FOLDABLE CHILD LAP SEAT

Abstract

A foldable lap seat including a back support, two side walls, a bottom support and multiple straps. The foldable lap seat is well suited for use with a lap child on an airplane, in a chair, at a table, in a stadium seat, on a train or bus in a church pew or in other situations. Embodiments include a set of functionally distinct but interconnected panels which are permanently connected together along certain junctions and which also may be selectively connected together or disconnected along various edges. Thus, seat embodiments can be configured in at least three distinct ways. The foldable lap seat may be configured for use by connecting certain edges together; configured a substantially flat structure by disconnecting selected edges and the seat may be stored or transported when not in use in a very compact folded configuration. In a use configuration, selected straps are provided to secure a child to the seat and other straps are provided to secure the seat to an adult's seat belt, harness or another structure.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/712,321, filed Oct. 11, 2012, by Timothy Testa et al. and entitled, “Foldable Child Lap Seat,” (Attorney Docket No. 0567.01PR), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a lap seat for a child, and more particularly to a foldable lap seat that is intended for use on aircraft and in other circumstances where it is desirable to comfortably secure a child on an adult's lap or in circumstances where unexpected movement could dislodge a child from the restraint of an adult.

BACKGROUND

Every day more than 10,000 children under the age of two are permitted to fly for free or at a reduced airfare rate on commercial aircraft. Typically, the infant or toddler is seated on the lap of an adult who has purchased a seat on the particular flight. Although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have strongly encouraged parents or guardians of infants and toddlers to be secured in a National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NTSHA)/FAA approved safety seat, the expense of purchasing a separate fare to accommodate the approved safety seat may not be practical or feasible. Thus, the FAA permits infants and small toddlers flying with their parents or another adult to be seated on the lap of the adult. These children therefore fly without the requirement to wear any restraining equipment for protection against unexpected turbulence or other potentially violent motions associated with air travel.

Numerous tests and several multi-modal transportation incident or flight accident reconstructions have shown that a parent will often not be able to safely restrain a child during severe turbulence or crash situations. There have been failed attempts by the subcommittee on Aviation under the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the NTSB to prohibit parents from flying with unprotected lap children. At an Aug. 1, 1996 meeting of the above committee, the Honorable Jim Lightfoot stated, “Current regulations give our children less protection than our luggage.”

The FAA presently opposes changes to the current regulations, which allow lap children to be restrained by the arms of an adult. The FAA position is based in part upon the fact that parents who could not afford or cost-justify any required separate airline ticket for their small children and safety seat would choose to drive to their destination in cars which are in general a significantly more dangerous mode of transportation. The flying public also resists changes to the existing regulations in an effort to keep air travel costs down.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,673,969 and 5,219,203 disclose seats for protecting a child on the lap of an adult. These patents are concerned predominantly with protecting lap children in the exceptionally rare occurrence of a plane crash. U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,263 discloses a carrier unit mountable on an aircraft bulkhead. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,618,186 and 5,813,367 describe a strap that can be used by a parent to hold a child in place on a lap. U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,230 describes a lap mounted device featuring complex apparatus designed to tie into the aircraft's structure for support.

The foregoing references are directed toward apparatus and methods which might protect a small child in the extremely unlikely event of a plane crash. Thus, the disclosed apparatus is significantly more complex, expensive and difficult to use than would be necessary to protect a child in the event of more commonly encountered turbulence. In addition, the known apparatus in this field are not particularly easy to carry and use, and can be uncomfortable for both a child and the adult.

The embodiments disclosed herein are directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems noted above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of the foldable lap seat in a forward facing position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foldable lap seat in a “use” configuration.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the foldable lap seat in a flattened configuration.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the foldable lap seat in a flattened configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the foldable lap seat in a folded configuration.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foldable lap seat in a “use” configuration featuring a shoulder harness and five-point buckle.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foldable lap seat in a “use” configuration featuring an alternative shoulder harness.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foldable lap seat in a “use” configuration featuring a shoulder strap.

FIG. 8 is an environmental view of the foldable lap seat facing sideways.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the foldable lap seat being used with a supplemental adult waist restraint.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the internal components of the foldable lap seat.

FIG. 11 is an environmental view of the foldable seat configured such that the child may stand.

FIG. 12 is an environmental view of the foldable seat when the parent is in a aircraft crash position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein comprise a foldable lap seat well suited for use with a lap child on an airplane, in a chair, at a table, in a stadium seat, on a train or bus in a church pew or in other situations. The disclosed foldable lap seat embodiments can therefore be used to enhance comfort and safety any time a child is seated on an adult's lap.

The foldable lap seat embodiments include a set of functionally distinct but interconnected panels which are permanently connected together along certain junctions and which also may be selectively connected together or disconnected along various edges. Thus, seat embodiments can be configured in at least three distinct ways. The foldable lap seat may be configured for use by connecting certain edges together; configured as a substantially flat structure by disconnecting selected edges and the seat may be stored or transported when not in use in a very compact folded configuration.

Embodiments disclosed herein therefore include a foldable lap seat comprising a back support, a first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom support extending outwardly from the bottom edge of the back support, wherein the side edges of the bottom may be detachably connected with the side walls, and wherein in use, the bottom support is positioned between bottom edges of the two side walls.

Foldable lap seat embodiments may further include various straps for securing a child into the seat and securing a set to an adult. For example, seat embodiments may include a center strap having a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed end is connected to the bottom support in proximity to a bottom edge of the bottom support. The foldable seat may also include a waist belt having a first strap element and a second strap element, wherein, in a fastened configuration, the first strap element is fastened to the second strap element to form a waist belt loop.

Foldable lap seat embodiments may also include at least two and potentially multiple securing straps connected to an outside surface of the back, side or bottom supports. Each of the securing straps may comprise a lower strap element and an upper strap element, and the lower strap element is longer than the upper strap element. The foldable lap seat embodiments may include other straps to secure a child in the seat or to secure the seat to an adult or structure. Additional strap elements include but are not limited to a shoulder strap, a shoulder harness, one or more wrist straps, one or more thigh straps, handles or other straps.

The foldable lap seat embodiments may be folded into a compact bundle for storage or transportation.

Alternative embodiments include a method of securing a child using a foldable lap seat as described above and methods of fabricating a foldable lap seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4 show one embodiment of foldable lap seat 10 as disclosed herein. FIG. 1 generally shows the foldable seat 10 in position for use. Although the foldable seat 10 is particularly well suited for use with a lap child on an airplane, the foldable lap seat can alternatively be used to enhance comfort and safety any time a child is seated on an adult's lap. Thus, the lap seat could be used in conjunction with an adult seated in a chair, at a table, in a stadium seat, on a train or bus in a church pew or in other situations.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the seat 10 comprises a set of functionally distinct but interconnected panels which are permanently connected together along certain lines and which also may be selectively connected together or disconnected along various edges. Thus, the seat 10 can be configured in at least three distinct ways. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the foldable lap seat 10 may be configured for use by connecting certain edges together (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2); as a substantially flat structure by disconnecting selected edges as described in detail below (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4); and the seat may be stored or transported when not in use in a very compact folded configuration as shown in FIG. 5. Each of the configurations noted above is discussed in detail below.

Generally, the seat 10 includes a back support 12, a bottom support 14, a first side wall 16a, and a second side wall 16b. Certain connections between the above supports and walls are substantially permanent. As used herein a “junction” is a connection between adjacent supports or walls which, in normal use, is permanent, but which provides for a bending or folding line between the adjacent supports and walls. Other connections between the supports and walls of the seat 10 which are not described as junctions herein, can be readily connected and disconnected as desired by a user. These temporary or selective connections occur along certain edges of the above noted supports and side walls as described below.

The back support 12 has a top edge 18. The back support 12 also shares a bottom junction 20, a first side junction 22a, and a second side junction 22b with the adjacent bottom support 14, first side wall 16a and second side wall 16b respectively. As noted above, the junctions 20 and 22 are permanent or semi-permanent connections between supports and walls which define a bending or folding line. For example, a junction can be defined by a seam or a sewn-through line which defines a hinge line. Alternatively, a junction may be merely the general location where a soft or curved fold occurs between the back support and an adjacent structure when the seat is configured for use. As described in detail below with respect to the exploded view of FIG. 10, in one embodiment the junctions are defined by physically separate interior panels which are covered by a single exterior covering surface.

Returning to FIGS. 2-4, the top edge 18 of the back support 12 may be straight or have a curved shape. The side junctions 22 extend from the back support top edge 18 to the bottom junction 20. The bottom junction 20 extends between the bottom ends of the side junctions between the backs support 12 and the bottom support 14. The side junctions 22 may have approximate equal length, and may be, but are not necessarily approximately parallel to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the back support defines an inside surface 24 and an outside surface 26. The top edge18, the bottom junction 20, and the side junctions 22a, 22b may have a length of approximate 6-9 inches, or another suitable length. The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to any particular dimensions.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first side wall 16a and the second side wall 16b are attached to and extend outwardly from the first and second side junctions 22a and 22b respectively. Each side wall includes a top edge 28a and 28b respectively, a bottom edge, 30a and 30b respectively and a front side edge 32a and 32b respectively, although in certain embodiments the top side edges 28 and the front side edges 32 may comprise a single curved or angled edge. The side walls 16a and 16b define inside side wall surfaces 24b and 24c and outside side wall surfaces 26b and 26c. The side walls 16, at the location of the side junctions 22, may extend from approximately one half to the full length of the height of the back support 12.

The top edges 28 of the side walls 16 can, in certain embodiments, define a slope downward toward the front of the lap seat 10 of approximately 30-60 degrees from the location of the side junctions 22. The front edges 32a, 32b of the side walls 16 extend between the top edge and the bottom edge of the respective side wall, at a location opposite the corresponding side junction 22. The front edges 32a, 32b may define a slope of approximate 45-90 degrees with respect to the adjacent bottom edge 30a, 30b. The front edges 32a, 32b may be approximately straight or curved, and other suitable designs may be employed.

The bottom support 14 extends outwardly, away from the back support 12, from the bottom junction 20 as described above. As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the bottom support includes a bottom support front edge 34, a first and a second side edge 36a and 36b. The bottom support also defines an inside surface 24d, and an outside surface 26d. The first and the second bottom side edges 36a and 36b extend from the bottom junction 20 to the bottom support front edge 34. The first and the second side edges 36a and 36b can be, but are not necessarily, parallel to each other and therefore may be perpendicular to the bottom junction 20 in both the flattened configuration of FIGS. 3-4 and the in-use configuration of FIG. 2.

As noted above, the seat 10 may be selectively configured for use as a seat (FIG. 2), flattened (FIG. 3-4) or folded (FIG. 5) by selectively making or disconnecting certain connections at or along specific edges described above. For example, the side edges of the bottom support 36a and 36b may be detachably connected with the bottom edges 30a, 30b of the side walls 16 by an edge connection 37. The edge connection 37 may be placed along, incorporated into, defined by or in proximity to the bottom edges 30a, 30b of the side walls 16 and the side edges 36a, 36b of the bottom support 14. The edge connection may be comprised of any combination of buckles, buttons, hook and loop tape, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, snaps, button and loop structures, ties, magnet or similar apparatus. The embodiment of the lap seat 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 includes a zipper as the edge connection 37 with one zipper half portion sewn into the bottom edges 30a, for example and the corresponding zipper half portion sewn into side edges 36a for example. (Shown in the figures as edge connection/zippers 37a and 37b).

As shown in FIG. 2, when the bottom support 14 is connected to the side walls 16, with the zipper 37a and 37b, along the described edges, the bottom support 14 is positioned between the two side walls. When thus placed into an in-use configuration, the inside surfaces of the back support (24a), the inside surfaces of the first and second walls (24b and 24c) and the inside surface of the bottom support (24d) define a child-sized seating area.

The seat 10 also includes multiple straps configured to perform specific functions. For example, the seat 10 may include one or multiple straps configured to restrain a child placed in the seat. Other straps are provided to secure the seat (and thus the child) to the adult and/or a structure. Another type of strap or similar device may be provided to carry and secure the lap seat 10, for example the handle strap 35 shown in FIG. 2 may optionally include buckles or clips and be used as a securing strap with the shoulder harness of an adult seat belt as described below.

In one illustrative embodiment, the lap seat 10 may include a center strap 38. The length of center strap 38 may be adjustable. In use, the center strap 38 is placed between a child's legs. One end of the center strap 38 is fixed at or near the center of the bottom support 14 front edge 34. The other end of the center strap 38 is free, and may include a loop 39 or a buckle or similar attachment apparatus. The seat may also include a waist belt 40. The waist belt 40 can comprise a first free end 41a and a second free end 41b. The length of the waist belt 40 between the first and the second free ends 41a, 41b may be adjustable. The free ends 41a and 41b may be terminated with a buckle 42 comprising mating buckle portions 42a and 42b or another suitable connector. For example the free ends 41a and 41b could be terminated with mating buttons, hook and loop tape, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, snaps, button and loop assemblies, ties, magnets or other structures for attaching the free ends together.

A portion of the waist belt 40 may be fixed on or otherwise attached to the back support 12 in proximity to the bottom junction 20 or the first and second side junctions 22a and 22b. The waist belt 40 may alternatively be affixed to or attached to the bottom support 14.

When the seat 10 is in use, the free ends of the waist belt 41a and 41b may be connected together, such that the waist belt 40 passes through the terminal loop 39 of the center strap 38 to secure the waist of a child. Alternatively, the free end of the center strap 38 may have a buckle or other attachment means configured to provide a 3-way connection with the free ends of the waist belt 40. The center strap 38, the waist belt 40 and any other straps or belts associated with the seat 10 may be sewn or otherwise fastened through any inside and outside panels or other structures of the back support 12 or bottom support 14 to mitigate rip-out, pull through or detachment under medium to high loading.

Additional straps may be included to more adequately or more comfortably secure a child to the seat 10. For example, referring to FIG. 6A, in one embodiment, the seat 10 includes a shoulder harness 44 attached to the back support configured to connect with the center strap 38 and waist belt 40 in a 5-point buckle 46. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the shoulder harness 44 may include a terminal loop 47 similar to the loop 39 associated with the center strap 38 which may be engaged with the waist belt 40 in use.

Alternatively as shown in FIG. 7, in another embodiment the seat 10 includes a shoulder strap 48. The shoulder strap 48 may be attached diagonally across a child's torso and therefore may include an upper element 50 and a lower element 52. For example, the upper element 50 may be attached on the back support 12 in proximity to the top edge 18 and offset to one side. The lower element 52 may be attached on the back support 12 in proximity to the bottom junction 20 and offset toward the other side. The shoulder strap 48 may include a buckle, button, hook and loop tape, hook and eye fastener, zipper, snap, button and loop, tie, or magnet to attach the upper and lower elements together. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the shoulder strap 48 is implemented with a hook and loop fastener with the hook portion facing outward and the loop portion facing inward to minimize any irritation of the child. When not in use, the shoulder strap 48 may be tightened flush with the seat back to avoid irritating the back of any child in the seat.

Alternative straps may be provided to provide additional security for special situations. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a foldable lap seat may be provided with optional wrist straps 49a and 49b which can be quickly attached to secure the child's wrist in an emergency situation, for example when an airline pilot indicates that severe turbulence is to be encountered momentarily. The wrist strap embodiments of FIG. 7 are illustrated as a simple elastic fabric loop. Alternative embodiments may include hook and loop attachment tapes or other similar attachment structures. Other straps similar in design and function may be provided. For example, the lap seat 10 may include two thigh loops or straps for additional security.

Returning to FIG. 4, it may be noted in the back view of the foldable seat 10 in a flattened configuration that the seat 10 may also include multiple seat securing straps, for example securing straps 54a-54f. The specific location of the securing straps 54 shown in the various figures is representative and not intended to be limiting. The securing straps 54 (or alternative securing structure) provide for the connection of the seat 10 to an adult, or more typically to a seat belt or other device worn by an adult. See for example FIG. 1, which illustrates the seat 10 in use. In the illustrated embodiment, securing straps 54a and 54b are connected to the outside surface 26a of the back support 12. A third and fourth securing strap 54c and 54d may be connected to the outside surfaces 26b and 26c of the first and the second side walls respectively. Other securing straps may be connected to the lap seat 10 as shown or elsewhere. For example, the handle 35 may be implemented with a buckle to be an upper securing strap. The upper securing strap may then be clipped around an adult's shoulder belt to additionally secure the seat 10. Each securing strap 54 is illustrated as a strap attached to the seat 10 in two places such that an attachment loop may be formed with a buckle 56 or other connection. The connector which forms a loop in any securing strap 54 may alternatively be implemented with a button, hook and loop tape, hook and eye fastener, zipper, snap, button and loop, tie, magnets or a similar attachment structure.

When fastened, the buckle 56, or other connector associated with the securing strap 54, forms a loop at a select location on an outside surface of the seat 10. The buckle 56 or other connector may be located away from the center of the loop formed in the securing strap 54. For example, the buckle 56 may be located on the loop closer to the upper connection of the securing strap to the seat 10 to displace the energy placed on the loop when the loop is stressed and to facilitate easy attachment. The ends of any securing strap 54 attached to the lap seat 10 may be sewn or fastened through the outside and the inside surfaces of a seat element to mitigate rip-out, pull through or detachment under medium to high loading. In one specific embodiment, the securing straps 54 are implemented with an approximately three-inch upper portion of nylon webbing which is sewn to a ¾-inch buckle portion. In this embodiment, the lower portion of the securing strap 54 is implemented with an approximately five-inch piece of nylon webbing sewn to a mating ¾-inch buckle portion.

When in use, one or more rearward securing strap for example 54a and 54b may be attached to or looped around an adult seat belt so that the child may face away from the adult as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, selected securing straps on the side and rear of the seat 10 may be attached to an adult seat belt to position the child in a side facing position as shown in FIG. 8. Thus the position of the child may be selected or adjusted from time to time for eating, sleeping, or comfort.

In certain instances, the securing straps 54 may also be attached to a dedicated supplemental belt. For example, with reference to FIG. 9, the seat 10 may be attached to a supplemental adult waist restraint 58. A supplemental belt is useful in the many locations where a seat 10 may be used at which a conventional seat belt is not provided, such as in trains, buses or at ballgames or other public events.

Referring to the exploded view of FIG. 10, various portions of the seat 10 may be fabricated of multiple layers of materials, including rigid or semi-flexible layers 60; soft cushioning over-layers and fabric cover layers. The soft cushioning layers may be bonded to the fabric cover layers during fabrication of a seat 10, therefore the soft cushioning layers and fabric cover layers are shown as a unified cover assembly 62 on FIG. 10. The rigid or semi-flexible internal layers 60 provide strength and form to the back support 12, bottom support 14, and side walls 26 to support a child weight of approximate 30 pounds without significant deformity. The rigid or semi-flexible internal layers 60 may also mitigate impact forces on the child and the adult in many circumstances thus preventing harm or injury. The rigid or semi-flexible layers are therefore typically implemented with a material that is somewhat pliable and thus will bend before injuring either the child or the adult. For example, the rigid or semi-flexible layers 60 may be made of polymers with density of about 4-7 lbs./cubic foot and thickness of about ⅜-⅞ inch. The polymers may be polyethylene or polyurethane. The soft cushioning over-layers may be made of polymers with density of about 1-2 lbs./cubic foot and about ¼-½ thickness to provide comfort and safety in the event of impact and to the adult and the child. The fabric cover layers may be made of any type of flexible fabric, or waterproof material. The cover layers may be flame retardant and decorated with an attractive pattern.

A cover opening, for example zipper 64a and 64b, may be attached to the outside cover assembly 62 of the seat so that the outside cover may be opened to remove the internal layers 60 from the seat. The fabric cover material of the seat may be machine washable. The zipper 64a and 64b may alternatively be implemented with various connectors including but not limited to buttons, hook and loop tape, hook and eye fasteners, snaps, button and loop connectors, ties, or magnets.

The disclosed embodiments of the foldable lap seat 10 provide much greater protection for airline lap children than allowing them to “float” free in the cabin. The lap seat 10 is also fabricated from pliable materials and in rounded-corner shapes that will not injure the parent during turbulence. The seat allows a child to face forward, face sideways, stand, and even lay down without being disconnected from the adult. The multiple positions may make the child content for longer periods of time.

Furthermore, an adult does not have to unbuckle his or her seat belt to adjust or reposition the foldable lap seat 10. The seat can be used in conjunction with a car seat. The seat may minimize the dangerous practice of placing an adult seat belt around both the child and the adult. The foldable lap seat 10 may be used in any situation where an adult is seated but would like a secure environment for their child.

As noted above and illustrated in FIG. 5, the foldable lap seat 10 may be folded into a compact bundle for storage or transportation. Folds readily occur along the bottom and side junctions 20 and 22 respectively and the seat 10 may be secured in a folded configuration with various straps including but not limited to the center strap 38, waist belt 40 or a shoulder strap 48. The folded dimensions of a typically sized foldable lap seat 10 are approximate 9-11 inches long by approximately 8-10 inches wide by approximately 3-5 inches deep. When a folded lap seat 10 is to be used, the waist belt 40 or other strap holding the seat in a folded configuration can be unbuckled, allowing the seat to be opened. The seat 10 is then secured into a usable form by connecting the side walls with the bottom support along edges 30a, 30b and 36a, 36b, for example by closing zippers 37a and 37b. After the necessary edges are connected, the seat is ready for use as shown in FIG. 2.

In use, the adult sits down and buckles his or her conventional seat belt. The seat is then placed on the adult's lap and in the facing forward or facing sideways position, and is connected to the conventional seat belt using the buckle 56 and securing straps 54 attached to the outside of the lap seat 10 in appropriate locations. The child is then placed in the seat and buckled into the seat as described above.

As shown in FIG. 11, a child may stand to stretch their legs without completely losing protection from the seat. For example, the child's waist belt 40 may be unbuckled and removed from the loop 39 in the center strap 38. The waist belt 40 may then be immediately re-buckled and tightened. The previously attached securing straps 54 may be disconnected from the adult's seat belt. The child may now be turned in the lap seat to face the adult. The adult's seat belt can then be threaded through the center strap loop 39, re-buckled and tightened. The child can now stand and is still protected from turbulence.

After use the lap seat 10 can be folded and stored conveniently as shown in FIG. 5. To fold the seat 10, the side walls 16 are detached from the bottom support 14 by disengaging the zippers 37 or other connection along the appropriate edges. Then, the back support 12 may be turned to face toward the user. Third, the first side wall 16a may be pushed behind the back support 12 and the second side wall 16b may be pushed in front of the back support. Fourth, the bottom port 14 may be folded upward over the first side wall 16a. The waist belt 40 may then be extended over the back support 12. Finally, the waist belt 40 may be passed through the loop 39 of the center strap 38 and buckled to secure the folded package.

As shown in FIG. 12, the foldable lap seat 10 does not prevent proper adult positioning during an airline emergency crash landing situation. In such an emergency, the seat can be lowered between an adult's legs. The adult's arms are draped around the child and the adult is still able to maintain the appropriate crash position.

The description of the disclosed embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the claims to any particular form disclosed. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the following claims. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments described and shown in the figures were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the various embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Various embodiments of the disclosure could also include permutations of the various elements recited in the claims as if each dependent claim was a multiple dependent claim incorporating the limitations of each of the preceding dependent claims as well as the independent claims. Such permutations are expressly within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A foldable seat comprising:

a back support;

a first side wall;

a second side wall; and

a bottom support extending outwardly from the bottom edge of the back support, wherein the side edges of the bottom may be detachably connected with the side walls, and wherein in use, the bottom support is positioned between bottom edges of the two side walls.

2. The foldable seat of claim 1 further comprising a center strap having a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed end is connected to the bottom support in proximity to a bottom edge of the bottom support.

3. The foldable seat of claim 1 further comprising a waist belt having a first strap element and a second strap element, wherein, in a fastened configuration, the first strap element is fastened to the second strap element to form a waist belt loop.

4. The foldable seat of claim 3, wherein the center strap has a loop at the free end, and wherein the waist belt passes through the loop when secured around the waist of a child.

5. The foldable seat of claim 3, wherein the first and the second strap elements of the waist belt are connected to an inside surface of the bottom support or the back support in proximity to a junction between the bottom support and the back support.

6. The foldable seat of claim 1 further comprising at least first and a second securing strap connected to an outside surface of the back support.

7. The foldable seat of claim 6 further comprising:

a third securing strap connected to an outside surface of the first side wall; and

a fourth securing strap connected to an outside surface of the second side wall.

8. The foldable seat according to claim 7, wherein each of the four securing straps comprises a lower strap element and an upper strap element, and the lower strap element is longer than the upper strap element.

9. The foldable seat according to claim 1, wherein the bottom support is detachably connected to the side walls with a zipper.

10. The foldable seat of claim 1 further comprising a shoulder strap.

11. The foldable seat of claim 10 wherein the shoulder strap comprises a first shoulder strap element and a second shoulder strap element, wherein the first shoulder strap element is connect to an inside surface of the back support in proximity to one side of the top edge and the second shoulder strap element is connected to an inside surface of the back support in proximity to the junction between the back support and the bottom support and wherein one of the first of the second shoulder strap elements further comprises an outward facing hook tape and the other of the first and second shoulder strap elements comprises a mating inward facing loop tape.

12. The foldable seat of claim 1 wherein the back support, the first side wall, the second side wall and the bottom support are made of multiple layers of materials, comprising a first and a second cover layer, a first and a second soft layer, and a rigid or semi-flexible layer.

13. The foldable seat of claim 1 further comprising a wrist strap attached to one of two side walls.

14. The foldable seat of claim 1 further comprising a shoulder harness.

15. The foldable seat of claim 14 wherein the shoulder harness comprises a plurality of shoulder straps attached to the back support with each shoulder strap having a free end configured to be attached to a five-point buckle to connect the two shoulder belts, two free ends of a waist belt and a free end of a center belt together.

16. The foldable seat of claim 14 wherein the shoulder harness comprises a Y strap, wherein two ends of the Y strap are fixed in proximity to the top edge of the back support, and one end is terminated with a loop.

17. The foldable seat of claim 1 further comprising two thigh straps attached to the bottom support.

18. The foldable seat of claim 1, wherein the back support, the first and the second side walls, and the bottom support are covered with a waterproof material.

19. The foldable seat of claim 1 further comprising a securing strap associated with a top edge of the back support which securing strap comprises a buckle.

20. The foldable seat of claim 1 wherein junctions between the back support and each side wall and a junction between the back support and the bottom support provide for each side wall to be folded over opposite sides of the back support and the bottom support to be folded over one of the side walls when the side edges of the bottom are detached from the side walls.