudinally adjustable relative to the enveloped members to be locked in one of a number of positions relative to the enveloped members.

26. A collapsible support frame comprising a pair of cross-legged frames hinged to each other at intermediate points thereof and a collapsible foot rest assembly pivotally mounted on one of said frames between a first and a second position in an articulated manner, said foot rest assembly having a tread thereon and a stop bar thereon abutting said one frame to fixedly position said tread in said second position outwardly of said one frame, said foot rest assembly being collapsible with said frames into a generally flattened configuration in said first position.