Convertible child seat

A convertible child seat has a frame assembly and a seat structure supported by the frame assembly. The seat structure defines a seating surface and is movable between at least an inclined seating position and a reclined sleeping position. A top tube assembly is coupled to a portion of the convertible child seat and is positioned above the seat structure spaced from the seating surface. The top tube assembly moves in concert with the seat structure when the seat structure is repositioned between the inclined seating position and the reclined sleeping position.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to child seating and sleeping devices, and more particularly to a device that can be converted from an infant sleeping bassinet to an infant or child seat.

2. Description of Related Art

Infant sleeping devices are known in the art and are provided in a number of different forms. One form is a bassinet that has a generally flat and substantially horizontal sleeping surface and a side wall surrounding the sleeping surface. Infant seats are also known in the art, such as in the form of an infant carrier, a swing, a rocker, or a bouncer seat. These types of seats typically have a non-flat seating surface with a seat bight region between a seat back and a seat bottom. Infants are not yet able to sit upright or hold their head up or steady. Thus, the seat bottom is typically not horizontal but tilted at least slightly up and toward the seat bight region. Also, the seat back is typically not vertically upright or horizontally flat, but instead is reclined rearward to a degree so that the infant is still fully supported by the seating surface in a comfortable and safe seated position. Products that combine the features of a bassinet and an infant seat are not particularly well known.

TINY LOVE™ has offered a convertible seating device known as a 3-in-1 Rocker Napper. The Tiny Love product has a bassinet mode and a seat mode and is also a rocker mode. The seating/sleeping surface is formed from plastic and has a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back incline angle can be adjusted among a flat condition, an intermediate orientation, and a reclined seat orientation. A fabric side wall is formed using two fabric sections, a head section and a foot section. Each is supported by a separate, independent tube. At least one of the tubes is independently pivotable about a pivot point along each side of the seat relative to the other tube. To switch the seat between the bassinet and seat configuration, the top tube or tubes must be separately moved to separately deploy or drop the side walls or curtains surrounding the seating surface independent of adjusting the position of the seating surface.

Fisher Price has offered a seating device known as the Rock and Play, which uses a sling style seat. The seat can be adjusted between a nearly flat sleeping position and an inclined seating position. A webbing strap is used to incline the sling seat. There is no bassinet style side wall or curtain surrounding the seating surface in the sleeping position. The seat thus does not resemble a bassinet in the sleeping mode, but the seat is still marketed as a sleeping device due to the extreme, nearly flat reclined position. Others have offered seating devices that are similar to this Fisher-Price product as well.

SUMMARY

In one example according to the teachings of the present disclosure, a convertible child seat has a frame assembly and a seat structure supported by the frame assembly. The seat structure defines a seating surface and is movable between at least an inclined seating position and a reclined sleeping position. A top tube assembly is coupled to a portion of the convertible child seat and is positioned above the seat structure spaced from the seating surface. The top tube assembly moves in concert with the seat structure when the seat structure is repositioned between the inclined seating position and the reclined sleeping position.

In one example, the convertible child seat includes a side wall or side curtain that extends between the top tube assembly and the seat structure.

In one example, the top tube assembly can be automatically repositioned between a bassinet height and a sitting height relative to the seating surface when the seat structure is repositioned between the reclined sleeping position and the inclined seating position, respectively.

In one example, the convertible child seat has a side wall or side curtain that extends between the top tube assembly and the seat structure. The side wall or side curtain can be reconfigured in concert with the top tube assembly when the seat structure is repositioned.

In one example, the convertible child seat has a side wall that can be a fabric curtain suspended between the top tube assembly and the seat structure.

In one example, the seat structure can be repositioned using only one hand.

In one example, the convertible child seat has a side wall or side curtain extending between the top tube assembly and the seat structure. The seat structure, side wall or side curtain, and top tube assembly can move in concert with one another when the seat structure is repositioned with only one hand.

In one example, the seat structure and top tube assembly can be repositioned with only one hand, which can manipulate a release mechanism on the seat structure.

In one example, movement of a seat back portion of the seat structure automatically can move a seat bottom portion of the seat structure when the seat structure is repositioned.

In one example, movement of a seat back portion of the seat structure can automatically also move or reposition the top tube assembly.

In one example, a distance between a seat back portion of the seat structure and a corresponding head part of the top tube assembly can be greater in the reclined sleeping position and lesser in the inclined seating position.

In one example, a distance between a seat bottom portion of the seat structure and a corresponding foot part of the top tube assembly can be greater in the reclined sleeping position and lesser in the inclined seating position.

In one example, the frame assembly can have a curved rocker base on which the convertible child seat rests.

In one example, the convertible child seat can also have a linkage coupled to a seat back portion and a seat bottom portion of the seat structure.

In one example, a seat back portion and a seat bottom portion of the seat structure can be pivotally connected to one another at a seat pivot joint and the seat back portion can be pivotally connected to the frame assembly at a seat back pivot joint different from the seat pivot joint.

In one example, repositioning the seat structure can automatically change the orientation of the top tube assembly.

In one example, the seat structure can have a seat back portion that can have an angle of about 10 degrees relative to a horizontal reference with the seat structure in the reclined sleeping position and that can have an angle of about 50 degrees relative to the horizontal reference with the seat structure in the inclined seating position.

In one example, a seat back portion and a seat bottom portion can be generally parallel to one another in the reclined sleeping position.

In one example, the seat structure can have a seat back portion oriented at an angle of about 10 degrees relative to a horizontal reference with the seat structure in the reclined sleeping position and oriented at an angle of about 50 degrees relative to the horizontal reference with the seat structure in the inclined seating position. A distance between the seat back portion and a corresponding head part of the top tube assembly can be greater in the reclined sleeping position and lesser in the inclined seating position.

In one example, the seat structure and frame assembly can be removably coupled to a frame structure of a child seating device. The child seating device can be a child swing or a glider.

In one example, the top tube assembly can include a head part coinciding with a seat back portion of the seat structure and can include a foot part coinciding with a seat bottom portion of the seat structure. The head part and foot part can be fixed to one another so that the head and foot parts do not move relative to one another as the top tube assembly moves relative to the seat structure when the seat structure is repositioned.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed convertible child seat (hereinafter a child seat or seat) solves or improves upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other problems and disadvantages with prior known child seats. The disclosed child allows for one-hand operation to convert the seat structure from a bassinet position to a seating position and vice versa. The disclosed child seat has a top tube assembly coupled to the seat structure that is automatically repositioned when the child seat is repositioned or converted. The top tube assembly of the disclosed child seat is automatically repositioned from a bassinet position to a seating position and vice versa when the child seat is converted or repositioned. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed convertible child seat will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Turning now to the drawings,FIGS. 1 and 2show one example of a convertible child seat20constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The disclosed convertible child seat20is configured to be repositionable between a reclined bassinet mode, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, and an inclined seating mode, as described below. The child seat20has a frame assembly22supporting a seat assembly24above a surface. The frame assembly22in the disclosed example has a number of components that are described below. The seat assembly24has a seat structure26and soft goods that would cover and surround portions of the seat structure in the completed child seat20. In this example, the soft goods might include padding and fabric (not shown) that covers appropriate shell parts of the seat structure26and a side wall or side curtain28(shown only in phantom inFIG. 1) that surrounds portions of the seat structure.FIG. 2shows the child seat20ofFIG. 1without any of the soft goods. The configuration and construction of both the frame assembly22and seat assembly24can vary from the examples shown and described herein. The examples are disclosed herein to show and teach various features and aspects of the child seat20.

Various features, components, aspects, and combinations thereof for the seat structure26and the child seat20are disclosed herein. However, the disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or claims to only those combinations of the disclosed specific features, components, and aspects. Each may be capable of standing alone. Each may be combined with any one or more of the other features, aspects, and components and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The frame assembly22generally has a base30that is configured to rest on a surface. The base in this example is a generally rectangular ring shape with elongate sides32and shorter ends34. The sides32and ends34are joined at rounded corners36in this example. However, the construction of the base20can vary and can instead have two or more separate sections that each can rest on a surface. However, the base30in this example is optionally curved in a lengthwise direction, i.e., the sides32are upwardly curved or bent, as shown inFIG. 2. The curved base30allows the child seat20to rock when resting on the surface. Thus, the convertible child seat20can provide a rocker function, if desired, to assist in soothing an occupant of the child seat. The base30could instead be flat on the bottom to prevent any rocking motion, or could instead be curved side-to-side (i.e., the ends34could be upwardly curved or bent) to change the rocking direction of the child seat20.

The disclosed frame assembly22also has a pair of side supports40that are arranged opposing one another across and on each side of the seat assembly24. The side supports40extend up from the sides32of the base30and are coupled to and support the seat assembly24above the base30. In this example, each side support40has a keyhole like shape with a circular tube or segment42at the upper end of the support. The exposed top ends of the segments42can define handles44to lift and carry the child seat20. Each side support40also has one or more legs46that continue down from the circle like segment42, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The leg or legs46are coupled to the base30. In this example, with two of the legs46, a bracing structure48is positioned between the legs to impart rigidity and strength to the frame assembly22and, specifically, the side supports40.

The configuration and construction of the side supports40can be varied substantially from the design shown and yet fall within the scope of the disclosure. The side supports40should be capable of supporting the seat assembly24above the base30and the surface in a manner that is stable and safe for the child occupant of the child seat20. The side supports40can be part plastic, part resilient composite, and/or part metal such as aluminum, steel, or the like. The components of the frame assembly are not intended to be limited to any particular materials for their construction. The frame assembly22might also be optionally capable of allowing or imparting a bouncer seat function. This can be provided in part by the configuration and in part by the material selection for one or more of the components of the base30, side supports40, and/or frame assembly22.

The seat structure26of the seat assembly24is depicted inFIG. 3to illustrate its basic general components. InFIG. 3, likeFIGS. 1 and 2, the seat structure26and thus the seat assembly24is shown in the reclined bassinet or sleeping position. The seat structure26has a seat back portion50and a seat bottom portion52that are pivotally connected to one another along a seat bight region SB at a seat pivot joint54. Each of the seat back and seat bottom portions50,52has an upward facing surface that together define a seating surface56of the seat structure26. In the reclined bassinet or sleep position, the seat back portion50and seat bottom portion52can be generally aligned with one another to create a substantially flat seating surface56. Alternatively, the seat back and bottom portions50,52may be arranged at a slightly non-parallel angle of less than 180 degrees, if desired, so that the seating surface56is no completely flat. In one example, the seating surface56can be generally parallel to a horizontal reference when in the reclined sleeping position ofFIGS. 1-3. In another example, the seating surface56can be at about a 10 degree angle relative to the horizontal reference, with the seat back portion50elevated above the seat bottom portion52. The slight incline angle may be necessary or mandated by government and/or product design regulations and standards, such as if the seat assembly24were provided with a safety harness to secure an infant in the child seat20.

Each of the seat back portion50and seat bottom portion52can be a plastic molded shell and each can be a stand-alone, one-piece component connected to the other. For example, in this example, the seat pivot joint54is created at pivot hubs58at each side of the seat structure26. Though not shown in detail herein, each of the seat back and seat bottom portions50,52can carry an integrated, molded hub section on each side of the seat structure. The hub sections on each side of the seat structure can pivotally join with one another in order to define a seat pivot axis S on each side of the seat structure and to form the pivot hubs58and seat pivot joints54. Alternatively, either or both of the seat back and seat bottom portions50,52can instead be formed of other materials and/or can be assembled from multiple parts, if desired.

With reference toFIGS. 1-3, the disclosed seat assembly24or seat structure26also has a top bar or top tube assembly60that can be configured to support the side wall or side curtain28on the seat structure26. The top tube assembly60is configured and arranged to move in concert with the seat structure26as the seat structure is repositioned, as described below. In this example, the top tube assembly60has a head part62that coincides positionally with the seat back portion50and a foot part64that coincides positionally with the seat bottom portion52. In this example, the top tube assembly60is spaced from the seating surface56and surrounds the seat structure26. As depicted inFIG. 1, the side wall or side curtain28extends between the top tube assembly60and the seat structure26, creating a visual, vertical barrier around the seating surface56, similar to a bassinet side wall. The top tube assembly60in this example is formed of two tube parts, the head part62and the foot part64, that are fixed to one another via connectors66. However, the two parts62,64of the top tube assembly60do not move relative to one another in this example. Thus, the top tube assembly can be formed as a single piece, if desired.

The seat structure26can be reconfigured between two or more different selectable positions, as depicted inFIGS. 3-5. The seat structure26in this example can be repositioned from the above-described reclined bassinet or sleeping position as shown inFIGS. 1-3to an optional intermediate sitting position as shown inFIG. 4and to an inclined seating position as shown inFIG. 5. When the seat structure is repositioned, the seat back and seat bottom portions50,52move in unison or in concert with one another. The upper end of the seat back portion50can be tilted up or inclined from the reclined bassinet or sleeping position to an elevated position above the seat bight region SB. Doing so also moves the seat bottom portion52from the reclined bassinet or sleeping position to a tilted up position where the front edge of the seat bottom portion is also elevated above the seat bight region SB, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. As the seat back and seat bottom portions50,52move, the top tube assembly60also moves automatically as a single unit from a generally level orientation in the reclined bassinet or sleeping position ofFIGS. 1-3to a tilted orientation in the inclined seating position ofFIG. 4 or 5. How this occurs is described in more detail below. The side wall or side curtain28will thus also move.

In the reclined bassinet or sleeping position, the side wall or side curtain28is at a relatively greater distance from the seat structure to create the visual sleeping barrier surrounding the seating surface56. In the inclined seating position, the top end of the seat back portion50and front edge of the seat bottom portion52are elevated closer to the respective head and foot parts62,64of the top tube assembly60. This results in the side wall or side curtain28being relatively shorter in the inclined seating position, reducing the visual barrier so that an infant seat occupant can see out from the seat.

With reference toFIGS. 5-7, a linkage system interconnects components of the child seat20. The linkage system includes a first bar70that extends transversely across the frame assembly22. The two free ends of the first bar70are connected to the side supports40at fixed locations. The first bar also extends through parts of the seat back portion50so as to connect the seat back portion to the frame assembly22. The first bar70defines a seat back pivot axis P about which the seat back can pivot. The position of the seat back pivot axis P is fixed relative to the side supports40and frame assembly22. A first vertical link or rod72is disposed on each side of the seat structure26. Each first link72has an upper end that is pivotally connected to the head part62of the top tube assembly60and a lower end that is pivotally connected to a side of the seat back portion50, rearward of the seat back pivot axis P on its respective side of the frame assembly22.

The linkage system also has a second link or rod74disposed on each side of the seat structure26. Each second link74has an upper end that is fixed to a portion of the top tube assembly60. In this example, the upper end of each second link74has a forward extending segment76that is coupled to its respective connector66on the top tube assembly60. Each second link74also has a lower end that is pivotally connected to a side of the seat bottom portion52on its respective side of the seat structure26. The second links74are connected to the top tube assembly60forward of the first links72and connected to the seat bottom portion52forward of the seat pivot axis S.

The linkage system includes a second bar78that extends transversely across the frame assembly22. Two free ends of the second bar78are bent to form rearward extending legs80that are connected to the side supports40at fixed locations, as depicted inFIGS. 6 and 7. The second bar78extends through one or more slots82provided on the underside of the seat bottom portion52in this example. The second bar78is positionally fixed and thus defines a fixed seat bottom pivot axis B as depicted inFIGS. 3-5 and 7. The seat bottom pivot axis B is positioned forward of the seat pivot axis S and slightly forward of the second link74including its connection to the seat bottom portion. The seat bottom portion52rests on and is supported by the second bar78. However, the slots82render the connecting between the second bar78and the seat bottom portion52a loose connection allowing some play between the two components. In an alternative example, the slots could be eliminated and the seat bottom portion52could simply rest on and slide relative to the second bar78. In another alternative example, the second bar78could be loosely connected to the seat bottom portion52using sloppy pivots or fasteners that allow some play between the two components while keeping them connected to one another.

With reference toFIGS. 3-8, the seat structure26in this example also has a release mechanism82. The release mechanism82can be biased to a latched or engaged position that retains the seat structure in a desired position. The release mechanism82can be actuated, overcoming the biasing force, to release, i.e., unlatch or disengage the release mechanism to allow the seat structure to be repositioned as described above and as shown inFIGS. 3-5. In one example, the release mechanism82has an actuator84positioned at a top end of the seat back portion50. The actuator84can alternatively be positioned on the back side of the seat back portion, on the seat bottom portion52, or near but not at the top end of the seat back portion. The release mechanism82also has two rods86that extend between the actuator84and each of the pivot hubs58at the seat pivot axis S. In this example, the rods86can be part of a unitary rod structure to which the actuator84is attached or can be two separate rods connected to the actuator.

The release mechanism82in this example also has a latch88that is provided within each of the pivot hubs58at the seat pivot axis S, as best illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8. Each latch88is comprised of a free end or latching end90on the respective rod86and two or more separate latch receivers or pockets configured to receive the respective latching end. In this example, each pivot hub58is configured to define three such latch receivers or pockets including a reclined position pocket92, an inclined position pocket94, and an intermediate position pocket96. The reclined position pocket92coincides with the reclined sleeping or bassinet position of the seat structure26depicted inFIG. 3. The intermediate position pocket94coincides with the intermediate position of the seat structure26depicted inFIG. 4. The inclined position pocket96coincides with the inclined seating position of the seat structure26depicted inFIG. 5.

In other examples, the latches88can includes mating gear teeth, a dog and pawl arrangement, a detent arrangement, or other such latching components. The actuator84can be used to move the rod or rods86, which in turn can disengage or release the latching ends90from the latch receivers or pockets92,94,96, allowing the seat structure position to be adjusted. One or more springs or other biasing elements or devices can be utilized to bias the rod or rods86and the actuator84to the engaged or latched position, which in turn can lock or retain the seat structure26in a selected position. These types of release mechanisms are known in the art for other child seat products and for adjusting the incline/recline angle of the seat back on such products. The configuration and construction of the release mechanism82can vary without departing from the scope of the disclosure and claims.

The seat back portion50and seat bottom portion52are pivotally connected to one another about the seat pivot axis S defined within the pivot hubs58along the seat bight region SB. The seat back portion50is also pivotally attached to the side supports at the fixed seat back pivot axis P defined by the first bar70. When a user wishes to change the position of the seat assembly24relative to the frame assembly22, the user can pull the actuator84in the direction of the arrow R shown inFIG. 8. This moves the rods86and releases the latches88by disengaging the latching ends90from the pockets92,94, or96. The seat back portion50is then free to move or pivot, at least between the lowered or reclined bassinet position (FIG. 3) and the raised or inclined seating position (FIG. 5).

From the bassinet position to the seating position the user will lift, with the one hand that released the actuator, the top end of the seat back portion50. In doing so, the seat back portion50will pivot about the fixed seat back pivot P. The top end of the seat back portion50will rise and the lower end at the seat bight region SB will fall. Thus, the seat pivot axis S will drop below the seat back pivot axis P as shown inFIG. 5. This movement of the seat back portion50automatically drops the back edge of the seat bottom portion52in concert therewith. The front edge of the seat bottom portion52will rise automatically, as the seat bottom rests on and pivots about the second bar78and seat bottom pivot axis B.

The second link74will automatically drop slightly along with the rear edge of the seat bottom portion52because of the location of the pivot connection of the second link to the seat bottom portion being rearward of the axis B. This movement of the second link74thus automatically pulls the foot end64of the top tube assembly60downward (compareFIGS. 3-5). The first link72will automatically rise as the top end of the seat back portion52rises. This is because of the location of the pivot connection of the first link72to the seat back portion being rearward of the seat back pivot axis P. The upward movement of the first link72will raise the head end62of the top tube assembly60. Thus, raising the seat back portion to the seating position ofFIG. 5automatically tilts the top tube assembly60to the seating position. The movement of the seat back and bottom portions50,52thus automatically brings the top end of the seat back portion50and the front edge of the seat bottom portion52closer to the top tube assembly, as shown inFIG. 5. This will thus automatically reduce the relative height of the side wall or side curtain28from the bassinet mode height to the lesser seat mode height.

When the seat back portion reaches the desired position, such as the inclined seating position as depicted inFIGS. 5-8, the spring(s) or biasing element(s) may fire the latching ends90of the rods into the corresponding latch receivers or pockets, such as the inclined position pockets96. To return the child seat20to the bassinet mode, the user again can release the release mechanism82via the actuator84on the seat back portion52. The user can then lower the top end of the seat back portion52, which in turn will raise the seat pivot axis S. In doing so, the seat structure26will return to the intermediate position ofFIG. 4or the bassinet position ofFIG. 3. The tope tube assembly60will automatically return to the level orientation or bassinet mode, which places the side wall or side curtain28in the bassinet position surrounding the seating surface56as shown inFIGS. 1-3. All of the aforementioned movements can be done with the one hand that actuates the actuator84and in one continuous movement once actuated.

The disclosed linkage system can include one or more components that may be considered part of the frame assembly, part of the seat assembly, part of the seat structure, and/or a stand-alone component distinct from these named sub-assemblies. The linkage system or any of its components need not be considered a part of any of these sub-assemblies.

The disclosed convertible child seat20provides one seat that can be converted from a bassinet configuration or mode to an inclined seat configuration or mode. A bassinet has always been a great sleeping solution for young infants. An inclined seat can be used for short naps, but is also used for entertaining a child (such as for swinging, rocking, bouncing, etc.) and allows the child to see and engage with their surroundings. The disclosed child seat20easily converts from one position to the other without having to secondarily readjust the side wall or side curtain, or any other part of the seat. Also, the user can convert the child seat one-handed and with one easy fluid motion.

When the seat back portion is inclined, the seat bottom portion also inclines to give a traditional infant seat shape, such as that provided by a traditional infant carrier, bouncer seat, or swing. The disclosed design differs from prior art seats in that the top tube or top bar assembly operates automatically and as a single unit. The top tube assembly can be a rigid top tube that tilts forward as a complete entity as the seat back portion is inclined to the seat position or mode. The result is a papasan-shaped seat, typical of many infant seats on the market. The disclosed seat can have a deep center that tapers to a more shallow head and foot area to support an infant seated in the child seat. The top tube assembly tilts forward using the disclosed linkage system, with linkage components on each side of the child seat. When the child seat is reclined to the bassinet mode or sleeping position, the child seat mimics a standard bassinet configuration, which helps convey to the consumer that it is indeed a sleeping solution.

When the child seat is inclined to the seat position, the wave-like top tube assembly can offer a more open feel around the child's head, feet, and hips, while providing the required side containment at the child's shoulders. The contouring of the top tube assembly can be altered to achieve the desired positioning in each mode and the desired effect in each position. Side containment requirements are dictated by U.S. federal regulations. The contoured shape of the top tube assembly is also unique in comparison to prior art seats of this type, which have a generally flat configuration when viewed from the side. The disclosed top tube assembly60has a curved contour that dips toward the seating surface56nearer the center (i.e., nearer the side supports40and the seat pivot axis S) and nearer the head end and foot end. The disclosed top tube assembly60also is contoured so as to protrude out and away from the seating surface nearer a shoulder location and a knee location of a seated infant (i.e., between the center and the head end and between the center and the foot end).

With the disclosed convertible child seat, the seat back and seat bottom portions adjust relative to each other to provide the desired seat angle along the seating surface. The disclosed child seat employs a single top tube assembly to form the bassinet top and to define the side wall or side curtain, which then tilts forward as the seat is inclined. The linkage system is unique in how it connects the top tube assembly to the seat bottom portion and seat back portion. There are many alternative ways in which this can be accomplished. Some ways would achieve the same result, while others might position the top tube assembly and seat structure components in slightly different positions. The contouring of the top tube assembly could be used to counteract such differences, if desired.

The disclosed side wall or side curtain28can be a fabric material that loosely hands from the top tube assembly60. The side wall or side curtain, however, can be formed of other materials and be configured so as to be fixed to one or both of the top tube assembly and the seat structure. The side wall or side curtain can also be formed of multiple pieces that together define the entire wall or can be one contiguous piece. The material can be opaque, translucent, mesh, and/or the like.

FIG. 9illustrates that the entire convertible child seat, such as the child seat20, can be configured to be removably mounted to the frame of another child seating device. In this example, a swing frame100is configured having a base102and side supports104. The swing frame100also has a swinging carriage106coupled to a mount108suspended from the side supports104. The mount108of the swinging carriage106can be configured to accept the frame22of the child seat20in a removable manner. In this way, the child seat20can be converted to a child swing that utilizes the convertible seat or to an infant rocker when removed from the swing frame100.

FIG. 10shows an alternative example of a convertible child seat110constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In this example, like reference number are intended to represent like parts in comparison to the child seat20as described above. The seat structure26is also intended to operate in exactly the same manner. In this example, the frame assembly22and side supports40are removed and the second bar78is replaced by a linear second bar112coupled to the seat bottom portion52. In this example, a pair of U-shaped frame elements114are positioned under the seat structure26. The U-shaped frame elements each have an upper leg116attached to both of the first and second bars70and112. The U-shaped frame elements114also each have a lower leg118that extends back under the seat structure26.

FIG. 11shows the convertible child seat110attached to a glider frame120. The glider frame120has a base122and side supports124. The glider frame120also has a glider carriage126suspended from the side supports124. The glider carriage126has a mounting body128positioned between the side supports124. In this example, the lower legs118of the U-shaped frame elements114are connected to the mounting body128. In one example, the lower legs118can slide into tunnels or bores along the mounting body128to attach the child seat110to the glider frame120. The lower legs can be configured to be removably attached using VALCO ball connections or other types of fasteners. The child seat110can instead be configured to be non-removable by the user. If removable, the U-shaped frame elements could be configured differently so as to provide a resting base on which the child seat can rest and be used separate from the glider frame120. The U-shaped frame elements114can also be configured to provide a rocking function, a bouncy seat function or both, if desired.

The handles44provided on the child seat20or something similar can be provided on the child seat110or other seat designs. Such handles can make it easier for a user to manipulate and carry the child seat. The disclosed child seats can use two linkages on each side which can replace the slot and second bar, if desired. Likewise, the first bar can be removed and the seat structure can be mounted separately and pivotally to each side support. The disclosed convertible child seats can offer a look that is consistent with standard bassinets. Also, the disclosed child seats have the potential to create an extended seat back portion for more toddler use, if desired.

The disclosed top tube assembly is a one-piece structure, whether constructed of one or more than one part. The top tube assembly does not need separate action to move any part of the assembly. The disclosed top tube assembly can also be shaped so that it is wider at the top and bottom to give a more “open” feel while narrower at the shoulders to meet Federal regulations and to convey a snug seat.

The angle adjustments between the lying “flat” or sleeping position and the “seated” or seat position can vary from about 10 degrees up to about 50 degrees. This angle should not be any less than 10 degrees if the seat is to include a safety harness, per Federal regulation. The convertible child seat can also have one or more intermediate seat angles, such as about 30 degrees.

The disclosed convertible child seats can also be easily operated. The seats can be adjusted using only one hand. The one hand motion can adjust the seat incline angle as well as the top bar position and side wall height all at the same time with the same motion.

Although certain convertible child seats and features, aspects, and components thereof have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.