Abstract: A tray is secured to a baby carrier in a manner which permits both pivoting and removal by use of a hinge connection combined with a releasable hook. The hinge is joined to the tray edge while the hook is inserted through a slot in the side arm of the carrier, to engage an external flange on the carrier in a locking relationship. The hook is releasable by manual pressure. In preferred embodiments, the hinge connection has two pivot axes together providing a wide arc of rotation. A latch on the opposite side of the tray, similarly releasable by manual pressure, secures the tray in place.

Abstract: A swinging apparatus such as a child's swinging play seat is driven by an extension spring linked between the suspension arm of the swing and a gear wheel which is coupled to a motor-driven drive shaft through meshed gears. In preferred arrangements, two gear wheels are used, arranged in coplanar configuration for reciprocal rotation in opposite directions, each driving an extension spring in alternating manner to swing the apparatus back and forth. In certain embodiments, pivot links are included to permit the extension springs to float when either the motorized drive shaft or the swing itself are stopped, and in certain further embodiments, guide pins are included to hold the springs in a bowed configuration. The mechanism is characterized by the lack of a tendency to jolt, and by the ability to start up and shut down smoothly at any point in the rotation cycle of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A foldable high chair requiring only four pivot joints and a combination pivot and sliding joint on each side is disclosed. Three of the four pivot joints are spaced along each side arm, the first connecting the side arm to the back of the high chair, and the second and third joining the side arm with the rear and front legs of the high chair, respectively. The fourth pivot joint on each side joins the front leg with the seat of the high chair, and the combination joint joins the seat to the chair back in a pivoting relationship, and the rear leg to both in a sliding relationship. By virtue of this arrangement, only four rivets are needed per side. Also disclosed is a lock-and-release mechansim associated with the combination joints and operated by a single trigger underneath the chair seat.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a detachable seat to a frame such as that used on a child's swing is comprised of a hook depending from a hub on each side of the seat, and a U-shaped collar to receive the hub with a flange to engage the hook. As the hook slides along the flange, the angle of the seat with respect to the frame is varied, and a retractable bolt secures the hook at either of two positions along the flange.

Abstract: A child's car seat which includes a rigid, T-shaped shield member which forms the frontal restraint barrier across the chair structure. The shield member includes a lock mechanism between the vertical crotch member and the bottom of the chair structure which can be operated with one hand. The shield member is adjustably and rotatably affixed to the sides of the chair structure to permit rotation of the shield member above the child's head. Shoulder harness straps emanating from the back of the chair structure are automatically positioned as the shield member is lowered into place. The shield member, lock mechanism and shoulder harnesses are adjustable to accommodate infants and toddlers. The shoulder harness straps interact with the lock mechanism of the shield member such that once the lock is engaged, the shoulder harness straps cannot be adjusted.

Abstract: A child's car seat which includes a rigid, T-shaped shield member which forms the frontal restraint barrier across the chair structure. The shield member includes a lock mechanism between the vertical crotch member and the bottom of the chair structure which can be operated with one hand. The shield member is adjustably and rotatably affixed to the sides of the chair structure to permit rotation of the shield member above the child's head. Shoulder harness straps emanating from the back of the chair structure are automatically positioned as the shield member is lowered into place. The shield member, lock mechanism and shoulder harnesses are adjustable to accommodate infants and toddlers. The shoulder harness straps interact with the lock mechanism of the shield member such that once the lock is engaged, the shoulder harness straps cannot be adjusted.

Abstract: An electric swing mechanism includes a battery powered solenoid which exerts a motive force on a swinging infant seat. The solenoid is activated by the linear reciprocation of a specially designed actuator past a microswitch, so that the switch is closed and the solenoid activated in only one direction of the stroke. The mechanism's linkage system is designed to contact the swinging infant seat during only half of the seat's swinging cycle, and is mechanically isolated from the seat during the other half of its cycle.

Abstract: A one-hand operable high chair tray release mechanism is provided with a handle that simultaneously releases pegs that secure cuffs located beneath the tray to the arms of a high chair via mating openings in the chair arms and cuffs. The pegs translate horizontally and are spring biased to maintain the tray secured to the arms of the high chair tray.

Abstract: A ratchet-type catch assembly is disclosed for attachment as a slide connection between a scissors frame and an object supported by the frame. While one leg of the scissors frame is fixed to the object in a hinge-type, nonsliding manner and the other in sliding manner, the assembly forms part of the latter, providing a series of locking catches at successively varying angles of the scissors frame, and the discrete graduated heights of the object. The pawl and ratchet stops are oriented to permit vertical elongation of the frame by the application of upward force to the object, while preventing collapse. The catch is opened by release of the pawl, permitting complete collapse of the frame to a flattened configuration.