HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE CHILDREN'S SEATING APPARATUS

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a height-adjustable, suspended child seating apparatus. According to various embodiments, the child seating apparatus includes a child support suspended from a support frame by a plurality of flexible members. In various embodiments, each flexible member includes a retaining member disposed proximate one of its ends that is configured for being inserted into one of a plurality of slots provided on the child support. By adjusting the position of the retaining members in the various slots, the effective length of the resilient members—and thereby the height of the child seat relative to the support frame—may be adjusted to accommodate children of different sizes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from provisional U.S. Application No. 61/498,155 entitled “Adjustable Height Freestanding Jumper,” which was filed on Jun. 17, 2011 and is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Various embodiments of the present invention described herein generally relate to children's seating apparatuses, particularly suspended, height-adjustable children's seating apparatuses.

2. Description of Related Art

Various types of child seating apparatuses include a child seat suspended above a support surface. As an example, free-standing children's jumpers typically include a child seat suspended by one or more resilient members from a support frame. The resilient members, which may comprise a spring or an elastic band or strap, are generally configured to suspend the child seat above a support surface and permit the seat to oscillate, bounce, or otherwise move relative to the support frame.

In order to accommodate children of different sizes, many attempts have been made to provide means for adjusting the height of suspended child seating apparatuses. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,979 to Thomson et al. discloses a height-adjustable stationary child exercise apparatus that includes a child seat suspended from a support frame by resilient members. The resilient members are movably connected to the support frame by connector devices configured to engage the support frame, thereby permitting the height of the child seat to be adjusted. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 7,727,076 to Bapst et al. discloses a height-adjustable jumping device that includes a child seat suspended from a support frame by resilient members. In order to adjust the height of the child seat, a retainer is provided on the child seat and configured to be inserted through sleeves sewn into ends of the resilient members.

There remains a need in the art, however, for an improved height adjustment device for more easily and conveniently adjusting the height of a suspended child seat.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a height adjustable children's seating apparatus. According to various embodiments, the height adjustable children's seating apparatus comprises a support frame configured for resting on a support surface; a first flexible member having a first end portion attached to the support frame and a second end portion attached to a first retaining member; a second flexible member having first end portion attached to the support frame and a second end portion attached to a second retaining member; and a child support suspended from the support frame by at least the first flexible member and the second flexible member. In various embodiments, the child support includes a first slot and a second slot each configured for receiving the first retaining member and securing the second end portion of the first flexible member to the child support. In addition, the child support includes a third slot and a fourth slot each configured for receiving the second retaining member and securing the second end portion of the second flexible member to the child support. According to various embodiments, when the first retaining member is inserted within the first slot and the second retaining member is inserted into the third slot, the first flexible member and second flexible member suspend the child support at a first height relative to the support frame. When the first retaining member is inserted within the second slot and the second retaining member is inserted within the fourth slot, the first flexible member and the second flexible member suspend the child support at a second height relative to the support frame, the second height being different from the first height.

In certain embodiments, the child support includes a first redundant safety feature positioned proximate the first slot and configured for engaging the retaining member in instances where the retaining member is dislodged from the first slot while the first flexible member is supporting the child support. In addition, in certain embodiments, the child support includes a second redundant safety feature positioned proximate the second slot and configured for engaging the retaining member in instances where the retaining member is dislodged from the second slot while the first flexible member is supporting the child support.

Various other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a height adjustable children's seating apparatus comprising a support frame configured for resting on a support surface and a child support suspended from the support frame by at least one flexible member having a first end portion attached to the support frame and a second end portion attached to a retaining member. In various embodiments, the child support defines at least a first slot and a second slot configured for receiving the first retaining member. When the retaining member is disposed within the first slot, the effective length of the at least one flexible member between the child support and the support frame is lesser than the effective length of the at least one flexible member when the retaining member is disposed within the second slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a children's jumper apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a retaining member attached to a resilient member according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of a receiving feature according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of a retaining member disposed within a slot defined on a receiving feature according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of a retaining member engaged with tabs defined on a receiving feature according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a child support suspended in a lower position according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a child support suspended in an upper position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a height-adjustable, suspended child seating apparatus. According to various embodiments, the child seating apparatus includes a child support suspended from a support frame by a plurality of resilient members. As described in greater detail herein, each resilient member includes at least one retaining member disposed on at least one of its ends. The retaining member is generally configured for being inserted into a plurality of slots provided on either the child support or the support frame. By adjusting the position of the retaining members in the various slots, the effective length of the resilient members—and thereby the height of the child seat relative to the support frame—may be adjusted to accommodate children of different sizes.

Height-Adjustable Children's Jumper

FIG. 1 illustrates a height-adjustable children's jumper apparatus 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the jumper 20 generally comprises a child support 2 suspended from a support frame 1 by four flexible, resilient members 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 1 includes a base portion 4 configured for resting on a support surface. According to various embodiments, the base portion 4 is configured to be wide enough to provide a stable base for the jumper 20 such that it is resistant to being overturned. The support frame 1 also includes four upper frame members 5, which extend generally upwardly from the base portion 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, the child support 2 comprises a child seat 6a and a child support platform 6b. As shown in FIG. 1, the child seat 6a is secured within the center of the platform 6b and is configured for supporting a child in an upright sitting position. According to certain embodiments, the child seat 6a is rotatably coupled to the platform 6b.

As shown in FIG. 1, the resilient members 3 each include a first end portion 30 and a second end portion 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 30 of each resilient member 3 is attached to a distal end 7 of a respective one of the upper frame members 5. As explained in greater detail below, the second end portion 40 of each resilient member 3 is adjustably secured to the platform 6b, thereby suspending the child support 2 from the support frame 1. As such, the relative distance between the child support 2 and the support surface (e.g., a floor) is defined by the effective length of the resilient members 3 at equilibrium. In addition, according to various embodiments, the resilient members 3 are configured to permit the child support 2, and thus the child disposed within the child support 2, to oscillate, bounce, or otherwise move relative to the stationary support frame 1 when a vertical force is imparted on the child support 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates the second end portion 40 of one of the resilient members 3 according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient member 3 comprises a spring 8, a nylon strap 9 affixed to one end of the spring 8, and a flexible fabric covering 10 surrounding the spring 8 (e.g., to prevent pinching as the spring 8 extends and compresses). According to other embodiments, the resilient member 3 may alternatively comprise a flexible strap or cord, commonly referred to as a bungee cord. Furthermore, the covering 10 may be rigid or flexible and may be comprised of one or more of a number of materials, including plastic, fabric, latex, etc. The strap 9 may also be comprised of any alternative material of suitable flexibility and strength. Also, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the resilient member 3 may be entirely resilient or partially resilient (i.e. comprising a resilient portion and a non-resilient portion).

In addition, a retaining member 11 is affixed proximate the end of the resilient member 3. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the retaining member 11 comprises a substantially flat metal slide buckle. The resilient member's nylon strap 9 is looped through the center of the retaining member 11 and sewn to itself to secure the retaining member 11 to the send end portion 40 of the resilient member 3. According to various other embodiments, the retaining member 11 may also be secured to the strap 9 by a number of methods (e.g., sewing, stitching, tying, bonding, etc). In certain embodiments, the second end portions 40 of each of the four resilient members 3 may be configured as shown in FIG. 2.

According to various embodiments, the platform 6b defines a plurality of receiving features configured for engaging the retaining members 11 positioned on the various resilient members 3. By securing each resilient member's retaining member to a respective receiving feature, the child support 2 can be suspended from the support frame 1. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the platform 6b includes four receiving features on its underside, each of the receiving features being positioned for engagement with one of the four resilient members 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates one of the receiving features 50 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving feature 50 is generally defined on an underside portion 14 of the child support's platform 6b. As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving feature 50 comprises a longitudinal channel 61. At an outer end of the channel 61 proximate to the outer edge of the platform 6b, an opening 12 is defined through the platform 6b. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 12 extends generally vertically through platform 6b, from its upper surface to its underside 14, and is in communication with the channel 61. In addition, three separate slots 13a, 13b, 13c are defined in a spaced-apart relationship along the length of the channel 61.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the slots 13a, 13b, 13c are generally vertical and are oriented perpendicularly with respect to the channel 61. Each of the slots 13a, 13b, 13c are comprised of a pair indented cavities defined opposite one another on the edges of the channel 61. As a result, the effective width of the slots 13a, 13b, 13c is greater than that of the channel 61. As used herein, the term “slot” is used to refer to a cavity provided in or on the child support in which a separate object (e.g., the retaining member 11 described herein) may be disposed. Although certain embodiments of the slots 13a, 13b, 13c may comprise a narrow opening or gap defined in the child support 2, other embodiments of the slots 13a, 13b, 13c may have a thicker profile and are not limited to narrow or thin openings or gaps. For example, according to various embodiments, the slots 13a, 13b, 13c and retainer member 11 may have a substantially rectangular, square, circular, elliptical, triangular or other cross sectional profile.

In the illustrated embodiment, pairs of tabs 60a, 60b, 60c are also positioned along the channel 61 proximate the slots 13a, 13b, 13c. As explained in greater detail below, the tabs 60a, 60b, 60c extend inwardly over the channel 61 and may act as a redundant means by which the retaining member 11 is secured to the receiving feature 50. In certain embodiments, each of the platform's four receiving features 50 may be configured as shown in FIG. 3.

According to various embodiments, the slots 13a, 13b, 13c are generally configured for receiving the retaining member 11 in order to detachably couple a respective resilient member 3 to the child support 2. For example, in certain embodiments, the slots 13a, 13b, 13c are configured such that the retaining member 11 may be inserted upwardly through a respective slot's lower opening and positioned into and within the slot. In one embodiment, the slots 13a, 13b, 13c are dimensioned to have a close fit with the retaining member 11, such that the retaining member is generally engaged with the inner walls of the slots 13a, 13b, 13c when positioned within a respective slot.

FIG. 4 illustrates the second end portion 40 of a resilient member 3 engaged with the receiving feature 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the resilient member's strap 9 has been threaded downwardly through the opening 12 and the resilient member's retaining member 11 has been inserted upwardly into the slot 13b. According to various embodiments, as the retaining member 11 is inserted into the slot 13b, the strap 9 is forced past the tab pair 60b and into the channel 61. According to alternative embodiments, the strap 9 may be forced past the tab 60b (and/or 60a and 60c depending on the position of the retaining member 11) when tension is applied to the strap 9 (e.g., under the weight of a child positioned in the child support 2). In some embodiments, the tabs 60a, 60b, 60c may include sloped exterior faces that help guide the strap 9 into the channel 61.

When a respective resilient member 3 is disposed through the opening 12 and its retaining member 11 is disposed within one of the slots 13a, 13b, 13c, the weight of the child support 2 will place the resilient member 3 under tension and cause the resilient member to exert an upward force that pulls the retaining member 11 against the walls of the slot 13a, 13b, or 13c within which it is disposed. As such, when a child is positioned within the child support 2 and the resilient members 3 are secured to the child support 2 via the receiving feature 50, the child support 2 is securely suspended above the support surface. To disengage a particular resilient member 3 from the child support 2, a user may simply relieve the weight causing tension on the resilient member 3 (e.g., by removing a child from the child support 2 and lifting an end of the child support 2) and pull the retaining member 11 out of its respective slot 13a, 13b, or 13c in which it is disposed.

As noted above, in certain embodiments, the tabs 60a, 60b, 60c provided along the receiving feature's channel 61 are configured to function as redundant safety features. In particular, in an instance in which the retaining member 11 is inadvertently disengaged from one of the slots 13a, 13b, 13c, the nearest one of the tabs 60a, 60b, 60c is configured to lodge between the resilient member's strap 9 and the retaining member 11 in order to catch the retaining member 11 and keep the resilient member 3 secured to the child support 2. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates an instance in which the retaining member 11 has been disengaged from the slot 13b. In this instance, the tension forces on the resilient member 3 pull the strap 9 towards the opening 12. However, as this occurs, the pair of tabs 60b become lodged between the retaining member 11 and the sewn portion 9a of the strap 9 positioned nearest the retaining member 11. Accordingly, while the retaining member 3 remains under tension from the weight of the child support 2, the tab 60b will prevent the resilient member 3 from becoming fully detached from the receiving feature 50 on the child support 2. In this way, the height of the child support 2 is maintained even where one or more of the retaining members 11 is inadvertently dislodged. In addition, in certain embodiments, the sewn portion 9a of the strap may be stiffer than the remaining portions of the strap 9 (e.g., by sewing a certain length of the strap 9 to itself) in order to assist in securely engaging the tab 60b and preventing the strap 9 from becoming dislodged from the channel 61 in such instances. The sewn portion 9a of the strap 9 is also shown in FIG. 4.

According to various embodiments, the slots 13a, 13b, 13c are configured such that removing the retaining member 11 from one of the slots 13a, 13b, 13c and disposing the retaining member 11 into an alternative slot 13a, 13b, 13c changes the effective length of the resilient member 3. As a result, a user is able adjust the height of the child support 2 relative to the support surface in order to accommodate children of different sizes. For example, in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3-5, the receiving feature 50 includes an outer slot 13a (positioned along the channel 61 nearest the outer edge of the platform 6b and proximate the opening 12), an inner slot 13c (positioned along the channel 61 nearest the center of the platform 6b and distal from the opening 12), and a medial slot 13b (positioned along the channel 61 between the outer and inner slots 13a, 13c). As the slots 13a, 13b, 13c are positioned at varying distances from the opening 12, the effective length of a respective resilient member 3 may be changed. As used herein, the effective length of a resilient member 3 refers to the relative distance between the child support and the support frame as measured along the resilient member in an unbiased configuration. By changing the effective the length of the resilient members 3, the height of the child support 2 above a support surface, and with respect to the support frame 1, can be changed.

For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of the jumper apparatus 20 in which a particular resilient member's retaining member 11 is disposed within the outer slot 13a. In this embodiment, the child support's platform 6b is therefore at its lowest height position relative to the base frame portion 4 (and the support surface on which it is positioned). In contrast, FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of the jumper apparatus 20 in which a particular resilient member's retaining member 11 is disposed within the inner slot 13c. In this embodiment, the child support's platform 6b is therefore at its highest height position relative to the base frame portion 4 (and the support surface on which it is positioned). As is evident from FIGS. 6 and 7, disposing the retaining member 11 within slots 13a, 13b, 13c at increasing distance from the opening 12 decreases the effective length 15 of the resilient member 3 and thereby increases the height 16 of the child support 2 relative to the support surface. Similarly, disposing the retaining member 11 within slots 13a, 13b, 13c at decreasing distance from the opening 12 increases the effective length 15 of the resilient member 3 and thereby decreases the height 16 of the child support 2 relative to the support surface.

Alternative Embodiments

As will be appreciated from the description herein, various changes and modifications to the jumper apparatus 20 are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. Indeed, changes in the materials, geometry, construction and assembly methods may vary while remaining within the scope of the present invention. The changes include modification of the geometry of the retaining member, the number of adjustable settings, and the number and position of upper frame members and resilient members within the jumper assembly.

For example, according to various embodiments, the receiving feature 50 may include any number of slots, which may be spaced from one another by any distance and in any suitable orientation with respect to one another in order to provide more or less adjustability in the effective length of the resilient members 3. In addition, according to various embodiments, the slots 13a, 13b, 13c may be oriented vertically or at an any angle suitable for enabling retention of the retaining members 11 within the slots (e.g., 45 degrees). In certain embodiments, a variety of visual indicators may be positioned on the resilient members 3, support frame 1, child support 2, or other location to aid caretakers in adjusting the jumper to the desired setting. Additionally, various clips or latches configured to engage the retaining member 11 may be provided within or proximate to the slots 13a, 13b, 13c in order to further secure the resilient member 3 to the child support 2.

According to various embodiments, the receiving feature 50 may be provided with or without the tabs 60a, 60b, 60c and with or without the channel 61. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the child support 2 may not include an opening 12 and the resilient members 3 may be configured to wrap around the side edges of the child support platform 6b. Furthermore, as will be appreciated from the description herein, the various components of the receiving feature 50 may be defined as part of the platform 6b (e.g., where the platform 6b and receiving feature 50 are defined by a molded part), may be defined on a separate receiving member operatively connected to the underside of the platform 6b, or defined in any other suitable manner on the child support 2. According to various embodiments, the various components of the receiving feature 50, and the retaining member 11, may be constructed from any material of suitable rigidity and strength (e.g., aluminum, plastics, or other composite materials).

As will be appreciated from the description above, any number of receiving features 50 may be provided in any suitable locations for enabling suspension of the child support 2 from the support frame 1. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, four identical receiving features 50 may be provided around the underside of the child support platform 6b to correspond to each of the four resilient members 3. However, in various other embodiments, any number of resilient members 3 and corresponding receiving features 50 may be provided. Furthermore, the child support 2 may comprise any suitable apparatus for supporting a child (e.g., a seat with integrated frame or platform, a child seat removable from a platform, a swing seat, or other support device). As such, the receiving features 50 may be disposed on any portion of the child support 2 suitable for providing a secure attachment with the resilient members 3 and thereby the support frame 1.

In addition, the receiving features 50 may be located on the upper frame members 5 and configured to receive the retaining members 11 secured to the first end portions 30 of resilient members in a similar fashion to that described above (e.g., where the retaining members 11 are configured to be inserted downwardly into slots defined on the upper frame members 5). In addition, the receiving features 50 may be located on both the child support 2 and frame 1.

Likewise, the resilient members 3 may include a retaining member 11 at either or both ends 30, 40, and may be configured to be disposed within slots located at either or both of the child support or the support frame. In certain embodiments, the retaining member 11 may be configured as a female component and with male components defined on the receiving feature. In addition, according to various embodiments, the retaining member 11 may be provided in any shape suitable for insertion into the slots provided on a given receiving feature. Moreover, the method for coupling the retaining member 11 to the child support and/or support frame may vary while remaining within the scope of the present invention (e.g., coupling through the use of snaps, interference fits, hooks and eyelets, etc).

As will be appreciated from the description above, the various features of the height adjustable jumper apparatus 20 disclosed herein may be adapted for other child seating apparatuses suspended by flexible members, such as swings and the like.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A height adjustable children's seating apparatus comprising:

a support frame configured for resting on a support surface;

a first flexible member having a first end portion attached to the support frame and a second end portion attached to a first retaining member;

a second flexible member having first end portion attached to the support frame and a second end portion attached to a second retaining member; and

a child support suspended from the support frame by at least the first flexible member and the second flexible member, wherein the child support includes: a first slot and a second slot each configured for receiving the first retaining member and securing the second end portion of the first flexible member to the child support; and a third slot and a fourth slot each configured for receiving the second retaining member and securing the second end portion of the second flexible member to the child support;

wherein, when the first retaining member is inserted within the first slot and the second retaining member is inserted into the third slot, the first flexible member and second flexible member suspend the child support at a first height relative to the support frame; and

wherein, when the first retaining member is inserted within the second slot and the second retaining member is inserted within the fourth slot, the first flexible member and the second flexible member suspend the child support at a second height relative to the support frame, the second height being different from the first height.

2. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the effective length of the first flexible member between the child support and the support frame is greater when the first retaining member is engaged within the first slot than when the first retaining member is engaged within the second slot.

3. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the effective length of the second flexible member between the child support and the support frame is greater when the second retaining member is engaged within the third slot than when the second retaining member is engaged within the fourth slot.

4. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first retaining member comprises a substantially rigid member dimensioned to be inserted within the first slot and the second slot.

5. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first slot, second slot, third slot, and fourth slot are defined on an underside of the child support.

6. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first retaining member is configured for being inserted substantially upwardly into the first slot and the second slot, and the second retaining member is configured for being inserted substantially upwardly into the third slot and the fourth slot.

7. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the first retaining member is disposed within the first slot and the second retaining member is disposed with in the third slot, the weight of the child support causes the first retaining member to securely engage the first slot, and thereby secure the first flexible member to the child support, and the second retaining member to securely engage the third slot, and thereby secure the second flexible member to the child support.

8. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the first retaining member is disposed within the first slot, the first flexible member extends beneath at least a portion of the child support; and

wherein, when the second retaining member is disposed within the third slot, the second flexible member extends beneath at least a portion of the child support.

9. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the child support defines a first opening extending through a portion of the child support and a second opening extending through a portion of the child support;

wherein the first flexible member is configured to extend through the first opening and the first slot is positioned nearer to the first opening than the second slot is; and

wherein the second flexible member is configured to extend through the second opening and the third slot is positioned nearer to the second opening than the fourth slot is.

10. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first flexible member is configured to engage the child support at a first location and the second flexible member is configured to engage the child support at a second location; and

wherein the first slot is positioned nearer to the first location than the second slot is and the third slot is positioned nearer to the second location than the fourth slot is.

11. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the child support includes a first redundant safety feature positioned proximate to the first slot and configured for engaging the retaining member in instances where the retaining member is dislodged from the first slot while the first flexible member is supporting the child support; and

and a second redundant safety feature positioned proximate to the second slot and configured for engaging the retaining member in instances where the retaining member is dislodged from the second slot while the first flexible member is supporting the child support.

12. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the child support includes a channel, the first slot and second slot being positioned in a spaced apart relationship along the channel.

13. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the child support further includes a first redundant safety feature positioned proximate the first slot and extending at least partially over the channel, and a second redundant safety feature positioned proximate the second slot and extending at least partially over the channel.

14. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first redundant safety feature comprises a first pair of tabs extending toward one another and inwardly over the channel;

wherein the second redundant safety feature comprises a second pair of tabs extending toward one another and inwardly over the channel.

15. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first pair of tabs are configured for engaging the retaining member in instances where the retaining member is dislodged from the first slot while the first flexible member is supporting the child support; and

wherein the second pair of tabs are configured for engaging the retaining member in instances where the retaining member is dislodged from the second slot while the first flexible member is supporting the child support.

16. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first flexible member and second flexible member are substantially resilient.

17. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the child support comprises a child seat operatively connected to a platform.

18. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first slot, second slot, third slot, and fourth slot are defined on an underside of the platform.

19. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support frame comprises a base frame portion and one or more upper frame portions; and

wherein the first end portion of the first flexible member and the first end portion of the second flexible member are attached to the one or more upper frame portions at positions above the child support.

20. A height adjustable children's seating apparatus comprising:

a support frame configured for resting on a support surface; and

a child support suspended from the support frame by at least one flexible member having a first end portion attached to the support frame and a second end portion attached to a retaining member;

wherein the child support defines at least a first slot and a second slot configured for receiving the first retaining member; and

wherein, when the retaining member is disposed within the first slot, the effective length of the at least one flexible member between the child support and the support frame is lesser than the effective length of the at least one flexible member when the retaining member is disposed within the second slot.

21. The height adjustable children's seating apparatus of claim 20, wherein, when the retaining member is inserted within the first slot, the first flexible member at least partially suspends the child support at a first height relative to the support frame; and

wherein, when the retaining member is inserted within the second slot, the first flexible member at least partially suspends the child support at a second height relative to the support frame, the second height being different from the first height.