Baby seat and methods

An infant chair includes a frame having a seat portion and a base portion that are pivotally connected to each other so as to be movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A locking mechanism is operable to lock the frame in the expanded position. Further, a cover is configured to substantially cover the frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of chairs. In particular, the invention relates to chairs suitable for use with infants and small children.

Parents have long sought for ways to hold their infants or small children, especially when they reach the age where they are able to sit upright. For example, it is often convenient to prop up a baby during feeding. While numerous baby chairs are currently on the market, there is still a need for chairs to accommodate the needs of both parents and infants. As such, the invention provides various embodiments of infant chairs that are convenient to use, transport and store, as well as providing a comfortable sitting environment for the infant.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention provides a chair that comprises a frame having a seat portion and a base portion that are pivotally connected to each other so as to be movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A locking mechanism is operable to lock the frame in the expanded position. A cover is configured to substantially cover the frame and has a curved back, two side arms, and a seat. In some embodiments, the cover may further include an exterior and an interior, and the interior includes a slotted region that extends along the arms and the curved back to receive at least some of the seat portion of the frame. Also, the seat of the cover is suspended by the seat portion of the frame.

In one aspect, a horn is coupled to the seat portion of the frame and is configured to be positioned between a baby's legs. In some cases, the horn may be incorporated into the cover so as to be positioned between a baby's legs. In another aspect, a tray is provided and is designed to be coupled to the horn. The tray may include a latch to engage the horn.

In a further aspect, the frame comprises curved elongate members that define an outer shape of the chair. These elongate members may be tubular in geometry and may be constructed of a material such as metal or plastic.

In some cases, the cover may further include an elastic bottom that is configured to constrict about the frame. This may permit the cover to be removable. In other aspects, the cover may include a bottom and at least one connector near the bottom to couple the cover to the frame. Optionally, a restraint system may be coupled to the cover and may be used to hold a baby within the chair.

The locking mechanism may comprise a top member that is coupled to a bottom member by a hinge and a spring loaded tooth that extends from the bottom member to engage the top member when in the expanded position. In this way, the tooth is retractable to disengage the tooth from the top member to permit the locking member to pivot about the hinge. In some cases, a tether may be operably coupled to the tooth and may be pulled to disengage the tooth. Also, a pull member may be coupled to the cover at the back and may be pulled to facilitate movement to the collapsed position.

In one particular aspect, the horn may include at least one groove, and the tray may include at least one protrusion to slide within the groove. Also, a removable padding member may be provided and positioned on the seat and adjacent the back to facilitate holding of a baby in the seat. Further, at least one strap may be coupled to the cover and used to strap the chair to a surface. Conveniently, the cover may include a pocket for holding the strap.

In still another aspect, a pair of coupling members may pivotally couple the seat portion to the base portion.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a chair that comprises a frame having a seat portion and a base portion that are pivotally connected to each other so as to be movable between an expanded or extended position and a collapsed position. Also, the frame has a front and a back. A locking mechanism is operable to lock the frame in the expanded position. The locking mechanism is positioned at the back of the frame and is coupled at a top end to the seat portion and at a bottom end to the base portion. The locking mechanism also includes a hinge that permits the locking mechanism to pivot when the frame is moved from the extended position to the collapsed position. A cover is also positioned about the frame. Such a chair may be reconfigured by operating the locking mechanism to cause the locking mechanism to pivot about a hinge to move the frame from the expanded position to the collapsed position.

The invention further provides various embodiments of chairs, as well as methods for assembling and using such chairs. For example, one embodiment of a baby chair comprises a frame having a seat portion and a base portion that are pivotally connected to each other so as to be movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A locking mechanism is operable to lock the frame in the expanded position. Further, a removable slipcover is configured to substantially cover the frame. The slipcover has a curved back, two curved side arms, and a seat, as well as an exterior and an interior. The interior includes a slotted region that extends along the curved arms and curved back to receive the seat portion of the frame. In this way, the chair may be assembled simply by manipulating the frame until locked into the extended position and then placing the slipcover over the frame. To place the chair in the collapsed position (such as when travelling or storing the chair), access is gained to the locking mechanism and the frame is folded to the collapsed position. The slipcover may remain over the frame when folding the chair. When needed, the slipcover may optionally be removed from the frame and the locking mechanism operated to permit the frame to be placed in the collapsed position. When disassembled, the cover may also be easily washed, such as in a washing machine.

In one aspect, the seat of the slipcover is suspended by the seat portion of the frame. Also, a rigid seat member may be incorporated into the seat.

In another aspect, a horn may be coupled to the seat portion of the frame so as to be positioned between an infant's legs. In some cases, a removable a tray may be coupled to the horn.

The frame may comprise curved elongate members that define an outer shape of the chair. For example, the frame may be constructed of rigid tubing or rods.

In another aspect, the slipcover further includes an elastic bottom that is configured to constrict about the frame. Further, a restraint system may be coupled to the slipcover that is adapted to hold an infant within the chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, infant chairs may be constructed of a frame and a cover that is positioned over the frame. Conveniently, the frame may be movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position for easy transport and storing. A locking mechanism may be used to lock the frame in the expanded position.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-11, one embodiment of a chair10that is particularly well suited for holding a baby will be described. Chair10is constructed generally of a flexible fabric cover12that is placed over an internal frame14(seeFIGS. 12-14). As shown inFIG. 1, chair10is in an expanded or extended configuration to provide a convenient sitting area for holding a baby15. Chair10is particularly well suited for holding babies up to about nine months, and more typically up to about six months in age. However, in some cases, chair10could be constructed to hold larger babies or children.

For convenience of discussion, chair10may be defined in terms of a curved back16and two side arms18and20. Chair10is designed so that the baby's back is positioned against back16while side arms18and20rest near the sides of the baby to provide support not only to the baby's back but also to the baby's sides so that the baby does not tip from side to side. Optionally, a removable padded member22may be placed against back16and side arms18and20to provide additional support and comfort to the baby. Another particular advantage of padded member22is that it may be used when the baby is younger and therefore smaller in size. In this way, padded member22helps stabilize the baby while sitting up. As the baby grows and becomes larger, the padded member22may be removed. In this way, the usable life of chair10may be extended by simply removing padded member22so that the sitting area of chair10is larger in size.

As best shown inFIG. 2, chair10includes a seat24that is positioned at the base of back16and side arms18and20. Generally, back16and side arms18and20will be perpendicular relative to seat24. However, in some cases, back16and side arms18and20could be slightly angled outward relative to seat24. A horn26extends upward from the front edge of seat24and provides a variety of functions. One advantage of horn26is that it rests between the baby's legs while the baby is in the sitting position shown inFIG. 1. In this way, horn26serves as a safety mechanism to prevent the baby from sliding off of the edge of seat24. Horn26also provides a platform for holding items such as a tray28or other devices that may be coupled to the horn, such as toys, infant accessory items, and the like. When tray28is coupled to horn26as shown inFIG. 1, tray28also helps to hold the baby in the upright position and to prevent the baby from falling forward out of seat24.

As best shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, cover12may include a bottom panel30that covers the bottom of chair10. Panel30may be partially or fully removable from cover12to expose the interior of cover12. For example, a fastening mechanism, such as a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener material, ties, clips, buttons, or the like may be used to hold bottom panel30in place as shown inFIG. 7. The fastener mechanism may be operated to permit bottom panel30to be pulled or peeled away as illustrated inFIG. 9, thereby exposing the interior of cover12. In some cases, bottom panel30may also include one or more pockets32that may optionally be used to store one or more securing straps34and36. As best shown inFIG. 8, straps34may be placed around the back and/or underneath the seat of a traditional or adult chair38while straps36may be placed around the back and/or underneath the seat of chair38so that chair10is coupled to chair38at two locations. In this way, a traditional or an adult type chair may be converted for use with a baby by simply permitting chair10to be coupled to chair38in the manner shown. Although shown coupled to an adult chair, it will be appreciated that chair10may be coupled to or rest upon a variety of other objects or surfaces, such as on the bare ground, on the floor, on other types of chairs, and the like. When straps34and36are not in use (such as when chair10is placed on the floor), straps34and36may be tucked into pockets32so that they are conveniently stored. Straps34and36may comprise a variety of materials, such as nylon webbing, ties, laces, elastomers, and the like. One or more fasteners may also be used to connect the straps together.

One particularly convenient feature of chair10is that it may be easily placed in a collapsed position (seeFIG. 11) when chair10is transported or otherwise stored. Moving chair10from the extended position to the collapsed position may be easily accomplished by pulling on a tether40which operates an internal locking mechanism and allows the chair10to be moved from the extended configuration shown inFIG. 1to the collapsed configuration ofFIG. 11. When chair10is to be placed in the extended position, the user may grasp a pull tab42on the back of chair10and pull outward while lifting on the top of chair10to move it back into the extended position where it will be locked into place as described in greater detail hereinafter. As shown, tab42is in the shape of a fabric loop. However, it will be appreciated that other types of pull mechanisms may be provided, including fabric sections, other loops, strings, and the like.

Referring also now toFIGS. 12-14, frame14will be described in greater detail. Frame14is constructed of various components that are combined together using various hinged or pivotal connections in order to permit the chair to easily move from the extended to the collapsed position as previously described. For example, frame14may be conveniently described in terms of a base portion44and a seat portion46. Base portion44is constructed of one or more tubular members, such as metal tubing, that form a generally “U” shape. Base portion44is intended to rest on the ground or other support surface. In this way, base portion44provides general stability to the chair10when resting upon a support surface. Seat portion46is pivotally coupled to base portion44using pivotal connectors48and50. Pivot pins52extend through openings in pivotal connectors48and50as well as through base portion44to permit pivotal connectors48and50to rotate relative to base portion44when moved to the collapsed position as best illustrated inFIG. 12. Pivotal connectors48and50also each include a groove54into which seat portion46is press fit to secure pivotal connectors48and50to seat portion46. In turn, seat portion46may include bottom sections56and58that slide within grooves54to secure them to pivotal connectors48and50. Bottom sections56and58are also designed to rest upon a support surface to help provide stability to seat portion46.

Seat portion46may also be constructed of various lengths of tubing, such as metal tubing, that form the framework for back16and side arms18and20. In some cases, the tubing may be of different diameters so that one length of tubing may be inserted into another length of tubing as shown inFIG. 14. Further, seat portion46may include a center section60that extends vertically upward from bottom sections56and58. Center section60is designed to hold horn26in place. Also, it will be appreciated that any of the other frames described herein could be used with chair10.

Cover12is designed so that it will fit over frame14, with seat portion46serving as the framework which holds seat24in place. More specifically, cover12may include slotted regions in the areas of side arms18and20and back16into which seat portion46slides. This in turn permits seat24to be suspended from frame14. Conveniently, a seat member62may be coupled to seat24to provide additional structural stability to seat24. For example, seat member62may be held within a fabric pocket of seat24to hold it in place. However, other techniques may be used to couple seat member62to seat24, such as by using tacks, rivets, glue, flanges, and the like. Seat member62may be constructed of a relatively thin and rigid material, such as fiberboard, masonite, wood, plastic (corrugated, fluted or the like), a composite, or the like. Seat member62may also include a recessed region64to permit seat member62to fit around horn26. In some cases, cover12may be constructed similar to the other embodiments of covers described herein.

Cover12may be sized so that the bottom of cover12fits around base portion44and bottom sections56and58of seat portion46as best illustrated inFIG. 9. Cover12can include one or more connectors66that fit around base portion44to hold cover12securely in place about frame14. Connectors66may comprise any one of a variety of connectors, such as fabric loops, flanges, clips, and the like that may be strategically placed about base portion44and bottom sections56and58. In some cases, the bottom of cover12could include an elastic material that is sewn to the cover which permits the cover to cinch itself about frame14. Also, cover12may be designed so that it is not intended to be removed by the user. However, in some cases (and as also described with other embodiments), cover12may be configured to be removable from frame14for easy washing. In some cases, cover12may be constructed of a fabric material that is wipeable so that it may be easily cleaned from stains or other materials, such as food, that come into contact with cover12. Wipeable fabrics may be constructed of a fabric with a laminate or coating that is water repellant or waterproof. For example, the fabric could be a cotton blend with a plastic laminate or other waterproof coating. Friction pads67(or other friction materials) may be included on the bottom of cover12to help prevent chair from slipping on a support surface.

In some cases, a padding material may be placed or wrapped around seat portion46of frame14to provide additional padding or comfort to the user. Examples of padding materials that may be included about frame14include foamed materials, rubber, fabrics and the like. For example, foam padding of about 0.5 inch thickness may be placed about the metal tubes forming seat portion46. As another option, various types of padding materials may be included within cover12. This may be as an alternative or in addition to the padding provided about frame14. For example, additional padding may be provided in seat24, along back16and/or along side arms18and20. Examples of padding materials that may be used in cover12include additional fabric, fiber filled materials, fiber balls, gels, foams, and the like. As still another option, various padding materials may be included about the portion of seat24that rests over horn26. In this way, the area between the baby's legs may come into contact with a padding material rather than the horn itself.

As best shown inFIGS. 14,14A and14B, horn26includes a pair of slots70and72that are positioned at the front of horn26. Slot70is an outer slot while slot72is an inner slot. Extending from the bottom of tray28is a neck74which includes a latch76. Neck74may be coupled to tray28by inserting it into a raised feature78on the bottom of tray28as best shown inFIG. 14A. Latch76may comprise a piece of rigid plastic that is screwed or otherwise attached to neck74. In this way, latch76is resilient in the lateral direction and is generally biased toward the right as shown inFIG. 14A. In this manner, tray28may be coupled to horn26by inserting rails79on neck74into outer slots70. In so doing, latch76is moved toward the left as it slides over the front surface of horn26. When fully inserted, latch76slips over the edge of horn26and locks within outer slot70as illustrated inFIG. 14B. Latch76therefore locks neck74to horn26, thereby preventing removal of tray28. To remove tray28, a finger is placed beneath latch76and it is pulled outward until it disengages from outer slot70. Tray28then may be pulled upward to slide rails79from slots72. Inner slots72may be used to couple the fabric of the cover (or other covering fabric) to horn26.

As best shown inFIG. 3, chair10may also include a restraint system120that may be secured about the baby to further secure the baby within chair10. Restraint system120may comprise a loop122that extends from the base of horn26. Extending through loop122is a strap124which is coupled to another strap126using a connector128. Connector128may comprise a clip that easily permits strap124and/or126to be uncoupled from each other by simply pushing resilient fingers on the ends of the straps to remove them from the clip housing. In use, a baby is placed within seat24, with horn26positioned between the baby's legs. Loop122is also positioned between the user's leg and strap126is placed through loop122and then coupled to strap126using connector128. Various length adjustment mechanisms may be provided on loop122or straps124and126to adjust their length so that the restraint system120may be modified based on the baby's size.

To lock chair10in the extended position, a locking mechanism80is employed. Locking mechanism80is shown in greater detail inFIG. 15. For convenience of discussion, locking mechanism80may be defined in terms of an upper member82and a lower member84. Upper member82includes a through hole86while lower member84also includes a through hole88. This permits locking mechanism80to be pivotally coupled to seat portion46and base portion44by positioning the metal tubes through holes86and88as best shown inFIG. 13(which is in the extended position). Upper member82may be formed of pieces90and92, while lower member84may be constructed of pieces94and96as illustrated inFIG. 15. Each of pieces90-96includes a semicircular opening that forms holes86and88when pieces90and92are joined and pieces94and96are joined.

Locking mechanism80also includes a hinge98that is constructed of a cylindrical member100on piece94and a pair of circular arms102and104that extend from piece90. Arms102and104fit on either side of cylindrical member100. Further, a bolt or pin106(seeFIG. 13) is placed between arms106and cylindrical member100to provide the pivotal connection for hinge98. When assembled, upper member82may pivot relative to lower member84. As locking mechanism80pivots, piece90moves in a direction toward piece94. Locking mechanism80is designed so that it may not rotate in the opposite direction.

Locking mechanism80further includes a tooth108that slides within piece96. A spring (not shown) may sit between the bottom of tooth108and projections110in piece96so that tooth108is spring loaded within lower member84. In this way, tooth108will project into a central opening within upper member82by virtue of the bias provided by the spring. When tooth108is within upper member82, locking mechanism80is in the locked position shown inFIG. 13(which also corresponds to the extended position of chair10). In order to pivot locking mechanism80about hinge98, tooth108needs to be pulled within lower member84to compress the spring. This will remove tooth108from upper member82and permit locking mechanism80to pivot about hinge98so that the chair may be moved to the compressed position as illustrated inFIG. 12. To retract tooth108within lower member84, tether40(which may be coupled to tooth108) may be pulled downward. Piece94includes a window112through which a projection114on tooth108is positioned. This permits tether40to be coupled to projection114so that tether40may be pulled to slide tooth108further in lower member84to operate locking mechanism80and permit it to pivot about hinge98. Tether40may extend beyond cover12for easy access. Or, bottom panel30could be pulled back to gain access to tether40. Other mechanisms may also be used to operate tooth108. further, chair10could include the locking mechanisms of any of the other embodiments described herein.

Hence, when chair10is ready to be placed in the collapsed position, a user may simply pull tether40downward to slide tooth108further within lower member84to free it from upper member82. Seat portion46may then pivot relative to base portion44by virtue of pivot pins52until in the collapsed position shown inFIG. 12. When in the collapsed position, seat portion46is in the vicinity of base portion44to minimize the overall size and bulk of chair10.FIG. 11illustrates chair10in the collapsed position with cover12covering the frame. As an example, the height of chair10may be reduced by about half to about two-thirds of its original height. Optionally, a tote bag or other cover may be placed about chair10to facilitate easy transport. Optionally, a fabric handle could also be included on the back of the cover to facilitate carrying of the chair. When chair10is to be used, it may be placed in the extended position simply by pulling up on seat portion46at back16while holding base portion44steady. If needed, tab42may be pulled in order to facilitate straightening of locking mechanism80. As locking mechanism80pivots about hinge98, tooth108slides into upper member82where it will “click” when fully engaged. This provides an audible indication as well as tactile feedback that locking mechanism80is locked into place.

FIGS. 16-17illustrate various views of another embodiment of an infant chair210. Visible inFIGS. 16 and 17is a removable slipcover212that entirely surrounds the internal frame.FIG. 17illustrates a bottom view where the bottom of the slipcover212has been removed in order to view frame214.

Slipcover212has a curved back216, two curved side arms218and220, and a seat222, as well as an exterior224and an interior226(seeFIG. 17). The interior226includes a slotted region228that extends along the curved arms218,220and curved back216to receive the frame214. By inserting frame214into slotted region228, seat222of slipcover212essentially hangs or is suspended from frame214. Further, slipcover212may be constructed by sewing several pieces of fabric together into the desired shape. Slits, openings or the like may be provided to facilitate placement of slipcover212over frame214. Further, a bottom periphery230of slipcover212may optionally include an elastic or other material that constricts to help hold the slipcover212to frame214. In one embodiment, the bottom of the slipcover212may have an outer periphery that is about the same or smaller than the frame. One or more slits may be included to provide flaps at the bottom end to facilitate stretching of the slipcover about the frame. Once over the frame, the tight fit helps to prevent it from slipping from the frame.

A safety belt232or other type of harness or strap arrangement may be used to help hold the infant within the chair. This arrangement may be fixed at various locations, such as a two point or three point harness, to ensure the baby remains seated within the chair.

Chair210may further include a horn234that is formed as a raised region that fits between the infants legs. Horn234serves various functions, including helping to hold the infant within the chair as well as to serve as a platform for holding other items, such as a tray or toys.

A variety of materials may be used to construct slipcover212, such as a wipeable fabric that allows for easy cleaning of spills or other food. In some cases, slipcover212may be constructed of a washable fabric to permit the entire slipcover to be washed in a sink, washer or the like. Further, a padding or fill material may be incorporated into slipcover212to give it a comfortable and luxuriant feel. Other materials that could be incorporated into slipcover212include visco elastic materials, foamed materials, loosely arranged fibers, and the like. The use of these materials in combination with frame214provides a comfortable sitting arrangement for the infant.

As best shown inFIG. 17, a support240may be positioned beneath seat222to provide additional support to the chair. Support240may comprise any generally rigid material, such as a fiberboard, masonite, wood, plastic (corrugated, fluted or the like), a composite, and the like, and may be covered in fabric. Support240may be U-shaped in geometry, with the outer edges outlining slot228and the inner edges outlining horn234. As described hereinafter, the horn may be formed as part of frame214and fit within a fabric dome on slipcover212in order to form horn234. As an alternative, a stiff or hard material could be included within slipcover212in order to form the horn. Support240may be permanently connected to or incorporated within slipcover212or may be removably attached.

A panel (not shown) may be placed across bottom periphery230to prevent access into the interior226. The panel may be removably attached, such as with a fastener (e.g. a zipper, hook and loop fastener material, buttons, and the like) so that the user can easily gain access into interior226when needing to disassemble chair210as described hereinafter.

Chair210may optionally include securing straps (not shown) that may be coupled to slipcover212or frame214and used to help secure chair210to another object, such as to an adult chair. For example, straps could be provided that extend around the seat of a chair as well as the back of a chair so that chair210functions as a booster seat. The bottom panel may be constructed of a non-skid fabric or include a non-stick material to help prevent chair210from moving along a support surface.

Shown inFIG. 18is a process for removing slipcover212from frame214. As previously described, a bottom panel may be removed or loosened so that bottom periphery230may be stretched and lifted over frame214. Slits in slipcover212help to lift it over the bottom of frame214. Once bottom periphery230is disengaged from frame214, slipcover212may be lifted up and off of frame214. Because slipcover212is constructed primarily from fabric, it may easily be folded into a compact arrangement for storage or transport.

Frame214is further illustrated inFIGS. 19-22. Frame214may be constructed from a seat portion250and a base portion252. These two components may be pivotally connected to each other at hinge locations254and256and a locking mechanism258may be operated to permit frame214to be moved from the expanded position ofFIG. 19to the collapsed position ofFIG. 22. The components used to construct frame214may comprise curved elongate members that define an outer shape of the chair. For example, frame214may be constructed of rigid tubing, rods or the like. Materials such as steel, metal, plastic or the like may be used. These elongate members may be constructed in various segments and connected together, or formed as a continuous piece. For instance, base portion252may be constructed of two pieces of steel tubing that are jointed at locking mechanism258. In a similar manner, seat portion250may be constructed from two pieces of steel tubing that are joined at an opposite end of locking mechanism258. Optionally, padding260may be placed onto various portions of frame214to provide a more comfortable chair.

As previously described, horn234may be constructed in a variety of ways. One way is to include a horn member270on frame214. For example, horn member270may be coupled to base portion252and may comprise a molded plastic or foam, with an optional skin. In this way, horn member270will fit within the fabric dome of slipcover212so as to form the shape of horn234. In some cases, the fabric forming horn234may include slits (or be removed altogether) to facilitate attaching various items to horn member270. For instance, a tray may be coupled to horn member270and be positioned above the infant's lap. Horn member270may include various coupling arrangements to permit the tray to be removably attached to chair210. As one example, horn member270could include slots, tracks, or the like to permit a connecting portion of the tray to slide into the slots or tracks. This coupling arrangement may also permit the tray to slide in and out relative to the infant's torso to enable to position of the tray to be adjusted. Further, the tray itself could include a height adjustment feature to adjust the height of the tray relative to the seat.

Locking mechanism258may be constructed of a base280that is connected to base portion252. Base180may be constructed of a hard plastic, such as Delrin, and include a though hole282for receiving a tube284. A spring loaded detent286is coupled to tube284and is received within an opening288in base280when in the expanded position. Detent286serves to lock tube284in an upright orientation to hold frame214in the expanded position.

When ready to move frame214to the collapsed position, detent286is pressed into opening288until it can pass lengthwise through though hole282as shown inFIG. 21. In so doing, tube284slides through base280and seat portion250pivots relative to base portion252as the frame214begins to collapse.FIG. 22illustrates frame214in the fully collapsed position. To move frame214back to the expanded position, seat portion250is simply lifted while holding base portion252until detent286pops through opening288. In this way, the chair may be assembled simply by manipulating the frame until locked into the extended position and then placing the slipcover over the frame. When needed, such as when travelling or storing the chair, the slipcover is removed from the frame and the locking mechanism is operated to permit the frame to be placed in the collapsed position. In many cases, the slipcover may remain over the frame while the chair is placed in the collapsed position. Once access is gained to the locking mechanism, the chair (with slipcover) may be collapsed.

FIGS. 23-25illustrate another embodiment of a chair300that is constructed of a frame302. Although shown without a slipcover, it will be appreciated that a slipcover similar to those described herein may be placed over frame302. Further, one embodiment of a slipcover that may be used will be described in connection withFIGS. 26-27. Frame302comprises a seat portion304and a base portion306that may be connected to each other at hinges308and310. A locking mechanism312extends between seat portion304and base portion306and permits frame302to be moved from the expanded position ofFIG. 24to the collapsed position ofFIG. 25. Locking mechanism312comprises an upper member313that is rotatably connected to seat portion304of frame302and a lower member314that is rotatably connected to base member306. A spring loaded member315is set within lower member314and is configured to fit within an opening in upper member313when in the frame is in the expanded position ofFIG. 24. A latch316is operated to pull spring loaded member315within lower member314when the frame302is to be moved to the collapsed position. When latch316is pulled, spring loaded member315moves out of upper member313and within lower member314and permits upper member313and lower member314to pivot about a hinge317. As this happens, upper member313rotates about seat portion and lower member314rotates about base portion306, permitting seat portion304and base portion306to move close to each other in the collapsed position show inFIG. 25.

To move frame302back to the expanded position, seat portion304is lifted upward while holding base portion306until spring loaded member315slides within the opening in upper member313. To facilitate this movement, spring loaded member315may have an angled upper end. When fully within upper member313, spring loaded member315is locked into place to lock frame302in the expanded position.

Chair300may further include a horn318for holding a tray320. Horn318may be constructed of a moldable plastic and may include a resilient skin on its exterior surface. Tray320is removably attached to horn318to permit tray320to be removed when not needed, such as when placing an infant into the chair or collapsing the frame. To facilitate easy removal (and to provide adjustability as to the position of tray320), horn318may include a set of tracks322on opposing sides of horn318(seeFIG. 23). Tracks322form a slot on either side of horn318for receiving a protrusion on tray320. In this way, tray320may be coupled to the chair simply by aligning the protrusions on the tray with the slots defined by tracks322and sliding the tray320along tracks322. When a slipcover is placed over frame302, the slipcover may include one or more openings or slots so that tray320may easily be coupled to horn318. Further, in some cases, horn318may be entirely exposed (with the slipcover having an opening through which horn318extends). Or, the slipcover could also cover horn318.

The position of tray320relative to the chair's seat may be adjustable by allowing tray320to be locked into place at various positions along tracks322. Further, tray320could have a base324that is adjustable in length. As another option, tray320could be adjustably coupled to base324so that the position of tray320relative to base324could be adjusted.

Referring now toFIGS. 26-27, another embodiment of a chair400will be described. As shown inFIG. 30, chair400includes frame302as described in connection withFIGS. 23-25. Chair400is constructed of a slipcover402that includes a curved back416, two curved side arms418,420and a seat422. Slipcover402further includes a bottom330that is constructed of a skirt432and a front flap434. As shown inFIG. 30, skirt432is configured to extend about base portion306while front flap434extends over seat portion304. Skirt432and flap434may optionally include an elastic to permit them to be securely fastened about frame302. Hidden from view is a bottom panel that extends across the bottom of slipcover402.

The interior of slipcover402includes a slotted region that permits seat portion304to extend into back416and arms418,420. Further, a rigid material may be placed beneath seat422. Extending up from seat422is a canopy440that is configured to fit over horn318. Canopy440includes a front opening so that tracks322may be accessed when attaching tray320(seeFIG. 31).

A safety harness450may be used to secure the infant within seat422. Harness450has three attachment points, with a center strap452that fits between the infant's legs. A release button454is pushed to permit center strap452to release one or both side straps456,458to allow the infant to be inserted into harness450.

Slipcover402may be constructed of materials and used in a manner similar to the other embodiments described herein. For example, slipcover402may easily be removed from frame302for cleaning, transport or storage. Further, slipcover402could include its own horn so a horn would not need to be incorporated into the frame.

The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.