RECONFIGURABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN
A reconfigurable support system for children a universal seat and a plurality of base frames such as a toddler seat frame, a high chair frame, an infant seat frame, and a swing frame. The arms of the seat define receptacles that receive a portion of each frame. A locator assembly enables the seat to be coupled to each frame in a predetermined orientation. A lock mechanism removably secures the seat to each frame. The support system further includes support legs that selectively connect to the frames and support the frames over a supporting surface.
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This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/314,766, entitled “RECONFIGURABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN”, filed Mar. 17, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a reconfigurable support system for children.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA variety of infant support structures are available for children. These structures include infant seats, high chairs, toddler or booster seats, bouncer seats, swings, etc. Typically, a parent purchases each infant support structure separately because the configuration of each individual device is fixed. Purchasing each device separately is problematic because it significantly increases the costs of ownership of infant support structures that support children in different positions, heights, orientations, etc. In addition, such separate purchasing creates issues regarding storage of the devices. Consequently, it would be desirable to provide a support system that can be configured into a variety of support structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a reconfigurable support system for children. The support system includes a universal seat and a plurality of base frames such as a toddler seat frame, a high chair frame, an infant seat frame, and a swing frame. The arms of the seat define receptacles that receive members of each frame. A lock mechanism removably secures the seat to each frame. The support system further includes a locator assembly that enables the seat to be coupled to each frame in a predetermined orientation. The support system further includes legs that connect to particular frames to support the frames over or on a supporting surface. In operation, the user selects a first frame and connects the seat thereto. Optionally, the user may further connect the support members and/or a tray assembly to the frame. When a different seating configuration is desired, the user simply removes the seat from the first frame and then connects the seat to a second frame.
Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe terms “support,” “support device,” “seating configuration,” “support assembly,” and “support structure” are used to refer to any frame or support that is configured to provide a support for an object. The terms “infant support,” “infant support device,” and “infant support structure” are used to refer to any frame or support that can be used to support an infant or child in a stationary manner or in a moving manner. Some exemplary infant support structures are swings, bassinets, jumping devices, bouncers, high chairs, rockers, hammocks, etc. The terms “child” and “infant” may be used interchangeably herein.
Referring to
The seat 100 further includes a first side wall 220A and a second sidewall 220B extending upward from the left and right lateral sides of the seat portion 205, respectively. The seat portion 205, the back portion 210, the leg portion 215, and the side walls 220A, 220B, collectively, cooperate to define a seating area or receptacle or bucket for a child, such as an infant or a toddler. The seat 100 may further include a restraint assembly to secure the infant within the seat. For example, the seat 100 may include one or more strap portions 222 that are coupled together using buckles. The strap portions may be connected to the rear surface of the seat 100 and be inserted through openings 224 in the back portion 210.
The seat 100 is configured to couple selectively to each of the toddler frame 110, the infant frame 115, and the swing assembly 120. Extending laterally from each side wall 220A, 220B is a transverse platform 225A, 225B running along the seat portion 205 and the leg support portions 215. The section of the transverse platform 225A, 225B running along the seat portion 205 defines an armrest for a child positioned within the seat. A flange or lip 230A, 230B extends downward (toward the seat portion 205) from the outer edge of the transverse platform 225A, 225B, with flange 230A, 230B oriented generally parallel to its associated side wall 220A, 220B. The transverse platform 225 and the flange 230A, 230B may possess similar transverse dimensions (e.g., having a width of approximately 2-5 inches).
Referring to
The support system 10 includes a locator assembly configured to position the seat 100 on the particular frame 110, 115, 120 in a predetermined orientation. Specifically, the seat 100 includes one or more locator housings that mate with corresponding locator receptacles formed into the frames 110, 115, 120. Referring to the embodiment shown in
Similarly, as seen in
Thus, the guide slot 325B on the second locator housing 250 may be configured such that it is longer than the guide slot 325A of the first locator housing 245. In addition, the transverse dimension or width of the first locator housing 245 between side walls 320A and 320B may be smaller than the transverse dimension or width of the second locator housing 250 between side walls 320A and 320B. In other words, the first locator housing 245 may be narrower than the second locator housing 250. Referring back to
Referring to
The header 435A, 435B of each side member 405, 410 is contoured to complement the interior contour of the seat receptacles 235A, 235B on the seat 100. For example, a portion of the interior surface of the header 435A, 435B may be tapered to accommodate the tapered exterior surface of the seat side wall 230A, 230B. In operation, a parent places the seat 100 onto the toddler seat frame 110 and mates the first header 435A with the first receptacle 235A and mates the second header 435B with the second receptacle 235B. When the seat 100 is on frame 110, the receptacles 235A, 235B engage the headers 435A, 435B and support the seat 100 on the toddler seat frame 110.
The toddler seat frame 110 may further include a seat lock mechanism operable to secure the seat 100 to the frame 110. Referring to
In this embodiment, the exterior surface of each header 435A, 435B includes a plurality of vertical notches or teeth 465 longitudinally spaced along the header and located a forward portion of the header. The header notches 465 are engaged by prongs located on the tray assembly 120 to secure the tray assembly 120 in a predetermined position with respect to the toddler seat frame 110 (discussed in greater detail below).
Each header 435A, 435B also includes a locator receptacle that cooperates with seat 100 and its corresponding locator housing 345, 350 to position the seat 100 on the toddler seat frame 110 in a predetermined orientation. Referring to
Similarly, the second locator receptacle 510 of side member 410 is configured to mate with the second seat locator housing 250 disposed on the seat 100. In the embodiment shown in
With this configuration, the seat 100 is configured such that it will only connect to the toddler seat frame 110 when the locator housing 245, 250 on the seat 100 is aligned with its corresponding locator receptacle 505, 510 on the frame 110. In operation, the seat 100 is positioned over the frame such that the first seat receptacle 235A aligns with the first side member 405 of the toddler seat frame 110 and the second seat receptacle 235B aligns with the second side member 410 of the frame 110. In addition, the seat 100 is positioned such that the first locator housing 245 is aligned with the first locator receptacle 505, and the second locator housing 250 is aligned with the second locator receptacle 510. The seat 100 is urged onto the toddler seat frame 110 so that the headers 435A, 435B are received by the seat receptacles 235A, 235B as described above. As the channels 235A, 235B receive the headers 435A, 435B, the slot 325A of the first locator housing 245 mates with the post 530A of the first locator receptacle 505. Similarly, the slot 325B of the second locator housing 250 mates with the post 530B of the second locator receptacle 510. This cooperation between the first and second seat housings 245, 250, as well as the first and second locator receptacles 505, 510 keys the frame 110 such that the seat 100 is received on the frame 110 in a single, predetermined orientation.
Once the seat 100 is properly positioned on the toddler seat frame 110, the retractable boss 455 on each header 435A, 435B aligns with a corresponding opening 240A, 240B located on the seat flange 230A, 230B. The outward bias of the boss 255 urges the boss through the opening 240A, 240B, securing the seat 100 to the frame 110 (
The frame 110 is configured to mate with the tray assembly 125. Referring to
In addition, tray assembly 125 may be repositioned along the frame to adjust for the comfort of various sized infants. As explained above, each latch 720A. 720B is movable relative to the tray 405 between a latched position, in which each latch 720A, 720B engages its respective header 435A, 435B, and an unlatched position, in which each latch 720A, 720B is disengaged from its respective header 435A, 435B. In the disengaged position, the tray assembly 125 may slide along the header 435A, 435B to reposition the tray assembly along the frame 110. In addition, disengaging the latches 720A, 720B functions to release the tray assembly 125 from the frame 110, further enabling removal of the tray assembly 120 from the frame 110.
The support system may be reconfigured to provide a high chair seating structure. Referring to
As seen in
The connection of the support member 105 to the toddler frame 110 is explained with reference to
When the shaft 1000 is fully inserted the receptacle 910A, the longitudinal post 1025 is seated within the receptacle aperture 930 and at least one of locking tabs 1040A, 1040B aligns with a radially-extending bore within the receptacle 910A. Once aligned, the tab 1040A, 1040B is driven outward by the spring or the resilient structure of the tab 1040A, 1040B and into the bore. This, in turn, captures and secures the shaft 1000 within the receptacle 910A, preventing its removal and securing the support member 105 to the frame 110. In this manner, each support member 105 is secured to the frame 110. The receptacles are oriented to receive the support members 105 in a predetermined orientation, thereby ensuring proper connection of the support members 105 to the frame 110. Once connected, the support members 105 support the toddler frame 110 (and seat 100 coupled thereto) over a supporting surface with the foot member of each support member 105 engaging the support surface. Thus, a high chair configuration is provided that positions the seat 100 and the frame 110 at an elevated height (when compared to that of the toddler chair configuration), as shown in
To remove the legs, a button 1105 (see
The reconfigurable support system may also be configured as an infant support structure that resembles an infant seat. Referring to
The infant frame 115 includes locator receptacles to position the seat 100 on the infant frame 115 in a predetermined orientation. As seen best in
The seat 100 couples to the infant frame 115 in a manner similar to that described above for the toddler frame 110. The seat 100 is positioned over the infant frame 115 such that the first seat receptacle 235A aligns with the first side member 1305 of the infant frame 115, and the second seat receptacle 235B aligns with the second side member 1310 of the infant frame 115. In addition, the seat 100 is oriented such that the first locator housing 245 aligns with the first locator receptacle 505 and the second locator housing 250 aligns with the second locator receptacle 510. The seat 100 is urged onto the infant frame 115 such that the first side member 1305 is received in the first channel 235A and the second side member 1310 is received in the second channel 235B (
Once the seat 100 is properly positioned on the infant frame 115, each retractable boss 455 aligns with a corresponding opening 240A, 240B located on the seat flange 230A, 230B. The outward bias of each boss 455 urges the boss 455 through the opening 240A, 240B, securing the seat 100 to the infant frame 115. As seen best in
The support system 10 may be further reconfigured into a swing structure. The swing assembly 120 is configured to drive the seat 100 in a swinging motion relative to a support surface. Referring to
The seat support frame 1405 includes a first side member 1450 coupled to a second side member 1455 via a rear cross member 1460 and a front cross member 1465. In this embodiment, members 1450, 1455, 1460, and 1465 are integrally formed together. The seat support frame 1405 is configured to receive the seat 100 in a predetermined orientation. Specifically, as shown in
The first housing 1435 may include a mechanism that drives the first swing arm 1420 to pivot the seat 100 in a swinging motion. For example, in one embodiment, the mechanism may include a slide arm in communication with a worm gear connected to a motor.
The first and second housings 1435A, 1435B are adapted to couple to support members 105. Referring to
The seat 100 couples to the seat support frame 1405 in a manner similar to that described above for the toddler frame 110. The seat 100 is positioned over the seat support frame 1405 such that the first seat channel 235A aligns with the first side member 1450 and the second seat channel 235B aligns with the second side member 1455. In addition, the seat 100 is oriented such that the first locator housing 245 aligns with the first locator receptacle 505 and the second locator housing 250 aligns with the second locator receptacle 510. The seat 100 is urged onto the swing frame 120, causing the first side member 1450 to be received by the first channel 235A of the seat 100 and the second side member 1455 to be received by the second channel 235B of the seat 100. As the channels 235A, 235B receive the side members 1450, 1455, the slot 325A of the first locator housing 245 mates with the post 530A of the first locator receptacle 505. Similarly, the slot 325B of the second locator housing 250 mates with the post 530B of the second locator receptacle 510. This cooperation between the first and second seat housings 245, 250, as well as the first and second locator receptacles 505, 510 keys the seat support frame 1405 such that the seat 100 is received on the swing frame 120 in a single predetermined orientation.
Once the seat 100 is properly positioned on the swing frame 120, and in particular, the seat support frame 1405, each retractable boss 455 aligns with a corresponding opening 240A, 240B located on the seat flange 230A, 230B. The outward bias of the boss 455 urges the boss through the opening 240A, 240B, thereby releasably securing the seat 100 to the swing assembly 120 (and specifically, to the seat support frame 1405). As seen best in
To disengage the seat 100 from the seat support frame 1405, each boss 455 is depressed inward until the boss 455 clears the opening 240A, 240B. Once clear, the seat 100 is drawn away from the swing assembly 120.
In an alternative embodiment, the seat support frame 1405 can be supported by one swing arm. In another embodiment, more than one movable boss may be provided on a side of one or more of the frames to which the seat can be coupled.
With above described system, a system is provided that includes a universal mount between a series of frames including, but not limited to, a toddler seat frame, an infant seat frame, and high chair frame, and a swing seat frame. Each of the frames to which the seat 100 is coupled includes at least one releaseable latching mechanism that secures the seat 100 to the frame. A user can manipulate the latching mechanism or mechanisms to decouple the seat 100 from the frame. A user merely connects the seat 100 to the described frame, as well as connects the support members 105 as needed. Thus, the system provides a series of seat configurations that alter the user experience as desired.
An alternative embodiment of an infant support structure is illustrated in
Strap members or portions 217 and 227 are part of a restraint assembly that can be used to couple or retain an infant in the seat 100. The strap members 217 and 227 are passed through corresponding ones of the slots 207, 209, 211, and 213. When the structure 2000 is in its high chair mode, the straps 217 and 227, which are part of a multi-point restraint assembly, some of which are not in use. A parent or caregiver may desire to prevent the loose distal ends of the straps 217 and 227 from flopping around relative to the frame.
In this embodiment, the rear cross member 420 of the frame 2010 includes an outer surface 421 that has two openings or slots 423 and 427 formed therein. The slots 423 and 427 extend through the rear cross member 420 from an outer side to an inner side. As shown in
Referring to
By inserting the support members 105 through the openings in the clips 219 and 229, the clips 219 and 229 are coupled to the frame 2010 and are not loosely hanging therefrom. In addition, by passing the straps 217 and 227 through the slots 423 and 427, movement of the straps 217 and 227 relative to the back portion 205 of the seat 100 is reduced.
When the straps 217 and 227 are in use and not coupled to the support members 105, a clip (not shown) is used to couple the clips 219 and 229 relative to each other.
In alternative embodiments, the quantity of points of the restraint system can vary. For example, a three point restraint system can be used in the infant seat mode, the swing mode, and the toddler seat mode. In addition, a five point restraint system can be used in the high chair mode.
In different embodiments, the shape of the infant seat frames and the toddler seat frame can vary. The toddler seat frame can have on each side a rounded lower portion that forms a rocking surface for engagement with a support surface. In addition, the rounded lower portions can be removably coupled to other portions of the frame so that it can be decoupled and inverted to provide the ability for a parent or caregiver to have the frame rocking in one configuration and not rocking in a second configuration. In another embodiment, the swing frame may have a single housing that spans both sides of the seat and to which all four support members are directly coupled. In that configuration, the swing arms are movably supported by the housing that extends across and above the seat and not to separate side housings.
Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.
It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.
Claims
1. An infant support system comprising:
- a seat defining an child receiving area, the seat including a first receptacle and a second receptacle separate from the first receptacle, each receptacle defining a frame engagement region;
- a first infant support frame including a first engagement portion receivable in the first receptacle and a second engagement portion receivable in the second receptacle; and
- a second infant support frame including a third engagement portion receivable in the first receptacle and a fourth engagement portion receivable in the second receptacle, wherein the seat removably couples to both the first and second infant support frames.
2. The infant support system of claim 1, wherein each of the receptacles of the seat includes at least one opening and each of the engagement portions of the infant support frames includes at least one projection configured to engage an opening on the seat.
3. The infant support system of claim 1, wherein the first infant support frame is a toddler seat frame.
4. The infant support system of claim 3, wherein the toddler seat frame includes a first side portion and a second side portion, the first side portion includes the first engagement portion, and the second side portion includes the second engagement portion.
5. The infant support system of claim 1, wherein the second infant support frame is a swing frame.
6. The infant support system of claim 5, wherein:
- the swing frame includes a leg assembly comprising a plurality of support members, a housing supported by the leg assembly, and at least one support arm movably supported by the housing; and
- the third engagement portion of the second infant support frame is coupled to the at least one support arm.
7. The infant support system of claim 1, wherein the first infant support frame is a highchair frame including a base frame and a plurality of support members, and the base frame includes a plurality of receptacles into which the support members are inserted.
8. The infant support system of claim 1, wherein:
- the seat includes a locator housing disposed within the seat receptacle; and
- the first infant support frame includes a first locator receptacle operable to mate with the locator housing on the seat.
9. The infant support system of claim 8, wherein the second infant support frame includes a second locator receptacle operable to mate with the locator housing on the seat.
10. The infant support system of claim 1, wherein:
- the seat further includes a first locator housing disposed within the first receptacle and a second locator housing disposed within the second receptacle, the first locator housing having a different configuration than the second locator housing; and
- the first infant support frame includes: a first locator receptacle operable to mate with the first locator housing, and a second locator receptacle operable to mate with the second locator housing.
11. A reconfigurable infant support system, comprising:
- a first frame configured to be supported on a support surface, the first frame including a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, each of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion including a locking member;
- a second frame configured to be supported on the support surface, the second frame including a third coupling portion and a fourth coupling portion, each of the third coupling portion and the fourth coupling portion including a locking member; and
- a seat defining an infant receiving area, the seat being removably coupleable to the first frame and to the second frame, the seat including a first receptacle and a second receptacle and a locking member associated with each of the receptacles, wherein when the seat is coupled to the first frame, each of the receptacles of the seat receives one of the coupling portions of the first frame and each of the locking members of the first frame engages one of the locking members of the seat, and when the seat is coupled to the second frame, each of the receptacles of the seat receives one of the coupling portions of the second frame and each of the locking members of the second frame engages one of the locking members of the seat.
12. The reconfigurable infant support system of claim 11, wherein the first frame supports the seat in an inclined orientation relative to a support surface, and the second frame supports the seat in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the support surface.
13. The reconfigurable infant support system of claim 11, wherein the first frame is a swing frame that includes a base frame, at least one support arm movably coupled to the base frame, and a seat support frame coupled to the at least one support arm, and the seat support frame including the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.
14. The reconfigurable infant support system of claim 11 further comprising:
- a locator assembly operable facilitate coupling of the seat to each of the first frame and the second frame in a predetermined seat orientation.
15. The reconfigurable infant support system of claim 14, wherein the locator assembly includes a first component disposed on the seat that is configured to engage a second component disposed on each of the first frame and the second frame.
16. A seat for an infant support system, the infant support system including a first infant support structure and a second infant support structure different than the first infant support structure, the seat comprising:
- a body including: a main portion having a surface on which an infant may be placed; a first side portion coupled to the main portion, the first side portion including a rim defining a receptacle, the rim including a coupling component; and a second side portion coupled to the main portion, the second side portion including a rim defining a receptacle, the rim of the second side portion including a coupling component, wherein each of the receptacles receives part of the first infant support structure and the coupling components engage corresponding coupling components on the first infant support structure when the seat is releaseably coupled to the first infant support structure, and each of the receptacles receives part of the second infant support structure and the coupling components engage corresponding coupling components on the second infant support structure when the seat is releaseably coupled to the second infant support structure.
17. The seat of claim 16, wherein the coupling component on the first side portion is an opening formed in the rim of the first side portion.
18. The seat of claim 16, wherein the rims have curved configurations, and each of the first and second infant support structures includes portions with a configuration corresponding to at least a portion of the curved configurations of the rims.
19. The seat of claim 16, wherein the first infant support structure engages a first portion of the rims of the side portions when the seat is coupled to the first infant support structure, and the second infant support structure engages a second portion of the rims of the side portions when the seat is coupled to the second infant support structure, the second portion being greater than the first portion.
20. The seat of claim 16, wherein the first infant support structure is a toddler seat and the second infant support structure is a swing.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 2, 2011
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2011
Applicant: MATTEL, INC. (El Segundo, CA)
Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger (Arcade, NY), John S. Canna (Orchard Park, NY), Daniel Dignitti (Hamburg, NY), Michael J. Lundeen (Buffalo, NY), Todd J. Huthmaker (Alpharetta, GA)
Application Number: 13/038,742
International Classification: A47D 1/00 (20060101); A47D 11/00 (20060101); A63G 9/00 (20060101);