FR2778321A1 - DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE TILT OF A CHILD'S CHAIR AND CORRESPONDING CHAIR - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for adjusting the inclination of a children's chair, comprising an articulated frame comprising a first (11) and a second (12) frame elements held in relation to each other at the using at least one link (22, 23), one end of at least one of said links is pivotally mounted on a locking / unlocking part (25) which can slide along said second frame element and switch between two positions : - 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.

Description

Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair for

child, and corresponding chair.

  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

this effect.

  This technique has the advantage of allowing the separation of the frame and the hammock. However, it has several drawbacks. Any

  first, it requires a complex locking mechanism, and therefore expensive.

  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 a mechanism is provided

  additional to allow folding of the frame.

  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 element,

  forming a variable angle with the first frame element, carries the hammock.

  Two rods, generally articulated at one of their ends on the first frame element, maintain the desired spacing between the two elements of

frame.

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

stop.

  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 different

disadvantages 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 does not require

  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.

complex locking means.

  The invention also aims to provide such a deckchair, the manufacture and assembly of which are simple. In other words, a goal of

  the invention is to provide such a deckchair, having 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 keeping the manufacturing simple.

  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 with respect to the axis defined by said second chassis element: - a locking position, in which at least one element e blocking 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 tilt position; and an unlocking position, obtained by actuating said locking / unlocking element, in which said blocking 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

  separate movements: sliding and tilting.

  This device is therefore particularly simple to make and to set up.

  artwork. It is also very simple to use.

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

locking / unlocking.

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

  Automatic return to the locked position can for example be ensured by the force applied to said locking / unlocking part by said

  first frame element, by means of said links.

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

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 with respect to said second chassis element,

  each corresponding to a stable tilt position.

  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 chassis: - 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, depending

the angle 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 rods and supporting the seat of said

  hammock, the back of said hammock being integral with said first frame member.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more

  clearly on reading the following description of an embodiment

  preferential, given by way of simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and of the accompanying drawings, among which: - Figure 1 illustrates a deckchair for children according to the invention, in the folded position; - Figure 2 shows the deckchair of Figure 1 during unfolding; - Figures 3A and 3B show the deckchair in the unfolded position, according to different inclinations; - Figure 4 illustrates the modification of the inclination of the deckchair of the previous figures; - Figures SA and 5B illustrate more precisely the operation of the adjustment device according to the invention; - Figure 6 shows a deckchair frame according to the invention, respectively in the folded position and in the unfolded position; - Figures 7A and 7B show an advantageous embodiment of the connection module (or locking / unlocking part), the

  Figure 6, respectively seen from the side and seen above.

  As previously stated, the tilt adjustment device

  a deckchair for children is very simple to make, and especially 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 frame 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

  in rooms 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 articulation axis between the two chassis elements 1 and 12. This articulation is ensured by a connection module 14, mounted so as to be able to rotate on the part 121 and holding the ends of the parts 111 and 112 of the first chassis 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 raising

by its upper part 21.

  The spacing between the two chassis elements is maintained by two

rods 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 chassis element and is secured to a second

link 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

  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 carries at least one blocking element, such as a pin, which is housed in one of the housings 261 to 263 (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. We can however foresee that

  locking means are provided on the two parts 111 and 112.

  It is possible, for example, to provide three or four tilt positions, including three or four housings 261 to 263. FIGS. 3A and 3B thus illustrate two tilt 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 sitting position, this angle al is more closed than

  the angle a2 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 module

  link 25 can then slide freely along the first frame element 11.

  It is enough to release the connection module 25 so that the locking pin

  registers in 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 presented by

  example in the form of a retractable lug, cooperating with a spring.

  We now explain the kinematics of the adjustment device according to

  the invention, in relation to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

  FIG. 5A presents 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 261 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 his home.

  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 261, 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 pawn 51 enters the

nearest accommodation.

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

unlock 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 internal means, 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 271 of width adapted to that of the element on which the module slides, and two end parts 272 and 273, 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 angle.

  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 we tilt the

deckchair.

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

  respectively seen from the side and seen above.

  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 tilting 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 to 263 or allows sliding, depending on the position of the module. Many other embodiments of this module are of course conceivable.

Claims (10)

  1. Device for adjusting the inclination of a child's chair, in particular of the deckchair type, having an articulated frame comprising first and second frame elements held relative to one another 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 assume at least two positions relative to said second chassis element, corresponding to a stable tilting position, characterized in that said second 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 chassis element: - a locking position, in which at least one locking element mounted on said locking / unlocking part cooperates with a housing nt complementary formed on said second frame member, to maintain 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.   2. Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking / unlocking part automatically returns to the locked position, in the absence of action on said part. locking / unlocking.   3. Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to claim 2, characterized in that the automatic return to the locking 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.   4. Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to any one   claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sliding part of said part   locking / unlocking has substantially a coil profile, tilting on its central part.   5. Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to any one   of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the holding axis of said second   end of each of said links is under the plane defined by said second frame element.   6. Device for adjusting the inclination of a chair according to any one   claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said piece of   locking / unlocking extends substantially horizontally between two parallel uprights of said second chassis element, and carries the second end   two links each corresponding to one side of said chair.   7. Children's chair, in particular of the deckchair type, having an articulated frame comprising first and second frame elements held relative to each other by means of at least one link, of which a first end is pivotally mounted on said first chassis element and the second end of which can assume at least two positions relative to said second chassis element, each corresponding to a stable tilt position, characterized in that 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 chassis element: - a locking position, in which at least one element blocking device mounted on said locking / unlocking part cooperates with an additional housing provided on said second th 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.   8. Chair according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises   means for modifying the angle formed by the seat and the back of said chair.   9. Chair according to claim 8, characterized in that said angle modification means are actuated by means of said at least one link. 10. Chair according to claim 9, characterized in that said angle modification means 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.