GB2447099A - Support assembly comprising pivotally connected frame members - Google Patents

Support assembly comprising pivotally connected frame members Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2447099A
GB2447099A GB0714843A GB0714843A GB2447099A GB 2447099 A GB2447099 A GB 2447099A GB 0714843 A GB0714843 A GB 0714843A GB 0714843 A GB0714843 A GB 0714843A GB 2447099 A GB2447099 A GB 2447099A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
support
frame
actuator
frame members
members
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0714843A
Other versions
GB0714843D0 (en
Inventor
Samuel Blackburn Pearce
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Space Net Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
Space Net Technology Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Space Net Technology Ltd filed Critical Space Net Technology Ltd
Publication of GB0714843D0 publication Critical patent/GB0714843D0/en
Publication of GB2447099A publication Critical patent/GB2447099A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D1/00—Children's chairs
    • A47D1/02—Foldable chairs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
    • A47C4/28—Folding chairs with flexible coverings for the seat or back elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/02—Seat parts
    • A47C7/28—Seat parts with tensioned springs, e.g. of flat type
    • A47C7/282—Seat parts with tensioned springs, e.g. of flat type with mesh-like supports, e.g. elastomeric membranes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
    • B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
    • B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
    • B60N2/2866—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle booster cushions, e.g. to lift a child to allow proper use of the conventional safety belts

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A support assembly 10 comprises a frame 12 which includes a pair of frame members 14 pivotally connected to one another about a pivotal axis PA. The frame members are moveable between a closed position in which respective support portions (16, Fig. 1) of the frame members lie adjacent to one another and an open position in which the support portions are spaced from one another. A support member 20 extends between the support portions of the frame members and is held in tension by the frame members in the open position to define a support surface 22. The assembly may comprise an actuator 24 which is lockable to secure the frame members in the open position. The actuator may comprise a pair of actuator members 28 pivotally connected to each other and to a respective frame member. Each actuator member may comprise a foot portion 44 engageable with a body on which the assembly is supported. The support assembly may be used as a child booster seat in a vehicle, and may include retaining members (48, Fig. 1) to retain a seat belt.

Description

A SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
This invention relates to a support assembly and particularly, but not exclusively, a support assembly forming a vehicle seat to support a child, such as a booster seat.
Conventionally, child car seats and booster seats intended for attachment to a vehicle seat in order to restrain and/or support a child in a vehicle have been constructed as a relat1ve]y solid support component over which a padded covering is fitted to provide a comfortable seat. Since the support component is generally moulded from a plastics material, the seats are often bulky and relatively heavy.
The use of a relatively solid support component in combination with a padded cover means that the seats are poorly ventilated and do not therefore assist in ensuring that a child sitting thereinithereon does not overheat. Furthermore, the padded cover is often cumbersome and can prove difcu1t to remove, wash and replace.
It is known to form a child vehicle seating system having a closed frame over which a flexible membrane is stretched to define a support surface. The provision of such a seating component obviates the need for a solid support member. This enables the provision of a seating system that is considerably lighter and less bulky than previously known seats.
Whilst such a child vehicle seating system benefits from the above-mentioned advantages, the system may still be relatively heavy and cumbersome to carry around.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a support assembly comprising: a frame including a pair of frame members pivotally connected to one another about a pivotal axis, and moveable between a closed position in which a support portion of one frame member lies adjacent to a support portion of the other frame member and an open position in which the support portions are spaced from one another; and a support member attached to the support portion of each frame member and extending therebetween, the frame members in the open position holding the support member in tension to define a support surface.
The inclusion of a support member which is held in tension to define a support surface results in a lightweight support assembly, while the ability of the frame members to adopt a closed position means that the support assembly can be rendered compact, as desired.
In addition, pivotafly connecting a pair of frame members to one another maintains the relative positions of the frame members and so makes it easy for a user to move the frame members between the open and closed positions.
Meanwhile, holding the support member in tension allows the support member to secure the frame members in a desired configuration such as, for example, the open position.
Preferably the support assembly further includes an actuator to move the frame members between the open and closed positions. The inclusion of an actuator aids a user in moving the frame members between the open and closed positions.
The actuator may be lockable to secure the frame members in the open position.
Such and arrangement obviates the need for any secondary locking mechanisms to hold the frame members in the open position.
Optionally the actuator includes a pair of actuator members pivotally connected to one another to define a first pivotal connection, each actuator member being pivotally connected to a frame member to define a pair of second pivotal connections having a centreline passing therethrough, adjusting the spacing between the first pivotal connection and the pivotal axis causing movement of the frame members between the open and closed positions.
Such an arrangement provides a convenient way for a user to move the frame members between the open and closed positions.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the actuator members and frame members are configured in a four-bar linkage such that movement of the first pivotal connection from a first side of the centrehne towards the centreline moves the support portions of the frame members away from one another, the support portions having a maximum spacing therebetween when the first pivotal connection is aligned with the centreline; and the frame includes a stop member lying on a second side of the centreline to limit movement of the first pivotal connection on the second side of the centreline, tension in the support member biasing the first pivotal connection against the stop member to hold the frame members in the open position.
This arrangement allows the support assembly to be self-supporting while defining a support surface without the need for any additional locking elements to maintain the frame members in their open position.
The support assembly may include at least one tensioning member interconnected between the support member and the first pivotal connection to further tension the support member while the first pivotal connection is biased against the stop member, and so further define the support surface. The inclusion of one or more such tensioning members allows for additional tensioning and sculpting of the support surface so that it, for example, more closely resembles the shape of a child's buttocks.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, each end of one frame member is pivotally connected to a corresponding end of the other frame member, each pivotal connection being aligned with the pivotal axis, and the actuator includes two pairs of actuator members pivotally connected to one another to define respective first pivotal connections, each pair of actuator members lying adjacent to a pivotally connected end of the frame members.
Such an arrangement distributes the loading on the pivotal connections between the frame members and the actuator members.
Optionally the actuator further includes a first elongate member extending between the first pivotal connection of each pair of actuator members, and a second elongate member extending between the pivotally connected ends of the frame members, the second elongate member defining the stop member to limit movement of each first pivotal connection on the second side of the centreline.
The inclusion of first and second elongate members provides a user with a convenient way of adjusting the spacing between the first pivotal connection and the pivotal axis to affect movement of the frame members between the open and closed positions.
At least one elongate member may include a recessed portion extending along the length thereof. The inclusion of one or more such recessed portions provides a space between the first and second elongate members when they abut one another.
This assists a user in moving the elongate members away from one another while closing the frame members. In addition, it helps to reduce the likelihood of pinching occurring between the first and second elongate members.
Preferably each actuator member includes a foot portion extending beyond each second pivotal connection, each foot portion being engagable with a support body to support the frame relative to the support body. Such an arrangement is readily useable with, for example, a support body such as a vehicle seat.
Optionally each frame member includes a retaining member to, in use, retain a vehicle seat belt. Such a feature allows the support assembly to integrate fully with the existing seating of a vehicle.
There now follows a brief description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a support assembly according to a S first embodiment of the invention with frame members in an open position; Figure 2 shows a front e]evational view of the support assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a front elevational view of the support assembly shown in Figure 2 with frame members lying between the open position and a closed position; Figure 4 shows a front elevational view of the support assembly shown in Figure 3 with frame members in a closed position; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a support assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention including a tensioning member.
A support assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.
The support assembly 10 includes a frame 12 which has a pair of frame members 14 that are pivotally connected to one another about a pivotal axis PA. The frame members 14 are moveable between a closed position in which a support portion 16 of one frame member 14 lies adjacent to a support portion 16 of the other frame member 14, as shown in Figure 4, and an open position in which the support portions 16 are spaced from one another, as shown in Figure 2.
In the embodiment shown, respective ends 18 of each frame member 14 are pivotally connected to one another, each pivotal connection being aligned with the pivotal axis PA.
A support member 20 is attached to the support portion 16 of each frame member 14 and extends therebetween. The support member 20 may be made from any convenient material and may, for example, be a fabric in the form of an open
S
mesh. A particularly useful type of fabric is one knitted from a polymer fibre having desirable tensile properties.
The frame members 14 while in the open position hold the support member 20 in tension to define a support surface 22.
The support assembly 10 also includes an actuator 24 to move the frame members 14 between the open and closed positions.
In the embodiment shown, the actuator 24 includes two pairs 26 of actuator members 28, each pair 24 of actuator members 28 lying adjacent to a pivotally connected end 18 of the frame members 14.
Within each pair 24 of actuator members 28, one actuator member 28 is pivotally connected to the other actuator member 28 to define a first pivotal connection 30.
Each actuator member 28 is also pivotally connected to a frame member 14 to define a pair of second pivotal connections 46 which have a centreline CL passing therethrough.
In the embodiment shown the each frame member 14 is pivotally connected within an actuator member 28. However, other embodiments may include a different pivotal anangement between each frame member 14 and actuator member 28.
The actuator members 28 and frame members 14 are configured in a four-bar linkage such that movement of the first pivotal connections 30 from a first side 32 of the centreline CL towards the centreline CL, moves the support portions 16 away from one another. The support portions 16 have a maximum spacing therebetween when the first pivotal connections 30 are aligned with the pivotal axis PA. In this position the tension in the support member 20 is also a maximum.
The actuator 24 further includes a first elongate member 34 which extends between the first pivotal connections 30, and a second elongate member 36 that extends between the pivotally connected ends 18 of the frame members 14. The second elongate member 36 extends along the pivotal axis PA.
In addition, the second elongate member 36 defines a stop member 38 that limits movement of the first pivotal connections on a second side 40 of the centreline CL.
Each of the first and second elongate members 34, 36 includes a recessed portion 42 which extends along the length of the respective elongate member 34, 36. In the embodiments shown the recessed portion extends between respective ends of each elongate member 34, 36.
Each actuator member 28 includes a foot portion 44 extending beyond each second pivotal connection 46. Each foot portion 44 is engagable with a support is body, such as a vehicle seat (not shown), to support the frame 12 and support member 20 relative thereto.
Each frame member 14 includes a retaining member 48 which can be used to retain a vehicle seat belt to allow integration of the support assembly with a vehicle seat.
In use, the support assembly 10 is able to adopt a collapsed configuration in which the frame members 14 lie in a closed position, as shown in Figure 4. Such a configuration is compact and allows for ready transportation of the support assembly while it is not in use.
A user is able to move the first elongate member 34 from the first side 32 of the CL towards the second elongate member 36 to reduce the spacing between the first pivotal connections 30 and the pivotal axis PA, and so move the support portions 16 of each frame member 14 away from one another.
When the first elongate member 34 is coincident with the centreline CL the support portions 16 have a maximum spacing between them, and the resulting tension in the support member 20 is also at a maximum.
S Once a user moves the first elongate member 34 beyond the centrelme CL and onto the second side 40 thereof, tension in the support member 20 acts to move the support portions 16 towards one another. However, such continued movement is prevented by the first elongate member 34 abutting the stop member 38 defined by the second elongate member 36. l0
The spacer members 42 coupled to the second elongate member 36 space the first elongate member 34 from the second elongate member 36 to, for example, avoid the pinching of a user's fingers between the two elongate members 34, 36.
The remaining tension in the support member 20 biases the first elongate member 34 into engagement with the spacer members 42 and the second elongate member 36 to lock the frame members 14 in the open position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Accordingly, the support assembly 10 adopts an erect configuration in which the frame members 14 hold the support member 20 in tension so that it is able to define a support surface which may be used, for example, to support a child in a vehicle seat.
In order to move the support assembly back into the aforementioned collapsed configuration, a user moves the first arid second elongate members 34, 36 away from one another so as to move the first pivotal connections 30 away from the pivot axis PA.
The support member 20 is configured so that in moving the first and second elongate members in this way, the user is able readily to overcome the maximum tension in the support member 20 in order to move the first elongate member 34 from the second side 40 of the centreline over the centreline CL and onto the first side 32 of the centreline.
Once the first elongate member 34 passes back over the centreline CL any tension in the support member 20 acts to move the support surfaces 16 towards one another, and the user is able to, as necessary, complete the process of moving the frame members 14 into the closed position, as shown in Figure 4.
A support assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 60.
The second support assembly 60 shares many features with the first support assembly 10 and these are designated using the same reference numerals. The second support assembly 60 also functions in essentially the same way as the first support assembly 10.
The second support assembly additionally includes a two tensioning members 62 interconnected between the support member 20 and the first elongate member 34.
In the embodiment shown, the two tensioning members 62 are formed from a single flexible member 64 which is connected at either end to the support member 20, and which loops over the first elongate member 34.
In use, movement of the first elongate member 34 into a position in which it is biased into engagement with the second elongate member 36 causes the tensioning members 62 to draw the support member 20 towards the pivotal axis PA, thereby further tensioning the support member 20, particularly in the region adjacent to the point at which each tensioning member 62 is attached. In this way it is possible to add further definition to the shape of the support surface 22 formed by the tensioned support member 20.

Claims (12)

  1. CLAiMS: 1. A support assembly comprising: a frame including a pair of
    frame members pivotally connected to one another about a pivotal axis, and moveable between a closed position in which a support portion of one frame member lies adjacent to a support portion of the other frame member and an open position in which the support portions are spaced from one another; and a support member attached to the support portion of each frame member and extending therebetween, the frame members in the open position holding the support member in tension to define a support surface.
  2. 2. A support assembly according to Claim I further including an actuator to move the frame members between the open and closed positions.
  3. 3. A support assembly according to Claim 2 wherein the actuator is lockable to secure the frame members in the open position.
  4. 4. A support assembly according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the actuator includes a pair of actuator members pivotally connected to one another to define a first pivotal connection, each actuator member being pivotally connected to a frame member to define a pair of second pivotal connections having a centreline passing therethrough, adjusting the spacing between the first pivotal connection and the pivotal axis causing movement of the frame members between the open and closed positions.
  5. S. A support assembly according to Claim 4 wherein the actuator members and frame members are configured in a four-bar linkage such that movement of the first pivotal connection from a first side of the centreline towards the centreline moves the support portions of the frame members away from one another, the support portions having a maximum spacing therebetween when the first pivotal connection is aligned with the centreline; and I' the frame includes a stop member lying on a second side of the centreline to limit movement of the first pivotal connection on the second side of the centreline, tension in the support member biasing the first pivotal connection against the stop member to hold the frame members in the open position.
  6. 6. A support assembly according to Claim 5 including at least one tensioning member interconnected between the support member and the first pivotal connection to further tension the support member while the first pivotal io connection is biased against the stop member and so further define the support surface.
  7. 7. A support assembly according to any of Claims 4 to 6 wherein each end of one frame member is pivotally connected to a corresponding end of the other frame member, each pivotal connection being aligned with the pivotal axis, and the actuator includes two pairs of actuator members pivotally connected to one another to define respective first pivotal connections, each pair of actuator members lying adjacent to a pivotally connected end of the frame members.
  8. 8. A support assembly according to Claim 7 wherein the actuator further includes a first elongate member extending between the first pivotal connection of each pair of actuator members, and a second elongate member extending between the pivotally connected ends of the frame members, the second elongate member defining the stop member to limit movement of each first pivotal connection on the second side of the centrelirie.
  9. 9. A support assembly according to Claim 8 wherein at least one elongate member includes a recessed portion extending along the length thereof.
  10. 10. A support assembly according to any of Claims 4 to 9 wherein each actuator member includes a foot portion extending beyond each second pivotal connection, each foot portion being engagable with a support body to support the frame relative to the support body.
    II
  11. 11. A support assembly according to any preceding claim wherein each frame member includes a retaining member to, in use, retain a vehicle seat belt.
  12. 12. A support assembly generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
GB0714843A 2007-02-28 2007-07-31 Support assembly comprising pivotally connected frame members Withdrawn GB2447099A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0703803.7A GB0703803D0 (en) 2007-02-28 2007-02-28 Support assembly

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0714843D0 GB0714843D0 (en) 2007-09-12
GB2447099A true GB2447099A (en) 2008-09-03

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB0703803.7A Ceased GB0703803D0 (en) 2007-02-28 2007-02-28 Support assembly
GB0714843A Withdrawn GB2447099A (en) 2007-02-28 2007-07-31 Support assembly comprising pivotally connected frame members

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB0703803.7A Ceased GB0703803D0 (en) 2007-02-28 2007-02-28 Support assembly

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103462412A (en) * 2012-06-05 2013-12-25 明门香港股份有限公司 Infant supporting apparatus

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4544203A (en) * 1984-10-11 1985-10-01 Younger Steven K Foldable head rest
US5044690A (en) * 1990-03-14 1991-09-03 Torrey Ralph H Folding stool
US5522642A (en) * 1995-02-13 1996-06-04 Herzog; William E. Folding seating with selectively extendable legs
GB2316303A (en) * 1996-08-14 1998-02-25 Linden Leisure Limited Folding stool
DE20204934U1 (en) * 2002-03-28 2002-07-18 Blok, Christiaan, 42369 Wuppertal bag stool

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4544203A (en) * 1984-10-11 1985-10-01 Younger Steven K Foldable head rest
US5044690A (en) * 1990-03-14 1991-09-03 Torrey Ralph H Folding stool
US5522642A (en) * 1995-02-13 1996-06-04 Herzog; William E. Folding seating with selectively extendable legs
GB2316303A (en) * 1996-08-14 1998-02-25 Linden Leisure Limited Folding stool
DE20204934U1 (en) * 2002-03-28 2002-07-18 Blok, Christiaan, 42369 Wuppertal bag stool

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103462412A (en) * 2012-06-05 2013-12-25 明门香港股份有限公司 Infant supporting apparatus
GB2504596A (en) * 2012-06-05 2014-02-05 Wonderland Nursery Goods Infant supporting apparatus
US8844072B2 (en) 2012-06-05 2014-09-30 Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited Infant supporting apparatus
GB2504596B (en) * 2012-06-05 2015-03-04 Wonderland Nursery Goods Infant supporting apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0714843D0 (en) 2007-09-12
GB0703803D0 (en) 2007-04-11

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