EP0955000A1 - A device for adjusting the inclination of a children's chair, and corresponding chair - Google Patents

Abstract

The hammock-type baby seat has two main frame sections (11, 12) which can be set at a variable angle to one another and locked in the required position by bars (22, 23). The bars are pivoted at one end to one frame section (12) and connected at the other end to a sliding locking/release member (25) on the other frame section (11). The locking/release member engages with the frame section (12) by lugs engaging with recesses.

Description

The field of the invention is that of childcare. More specifically, the invention relates to chairs for children with adjustable inclination, and in particular the so-called deckchair type chairs.

Generally, such deckchairs have a fixed frame, equipped with means for supporting a hammock. When the deckchair has an adjustable inclination, these support means provide this function: the position of the hammock relative to the fixed frame can be selected from several possible inclination positions. Locking and adjusting levers are provided for this purpose.

This technique has the advantage of allowing the separation of the frame and the hammock. However, it has several drawbacks. First of all, it presupposes a complex and therefore expensive locking mechanism. In addition, the handling of the deckchair during the adjustment is not very easy, because it is necessary to act on two lateral levers, while guiding the hammock. Furthermore, such a deckchair is bulky when not in use, unless an additional mechanism is provided to allow the chassis to be folded.

Another known technique is based on the implementation of an articulated frame. A first element of the frame, extending approximately parallel to the ground, forms the base of the deckchair. A second frame member, forming a variable angle with the first frame member, carries the hammock. Two links, generally articulated at one of their ends on the first frame element, maintain the desired spacing between the two frame elements.

For this, the other end of the links is movable relative to the second frame element. One can for example provide a system of slides and notches.

Again, this technique has drawbacks. It is difficult to use (you have to lift the hammock to release the mechanism) and relatively complex to achieve, especially if security means must be provided.

The invention particularly aims to overcome these various drawbacks of the state of the art.

More specifically, an objective of the invention is to provide a chair for children, in particular of the deckchair type, the inclination of which is easily adjustable. In particular, the invention aims to provide a deckchair, which requires only one manipulation, simple and direct, to modify its inclination.

A particular objective of the invention is thus to provide such a deckchair, for which the control of the inclination can be done with one hand, without manipulation of complex locking means.

The invention also aims to provide such a deckchair, the manufacture and assembly of which are simple. In other words, an objective of the invention is to provide such a deckchair, presenting an advantageous cost price.

A particular objective of the invention is to provide, in certain embodiments, such a deckchair, the angle formed by the seat and the back of the hammock is variable, while retaining a simple manufacturing.

• une position de verrouillage, dans laquelle au moins un élément de blocage monté sur ladite pièce de verrouillage/déverrouillage coopère avec un logement complémentaire ménagé sur ledit second élément de châssis, pour maintenir ladite chaise dans la position d'inclinaison stable correspondante ; et
• une position de déverrouillage, obtenue en actionnant ledit élément de verrouillage/déverrouillage, dans laquelle ledit élément de blocage est dégagé, de façon à permettre le coulissement dudit élément de verrouillage/déverrouillage.

These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved according to the invention using a device for adjusting the inclination of a child's chair, in particular of the deckchair type, having an articulated frame. comprising first and second chassis elements held relative to each other by means of at least one connecting rod, a first end of which is pivotally mounted on said first chassis element and the second end of which can take at least two positions relative to said second frame member, corresponding to a stable tilt position, said second end of at least one of said links being pivotally mounted on a locking / unlocking part which can slide along said second frame member and switch between two positions relative to the axis defined by said second chassis element:

• a locking position, in which at least one locking element mounted on said locking / unlocking part cooperates with a complementary housing provided on said second frame member, for holding said chair in the corresponding stable tilt position; and
• an unlocking position, obtained by actuating said locking / unlocking element, in which said locking element is released, so as to allow sliding of said locking / unlocking element.

Thus, according to the invention, the adjustment of the position of the deckchair and the locking in this position are ensured by a single piece (also called hereinafter connection module). This piece can perform two distinct movements: sliding and tilting.

This device is therefore particularly simple to make and implement. It is also very simple to use.

Preferably, said locking / unlocking part automatically returns to the locking position, in the absence of action on said locking / unlocking part.

The device is thus safe, and very easy to use.

The automatic return to the locked position can for example be ensured by the force applied to said locking / unlocking part by said first chassis element, by means of said links.

Advantageously, the sliding part of said locking / unlocking part has substantially a coil profile, tilting on its central part.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining axis of said second end of each of said links is located under the plane defined by said second chassis element. It will be noted that these rods can be formed in the same tubular part, the intermediate part of which flows under, or in, the locking / unlocking part.

Preferably, said locking / unlocking part extends substantially horizontally between two parallel uprights of said second chassis element, and carries the second end of two connecting rods each corresponding to one side of said chair.

It also ensures the rigidity of the whole.

The invention also relates to a children's chair, in particular of the deckchair type, as such. Such a chair has an articulated frame comprising first and second frame elements held relative to each other by means of at least one link, a first end of which is pivotally mounted on said first frame element and the second end of which can take at least two positions relative to said second frame element, each corresponding to a stable tilt position.

• une position de verrouillage, dans laquelle au moins un élément de blocage monté sur ladite pièce de verrouillage/déverrouillage coopère avec un logement complémentaire ménagé sur ledit second élément de châssis, pour maintenir ladite chaise dans la position d'inclinaison stable correspondante ; et
• une position de déverrouillage, obtenue en actionnant ledit élément de verrouillage/déverrouillage, dans laquelle ledit élément de blocage est dégagé, de façon à permettre le coulissement dudit élément de verrouillage/déverrouillage.

According to the invention, said end of at least one of said links is pivotally mounted on a locking / unlocking part which can slide along said second chassis element and switch between two positions relative to the axis defined by said second frame :

• a locking position, in which at least one locking element mounted on said locking / unlocking part cooperates with a complementary housing provided on said second chassis element, to maintain said chair in the corresponding stable tilting position; and
• an unlocking position, obtained by actuating said locking / unlocking element, in which said locking element is released, so as to allow sliding of said locking / unlocking element.

Advantageously, such an embodiment further comprises means for modifying the angle formed by the seat and the back of said chair, as a function of the inclination of the deckchair.

Advantageously, said angle modification means are actuated by means of said at least one link. For example, they comprise an element integral with said links and supporting the seat of said hammock, the back of said hammock being integral with said first frame element.

• la figure 1 illustre un transat pour enfant selon l'invention,en position pliée ;
• la figure 2 présente le transat de la figure 1 en cours de dépliage ;
• les figures 3A et 3B montrent le transat en position dépliée, selon des inclinaisons différentes ;
• la figure 4 illustre la modification de l'inclinaison du transat des figures précédentes ;
• les figures 5A et 5B illustrent plus précisément le fonctionnement du dispositif de réglage selon l'invention ;
• la figure 6 présente un châssis de transat selon l'invention, respectivement en position pliée et en position dépliée ;
• les figures 7A et 7B présentent un mode de réalisation avantageux du module de liaison (ou pièce de verrouillage/déverrouillage),de la figure 6, respectivement vu de côté et vu dessus.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and of the appended drawings, among which:

• FIG. 1 illustrates a deckchair for children according to the invention, in the folded position;
• Figure 2 shows the deckchair of Figure 1 during unfolding;
• FIGS. 3A and 3B show the deckchair in the unfolded position, according to different inclinations;
• FIG. 4 illustrates the modification of the inclination of the deckchair of the preceding figures;
• FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate more precisely the operation of the adjustment device according to the invention;
• FIG. 6 shows a deckchair frame according to the invention, respectively in the folded position and in the unfolded position;
• FIGS. 7A and 7B show an advantageous embodiment of the connection module (or locking / unlocking part), of FIG. 6, seen from the side and seen from above respectively.

As indicated above, the device for adjusting the inclination of a child's deckchair is very simple to make, and above all to implement. Before describing precisely the operating principle of this device, we quickly present the construction and implementation of a corresponding deckchair.

Figure 1 shows a deckchair according to the invention, in the folded position. It comprises two articulated frame elements 11 and 12, as will become clearer hereinafter. In the illustrated embodiment, the two frame elements 11 and 12 are substantially curved. In the folded position, they are therefore approximately in the same curved plane.

The first plane 11 (lower element) is formed by two tubular parts 111 and 112, ending at one of their ends by the rear legs 113 and 114. The second chassis element 12 comprises a first part 121 perpendicular to the parts 111 and 112, and the ends of which carry the front legs 122 and 123. It also comprises two tubular parts 124 and 125, parallel to the parts 111 and 112, which carry the hammock 13.

According to another embodiment, the parts 121, 124 and 125 can form a single element, on which the front legs 122 and 123 are attached.

The part (or part of a part, in the second embodiment) 121 corresponds to the axis of articulation between the two chassis elements 1 and 12. This articulation is ensured by a connection module 14, mounted movable in rotation on the part 121 and now the ends of the parts 111 and 112 of the first frame element. (This first frame element can also be made in one piece. In this case, the connection module 14 receives the part connecting the two portions carrying the feet).

The unfolding of the deckchair is illustrated in FIG. 2. The user immobilizes the first chassis element 11, by placing his foot on one of the rear legs 113 or 114, and moves the second chassis element 12 away from it, for example by lifting by its upper part 21.

The spacing between the two chassis elements is maintained by two links 22 and 23.

In the illustrated embodiment, these two links are formed in the same tubular element, the intermediate part 24 of which connects the two links by circulating under the first frame element and is joined to a second connection module 25.

A first end 221 and 231 (see also FIG. 6) of each link is pivotally mounted on the second chassis element 12. The second end 222 and 232 (corresponding functionally to the intermediate part 24) is pivotally mounted on the module 25. It it should be noted that the intermediate part 24 is not necessary. The ends 222 and 232 could be mounted articulated directly on the connection module 25.

This connection module 25 is the essential element of the invention. It is slidably mounted on parts 111 and 112 of the first chassis element. It brings to at least one blocking element, such as a pin, which is housed in one of the housings 26 ₁ to 26 ₃ (see also FIGS. 5A and 5B) provided for this purpose on the chassis element 11.

It is a priori sufficient to provide locking means (pin and complementary housings) on only one of the parts 111 and 112, the connection module 25 ensuring the rigidity of the assembly. However, provision can be made for locking means to be provided on the two parts 111 and 112.

For example, three or four tilt positions can be provided, including three or four housings 26 ₁ to 26 ₃ . FIGS. 3A and 3B thus illustrate two tilting positions, respectively a so-called sitting position and a so-called lying position.

It will be noted that, according to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the modification of the inclination of the hammock also acts on the angle formed by the seat and the back of the hammock in the seated position, this angle α1 is more closed than the angle α2 of the lying position.

To modify the inclination of the deckchair according to the invention, it suffices to act on the connection module 25, which performs the function of adjustment device, as illustrated by FIG. 4. The user maintains a hand 41 the top of the hammock. With the other hand 42 (or possibly with a foot), it acts on the connection module 25, in order to make it tilt backwards (arrow 43). The connection module 25 can then slide freely along the first frame element 11. It suffices to release the connection module 25 so that the locking pin fits into the nearest corresponding housing.

A safety device 44 can be provided, which prevents sliding beyond an extreme inclined position, so that the deckchair does not fold completely during a false maneuver. This security is for example in the form of a retractable lug, cooperating with a spring.

The kinematics of the adjustment device according to the invention will now be explained, in relation to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 5A shows a simplified side view of the mechanism according to the invention, in the locked position.

In this position, the blocking pin 51 of the module 25 enters the housing 26 ₁ arranged for this purpose on the chassis element. The force implied by the weight of the hammock, if necessary of the child present in the latter, applied by the intermediary of the link 22 on the module 25 securely holds the pin in its housing.

The unlocking position is illustrated in Figure 5B. To unlock the deckchair, it suffices to apply a force 52 on the connection module, so as to tilt it slightly. The pin 51 is then extracted from the housing 26 ₁ , which allows the module 25 to slide, and therefore, by means of the link 22 which is pivotally mounted on the module 25, to modify the inclination of the deckchair.

As soon as the force 52 is removed, the module 25 baculates in the other direction, under the effect of the force imparted by the link 22. The module 25 then continues to slide along the element 11 until the pin 51 enters the nearest housing.

• une position stable de verrouillage (figure 5A) ;
• une position de déverrouillage, obtenue momentanément en appliquant une force 52 sur ce module (figure 5B). Le même fonctionnement peut également être obtenu en soulevant légèrement le hamac, ou le second élément de châssis : le transat passe alors en position de déverrouillage.

In other words, the connection module 25 according to the invention is designed so that it can both slide along the element 11, and switch slightly between two extreme positions on this element 11:

• a stable locking position (Figure 5A);
• an unlocking position, obtained momentarily by applying a force 52 on this module (FIG. 5B). The same operation can also be obtained by slightly lifting the hammock, or the second frame element: the deckchair then goes into the unlocked position.

According to this technique, the connection module automatically resumes the locking position, without any specific means of recall being necessary.

The amplitude of the tilting of the module 25 is defined by means internal, such as wedges, or ribs. The latter substantially define a "coil" profile 27 (that is to say two trapezoids connected by their small base), with a central part 27 ₁ of width adapted to that of the element on which the module slides, and two end portions 27 ₂ and 27 ₃ , wider, so as to allow tilting.

Figure 6 shows the frame of a deckchair of the previous figures, on which we distinguish more precisely the means for varying the angle between the seat and the back of the hammock, depending on the inclination.

The part 61, for example a rigid metal wire, is integral with the two rods 22 and 23. Thus, as one inclines the deckchair, the rods entrain the part 61. The seat of the hammock is integral with this part 61, while the backrest is secured to the second chassis element 12. The kinematics of the assembly is such that the seat moves faster than the backrest, so that the corresponding angle opens as and as you tilt the deckchair.

By way of example, FIGS. 7A and 7B show an advantageous embodiment of the connection module (or locking / unlocking part), seen from the side and seen from above respectively.

It has two parallel openings 71 and 72 for the passage of the two parts 111 and 112. This opening is ovoid (74) at the periphery and circular (73) in the middle, at the level where the tilt axis is located. This allows tilting, and corresponds to the "coil" profile mentioned above for explanatory purposes.

A metal part 75 is placed in the body of the module, which is itself made for example of plastic. It carries the pin 76, which is housed in one of the housings 26 ₁ to 26 ₃ or allows the sliding, depending on the position of the module.

Many other embodiments of this module are of course conceivable.

Claims (10)

Device for adjusting the inclination of a child's chair, in particular of the deckchair type, having an articulated frame comprising a first (12) and a second (11) frame elements held in relation to each other at the using at least one link (22, 23), the first end of which is pivotally mounted on the said first chassis element and the second end (222, 232) of which can assume at least two positions relative to the said second chassis element , each corresponding to a stable tilt position,
characterized in that said second end (222, 232) of at least one of said links is pivotally mounted on a locking / unlocking part (25) which can slide along said second chassis element (11) and switch between two positions by relative to the axis defined by said second chassis element: - a locking position (FIG. 5A), in which at least one locking element (51) mounted on said locking / unlocking part (25) cooperates with an additional housing (26 ₁ to 26 ₃ ) formed on said second element frame (11), for holding said chair in the corresponding stable tilt position; and - an unlocking position (fig. 5B), obtained by actuating (52) said locking / unlocking element (25), in which said locking element (51) is released, so as to allow sliding of said locking element / unlocking. Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking / unlocking part (25) automatically returns to the locked position, in the absence of action (52) on said part locking / unlocking. Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to claim 2, characterized in that the automatic return to the locked position is ensured by the force applied to said locking / unlocking part by said first chassis element, by means of said at least one link (22). Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sliding part of the said locking / unlocking part (25) has substantially a tilting coil profile (27) on its central part (27 ₁ ). Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the retaining axis of said second end of each of said links (22, 23) is located under the defined plane by said second frame member. Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the said locking / unlocking part (25) extends substantially horizontally between two parallel uprights (11, 112) of the said second frame member, and carries the second end (222, 232) of two links each corresponding to one side of said chair. Children's chair, in particular of the deckchair type, having an articulated frame comprising a first (12) and a second (11) frame elements held in relation to each other by means of at least one link (22 , 23), a first end of which is pivotally mounted on said first chassis element and the second end of which can take at least two positions relative to said second chassis element, each corresponding to a stable tilt position,
characterized in that said end (222, 223) of at least one of said links is pivotally mounted on a locking / unlocking part (25) which can slide along said second frame element (11) and switch between two positions relative to to the axis defined by said second chassis element: - a locking position (fig.5A), in which at least one locking element (51) mounted on said locking / unlocking part (25) cooperates with an additional housing (26 ₁ to 26 ₃ ) formed on said second element (11) frame, for holding said chair in the corresponding stable tilt position; and - An unlocking position (fig.5B), obtained by actuating said locking / unlocking element (25), in which said locking element (51) is released, so as to allow sliding of said locking / unlocking element. Chair according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises means (61) for modifying the angle formed by the seat and the back of said chair. Chair according to claim 8, characterized in that said means (20) for changing the angle are actuated by means of said at least one link (22, 23). Chair according to claim 9, characterized in that said angle modification means comprise an element (61) integral with said links (24, 25) and supporting the seat of said hammock, the back of said hammock being integral with said first element chassis (12).

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