Abstract:
An adjustable child support structure having a seat back including side sections that fold inward to provide lateral support for an infant or remain flat to provide a wider seat back for a toddler. The structure also includes an adjuster having a user control portion and a side wing actuator portion for remotely adjusting the seat back through a range of motion between the first, wide position and the second, narrow position.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to an adjustable child support structure, and more particularly, to an adjustable seat back with side sections that fold inwardly to provide lateral support for a child or remain flat to provide a wider seat back for the child. 
   2. Discussion of the Related Art 
   Conventional child support structures, such as strollers, high chairs, and swings, generally include a seat having a base and back portion. The base and back portions of the seat usually include unisectional, nonadjustable cushions. The cushions are usually made generally planar and wide enough to accommodate a toddler. The width and planar aspects of these unisectional cushions can present problems with the use of the seat by younger infants. By making the cushion wide enough to accommodate the larger child or toddler, the cushions are often much wider than the children who are first beginning to use the stroller, such as a young baby or infant. In addition, infants often are not developed or coordinated enough to sit up straight in the seat Since the unisectional cushion provides no lateral support, the infant often tilts laterally, slumping sideways in the seat. 
   Several seat backs have been proposed that provide a method for narrowing the width of the seat back so that the seat back is usable by both infants and toddlers. Such conventional seat backs have generally been difficult to adjust due to cumbersome and complex designs. In addition, they have been difficult to adjust due to inconvenient placement of the adjustment mechanism on the seat back structure. Moreover, conventional seat backs have generally required manual actuation of the adjusting mechanism and have generally only been adjustable between the wide, or upright, and the narrow, or reclined, positions. 
   For example, in one conventional seat back, the side supports are individually operated so that the operator must adjust and release each side support separately. In another example, the seat back is adjusted by manually operating a single lever disposed on the seat that adjusts the side sections into an extended position or a retracted position. Another design requires insertion and removal of a number of individual pieces. 
   A need exists for a simple mechanism that can be used to adjust a seat back through a range of motion between a narrow position and a wide position. A need also exists for a mechanism that does not require direct manual manipulation of the actuator so that the seat back actuator can be conveniently and remotely moved into the desired position. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention solves the problems with, and overcomes the disadvantages of, conventional adjustable child support structures. In particular, the present invention provides a seat back having a back support section and two side wing sections. The side wing sections are adjustable with respect to the back section through a range of motion between a first position to provide lateral support for younger children and a second position to provide a sufficiently wide seat back for older children. The present invention also includes an adjuster having a user control portion and a side wing actuator portion for adjusting the seat back through a range of motion between the first position and the second position. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a seat liner and a seat pad embodying the principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of a wing adjustment assembly usable with the seat liner of  FIG. 1  embodying the principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the actuator of the wing adjustment assembly of FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of an adjuster usable with the wing adjustment assembly of  FIG. 2  showing the wing adjustment assembly in the extended position. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the adjuster of  FIG. 4  showing the wing adjustment assembly in the retracted position. 
       FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the adjuster of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the seat liner and seat pad of  FIG. 1  in an assembled configuration with the wing adjustment assembly in the extended position. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the adjuster of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the adjuster of  FIG. 8  with the wing adjustment assembly in the retracted position. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of an adjuster and wing adjustment assembly embodying the principles of the invention showing the wing adjustment assembly in the extended position. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the adjuster and wing assembly of  FIG. 10  with the wing adjustment assembly in the retracted position. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative coupling arrangement between the wing adjustment assembly and the seat liner embodying the principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of an adjuster and wing adjustment assembly embodying the principles of the invention showing the wing adjustment assembly in the retracted position. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the adjuster and wing assembly of  FIG. 13  with the wing adjustment assembly in the extended position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   An adjustable child support structure  100  according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG.  1 . Support structure  100  includes a seat liner  110  and a seat pad  150 . The central body of the seat liner  110  is divided into four sections  101 - 104 , each of which encloses a rigid panel (not shown, but in this embodiment is an injected molded plastic panel, which could alternatively be made of hardboard) that provides rigidity to each section  101 - 104  of the seat liner  110  and support for the occupant. The liner  110  also includes a pair of upper side pockets  105  that are fitted over seat back side supports (not shown) to hold the seat liner  100  stationary with respect to a support structure, such as a stroller. In addition, lower side sections  107  can be secured to the support structure. 
   Seat pad  150 , which acts as a removable and washable cushion for the child, is placed over seat liner  110 . Pads  170  wrap over the top of lower side sections  107  and are secured in place by a strip hook-and-loop fastener material (not shown). A pair of fastening ties (not shown) are sewn into the back of seat pad  150 . These ties are fastened to the liner side of center back section  180  and extend through seat liner apertures  190  to be secured to each other by a strip of hook-and-loop fastener material at the back of the support structure. These ties  140  hold the center back section  180  of the seat pad  150  stationary with respect to seat liner  110 . Wing sections  185  extend laterally from center back section  180  and are pivotable about substantially vertical axes at seams  183 . Furthermore, inside each wing section  185  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) is a rigid base panel  185 A (such as hardboard or plastic) on the liner side of the wing section to provide support against wing support sections  360 . Padding inside the wing sections  185  on the occupant side, between the rigid panel and occupant, allows for a comfortable seat back. The center back section  180  also has a rigid base panel  180 A (such as hardboard or plastic) to provide support to the occupant. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the seat liner  110  includes a seat liner section  102 . Seat liner section  102  further includes a wing adjustment assembly  200 , illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the wing adjustment assembly  200  includes a wing actuator  300 , which in the illustrated embodiment is a wireform made of bent, heavy-gauge, powder-coated steel wire. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the wing actuator  300  is symmetric about centerline “A—A.” The following description of one side of the actuator  300  applies equally to both sides. Each side of actuator  300  can be divided into four sections: end section  380 ; wing support section  360 ; pivot section  320 ; and half of lever  310 . End section  380  is coupled to wing support section  360  at corner  381 . Wing support section  360  includes an outside segment  370 , which is joined to an end support segment  365  at a corner  371 . The end support segment  365  is joined to inside support segment  340  at corner  350 . Wing support section  360  is joined to pivot section  320  at corner  330 . Pivot section  320  is joined to lever  310  at corner  317 . Lever  310  includes a pair of first side segments  315  connected to a pair of second side segments  314  at bends  312 . Second side segments  314  are joined to lever end segment  311  at corners  313 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 7 , the actuator  300  is mounted on the front side (facing the seat pad) of the base panel  210 , with the lever  310  projecting rearwardly through lever aperture  240  of the base panel  210 . The actuator  300  is fixed in place on base panel  210  by clips  220 . The clips  220  are fastened to base panel  210  by rivets  222  at both ends, but any appropriate fastening method could be used. Clips  220  are fastened tightly enough that friction between the clips  220  and the actuator  300  will prevent undesired and unassisted pivoting of the actuator  300 , but also allow for easy adjustment by the operator. 
   An embodiment of an adjuster according to the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 .  FIGS. 4 and 5  also illustrate the operative engagement of the adjuster and actuator  300 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the actuator  300  is pivotable between a first extended position (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) in which wing support sections  360  project out from the base panel  210  and lever  310  is substantially vertical and adjacent base panel  210  to a second, retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) in which wing support sections  360  are substantially vertical and adjacent base panel  210  and lever  310  projects away from the base panel  210 . 
   Adjuster or adjustment mechanism  400  includes a user control portion  405  and a wing actuator engaging portion  420 . As illustrated, the user control portion  405  includes a handle  402  that is affixed to a rotatable shaft  404 . Shaft  404  is rotatably mounted to a lower surface of liner section  104 . The shaft is coupled in place on liner section  104  by a clip  408 . In the illustrated embodiment, a mounting block or spacer  406  is disposed between clip  408  and the bottom surface of liner  104  in order to accommodate rotation of the user control portion  405 . The clip  408  is fastened to liner  104  by rivets  410  at both ends, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , but any appropriate fastening method can be used. The clip  408  is fastened tightly enough that friction between the clip  408  and the shaft  404  will prevent undesired and unassisted rotation of the shaft  404 , but also allow for easy adjustment by the operator. In the illustrated embodiment, the user control portion  405  also includes a spool or pulley  412  mounted on shaft  404  and rotatable therewith. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the wing actuator engaging portion  420  includes a sheathed cable or wire arrangement  425 , such as a Bowden cable arrangement. The sheath  427  of the arrangement  425  is coupled to the liner section  104  by a clip  430 . The clip  430  is fastened to liner  104  by rivets  432  at both ends, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , but any appropriate fastening method can be used. The sheath  427  is also coupled to liner section  103  using a clip  434 . The clip  434  is fastened to liner  103  using rivets (not shown). The sheathed cable  429  of the arrangement  425  is fixed at one end to a coupler or linkage  440 , which is rotatably coupled to the wing actuator  300 . The other end of the sheathed cable  429  extending from the sheath  427  is coupled to and passed around the spool  412 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a biasing mechanism  500 , such as a spring, is coupled to and between the coupler  440  and a tab  212  disposed on base panel  210 . Spring  500  is configured to bias the actuator  300  in an extended position as shown in  FIG. 4  due to the force of the spring  500  acting on actuator  300 . In an alternative embodiment, spring  500  could be coupled directly to base panel  210 . In another alternative embodiment, a torsional spring could be coupled to actuator  300  to provide the biasing force. 
   When the actuator  300  is in the extended position as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the liner side of side wing sections  185  is supported by inside segments  340  of wing support sections  360  of actuator  300 . In this configuration, the wing support sections  360  are prevented from pivoting further downwardly by the engagement of lever  310  with the back of base panel  210  and are biased into this position by spring  500 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wing support extensions are pivoted downward approximately 110° from the base panel  210  in the extended position. Since this angle is greater than 90°, a lateral force on wing support section  360 , as indicated by arrow B, along with the spring bias of spring  500 , will tend to keep actuator  300  in the extended position (rather than urging the wing support section  360  up into the retracted position). This configuration provides for a narrower seat back for use by younger children or infants. 
   In order to transition the adjustable seat back from the narrow to the wide configuration, the operator need only turn handle  402  to begin winding the sheathed cable  429  up on the spool  412 . As the sheathed cable  429  is wound onto the spool  412 , the sheathed cable  429  through the connector  440  begins to pull against the biasing force of the spring  500 . As the operator continues to rotate the handle  402 , the sheathed cable  429  acting against the biasing force of spring  500  causes the lever  310  to rotate in the direction of arrow “A” in  FIG. 4  from its vertical position adjacent base panel  210  to its extended position. This in turn will pivot wing support sections  360  to the retracted position substantially vertical and adjacent base panel  210 . Thus, wing sections  185  will no longer be supported by wing support sections  360 . When a force is applied (such as by a child sitting in the seat) to wing sections  185  urging them toward the liner  100 , wing sections  185  will pivot towards the liner  100  to become coplanar with center back section  180 . Wing sections  185  are not, however, retracted to the wide configuration by the actuation of the actuator  300 , but return there as a result of some other force which could be the weight of the child, manually pushing the side sections rearward, or by the urging of hinges  183  toward the coplanar state. Alternatively, the wing sections  185  could be coupled to the wing support sections  185 , for example, using hook and loop fasteners, such that the wing sections  185  are retracted to the wide configuration by the actuation of the actuator  300 . 
   In order to transition the adjustable seat back from the wide to the narrow configuration, the operator need only turn handle  402  to begin unwinding the sheathed cable  429  from the spool  412 . As the sheathed cable  429  is unwound from the spool  412 , the biasing force of the spring  500  pulls against the actuator  300  and causes the spring  500  to pull the lever  310  causing the lever  310  to pivot from its extended position (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) to its vertical position parallel to base panel  210  (as shown in FIG.  4 ). At the initial moment of actuation of the lever  310 , end support segments  365  contact the liner side of wing sections  185  urging them to pivot away from base panel  210 , inside support segments  340  become flush with the liner sides of wing sections  185  urging them outward in pivotal directions about vertical axes through hinges  183  until the actuator  300  is stopped in the desired position by the user. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the user can adjust the seat back at any position along the range of motion between the full, extended position and-the full, retracted position by simply ceasing rotation of the handle  402  at the desired position. Once the desired position is selected, the friction between the shaft  404  and the clip  408  will counter the biasing force of the spring  500  so that the seat back will be maintained in the desired position. Alternatively, a mechanism, such as a spring, could be coupled to either the shaft  404  or one end of the sheathed cable  429 , to offset the biasing force of the spring  500 . 
   An alternative embodiment of the adjuster shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 4-6  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  also illustrate the operative engagement of the adjuster. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  402  is affixed to the rotatable shaft  404 , which is rotatably mounted to liner section  101 . The shaft  404  is coupled in place on liner section  101  by the clip  408 . The clip  408  is fastened to liner  101  as described above. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the sheath  427  of the cable arrangement  425  is coupled to the liner section  101  by a clip  434 . The clip  434  is fastened to liner  101  using rivets as described above. The sheathed cable  429  is fixed to the coupler  440  and spool  412  as described above. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the spring  500  is coupled to and between the coupler  440  and the base panel  210 . However, in this embodiment, spring  500  is configured to bias the actuator  300  in the retracted position as shown in  FIG. 9  due to the force of the spring  500  acting on actuator  300 . 
   In order to transition the adjustable seat back from the wide to the narrow configuration, the operator need only turn handle  402  to begin winding the sheathed cable  429  up on the spool  412 . As the sheathed cable  429  is wound onto the spool  412 , the sheathed cable  429  acting through the connector  440  begins to pull against the biasing force of the spring  500 . As the operator continues to rotate the handle  402 , the sheathed cable  429  acting against the biasing force of spring  500  causes the lever  310  to rotate in the direction of arrow “C” in  FIG. 9  from its extended position (as shown in  FIG. 9 ) to its retracted position adjacent base panel  210  (as shown in FIG.  8 ). At the initial moment of actuation of the lever  310 , end support segments  365  contact the liner side of wing sections  185  urging them to pivot away from base panel  210 , inside support segments  340  become flush with the liner sides of wing sections  185  urging them outward in pivotal directions about vertical axes through hinges  183  until the actuator  300  is stopped in the desired position by the user. 
   In order to transition the adjustable seat back from the narrow to the wide configuration, the operator need only turn handle  402  to begin unwinding the sheathed cable  429  from the spool  412 . As the sheathed cable  429  is unwound from the spool  412 , the biasing force of the spring  500  pulls against the actuator  300  and causes the spring  500  to pull the lever  310  causing the lever  310  to pivot from its retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) to its extended position (as shown in FIG.  9 ). This in turn will pivot wing support sections  360  to the retracted position substantially vertical and adjacent base panel  210  and therefore, the wing sections  185  will no longer be supported by wing support sections  360 , as described above. As described above, the user can adjust the seat back at any position along the range of motion between the full, extended position and the full, retracted position by simply ceasing rotation of the handle  402  at the desired position. 
   A further alternative of an adjuster embodying the principles of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  also illustrate the operative engagement of the adjuster. In the illustrated embodiment, an adjuster or adjustment mechanism  500  includes a user control portion  505  and a wing actuator engaging portion  520 . The user control portion  505  includes a handle  502 . The wing actuator engaging portion  520  includes a cable  525 . The cable  525  is slidably coupled to the base panel  210  by a clip  530  of the type described above. The clip  530  is fastened tightly enough that friction between the clip  530  and the cable  525  will prevent undesired and unassisted movement of the cable  525  within the clip  530 , but also allow for easy adjustment by the operator. The cable  525  is fixed at one end to a coupler or linkage  540 , which is rotatably coupled to the wing actuator  300 . The other end of the cable  525  is coupled to the handle  502 . The cable  525  can be formed with a protective sheath if desired. In an alternative embodiment, a threaded shaft or rod could be substituted for cable  525 . The threaded rod is coupled to the base panel  210  in a well-known manner. 
   In order to transition the adjustable seat back from the narrow configuration to the wide configuration, the operator need only grasp handle  502  and push the cable  525  to the desired position. Alternatively, if a threaded rod were employed, the rod would be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to move the wing actuator to the desired position. As the cable  525  is pushed through the entire range of motion, the linkage provided by the coupler  540  causes the lever  310  to pivot from its vertical position adjacent base panel  210  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ) to its extended position (as shown in FIG.  11 ). This in turn will pivot wing support sections  360  to the retracted position substantially vertical and adjacent base panel  210 . Thus, wing sections  185  will no longer be supported by wing support sections  360 . When a force is applied (such as by a child sitting in the seat) to wing sections  185  urging them toward the liner  100 , wing sections  185  will pivot towards the liner  100  to become coplanar with center back section  180 . Alternatively, the wing sections  185  could be coupled to the wing support sections  185 , for example, using hook and loop fasteners, such that the wing sections  185  are retracted to the wide configuration by the actuation of the actuator  300 . 
   The cable  525  should be formed of a material which has sufficient strength to withstand the compressive forces required for rotating the lever without buckling while at the same time providing sufficient flexibility so that the lever can be rotated throughout the full range of motion. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable  525  is made from steel. It should be apparent to the skilled artisan that other suitable materials could also be employed. 
   In order to transition the adjustable seat back from the wide to the narrow configuration, the operator need only grasp handle  502  and pull the cable  525  to the desired position. As the cable  525  is pulled through the entire range of motion, the linkage provided by the coupler  540  causes the lever  310  to pivot from its extended position (as shown in  FIG. 11 ) to its vertical position parallel to base panel  210  (as shown in FIG.  10 ). At the initial moment of actuation of the lever  310 , end support segments  365  contact the liner side of wing sections  185  urging them to pivot away from base panel  210 , inside support segments  340  become flush with the liner sides of wing sections  185  urging them outward in pivotal directions about vertical axes through hinges  183  until the actuator  300  is stopped in the desired position by the user. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the user can adjust the seat back at any position along the range of motion between the full, extended position and the full, retracted position by simply ceasing pushing or pulling on the cable  525  at the desired position. Once the desired position is selected, the friction between the cable  525  and the clip  530  maintains the seat back in the desired position. 
   An alternative embodiment of a coupling arrangement between the wing adjustment assembly and the seat liner embodying the principles of the invention is illustrated in FIG.  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, actuator  300  is coupled directly to the back side of the rigid base panel  180 A of the center back section  180  using clips  622  of the type described above. In another alternative embodiment, the actuator  300  could be coupled directly to the back side of the liner section  102 . In each of the embodiments, the need for the separate base panel  210  is eliminated. Otherwise, the functionality of the actuator  300  and the adjuster is similar to that described above. 
   Alternative embodiments of the wing actuator  600  and adjuster  700  are illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 .  FIGS. 13 and 14  also illustrate the operative engagement of the adjuster  700  and wing actuator  600 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the wing actuator  600  includes a lever section  610 , pivot sections  620 , and wing support sections  640 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , wing actuator  600  is preferably rotatably mounted to the central body of seat liner  800 , and particularly, to seat liner section  802  using a pair of clips  650  of the type discussed above. 
   Adjuster  700  includes a user control portion  710  and a wing actuator engaging portion  720 . As illustrated, the user control portion  710  includes a handle  715  affixed to one end of the user control portion  710 . User control portion  710  is preferably rotatably mounted to the underside or bottom of seat liner section  804  using a mounting bracket  730 . A retaining mechanism  740 , which is used for retaining the user control portion  710  in one of two positions, such as a disc, or the like, is also coupled to the mounting bracket  730  and the user control portion  710 . User control portion  710  is rotatably coupled at one end to the wing actuator engaging portion  720 , using a pin or other known fastening device. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , wing actuator engaging portion  720  is a solid rod, which is rotatably coupled at one end to the lever section  610  of wing actuator  600  and at the other end to the user control portion  710  of the adjuster  700 . 
   When the wing actuator  600  is in the extended position as shown in  FIG. 14 , the wing sections  806  of the seat liner  800  are supported by the wing support sections  640  of wing actuator  600 . In this configuration, the wing support sections  640  are prevented from pivoting by the engagement of the two liner support sections  660  with the back of seat liner section  802 . In addition, the retaining mechanism  740 , through frictional or mechanical engagement with the user control portion  710  of the adjuster  700  maintains the wing actuator  600  in the extended position. 
   In order to transition the adjustable seat back from the narrow to the wide configuration (i.e., from the position shown in  FIG. 14  to the position shown in FIG.  13 ), the operator need only rotate handle  715  in the manner described above. The user control portion  710  would disengage from the retaining mechanism  740  which would cause the wing actuator engaging portion  720  to move upwardly thereby causing the lever section  610  of the wing actuator  600  to move upwardly. This, in turn, causes the wing support sections  640  to rotate until they are substantially parallel to the liner section  802 . 
   In order to transition the adjustable seat back from the wide to the narrow configuration (i.e., from the position shown in  FIG. 13  to the position shown in FIG.  14 ), the operator rotates the handle  715 , which causes the user control portion  710  to engage the retaining mechanism  740 . At the same time, the wing actuator engaging portion  720  moves downwardly causing the lever section  610  of the wing actuator  600  to move downwardly. This, in turn, causes the wing support sections  640  to rotate outwardly until they are substantially perpendicular to the liner section  802 . 
   It should be apparent to one of skill in the art, that any number of well known retaining mechanisms may be employed to retain the user control portion  710  in one of the two positions as described above. One example is shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In  FIGS. 13 and 14 , retaining mechanism  746  includes a disc having a portion  742 , which engages user control portion  710  in a frictional engagement such that user control portion  710  is maintained in the position shown in FIG.  14 . In order to disengage the user control portion  710  from retaining mechanism  740 , the user would simply rotate the handle of user control portion  715  such that the user control portion  710  is disengaged from the retaining mechanism  740  as described above. In another embodiment (not shown), the retaining mechanism  740  could include a notch or the like which would releasably mechanically and frictionally engage a portion of the user control portion  710 . In order to disengage the user control portion  710 , the user would simply rotate the handle  715  to disengage the user control portion  710  from the corresponding notch. 
   Although the exemplary embodiments have been illustrated as embodied on a child support structure, such as a stroller, various other configurations are possible and may include other structures, such as high chairs, wheel chairs, swings, and the like. 
   Moreover, although the above-described embodiments disclose two movable side sections, this invention could also be used with one movable side section and one fixed side section. Further, the actuator  300  could be a molded piece of plastic incorporating projecting wing support sections and an operating lever and mounted for pivotal movement. 
   While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.