EP2420165A2 - Adjusting mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The adjustment mechanism is adjustable in the absence of a child, where a lever system is provided for adjustment of two pairs of arcuate support members (5). A handle element of the lever system engages into an opening of a child seat (2) for adjustment of the two pairs of arcuate support members. The handle element is connected to a fastening element (12) locked in a specific position. An independent claim is also included for a multi-functional chair for children.

Description

The invention relates to an adjustment mechanism according to the preamble of claim 1, for the adjustment of two pairs of two arcuate support elements of a highchair in a children's swing and vice versa, wherein the arcuate support members serve as legs in the highchair while these can be used in the children's swing as Wippelemente are. Furthermore, the invention is also directed to a baby chair according to claim 13 with the adjusting mechanism according to the invention.

From the GB 646,684 is known a baby chair, which has four arcuate legs. The two arcuate legs, each formed on one side of the baby chair, each have a toothed wheel, wherein the toothed wheels arranged at the ends of the curved legs which are inclined toward one another engage in one another. Via a lever system, the gears are either pulled up to form the baby chair or down pressed to make the children's chair a children's swing (also known as baby rocker). In this case, the gears are always locked when the corresponding position of the arcuate legs for the baby's chair or the child's swing was achieved, by a pin which is inserted into each one opening of the two gears.

The U.S. Patent 5,531,502 shows a combination chair for children, which also has four legs, which are arched. Also, this baby chair can be converted into a children's swing by using an adjustment mechanism. The adjusting mechanism comprises an elaborate gear, which simultaneously actuates the arcuate legs via corresponding gears. These gears are thereby set in motion by a lever attached to the outside of the child's chair.

With this type of multifunctional children's chair, the conversion from a child's chair into a children's swing or vice versa can take place at any time and situation. The disadvantage here is that the child, which is during the conversion in the baby chair or in the swing can tilt out of these and is exposed to a risk of injury.

Based on the aforementioned prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustment mechanism, which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, and its operation a risk of injury to the child is reliably prevented.

The solution of the problem is achieved by the measures specified in claim 1, in particular with the features of the characterizing part, which has the following special significance.

In the adjusting mechanism according to the invention a completely new device is used, in which the adjustment is executable only in the absence of the child. This has the advantage that a child can not be injured when converting the highchair into a swing for children or in the opposite direction.

Conveniently, a lever system for adjusting the two pairs of arcuate support elements may be provided. Such a lever system is easy to manufacture and robust and reliable in its use.

Two preferred embodiments of the adjusting mechanism according to the invention are listed in the subclaims 3 and 4. In this case, in both embodiments, the lever system can be actuated by a handle element. The grip element is accessible through a first opening of a child seat, in particular in the actual seat. This has the advantage that the child necessarily has to be removed from the child seat before the adjustment mechanism can be moved or operated. This opening can be covered by a suitable seat cushion.

The second embodiment also has a gripping element which actuates the lever system for adjusting the arcuate support elements, wherein the gripping element engages in a further opening (a so-called second opening) which is arranged in a center piece connecting the two pairs of support elements. In this arrangement, the safety of the child in the conversion of the highchair in a swing child is still increased, since the child seat must be removed before the handle element, which protrudes into the second opening of the middle piece, can be operated. The middle piece still has the particular advantage that it not only connects the two pairs of support elements with each other, but also stabilizes them to each other. Consequently, the second opening is disposed below the child seat and covered by this, when the child seat is arranged on the highchair.

In addition, the attached on one side of the child's chair or children's swing support elements can be locked by a fastener so that they reliably occupy the once taken position either as legs for the highchair or as rocking elements for the children's swing. It is ensured by means of the fastener that the arcuate support elements can not solve the once occupied position. Also, this can significantly increase the safety of the child when using the highchair or children's swing.

In a particularly simple design of the adjusting mechanism, this can be designed as a pivotable tilting element. This pivotable tilting element is mounted in a pivot point. At the ends of the tilting element, which lie along a line, in the center of which the fulcrum is located opposite, a rod is arranged in each case. This rod connects the tilting each with a fastener. Advantageously, the tilting element is designed so that it forms a structural unit with the handle element. The tilting element is thereby actuated in a simple manner exclusively by the grip element, in which the grip element is pulled out of the opening in each case. In this case, the tilting element is set in rotation about its pivot point. Each rod moves while the associated fastener. The handle member must adjust the tilting element only from its rest position, whereby the rods of the tilting element are pressed outwards and actuate the respective fastening elements.

At this point, it should be mentioned for the sake of clarity that the fastening element, which is actuated by the rod, at least partially off or set up. As a result, the otherwise positively held ends of the arcuate support elements are released and can be changed in position. In the lever mechanism described is a, with only a few means buildable device which is particularly inexpensive to manufacture, but still reliably operable.

In order to facilitate the conversion of a children's swing in a baby chair, at least one rod may have a return spring at one of its ends. This return spring is located exactly at the position of the rod to which the rod is connected to the tilting element. The return spring supports the locking process of the arcuate support elements, since the rods are mechanically withdrawn from the fasteners.

Furthermore, an adapter can optionally be provided near the fastening element. This adapter has the function to safely accommodate a child seat. The adapter itself interacts with the child seat in a form-fitting manner and can be latched by a latching means. To stabilize the adapter, this is on a plate-like Attached element, wherein the plate-like member is arranged opposite to the fastening element, that it is arranged at the, the arcuate support elements opposite end of the fastening element or is partially integrated in space. Such an adapter has the advantage that any standardized child seats can be placed on each designed as a highchair or as a child rocker adjustment mechanism. However, a cradle can also be coupled with such an adapter system. Therefore, the adjusting mechanism according to the invention is very versatile.

In this case, for example, the adapter may be formed pin-like, wherein the pin-like adapter is inserted into a, provided on the child seat receptacle. Such a trained adapter is a reliable and easy installation of the child seat on the adjustment possible, for which only a few steps are necessary. In order to solve the child seat of his recording again, the already mentioned locking means may be provided, which may be configured button or slider-like. To release the child seat then this locking means must be pressed. When placing the child seat, however, an automatic locking or locking can be done by the locking means.

In a particularly simple embodiment, the plate-like elements on which the adapter is arranged, are formed so that they support the center piece of the adjusting mechanism, in which the opening is formed for receiving the grip element. These plate-like elements not only have the function to fix the adapter, but at the same time form a reinforcement of the adjustment mechanism.

Furthermore, the present invention is also directed to a multifunctional high chair according to claim 13. This multi-functional baby chair also includes the adjusting mechanism according to the invention. Such a high chair can be advantageously converted not only to a children's swing, but also to a cradle. In addition, other uses of such a multifunctional baby chair are possible.

As already mentioned, the child's chair having the adjusting mechanism described can have an adapter for receiving a child's seat. Such an adapter ensures that any type of child seat can be positioned on the adapter.

In a second embodiment of a multifunctional children's chair, a pin-like adapter is arranged on the child's chair, which can be inserted into a counterpart within a child's seat. The provided with such an adapter baby chair is versatile.

Furthermore, the invention is also directed to a method for converting a baby chair into a swing or rocker. In this method, an adjustment is executable only in the absence of the child. The inventive method can be exercised with the adjustment mechanism according to the invention or the multifunctional baby chair. Features and details which are described in connection with the adjusting mechanism according to the invention or the multifunctional baby chair, of course, also apply in connection with the method according to the invention and vice versa. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in combination.

Fig. 1

schematische Darstellung eines Kinderhochstuhles,

Fig. 2

schematische Darstellungeiner Kinderschaukel mit außen am Ende der Wippelemente angeordneten großen Rollen,

Fig. 3

schematische Darstellung der Kinderschaukel nach Fig. 2 mit großen Rollen, welche annähernd mittig an den Wippelementen angeordnet sind,

Fig. 4

Darstellung der Verstellung des Verstellmechanismus von einem Kinderhochstuhl in eine Kinderschaukel,

Fig. 5

Querschnitt durch den Verstellmechanismus,

Fig. 6

Adapter für einen Kindersitz.

Further measures and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description and the drawings. In the drawings, the invention is shown in several embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

schematic representation of a highchair,

Fig. 2

schematic representation of a children's swing with arranged at the end of the rocking elements large rollers,

Fig. 3

schematic representation of the children's swing after Fig. 2 with large rollers, which are arranged approximately centrally on the luffing elements,

Fig. 4

Representation of the adjustment of the adjustment mechanism of a high chair in a children's swing,

Fig. 5

Cross section through the adjustment mechanism,

Fig. 6

Adapter for a child seat.

In Fig. 1 is a highchair 1 shown. The highchair 1 comprises a child seat 2 and is arranged on a child chair carrier 4. The child seat 2 is equipped with a dining board 3, which is tiltable and slidably arranged on the child chair attachment itself to adapt to the size of the child sitting therein. In addition, the dining board 3 can also be removable if necessary. In addition, it is dishwasher safe, so it is easy to clean.

The child seat 2 is connected to the child chair carrier 4 via an adapter 10. The adapter 10 is arranged on a mounting plate 11, on which in each case two arcuate support elements 5 are rotatably mounted. Such a device, comprising an adapter 10, a mounting plate 11 and the two arcuate support members 5, is also on the non-visible side of Fig. 1 , in particular arranged in parallel.

In the Fig. 1 the arcuate support elements 5 are used as legs for the highchair 1. So that the arcuate support elements 5 maintain their position in the erected form, these are held by a fastening element 12 spaced. This fastener 12 is pressed between the directed to the child seat 2 ends of the arcuate support elements 5. In addition, the fastening element 12 in a particular arcuate recess on the structurally separate adapter 10, whereby the baby chair carrier 4 is particularly practical and simple. Between two each, on one side of the children chair carrier 4 oppositely arranged arcuate support members 5 extend example meadow two rigid cross braces 6. About a cross brace while a foot 7 is formed. The kick 7 is on the child chair carrier 4 hinged and designed adjustable in height so that it can be adjusted at will to the position and size of sitting in the child seat 2 child.

At the, the child seat 2 remote from the end of the arcuate support members 5 are each a large roller 8 and a small roller 9 are arranged. The small rollers 9 have the task to allow tilting or moving the entire highchair 1.

Fig. 2 shows a children's swing 13, which was formed from the baby chair carrier 4 and the adjustment mechanism will be explained later. On this children's swing 13, the child seat 2 is also arranged with the dining board 3, wherein the child seat 2 is connected to the adapter 10 with a rocker 14. The rocker 14 is formed from the arcuate support elements 5, which represent rocker elements 5 in this case. The fastening element 12 is fastened above the two ends of two rocker elements 5 arranged on one side of the children's swing 13. This rocker elements 5, which, as already described, are rotatably arranged on the mounting plate 11 of the adapter 10, are also detected by the fastener 12 in position, so that it is ensured that the rocker 14 reliably maintains its state. The large rollers 8 are used to move or roll the children's swing 13. For this reason, the large rollers 8 are according to Fig. 2 at the, the adapter 12 opposite end of the rocker elements 5 arranged. Another position of the big rollers 8 is in Fig. 3 in which they are arranged centrally within each rocker element 5. Even in such a position, the rollers 8 are suitable to roll the swing easy.

In Fig. 4 the method is shown how the baby chair carrier 4 is converted into a children's swing 13. Fig. 4a shows the child chair carrier 4 without child seat 2. Below the child seat 2, not shown, a central piece 15 is formed, which carries the mounting plates 11, which are arranged on both sides of the central piece 15. The middle piece 15 in this case has an in particular upward (second) opening 16, in which a handle element 17, as in Fig. 4b is shown protrudes. The entire adjustment mechanism of the baby chair carrier 4 is located below the middle piece 15. Normally, the child seat 2 is located above this opening 16, possibly completely obscuring this opening 16 if this (meaning the child seat 2) does not likewise have a comparable (first ) Opening.

How out Fig. 4b can be seen, the handle 17 is pulled out of the opening 16 for the conversion process. As a result, the fasteners 12 are issued laterally outward and release the, the adapter 12 facing ends of the arcuate legs 5, according to Fig. 4a were positively detected by the fasteners 12 in position. Fig. 4c shows that the arcuate legs 5 now form rocking elements. In order to hold these rocker elements in their position positively, the fastening element 12 is folded back into its original position by the lever 17 is pushed back into the opening 16 of the central piece 15 after the formation of the rocker elements 5. As a result, the fastener 12 rests against the mounting plate 11 and presses on the ends of the rocker elements 5. By this mechanism, the rocker elements 5 are set immutable in position and the rocker 14 is locked in position. An automatic adjustment of the adjustment can only be caused by a deformation of the fasteners 12. For this reason, the fasteners 12 are preferably made of a dimensionally stable, hard material such. As wood, metal, or plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced.

With the help of the Fig. 5 will now be explained in the following the operation of the adjustment. Fig. 5a shows a first cross section through the adjusting mechanism. Below the middle piece 15, a wedge-like tilting device 18 is arranged. The wedge-shaped tilting device 18 has at its tapered end the handle 17, which is bent by approximately 90 ° to the tilting device 18 and engages in the trough-shaped opening 16 of the central piece 15. The wedge-like tilting element 18 is integrally connected to the handle 17 and forms z. B. with this a component. The wedge-shaped tilting element 18 has, on the side opposite the handle 17, a pivot point 19 (towards the center piece 15) which is mounted approximately centrally on the outer, wide end of the tilting element 18. At one, to the fulcrum outwardly directed side, a rod 20 is movably arranged, which is movably connected on its side opposite to the tilting element 18 side with the fastening element 12. At least one rod 20 is expediently connected to a return spring 21 at the point where the tilting element 18 is contacted with the rod 20. Preferably, everyone has Rod 20 at its ends a pivot point to the respective fastening element 12 and tilting element 18, whereby the aforementioned, movable arrangement is realized.

In the Fig. 5a shown position of the adjusting mechanism corresponds to the (locking) position of the adjusting mechanism when it is designed either as a children's high chair 1 or as a children's swing 13. The fasteners 12 are applied to the mounting plate 11 of the adapter 10 and lock the arcuate support member 5 in their use positions. If now the high chair 1 to be converted into the children's swing 13, then as in Fig. 5b shown, the lever 17 is pulled out of the opening 16 of the middle piece 15. The tilting member 18 is rotated about its pivot point 19 in the counterclockwise direction and the mutually parallel rods 20 press the fasteners 12 laterally from their original position to the outside. The fastening element 12 is in this position, the ends of the arcuate legs 5 and the arcuate rocker elements 5 free, so that they can be changed in position and formed either as a rocker 14 or 4 child chair carrier. After the legs 5 have taken the desired position, the lever 17 is pushed back into the opening 16 of the middle piece 15, the rods 20, the fasteners 12 set again in a position parallel to the mounting plate 11. When unfolding the fasteners 12, the return spring 21 is tensioned. This has the consequence that when the handle 17 is pushed back into the opening 16 or released, the return spring 21, the rod 20 retracts, whereby the return of the fasteners 12 is facilitated in its original position or achieved independently. Once the fasteners 12 rest against the mounting plate 11, the arcuate support members 5 are in their safe use positions. This also uncertain intermediate positions for the arcuate support elements 5 are immediately recognizable, since in this case, the fasteners 12 protrude from the mounting plate 11 and are tilted away.

In Fig. 6 a child seat 2 is shown, which is mounted separately to the baby chair carrier 4. It can be seen that the adapter 10, which is attached to the baby chair carrier 4, each having a pin 22. This pin 22 engages positively in the assembly of the child seat 2 on the child chair carrier 4 in the receptacle 23, which is attached to the child seat 2. In addition, a locking means between the pin 22 and the receptacle 23rd Secure the child seat 2 in the sitting position. Because of this very simple embodiment, the child seat 2 can be easily attached to the child chair carrier 4, in particular standardized children's chairs, such as Maxi-Cosi® or Bugaboo® can be used.

The highchair 1 may additionally have a seat belt, which is not shown in the drawing. At the end pieces of the arcuate legs 5 loops may be arranged in addition to hang the highchair can. This can be lowered in a simple manner hooks from a ceiling or a beam by the loops are hung.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, at the end pieces of the arcuate legs 5, a metal band may be arranged, which is comparable to a tape measure. Such a metal band has the task of tensioning the arcuate legs. For taut arched legs 5 of the discussed highchair can also be converted as a sled.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Highchair

2

Child seat

3

food tray

4

High chair carrier

5

arcuate support elements

6

rigid cross brace

7

kick

8th

major role

9

small role

10

adapter

11 1

Mounting plate for adapter

12

fastener

13

children swings

14

seesaw

15

centerpiece

16

Opening in the middle piece

17

handle element

18

wedge-like tilting element

19

pivot point

20

Rod

21

Return spring

22

spigot

23

admission

Claims (15)

Adjusting mechanism, for adjusting two pairs of two arcuate support elements (5), from a highchair (1) in a children's swing (13) and vice versa, wherein the arcuate support members (5) in the high chair (1) serve as legs while these in the children's swing (13) are used as Wippelemente (5),
characterized,
that the adjustment is executable only in the absence of a child. Adjusting mechanism according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that a lever system (17, 18, 19, 20, 21) is provided for adjusting the two pairs of arcuate support elements (5). Adjusting mechanism according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
that a handle element (17) engages the lever system (17, 18, 19, 20, 21) for adjustment of the two pairs of arc-shaped support elements (5) in a first opening of a child seat (2). Adjusting mechanism according to claim 1 or 2
characterized,
that the grip element (17) of the lever system (17, 18, 19, 20, 21) for adjustment of the two pairs of arc-shaped support elements (5) in a second, in particular trough-shaped opening (16) of the two pairs of support elements (5) engaging with each other middle piece (15) engages. Adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the grip element (17) is connected to one fastening element (12) which arrests the arcuate support elements (5) in the respectively assumed position. Adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the gripping element (17) comprises a tilting element (18) which is mounted in a pivot point (19) and can pivot about the latter, each of which has a bar (20) connected to the fastening element (12) at the sides opposite the pivot point (19). having. Adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the grip element (17) can be pulled out of the opening (16), wherein the tilting element (18) is movable about its pivot point (19) and each bar (20) is movable in the direction of the fastening element (12) connected to it. Adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the fastening element (12) actuated by the rod (20) is at least partially expelled to the outside. Adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
the at least one rod (20) is contacted to the end at which the bar (20) to the tilting element (18), with a return spring (21) is connected. Adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that an adapter (10) for receiving the child seat (2) is fastened to a plate-like element (11) near the fastening element (12) on its side opposite the arcuate support elements (5). Adjusting mechanism according to claim 9,
characterized,
that the adapter (10) is designed like a pin to engage in a receptacle (23) of the child seat (2). Adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized
in that the plate-like elements (11) support the middle piece (15). Multifunctional children's chair,
marked by
an adjusting mechanism according to one of the preceding claims. Multifunctional children's chair, which can be converted into a children's swing by means of an adjustment mechanism,
characterized,
that an adapter (10) for receiving a child seat (2) is used. Multifunctional children's chair,
characterized,
that the adapter (10) is designed like a pin to engage in a receptacle (23) of the child seat (2).

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