GB2139881A - Collapsible support mechanism and articles incorporating same - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible support mechanism which can, for example, be incorporated in a child's high chair, the mechanism comprising first, second and third arms (1-3) each pivoted at one end thereof one to another and struts (6,7) pivotably mounted between the first and second arms and the third and second arms, respectively. The pivotal mounting of the struts to the arm (2) is achieved by a slidable part (8) such that, in one position of the part (8) on the second arm (2), the mechanism is in a collapsed condition, whereby all of the arms lie substantially parallel and adjacent to one another and in another position of the slidable part (8) the arms are splayed out so that the first and third arms (1,3) can form a supporting base and the second arm (2) can form a member by which an article, such as a high chair seat, may be supported. In one form of the mechanism, the second arm leans forwardly over the first and third arms and, in another form, the second arm leans rearwardly. In this latter form, one mechanism can be joined to another to form, for example, a hammock frame. The mechanism may also be used to support a child's swing or an article, such as a ball or basket, forming part of a game. If the mechanism is inverted so that each of the arms (1-3) become legs, it may be used as an easel or a tent frame. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Collapsable support mechanism & articles incorporating same This invention relates to a collapsable support mechanism and articles incorporating same.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsable support mechanism, comprising first, second and third arms, each pivoted at one end thereof one to another, and said one end of said second arm being between said one end of said first arm and said one end of said third arm; the mechanism further comprising first and second struts, said first strut being pivotably mounted at one end thereof on said first arm and at its other end to a part that is slidably mounted on said second arm, said second strut being pivotably mounted at one end thereof on said third arm and at its other end to said part on said second arm, and there being means to secure said part in position on said second arm; the arrangement being such that in one position of said part on said second arm the mechanism is in a collapsed condition whereby all of the arms lie substantially parallel and adjacent to one another and in another position of said part on said second arm said arms are splayed out such that said first and third arms can form a supporting base and said second arm can form a member by which an article may be supported.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article incorporating at least one mechanism that is essentially as defined in the preceding paragraph.

Such an article may be in the form of, for example, a child's high chair, a hammock, a child's swing, an artist's easel, a tent frame or an article forming part of a game.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lisa diagrammatic perspective view of the collapsable support mechanism according to the invention in an opened-out condition, Figure2 is a diagrammatic front view ofthe mechanism shown in Figure one and showing it in a collapsed condition, Figure 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a child's high chair incorporating the mechanism of Figures 1 and 2, the high-chair being shown erected, Figure 4 is a view of the high chair shown in Figure 3 but in a collapsed condition, Figure 5 is an illustration of a hinge of a seat frame of the high chair, the seat frame being illustrated in its in-use position (corresponding to the position shown in Figure 3), Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 but showing the seat frame in its folded position (corresponding to the position shown in Figure 4), Figures 7to 11 are respective perspective views each showing part of the high chair shown in Figures 3 and 4 and illustrating various capabilities of that part, Figure 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a hammock supported between two mechanisms according to the invention, these mechanisms forming a support frame forthe hammock, Figure 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the support frame of Figure 12 shown in a partly closed condition, Figures 14 to 17 are diagrammatic views showing how the mechanism according to the invention can be adapted so as to be incorporated in various articles, Figure 18 is a detail to show how the seat frame of the high chair shown in Figures 3 and 4 can be adapted to a low chair, Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 18 and showing how the seat frame can be used as a rocking chair, Figure 20 is a view illustrating how a high chair seat can be fitted in its frame, and Figures 21 and 22 illustrate further examples of uses to which the mechanism according to the invention can be put.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, the collapsable support mechanism comprises a first arm 1, a second arm 2 and a third arm 3, each arm being pivoted at one end thereof one to another, said one end of the arm 2 being between said one end of the arm 1 and said one end of the arm 3. The arm 1 is therefore pivoted to the arm 2 at a pivot 4 and the arm 3 is pivoted to the arm 2 at a pivot 5.

The mechanism further comprises struts 6 and 7, the strut 6 being pivotably mounted at one end thereof on the arm 1 and at its other end to a part 8 that is slidably mounted on the arm 2. The strut 7 is pivotably mounted at oneend thereof on the arm 3 and at its other end to the part 8 on the arm 2. The strut 6 is pivoted at a fixed pivot point 9 to the arm 1 intermediate its ends and the strut 7 is pivoted at a fixed pivot point 10 to the arm 3 intermediate its ends.

In the illustrated embodiments, the part 8 is in the form of a collar which embraces the arm 2, there being means to secure the part 8 in position on the arm 2.

The arrangement is such that in one position of the part 8 on the arm 2 the mechanism is in a collapsed condition, as shown in Figure 2, whereby all of the arms lie substantially parallel and adjacent to one another and in another position of the part 8 on the arm 2 the arms are splayed out, as shown in Figure 1, so that the arms 1 and 3 can form a supporting base and the arm 2 can form a member by which an article may be supported.

As viewed in Figures 1 and 3, the various pivot angles which have been determined cause the arms to splay out such that, when the arms 1 and 3 are horizontal, the arm 2 leans forwardly over the arms 1 and 3 but, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the pivot angles are such that when the part 8 is in a similar position on the arm 2 to that shown in Figures 1 and 3, the arm 2 leans backwards relatively to the arms 1 and 3.

In order to collapse the mechanism from the condition shown in Figure 1, it is only necessary to release the securing means for the part 8 and to slide the part 8 up the arm 2 in a direction away from the pivots 4 and 5. This has the effect of drawing the struts 6 and 7 upwardly which, in turn, draw the arms 1 and 3 towards the arms 2 until, eventually, the condition shown in Figure 2 is reached.

Figures 3 and 4 show how to the mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be incorporated in a child's high chair, the mechanism affording great utility for such a chair because of the stability that is provided, coupled with the fact that the chair can be collapsed into a compact configuration for stowage.

In addition, the high chair is of a lightweight but sturdy construction.

The chair illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 includes a seat which can be of various possible types. As illustrated, a seat frame 11 is provided to which is attached a fabric or a canvas material in which a child can sit. A solid seat back 12 can be provided, which may be of plastics or wood. In another form, a moulded plastics seat 12A (Figure 20) can be fitted in the frame 11. Instead of the illustrated seat frame, the seat frame could be of a tubular construction which itself can be collapsed.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the hinge mechanism by which the seat frame 11 is (a) held in the position shown in Figure 3 in a secure manner and (b) is able to be hinged over so that it can be folded into line with the support mechanism when collapsed as shown in Figure 4.

The seat frame 11 is supported on the arm 2 by means of a sleeve 12 depending from the rear of the frame 11, the sleeve 12 being able to be fitted over the upper free end of the arm 2 remote from the pivot points 4 and 5. The sleeve 12 is, in fact, hinged buy a hinge 13 to the seat frame 11 and a locking arrangement is provided to ensure that the seat 12 is not accidentally released towards the folded position of the seat frame 11 whilst a child is in the high chair, this locking arrangement relying upon the weight of the child plus chair always urging the sleeve 12 down on the arm 2.

The locking arrangement is constructed and works as follows. Firstly, a plate 14 is fixed to the rear of the seat frame 11 near the hinge 13 and is such that, when the seat frame 11 is in its working position, it is aligned with the length of the arm 2 and fits in a hole 15 extending from the top of the arm 2 parallel to the axis of the arm 2. The sleeve 12 has a slot 16 in its rear face through which the plate 14 can be swung.

As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6, when the seat frame 11 is in its working position, the sleeve 12 is passed as far as it can go over the end of the arm 2 and the plate 14 extends into the hole 15, thereby preventing any hinging movement of the seat frame 11 relatively to the sleeve 12. When, however, the sleeve 12 is lifted upwardly in a direction off of the arm 2, as shown in Figure 6, the plate 14 is drawn out of the hole 15 in the top of the arm 2 and is therefore able to swing through the slot 16, thereby enabling the seat frame 11 to achieve its folded position. If required, the sleeve 12 can be dropped back down onto the arm 2. Alternatively, the frame 11 can be removed entirely from the mechanism.

In an alternative form of folding arrangement (not illustrated), the hinge 13 is not provided and so the sleeve 12 is rigidly fixed to the frame 11 in the position shown in Figure 5. The lateral front face of the sleeve 12 (the right-hand face as view in Figure 5) then has an aperture in it to receive the end of the arm 2. Thus, to fold the seat frame 11, it is lifted off the arm 2, is tipped over to the orientation shown in Figure 6 and the front face of the sleeve 12 is then dropped over the end of the arm 2 so that the arm 2 enters the aperture in the sleeve 12. The seat frame 11 is thus held in its folded position.

Figures 7 to 11 illustrate various features of the seat frame 11, as follows: Figure 7 shows a clip 17 near each corner of the frame 11. These clips 17 are intended to perform various functions, for example, the rear pair of clips 17 can provide anchorage points for a safety harness. Alternatively, separate anchorage points can be provided.

As shown in Figure 8, the front clips 17 on the frame 11 can be used as fixing points for a tray 18.

As shown in Figure 9, one of the clips 17 can be used to secure a sunshade 19.

As shown in Figure 10 the front clips 17 can be used for mounting beads or rattles 20 etc.

As shown in Figure 11, one of the clips 17 can be used to hold a feed/drinking bottle 21 from which extends a drinking tube 22. It will be seen that an advantage here is that the child will be unable to throw the bottle to the ground.

Figures 12 and 13 show how the collapsable support mechanism of the present invention can be utilised to form a frame for a hammock.

In this case, two mechanisms are placed in positions opposing one another and they are joined by bars 23 which are pivoted together at a central position 24. Once the mechanisms have reached the positions shown in Figure 12 and the parts 8 have been secured relatively to the arms 2, a hammock 25 can be suspended from the tops of the arms 2.

In order to fold the hammock frame up, it is merely necessary to release the parts 8 and to slide them up the arms 2 until the mechanisms collapse together.

Figure 13 shows the frame in a partly-collapsed position.

It will be seen that the hammock frame is quite stable when it is opened out because the arms 1 and 3 provide a firm base and, of course, the frame can be placed in any desired position.

Figures 14 to 17 illustrate further uses to which the collapsable support mechanism according to the invention can be put.

Figure 14 shows how the mechanism can be used as a baby swing, a seat being suspended by cords 26 from the top of the arm 2. The seat could be the same seat 12 as is used for the high chair.

Figure 15 shows how the mechanism can be converted to a skittle game and Figure 16 shows how the mechanism can be adapted for use as a punch ball where a short cord would be provided or, if a longer cord were to be provided, a football could be suspended from it or, by using a smaller ball, a tennis-style game could be played. Figure 17 shows how the mechanism could be adapted to a basketball game.

Figures 18 and 19showtheseatframe 11 of the high chair and show how the seat frame can also be incorporated in a low chair. In the form shown in Figure 18, the sleeve 12 of the seat frame 11 is fitted on a post of a rectangular frame 27 which would stand on the ground. In Figure 19 the frame 27 is attached to bowed runners 28 so that the chair then becomes a rocking chair.

As previously mentioned, Figure 20 illustrates the sort of plastics seat that can be placed in the frame 11.

Figures 21 and 22 show two further uses for the mechanism according to the invention and, in these cases, the mechanism is inverted so that each of the arms 1,2 and 3 become legs. Figure 21 shows how the mechanism can be adapted for use as a collapsable artist's easel, means being provided to support a picture frame 29. Alternatively, the stand assembly provided by the mechanism illustrated in Figure 21 can be used to provide a support for a target board, for example.

Figure 22 shows how the mechanism can be covered with fabric 30 to form a tent.

In all of the embodiments illustrated, the mechanism can be collapsed easily, even requiring the use of only one hand, into a compact space, thereby obviating, for example, the storage and handling problems associated with known high chairs.

Claims (30)

1. A collapsable support mechanism, comprising first, second and third arms, each pivoted at one end thereof one to another, and said one end of said second arm being between said one end of said first arm and said one of said third arm; the mechanism further comprising first and second struts, said first strut being pivotably mounted at one end thereof on said first arm and at its other end to a part that is slidably mounted on said second arm, said second strut being pivotably mounted at one end thereof on said third arm and at its other end to said part on said second arm, and there being means to secure said part in position on said second arm; the arrangement being such that in one position of said part on said second arm the mechanism is in a collapsed condition whereby all of the arms lie substantially parallel and adjacent to one another and in another position of said part on said second arm said arms are splayed out such that said first and third arms can form a supporting base and said second arm can form a member by which an article may be supported.

2. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein each strut is mounted at said one end thereof intermediate the ends of the first and third arms, respectively.

3. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein each strut is mounted at said one end thereof at a fixed pivot point on said first or third arm, respectively.

4. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said part is in the form of a collar which embraces said second arm.

5. A mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angles of pivoting of the pivots are such that, when the arms are splayed out and when said first and third arms are horizontal, said second arm leans forwardly over said first and third arms.

6. A collapsable support mechanism substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

7. An article incorporating at least one mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

8. A child's high chair incorporating the mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a seat or seat frame is provided at the free end of said second arm.

9. A high chair as claimed in claim 8, wherein said seat or seat frame is removably mounted on the free end of said second arm.

10. A high chair as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein said seat or seat frame is hingedly mounted on the free end of said second arm so that the seat or seat frame can be folded into line with the support mechanism when collapsed.

11. A high chair as claimed in claim 9, wherein said seat or seat frame includes a sleeve which fits over the free end of said second arm, said sleeve having an aperture in a lateral face thereof to receive said second arm, so that said seat or seat frame can be fitted on the free end of said second arm in a folded position.

12. A high chair as claimed in claim 9,10, or 11, wherein a locking arrangement is provided to ensure that the seat or seat frame is not accidentally released towards its folded position when the chair is occupied.

13. A high chair as claimed in claim 12 as appendant to claim 9, wherein said locking arrangement is such as to co-operate with the free end of said second arm, to prevent the seat or seat frame from being released towards its folded position until the seat or seat frame is lifted in a direction off said second arm.

14. A high chair as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein said frame has a fabric or a canvas material attached to it forming the seat.

15. A high chair as claimed in claim 14, wherein said seat has a solid back.

16. A high chair as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, and further comprising a plastics seat which fits into said seat frame.

17. A high chair as claimed any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein said seat frame is of a foldable, tubular construction.

18. A high chair as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein the seat or seat frame is provided with clips intended to provide, in any combination, anchorage points for a safety harness, fixing points for a tray, means to secure a sunshade, means for mounting beads or rattles or means to hold a feed/drinking bottle.

19. A high chair as claimed in claim 8, substantially as herein before described with reference to Figures 3 to 6, with or without the modification of any one of Figures 7 to 11, of the accompanying drawings.

20. A collapsable support mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the angles of pivoting of said pivot points are such that, when said arms are splayed out, and when said first and third arms are horizontal, said second arm leans backwards relatively to said first and third arms.

21. A mechanism as claimed in claim 20, wherein the free ends of said first and third arms are joined to the free ends of the first and third arms of another such mechanism to form a frame for a hammock, the points of joining between the two mechanisms being interconnected by bars which are pivoted together.

22. A mechanism as claimed in claim 21, and further comprising a hammock, the ends of which being able to be slung from the respective free ends of said second arms.

23. A collapsable support mechanism as claimed in claim 20, 21 or 22, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 12 and 13 of the accompanying drawings.

24. A collapsable support mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, and being in the form of a swing for a baby, a seat being suspended by cords from the free end of said second arm.

25. A collapsable support mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, and forming part of the equipment for a skittle game.

26. A collapsable support mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a ball is suspended from the free end of said second arm.

27. A collapsable support mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a basket for a basketball game is suspended from the free end of said second arm.

28. A collapsable support mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, and being in the form of an artist's easel.

29. A collapsable support mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 and being in the form of a frame for a tent and being covered with fabric.

30. A collapsable support mechanism, substantially as herein before described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 14to 17 and Figures 21 and 22.