US20140265487A1

US20140265487A1 - Adjustable child booster seat

Info

Publication number: US20140265487A1
Application number: US13/839,158
Authority: US
Inventors: Gary K Michelson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2013-03-15
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

An adjustable booster seat including a seat and a base configured to be placed on an elevated surface above ground. The seat may be rotated relative to the base to move the seat and the base relative to each other in to adjust the booster seat to a desired height.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an adjustable booster seat for children.

BACKGROUND

It is common practice for toddlers to sit at a dining table. Dining tables are designed to generally have a height that is comfortable for use by older children and adults. As the distance from an elevated sitting surface, such as a chair or a bench, to the dining surface is usually too great to be optimal for a toddler, a booster seat is usually used to raise the toddler above the normal sitting height of the chair or bench.
However, chairs, benches, and stools have different heights as do various tables, countertops, and other eating surfaces such that the ideal amount of booster height varies. An additional complicating factor is that toddlers grow quickly. Thus, a booster seat purchased today may not provide for the optimal height six months later, requiring the purchase of a larger booster seat. Therefore, a need exists for a toddler's booster seat having an adjustable height.
A further consideration is that toddlers are usually positioned closer to the table or counter than an adult because their arms are shorter. By being positioned closer to the table or counter, spilled food and liquids can fall in front of the toddler onto the table rather than on them, their clothes, the chair, and floor.
Because of the total height of the chair and the booster seat together, it may be necessary for an adult to lift the child into and out of the chair and booster seat. It would be desirable, therefore, if the sitting surface of the booster seat could be moved safely by the adult in order to allow the child to be turned so that their knees would clear the table and have the child properly turned to make it easier for the adult to pick up the child from the booster seat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in one preferred embodiment provides for a child booster seat that is adjustable in height having a base configured to be placed upon an elevated surface above the ground, such as a chair or bench for example. The base preferably has a lower surface, an upper surface opposite the lower surface, an exterior sidewall, and a maximum width and a height perpendicular the maximum width; and a seat including a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a central longitudinal axis through the bottom and the top. The bottom includes a recess with an interior sidewall. The recess has a maximum width perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, the width of the recess being greater than a majority of the maximum width of the base. The recess has a depth parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the seat, the depth of the recess being greater than a majority of the height of the base. The exterior sidewall of the base is configured to moveably engage the interior sidewall of the recess to move the position of the seat relative to the base when a portion of the base is inserted into the recess of the seat resulting in the raising or lowering of the seat relative to the elevated surface upon which the base of the booster seat is placed. Preferably, the exterior sidewall of the base is configured to rotationally engage the interior sidewall of the recess to raise or lower the seat relative to the base, similar to, for example only, a screw and nut fastener relationship.
In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides for an adjustable child booster seat similar to that described above, but where the seat has a threaded bottom portion configured to engage a recess in the base.
In a further preferred embodiment, the invention provides for an adjustable child booster seat that includes a seat having a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a central longitudinal axis through the bottom and the top. The bottom includes a recess with an interior sidewall. The seat has a maximum width perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The booster seat includes a base having a lower surface, an upper surface opposite the lower surface, and an exterior sidewall. The exterior sidewall includes a thread having a maximum outer diameter greater than a majority of the maximum width of the seat. The thread is configured to engage a portion of the recess of the seat to raise the seat relative to the base.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable booster seat positioned on an elevated surface such as a chair in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a lower exploded perspective view of the adjustable booster seat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the adjustable booster seat of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position and positioned on a chair.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the adjustable booster seat of FIG. 1 in an expanded position and positioned on a chair.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the adjustable booster seat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view of the adjustable booster seat of FIG. 1 in the collapsed position.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of the adjustable booster seat of FIG. 1 in the expanded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 7 show a preferred embodiment of an adjustable booster seat 100 having a seat 102 and a base 104 configured for placement on an elevated surface above the ground such as for example, chair 10. In use, seat 102 is rotated relative to base 104 to raise or lower the position of the seat above the base. The preferred elements of booster seat 100 and their interrelationship are described below.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, seat 102 has a top 106 with a sitting area 108, a bottom 110 opposite top 106, and an exterior sidewall 112. The sitting area 108 may include a contoured recess adapted to further stabilize a child in the seat. The anterior portion of sitting area 108 may include a raised portion or small knob positioned between the child's legs to prevent the child from sliding forward and out of the seat. Additionally, seat 102 may include a small seat back to secure the child to seat 102. Preferably, sidewall 112 extends above sitting area 108 to assist in retaining the child in the seat.
As shown in FIG. 2, bottom 110 of seat 102 preferably includes a recess 114 for receiving at least a portion of base 104. Recess 114 includes an interior sidewall 116 preferably having a groove 118 for receiving a corresponding thread 130 on base 104, as will be described in more detail below. Groove 118 is preferably spaced apart between turns along at least a portion of the depth of recess 114.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, base 104 has an upper surface 124, a lower surface 126 opposite upper surface 124, and an exterior sidewall 128. Exterior sidewall 128 preferably includes a thread 130 having multiple turns about the central longitudinal axis of base 104, and is configured to engage groove 118 of seat 102 to raise and lower seat 102 relative to base 104. It will be appreciated that any number of turns may be used as desired and appropriate for the intended purpose with three to ten turns being generally preferred. Thread 130 preferably has a blunt apex, more preferably a generally planar distal surface 132 or other thread profile to assure that the dull thread poses no danger of a caregiver or a child being cut or otherwise injured when using the booster seat.
Lower surface 124 of base 104 preferably includes a plurality of engagement openings 134 and cut-outs 136 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 to facilitate handling of base 104 during rotation. Openings 134 and cut-outs 136 are preferably configured to facilitate the height adjustment of booster seat 100 by permitting a user to keep base 104 steady while seat 102 is rotated to an elevated height. Cut-outs 136 are preferably arrayed along a lip 138 preferably surrounding the lower portion of base 104 so as to be accessible from both the side and the bottom of base 104.
Groove 118 of seat 102 and thread 130 of base 104 are preferably configured to permit continued adjustment without preconfigured increments, though the present invention is not so limited as will be further described below. To inhibit or resist reverse rotation, one or both of groove 118 and thread 130 may include a surface configured to enhance friction. The combination of a friction-enhancing surface and large thread outer diameter relative to the width of the seat functions to inhibit regressive rotational motion, particularly when the child's weight is added to seat 102.
If desired, booster seat 100 may be configured with a locking mechanism to lock the height of seat 102 relative to base 104. Such a locking mechanism may be formed, for example only, as a ratcheted spring mechanism, or a turn screw.
Referring to FIG. 5, base 104 preferably has a relatively large footprint to be stable when placed on an elevated sitting surface. Base 104 has a maximum outer dimension in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of base 104 that is preferably greater than a majority of a maximum outer dimension of seat 102 in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of seat 102. More preferably, the maximum outer dimension of base 104 is preferably greater than fifty percent (50%) of the maximum outer dimension of seat 102. The portion of base 104 insertable into recess 114 of seat 102 preferably has a maximum outer dimension that is at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the maximum outer dimension of seat 102. The aforementioned reference planes may be co-planar or offset. For illustrative purposes only, the maximum outer dimensions in the aforementioned reference planes will be referred to as a “width,” though the invention is not so limited. For example, the maximum dimension may also be a diameter where the outer shape of either the seat and/or base is circular. The percentage ratios set forth above may also be applicable when comparing the maximum width of base 104 relative to a maximum width of recess 114.
As shown in FIG. 6, seat 102 preferably has a maximum overall height greater than the maximum overall height of base 104. Preferably, the maximum width of base 104 is greater than the height of base 104. Preferably the maximum outer diameter of thread 130 of base 104 is greater than a majority of the width of seat 102.
FIG. 6 also shows that recess 114 of seat 102 preferably has a depth greater than a majority of the height of base 104. More preferably, the depth of recess 114 is generally equal to the height of base 104. It will be appreciated that the depth of recess 114 may be configured in a variety of ways, and that the depth may be more or less than the height of base 104 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Booster seat 100 may be formed from a variety of materials. For example only, booster seat 100 is preferably formed from an injection-molded, durable plastic. It will be appreciated that booster seat 100 may be formed from a single material, or a combination of materials. Such materials may include, but are not limited to plastic, metal and/or rubber. For example only, lower surface 126 of base 104 may be formed as a rubber layer to impede the lateral movement of booster seat 100 when placed on chair 10. Either or both of seat 102 and base 104 may be made of a light-weight metal such as aluminum. Other metals may be used as desired without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Having described the preferred components of booster seat 100, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2-4, 6 and 7. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, a person desiring to elevate the seating height of a child places booster seat 100 on the seating area of an elevated sitting surface above the ground such as on chair 10. Seat 102 is rotated about the central longitudinal axis of base 104 so that groove 118 of seat 102 and thread 130 of base 104 move relative to each other, axially elevating seat 102 relative to base 104 from a first, collapsed position, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, to an expanded position, such as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7 to adjust the height of booster 100. While it is appreciated that the range of heights to which booster seat 100 may be adjusted can vary, one preferred range of height change can be approximately 5 to 10 inches as an example. Seat 102 is rotated until the desired seat height is reached. The child may be placed on seat 102 prior to rotating seat 102. Seat 102 may then be rotated while the child is on the seat. Alternatively, the child may be placed on seat 102 after the desired height is reached.
The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the seat may be formed in a variety of shapes. The seat may be formed with a sidewall that does not extend above the height of the sitting surface. The sitting surface may be anatomically contoured or curved for a child.
The base may be hollow, such as shown in FIG. 6, or solid. When hollow, the base may have a substantially open top and/or bottom. Alternatively, the base may have a closed bottom and an open top to function as a storage compartment for items when travelling. When hollow, openings 134 (FIG. 5) may serve as vents to allow the easy escape of air between the top of recess 114 and base 104 as base 104 is rotated into recess 114. A substantially hollow base has many advantages. For example only, forming base to be substantially hollow allows booster seat 100 to be more lightweight and less expensive to manufacture.
The base and seat may be configured in other ways so as to elevate the seat relative to the base. For example, the recess of the seat may have a thread configured to engage a corresponding groove in the exterior sidewall of the base. Alternatively, both the seat and the base may be threaded to engage with each other.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the configurations of the bottom of the seat and the top of the base may be reversed. For example, instead of a recess, the seat may have a bottom portion projecting therefrom that includes a thread. The base may have a top which includes a recess into which the bottom portion of the seat threadably engages to raise or lower the seat relative to the base.
When at least one of the base and seat have a thread, the thread(s) may have a ratcheted surface on one or both sides or facets of the thread. Such a configuration would facilitate incremental elevation of the seat relative to the base. For example, groove 118 may include a plurality of spaced-apart recesses along its spiral path that are each configured to receive a projection on one side of thread 130. To incrementally elevate the seat relative to the base, the user may lift the seat vertically, and then rotate the seat around its central longitudinal axis. Once the desired height is achieved, the user may push down on the seat and rotate the seat until the projection and recess engage. It will be appreciated that rotational interlocking may also be achieved by including one or more recesses on the thread configured to engage one or more corresponding projections in the groove.
The thread may include one or more indentations to interrupt an otherwise continuous outer thread diameter. The indentations may engage with a spring-loaded ratchet mechanism located along a portion of the interior sidewall of the recess of the seat.
Any of the projections, recesses and ratcheting described above for incremental elevation may be configured for one-way movement if desired. To move the seat in a reverse direction, the ratcheting mechanism may be disengaged by, for example, pulling a ratchet arm away with a lever, and permitting or causing reverse motion.
It will be appreciated that in another preferred embodiment, the seat may be elevated relative to the base without rotational movement. For example, the booster seat may include one or more columns and corresponding grooves that are ratcheted, using similar base and seat width to height ratios as described above. This would allow the seat to be raised and lowered vertically without rotational movement. A single release mechanism, such as a button or lever, may be used to disengage more than one column at a time. When the booster seat is configured for non-rotational elevational movement, the base may be configured to be rotatable so that the booster seat may swivel. Such swivel may be limited to less than one full turn, for example, 90 degrees or 180 degrees.
The lower surface of the base may include one or more suction cups to enhance securing the booster seat to the chair. The booster seat may be secured to the chair in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the booster seat may include one or more straps with buckles, or hook and loop fasteners to secure the base to the chair.
The lower surface of the base may be contoured to the shape of the intended chair. Such contouring is beneficial for maintaining the booster seat on a chair when the sitting area of the chair is non-planar. The lower surface of the booster seat may be made of a material adapted to conform to the surface against which it is placed. For example, the lower surface may be formed from a silicon or rubber material. Alternatively, the lower surface may include a recess configured to retain a weighted bag filled with granular material such as beans, pebbles or sand, which functions to conform to cushioned surfaces, such as a theater seat, and acts as a ballast to assist in maintaining the booster seat on the larger seat.
The booster seat may be configured for use with a variety of ancillary attachments. For example, the booster seat may be configured for use with a tray. Such a tray may either be slidable or pivotable relative to the booster seat.
The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The booster seat may be used in a variety of environments. The booster seat may also be shaped and configured for use with a theater seat.
The booster seat may be configured for use as a portable training toilet. For example, the sitting area of the seat may include a generally central aperture, and the base may be formed with a generally open upper surface and a closed lower surface to function as a receptacle. The seat may be raised or lowered according to any one of the configurations described above.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable child booster seat for placement on an elevated sitting surface above ground, said booster seat comprising:

a base including a lower surface, an upper surface opposite said lower surface configured to be placed on the elevated sitting surface above the ground, and an exterior sidewall, said base having a maximum width and a height perpendicular the maximum width; and

a seat including a bottom, a top opposite said bottom, and a central longitudinal axis through said bottom and said top, said bottom including a recess with an interior sidewall, said recess having a maximum width perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, the width of said recess being greater than a majority of the maximum width of said base, said width of said base being at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the maximum width of said seat, said recess having a depth parallel to the central longitudinal axis of said seat, the depth of said recess being greater than a majority of the height of said base, said exterior sidewall of said base being configured to be inserted at least in part into said recess of said seat, said base rotatably engaging said interior sidewall of said recess to move said seat and said base relative to each other to alter the height of said seat relative to the elevated seating surface.

2. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein the maximum width of said base is greater than the height of said base.

3. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said recess has a generally circular cross section perpendicular to the depth of said recess.

4. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said exterior sidewall of said base includes a thread for engagement with said interior sidewall of said recess.

5. The booster seat of claim 4, wherein said interior of said recess is grooved to receive said thread of said exterior sidewall of said base.

6. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said lower surface of said base includes a non-slip material configured to increase friction between said base and the elevated surface.

7. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said lower surface of said base includes at least one engagement recess configured to permit a user to facilitate rotation of said base relative to said seat.

8. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein at least one of said base and said seat is formed at least in part of a plastic material.

9. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said exterior sidewall of said base includes a thread having a maximum outer diameter greater than a majority of the maximum width of said seat, said thread being configured to engage a portion of said recess of said seat to move said seat and said base relative to each other.

10. The booster seat of claim 10, wherein the maximum outer diameter of said thread is greater than approximately 70% to 90% of the maximum width of said seat.

11. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said base rotatably engaging said interior sidewall of said recess to move said seat and said base relative to each other to alter the height of said seat relative to the elevated seating surface.

12. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said seat includes a contoured recess adapted to stabilize a child seated in said booster seat.

13. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein an interior portion of said seat includes a raised portion adapted to be positioned between a child's legs to prevent the child seated in said seat from sliding out of said booster seat.

14. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein at least one of said thread and said recess of said seat includes a surface configured to enhance friction to inhibit regressive rotational motion of said seat relative to said base.

15. The booster seat of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism to lock the height of said seat relative to said base.

16. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein the relative motion of said seat to said base results in a height change of said seat relative to the elevated surface in the range of five (5) to ten (10) inches.

17. The booster seat of claim 1, further comprising a seatbelt to secure a child seated in said booster seat.