GB2324717A

GB2324717A - Folding high chair

Info

Publication number: GB2324717A
Application number: GB9708672A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tessa Claire James
Original assignee: MOTHERCARE
Current assignee: MOTHERCARE
Priority date: 1997-04-30
Filing date: 1997-04-30
Publication date: 1998-11-04
Also published as: GB9708672D0

Abstract

A folding high chair 10 which can be folded from its erected condition to lie in a substantially longitudinal axis is comprised of a back X-frame 18 and two side X-frames 12 which are connected to the back frame, and between which lies a flexible folding chair seat 16 supported by one or more of the frames.

Description

FOLDING HIGH CHAIR The invention relates to a folding high chair. In particular the invention relates to a folding high chair which can be folded so as to occupy a minimum of space and thereby address the problems encountered in storage and transportation of child and baby furniture.

Patent application, WO A 90/10406, entitled 'Folding Highchair', illustrates a folding framework for a highchair, upon which the seat of the highchair is affixed. The patent application describes a somewhat complicated folding mechanism for a framework with six legs. This design has the added disadvantage that once the leg framework has been assembled, the seat portion of the highchair has to be aligned over the top of the framework so that the slots in the seat slide over the framework. This had the disadvantage of increasing the assembly time for the high chair.

Patent application, FR A 2 415 442, also describes a folding high chair. However, the high chair only folds in one plane, and therefore still forms a bulky structure when folded to its maximum capacity.

The present invention seeks to provide a folding high chair which can be folded quickly and easily, folding into a form which can be transported readily or stored as required, and which when re-erected provides a stable high chair without the need for external tightening or securing devices. Such a high chair thereby aims to meet the requirements of close packing furniture, required by parents with babies and small children, for whom the need for such furniture is essential when combined with all of the other accessories associated with infants.

The invention accordingly provides a folding high chair having a folded condition in which it lies substantially in a single longitudinal axis, and an erected condition, the chair comprising a back frame and two side frames each connected to the back frame, the back frame expanding from said folded condition in a back plane containing said axis and the two side frames, when erected, lying in side planes spaced apart from one another at their intersection with said back plane, a flexible folding chair seat being supported by one or more of said frames.

Preferably the side planes are parallel and parallel said longitudinal axis. Also, the side planes may be substantially perpendicular to the back plane.

The back frame preferably comprises two back members pivoted together and connected to respective side frames, the members being substantially in line when in said folded condition and having back locking means limiting relative pivoting between the members in said erected condition.

A preferred feature of the chair is one in which the two back frame members are centrally pivoted together and/or where the two back frame members are connected at their ends to the respective side frames.

Preferably, each side frame comprises two side members pivoted together, each member being connected to the back frame and preferably where the said side frames are pivoted together at a distance of some 2/3rds the length of the tubes, measuring upwards from the base of the chair, thereby providing stability and height suitable for feeding a child when the parent is also seated.

The seat preferably comprises two rear upstanding support rods, and two forward projecting support rods and a substantially rectangular fabric seat having pockets in each corner received by said rods. The rear and forward rods being preferentially disposed one of each on each side frame.

The rear rods are preferably pivoted to a first of said side members intermediate the pivot between the side members and the connection to the back frame, the rear rods pivoting between a first erected position and a second folded position wherein the rear rods lie against the first side members.

The forward rods are preferentially pivoted to the second of said side members on one side thereof with respect to the pivot between said side members, the connection of said second side members to the back frame being on the other side of said pivot between the side members.

The side locking means preferably retain the side frames in their erected condition and may comprise a locking bar pivoted at one point thereof to the first of said side members intermediate the pivot between the side members and the connection of said first side member to the back frame and at another point to the forward rods, the side locking means limiting pivoting of the side members with respect to one another between said folded condition in which said side members lie substantially along said longitudinal axis and said erected condition where the side members are at a substantial angle with respect to one another.

Preferably the side frames constitute supporting legs for the chair and the back locking means preferably comprises a pivoted lever, pivoted at each end to each of said back members.

The chair preferably includes a detachable table supported by one or more of said frames above said seat and preferably where the table is supported on the four uppermost ends of the four side members comprising the side frames.

Put another way, the invention accordingly provides a high chair for children, comprised of two parallel pivotal X-frames, forming the sides of the high chair, and joined by a third pivotal X-frame, at right angles to the side frames.

The invention will be better understood from the following description of a particular embodiment given as a non-limiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows a front view of a high chair according to the present invention when the chair is fully unfolded; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the high chair of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the high chair of figure 1; Figure 4 shows a side view of the high chair when in a partly folded state; Figure 5 shows a side view of the high chair when in a fully folded position.

A high chair 10 has side frames 12 each comprised of two sets of parallel cylindrical tubes, 12a, 12a', and 12b, 12b', each set arranged in an X-frame arrangement by securing mechanisms 13a and 13b (not visible), containing pivotal bolts or rivets 13a' and 13b' respectively. The pivotal bolts 13a' and 13b' pass through both tubes, securing them in position, at a distance of some 2/3rds the length of the tubes, measuring upwards from the base of the high chair. When the high chair is viewed as in Figure 1, tubes 12a, and 12b form the innermost tubes and constitute the front legs of the high chair whilst, tubes 12a' and 12b' form the outermost tubes and constitute the back legs of the high chair.

The two X-frames comprised of tubes 12a, 12a', 12b and 12b' extend downwards and outwards as the base of the high chair is approached (see Figures 1 and 2), ending in feet 14a, 14a' 14b and 14b' which are covered or comprised of a non-slip material providing maximum stability for the high chair.

The two pairs of X-frames 12a, 12a', 12b and 12b' are joined across the rear of the high chair by a back frame 18 comprising metal strips or tubes 18a and 18b. The strips of metal 18a and 18b are themselves secured to each of means of pivotal rivets or bolts 17a, 17a', 17b and 17b' respectively. The strips of metal 18a, 18b being held together in a cross arrangement by way of pivotal bolt or rivet 19.

A seat 100 is supported between the side frames 12. To the top of tubes 12a and 12b are affixed a set of parallel back rods 10a and lOb respectively. Rods 10a and lOb are secured to tubes 12a and 12b via pivotal nut and bolt assemblies lia and llb, located a short distance away from the top of tubes 12a and 12b. At the top of tubes 12a and 12b are plastic clips 40a and 40b respectively. These clips contain crevices, into which tubes 10a and lOb can be pressed to fit securely, thus providing a fastening means for the high chair seat back, when the high chair is fully erected.

A base frame for the high chair seat 100 is formed from a fourth set of cylindrical tubes lOc and lOd attached to tubes 12a' and 12b' via pivotal bolts 31a' and 31b' respectively (12b' not visible).

What a baby/child actually sits on is a fabric cover 16, which is constructed with long thin internal pockets running along the upper and lower lengths of the cover.

The pockets are constructed so that they slide easily over the tubes forming the back of the high chair 10a and lOb, at the top end of the cover and over the base frame of the high chair, formed from tubes 10c and lOd at the bottom end of the cover.

The seat cover 16, once placed over the tubes forming the frame of the high chair, is secured in place by means of the pivotal nut and bolt assemblies 31a' and 31b' situated on either side of the high chair. The pivotal bolts 31a' and 31b' pass from the X-frame legs 12a', 12b', through the bottom pockets and into tubes lOc, lOd.

The tubes lOc and lOd also constitute side locking means 30, together with elements 30a and, on the opposite side of the high chair to Figure 3, 30b (not visible).

Elements 30a and 30b' are themselves secured, on the one hand, to tubes lOc, lOd, by pivotal bolts 32 and 33 (33 not being visible in the drawings) and, on the other hand, to legs 12a, 12b about pivots 31a, b (b not visible).

Thus the side locking mechanism 30 bridges the upper portion of the X-frame formed from tubes 12a, 12a' and 12b, 12b' and prevents further pivoting of the X-frames beyond that shown in Figure 3.

To the top end of tubes 12a, 12a', and 12b, 12b' is fitted a detachable table 15, which rests on the ends of the tubes by means of indentations in the underside of the table. The indentations being of a size and depth so that the table is securely fixed in place when aligned and pressed over the ends of the tubes yet easily removable when the high chair is to be folded.

The rear view of the high chair, shown in Figure 2 illustrates the means by which the high chair is folded from its erected condition perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, in the direction of the line shown as A-A*. The upper section of the crossed metal tubes 18a and 18b is abridged by a back locking means 20 (comprised of elements 20a, 20b,) and secured to the tubes or strips of metal by means of pivotal rivets 21a and 21b. At the centre of the back locking means is another central pivotal bolt 22. When the locking mechanism 20 is released by being raised either from above or below, the two halves of the locking mechanism 20a, 20b are caused to move upwards and towards one another, forming the first stage of the high chair folding process.

When the high chair starts to fold, it can be seen from the back of the high chair that metal strips 18a and 18b slide over each other in a scissoring action so that 18a passes over the top of 18b. At the same time, the two Xframes, 12 constrict together in a like scissoring manner along the lines B-B* in Figure 4, with the seat cover folding centrally and falling down between the X-frames as there is no resistance for it not to do so.

Figure 3 shows the side elevation of the high chair of figure 1 when completely extended, with the detachable table 15 in place. Also visible are the indentations 15a and 15a' shown by dotted lines indicating the location of the tops of tubes 12a, 12a' 12b and 12b' when the table is in position. An identical set of indentations 15b and 15b' also exist on the opposite side of the table in an equivalent position to 15a and 15a'(not visible in the drawings).

Figure 4 shows a side view of the high chair in a partially folded state. Once the detachable table has been removed from the tops of the tubes the locking mechanisms can be released in order for the high chair to be folded. The elevation of side locking mechanism parts 10c, 10d reveals that they possess an extending abutment means 34. On the opposite side of the high chair a like arrangement exists (not visible in the drawings). These protruding abutments fold into a slot formed in locking mechanism parts 30a and 30b respectively, so that when the high chair is in the fully unfolded position the locking mechanism parts fit neatly together in the same plane with no raised portions, and keep the forward rods 10c, 10d in line with their respective locking elements 30a, 30b (30b not visible).

Since the cylindrical tubes 10a, 10b, forming the uprights for the back of the whizz chair are attached to 12a and 12b respectively via pi ral bolts lia and llb, this permits the back of the high chair to move forwards and downwards, permitting an even more compact folded condition of the chair 10.

Figure 6, shows the high chair when fully folded. As can be seen from the drawing, the locking means 20 and 30 when forced upwards and towards each other about pivotal bolts 22, 32, and 33 respectively, continue to do so until they are prevented from moving any closer as a result of the cylindrical tube legs of the X-frames, 12a, 12a' and 12b, 12b' having also been brought together about pivotal points 13a and 13b, having no longer any space between them.

The back rest of the high chair seat folds forwards and downwards until it reaches tube legs 12a' and 12b' and is thereby prevented from folding any further.

Therefore to summarise, with the table removed, when the back locking means 20 is concurrently released, with the side locking means 30, the high chair X-frames 12, and 18 can be folded together and upwards, about pivotal bolts, 13a, 13b and 19, resulting in the high chair folding along its width, perpendicular to axis A-A* and along its breadth perpendicular to axis B-B*, with the high chair seat also folding and moving forwards to rest on the legs of the folded X-frames. This results in a fully folded high chair folded along both its width and breadth and lying essentially in its longitudinal axis only.

When the high chair is to be erected the reverse occurs.

If the tubular legs on the X-frames of the high chair 12a, 12a' and 12b, 12b' are pulled outwards and downwards, about the pivotal bolts 13a, 13b and 19 along axes A-A* and B-B*, at right angles to each other then the high chair re-extends along its width and breadth until it can extend no further since the locking means 20 and 30 have all been forced downwards and towards each other, and in so doing so the abutments 34 are brought into the plane of the locking elements, 30a preventing the legs of the high chair extending any further. During this process, the back frame 10a, 10b of the high chair seat, along with the fabric cover 16, can be unfolded upwards into a vertical position, which can then be clipped into place by forcing the back frame tubes 10a and 10b into the crevices in clips 40a and 40b. When fully extended the detachable table can be replaced onto the tops of the high chair legs thereby resulting in a high chair which is both fully functional and stable.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A folding high chair having a folded condition in which it lies substantially in a single longitudinal axis, and an erected condition, the chair comprising a back frame and two side frames each connected to the back frame, the back frame expanding from said folded condition in a back plane containing said axis and the two side frames, when erected, lying in side planes spaced apart from one another at their intersection with said back plane, a flexible folding chair seat being supported by one or more of said frames.

2. A chair as claimed in claim 1, in which the side planes are parallel and parallel said longitudinal axis.

3. A chair as claimed in claim 1, in which the side planes are substantially perpendicular to the back plane.

4. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the back frame comprises two back members pivoted together and connected to respective side frames, the members being substantially in line when in said folded condition and having back locking means limiting relative pivoting between the members in said erected condition.

5. A chair as claimed in claim 4, in which the two back frame members are centrally pivoted together.

6. A chair as claimed in claim 4 or 5, in which the two back frame members are connected at their ends to the respective side frames.

7. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each side frame comprises two side members pivoted together, each member being connected to the back frame.

8. A chair as claimed in claim 7, in which the two side members are pivoted together at a point, at a distance of some 2/3rds the length of the tubes, measuring upwards from the base of the chair.

9. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the seat comprises two rear upstanding support rods, and two forward projecting support rods and a substantially rectangular fabric seat having pockets in each corner received by said rods.

10. A chair as claimed in claim 9, in which the rear and forward rods are disposed one of each on each side frame.

11. A chair as claimed in claim 10 when dependent on claim 7, in which the rear rods are pivoted to a first of said side members intermediate the pivot between the side members and the connection to the back frame, the rear rods pivoting between a first erected position and a second folded position wherein the rear rods lie against the first side members.

12. A chair as claimed in claim 10 or 11, when dependent on claim 7, in which the forward rods are pivoted to the second of said side members on one side thereof with respect to the pivot between said side members, the connection of said second side members to the back frame being on the other side of said pivot between the side members.

13. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim in which the side locking means retain the side frames in their erected condition.

14. A chair as claimed in claims 12 and 13 in which said side locking means comprise a locking bar pivoted at one point thereof to the first of said side members intermediate the pivot between the side members and the connection of said first side member to the back frame and at another point to the forward rods, the side locking means limiting pivoting of the side members with respect to one another between said folded condition in which said side members lie substantially along said longitudinal axis and said erected condition where the side members are at a substantial angle with respect to one another.

15. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the side frames constitute supporting legs for the chair.

16. A chair as claimed in claim 4 or any of claims 5 to 15 when dependent on claim 4, in which said back locking means comprises a pivoted lever pivoted at each end to each of said back members.

17. A chair as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a detachable table supported by one or more of said frames above said seat.

18. A chair as claimed in claim 17 and claim 7, in which the table is supported on the four uppermost ends of the four side members comprising the side frames.

19. A high chair comprised of two pivotal X-frames, forming the sides and feet of the high chair, the side X-frames themselves being joined to a third pivotal Frame, at some angle to the side frames such that when an external force is applied to both the side and back of the high chair simultaneously the high chair subsequently folds.

20. A high chair according to claim 19 where the X frames on the back and sides of the high chair are fitted with locking mechanisms secured together and to the X-frames via pivotal support means, the length of the locking means thus determining the maximum distance to which the X-frames can extend.

21. A chair according to claim 19 or 20 where the tops of the back legs of the high chair are fitted with clips which act as a securing means for the back frame of the high chair seat, by way of horse-shoe shaped crevices into which the back frame seat tubes fit snugly when forced over the entrance to the crevice.

22. A high chair substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated by Figures 1 to 5.