GB2593175A

GB2593175A - An infant chair

Info

Publication number: GB2593175A
Application number: GB2003838.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mary Sheridan Sylvia
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-03-17
Filing date: 2020-03-17
Publication date: 2021-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-17
Also published as: GB2593175B; GB202003838D0

Abstract

An infant chair comprising a seat 6, a frame 3 and wheels 1,4, wherein the frame connects the seat to the wheels. The frame comprises an elevating mechanism arranged to elevate the seat above the wheels from a first height to a second height. The mechanism enables the chair to be collapsed to a third position. The elevating mechanism also comprising a pair of frame members (12, 13, see fig. 2) which are connected the seat to the frame and are pivotally connected to each other. The chair further comprising first and second (11, 13) telescopic extending frame members. The chair may be movable between multiple intermediate position via a sliding position. Said mechanism may comprise a scissor, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms and may comprise a locking mechanism for locking in intermediate or other positions. Finally, the seat may be removable and may be used as a seat for placement in a vehicle.

Description

AN INFANT CHAIR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an infant chair, in particular a moving infant chair such as a pushchair, stroller or buggy; more particularly but not exclusively to an infant chair for city living.

Background

Increasing numbers of people live in cities, and bring up children in cities, and increasing numbers of cities have air quality problems caused by pollution from vehicles or similar.

Walking next to roads with children in buggies exposes the infants to pollution, as they are typically situated at the height of vehicle exhausts.

Studies have shown that babies absorb 60 percent more pollution at the kerbside than the parent pushing the buggy.

Prior Art

CN 105 197 091 (CHEN) discloses a baby carriage structure comprises a carriage body, wherein the carriage body is provided with an underframe, the underframe is provided with a shock absorbing unit, the shock absorbing unit is movably provided with a movable rod, and a bearing frame is arranged at the tail end of the movable rod and provided with a deck chair or a seat; the deck chair moves through the movable rod, so that the parent can adjust the height of the deck chair according to the height of himself/herself, and then the baby can be easily placed on the deck chair, or the parent can hold the baby out of the deck chair to prevent his/her own body from bending excessively to hurt his/her own waist.

CN 202 624 325 (ZHAO) discloses a height-adjustable baby carrier comprises a seat, a lifting rod, a positioning clamp sleeve, a lifting rod sleeve, a base plate and a 35 pushing handle, wherein the lifting rod is vertically arranged in a rod shape; the upper end of the lifting rod and the seat are fastened together; the lifting rod sleeve is vertically arranged, and is aligned with the lifting rod up and down. When walking in a place crowded with people and vehicles, a user can lift the seat to ensure that a child is at a high position, so that the safety performance and sanitation performance can be improved; and when used in a quiet place, the baby carrier can be lowered, so that the stability and comfortableness can be kept.

CN 2018 34 045 (WANG) discloses a height-adjustable baby stroller, comprises a base and an upper seat, wherein the base is provided with four pairs of casters, the upper seat is provided with a tabletop, and the base and the upper seat are connected by an openable support formed by pivoting the two support rods bent into open square shapes in an X form. Two ends of one support rod are connected with the base by fixed connecting pins; two ends of the other support rod are connected with the base by movable connectors; a sliding groove is arranged on the inner side of the front end of the base; the connector seat is provided with a boss matching with the sliding groove; the connector seat is connected with the corresponding support rod by a bolt fixed to a central through hole of the boss; and a positioning hole capable of matching with the front end of the pin is arranged on a side of the sliding groove.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an infant chair includes a seat, a frame and at least three wheels, wherein the frame connects the seat to the wheels, and the frame comprises an elevating mechanism arranged to elevate the seat from a first position where the seat is deployed at a first height above the wheels, to a second position where the seat is deployed at a second height above the wheels and the elevating mechanism enables the chair to be collapsed to a third stowed position; the elevating mechanism comprising at least two pairs of frame members that connect the seat to the frame, the pairs of frame members are connected one to another by way of pivots; and first and second telescopic extending frame members connect the seat to the frame.

For avoidance of doubt between the first and second positions the chair may provide multiple intermediate positions, for example on a sliding or incremental step arrangement.

In some embodiments the mechanism comprises a scissor mechanism.

In some embodiments the mechanism comprises a hydraulic mechanism.

In some embodiments the mechanism comprises a pneumatic mechanism.

In some embodiments the mechanism enables one or more intermediate positions between the first and second positions. The mechanism may comprise a locking means, which locks the mechanism in intermediate or in the positions. The locking means for example may prevent extension of telescopic members.

In some embodiments the seat is removable from the frame. For example the seat may provide a car seat for placement in a vehicle, and/or comprising a handle for carrying of the seat between the chair and a vehicle or other purpose.

In some embodiments of the chair the seat is removable from the frame at the left and right hand pivoting connectors.

The frame may comprise a substantially rectangular footprint, which footprint may be envisaged to be larger than the seat.

In some embodiments the chair comprises four wheels. The wheels may be arranged at corners of a largely rectangular footprint.

In some embodiments one or more of the wheels of the chair comprise castor 30 wheels. For example in some embodiments the front two of the wheels may be castor wheels.

In some embodiments the seat may be arranged to face forwards or rearwards.

In some embodiments the frame may be adaptable so as to tilt the seat to more than one inclination.

In some embodiments a handlebar or grip is connected to the pivots of left hand and right hand pairs of frame members In some embodiments a right hand pair of the frame members and a first telescopic extending frame member are connected to a pivoting connector forming a pivot located on a right hand side of the seat; and a left hand pair of the frame members and a second telescopic extending frame member are connect to a pivoting connector forming a pivot located on a left hand side of the seat.

Some embodiments of the chair comprise a lock means to lock pivots or telescoping of frame members in the first and/or the second and/or the third position.

In some embodiments the chair may have a low centre of gravity, for example having 15 weighted wheels or a low slung carrying means for items. In addition or the alternative some embodiments may have an enlarged footprint in relation to the seat.

In some embodiments clips on the frame allow the user to attach utilities including umbrellas and parasols and/or a phone holder allows the user to use maps and other 20 applications hands-free. The phone holder may be located on or near the handgrip.

The chair may comprise an automatic braking system which means when a handgrip or handle is released, the brakes on wheels activate.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the chair of the present invention, in a first position; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the chair as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in a collapsed position; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in a second position; Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 9 shows a diagrammatic end and side views of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 1 respectively.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the chair 99 generally comprising a seat 6, a frame 3 and wheels 1,4, wherein the frame connects the seat to the wheels, and the frame comprises an elevating mechanism arranged to elevate the seat above the wheels from a first position where the seat is at a first height to a second position where the seat is at a second height, wherein the mechanism enables the chair to be collapsed to a third position.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures the embodiment comprises a scissor lifting mechanism with a lock means 111 which locks a coaxially extending member 11, four wheels, comprising two larger rear wheels 4, and two smaller castor wheels 1 at the front of the frame. The lock means comprises a thumb screw.

10 15 20 The frame has a rectangular footprint, which footprint is larger than the footprint of the seat.

The seat is removable and comprises a pivoting shade 62 extendable from one end.

The shade is common to as known in the art, comprising a rigid U shaped front edge 61 pulling fabric panels, with a central transverse U shaped wire. The seat is clipped into stubs projecting from a top pivot 10, which may be lockable so as to enable tilting. The clip is a resiliently deformable sprung clip The frame comprises a basal carrier 2, which comprises a fabric sling having a bottom face hanging largely at the height of the wheel axles, such that weight is situated in use low on the chair, so as to lower the chair's centre of gravity.

The frame further comprises a fixed chassis between the wheels comprising two 15 sides and three lateral struts 53,52,57, which support the basal carrier 2.

The chassis has a lower rear strut 53 so as to provide a lower front edge for the basal carrier, and provides an inclined basal carrier, inclined upwards to above the axles of the front wheels.

The frame comprises four pivots 9,10,55,54 on each side, where two central pivots 55 are located intermediate the front and rear wheels, at the highest points of the sides of the chassis. In front of the central pivots are front pivots 54, which are located on a depending front side 51 of the chassis.

Two frame members 12,13 extend diagonally upwards from the pivots 55 and 54 respectively on each side to support the seat in the first and second positions, wherein a front frame member 131s coaxially extendable.

The front 13 and rear members 12 of the frame are joined by a top member 11, which is also coaxially extendable, thereby enabling the frame members to form a plurality of largely parallelogram shapes with the front of the chassis when viewed from the sides.

The coaxially extending top member 11, front frame member 13, rear frame member 12.

In this way the height of the seat can be set by the user to raise the child above harmful roadside pollution or lowered to the height of a standard pushchair for nappy changing or where appropriate. Additionally or alternatively in an elevated position the seat may be more available to a user, limiting bending and bring the infant closer to eye height for the user.

The top member 11 joins to the front member 13 and the rear member 12 at a front top pivot 10 and a rear top pivot 9 respectively.

A handgrip 8 for a user is provided extending behind the rear top pivot 9. The handgrip comprises a transverse portion, forming a U shaped handgrip in plan view. The pictured embodiment of the handgrip further comprises a handlebar 7, extending on an articulated mounting 79 so as to allow adjustment for comfort in all positions.

The handlebar comprises a lateral part and two endmost upwards extending parts. A telephone holder 80 extends rearwards from the side of the handle.

The height adjustment mechanism means that the chair can be quickly and easily altered and locked at a desired height as far as eye level with the user. The frame 20 can be adjusted and set at any height between the first and second positions.

The frame is extruded aluminium and the wheels are acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with a polymer rim and rubber tyres.

The aeroplane style handlebar 7 can be removed and the handgrip 8 extends to suit different users.

As shown in Figure 3 the whole frame can be collapsed, with the basal carrier detached, and the wheels may be removed for transport and storage.

Large rear wheels improve comfort and stability, and rubber tyres make the chair suitable for all terrains. The castor wheels give the embodiment manoeuvrability ideal for navigating busy cities.

The waterproof shade protects the seat from damage. The shade provides windows 66 in the roof and a section at the rear allow the child to see the sky and the adult to see through to the road. These can be blocked with internal flaps.

Foam inserts provide the child with additional comfort.

The seat has padding in foam upholstery with a waterproof textile or Nylon (RTM) covering.

The front edge can be used to transport the child between the chair and a vehicle.

A harness (not shown) secures the child in place and can be unclipped if the user doesn't require it with quick-release clip which allows the user to easily remove the seat from the frame. The clip has dampeners to absorb bumps and improve comfort.

The pictured embodiment caters for newborns up to two years and allows the child to be positioned horizontally or substantially upright as preferred. A five-point harness secures the child in place whilst the padded seat keeps them comfy. The removable shade 62 provides additional warmth and the quick-release clips on the side allow the parent to detach the seat and secure it straight into the vehicle using an ISO fixing.

Other embodiments cater for children aged between two and four years and have an upright seating position which allows the child to see where they are going. The child 25 can be secured to face their parent or face outwards. A three-point harness can be used to secure the child in place.

Storage parts are provided in polyurethane (PU) coated Nylon (RTM) and comprise a front basal storage, a main basal storage, a change bag and a bottle warmer.

The fabric base basal storage is ideal for carrying shopping and larger bags and folds with the frame when it is collapsed for transport/ storage.

A waterproof change bag 22 is located in the basal carrier 2 and has multiple pockets 35 and zips for all changing essentials and uses Velcro (RTM) to secure it in place, and can easily be removed and taken with the user for changing.

Two battery-powered bottle warmers 24 are positioned on either side of the change bag and an insulated Velcro (RTM) cover secures the bottle in place and a simple switch on the inside of the cover turns the warmers on. Batteries can be removed for 5 recharging.

The bottle warmer has insulated fabric and the waterproof top basal storage can be completely detached. A central zipped storage pocket can be used for valuables and two side pockets 23 which can be used to store other baby essentials or store 10 smaller more valuable items.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely 15 combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1 An infant chair includes a seat, a frame and at least three wheels, wherein the frame connects the seat to the wheels, and the frame comprises an elevating mechanism arranged to elevate the seat from a first position where the seat is deployed at a first height above the wheels, to a second position where the seat is deployed at a second height above the wheels and the elevating mechanism enables the chair to be collapsed to a third stowed position; the elevating mechanism comprising at least two pairs of frame members that connect the seat to the frame, the pairs of frame members are connected one to another by way of pivots; and first and second telescopic extending frame members connect the seat to the frame.
2. A chair according to any claim 1 wherein a handlebar or grip is connected to the pivots of left hand and right hand pairs of frame members.
3. A chair according to claim 1 wherein a right hand pair of the frame members and a first telescopic extending frame member are connected to a pivoting connector located on a right hand side of the seat; and a left hand pair of the frame members and a second telescopic extending frame member are connect to a pivoting connector located on a left hand side of the seat.
4. A chair according to claim 1 comprises a lock means to lock frame members in the first and/or the second and/or the third position.
5. A chair according to any preceding claim wherein the seat is removable from the frame at the left and right hand pivoting connectors.
6. A chair according to any preceding claim includes castor wheels.
7. A chair according to any preceding claim comprises a phone holder.
8. A chair according to any preceding claim wherein between the first and second positions the chair provides multiple intermediate positions.
9. A chair according to claim 8 wherein the intermediate positions are on a sliding arrangement.
10. A chair according to claim 8 wherein the intermediate positions are on an incremental step arrangement.