Adjustable high chair and carrier

A chair and carrier assembly comprises a base, a carrier receiving support mounted to the base and adapted to receive a carrier, and a carrier removably received in the carrier receiving support. The carrier includes a seat, for holding a child, and a handle including arms joined by a cross member, the arms being pivotally mounted to the seat, and including an elongated member transversely extending from the cross member for carrying the carrier when the handle is in a first position and for providing a passive restraint for the child when the handle is in a second position. The carrier is removable from the carrier receiving support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to adjustable-height and adjustable-reclining 
chairs, and in particular, an adjustable high chair with a removably 
attached carrier for holding a child. 
As children grow and develop over the first several years of their lives, 
their needs change. It is desirable to have a single chair that can be 
adapted to meet their changing size and needs. 
An adjustable-height chair for securely holding a child in an upright and 
elevated position is commonly used for feeding the child. The height of 
the chair may be adjusted for the convenience of the child based on the 
child's size, or to suit the needs of persons feeding the child. 
It is also convenient to transport a young child without having to remove 
the child from the child's seat, which might result in disrupting the 
child. Thus, a multi-purpose portable seat for securely holding a child in 
different positions for different purposes is desirable. 
Moreover, as a child grows, it may be necessary to adjust the angle or 
reclining position of the child when placed in either an adjustable-height 
chair or a portable seat, depending on the size and age of the child. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a chair and carrier 
assembly comprising a base, a carrier receiving support mounted to the 
base and adapted to receive a carrier, and a carrier removably received in 
the carrier receiving support. The carrier includes a seat, for holding a 
child, and a handle including arms joined by a cross member, the arms 
being pivotally mounted to the seat, and including an elongated member 
transversely extending from the cross member for carrying the carrier when 
the handle is in a first position and for providing a passive restraint 
for the child when the handle is in a second position. The carrier is 
removable from the carrier receiving support. 
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following 
features. The seat provides a recess for receiving an end of the elongated 
member. The base includes a pair of pivot supports each including a 
positioning pin, and the carrier receiving support defines a corresponding 
plurality of slots having notches for receiving the positioning pins, the 
pins being slidable within the slots and receivable in the notches to 
restrict movement of the carrier receiving support relative to the base. 
The seat includes upper and lower seat portions for receiving upper and 
lower portions of the child respectively, and the elongated member extends 
from the cross member substantially to the lower seat portion when the 
handle is in the second position. The elongated member extends 
substantially parallel to a length of the carrier when the handle is in 
the first position. 
The carrier comprises a rib and the carrier receiving support defines a 
slot for receiving the rib. The rib is disposed on an exterior side 
surface of the seat, and a side wall of the carrier receiving support 
defines the slot. 
The assembly further comprises a seat latch slidably coupled to the carrier 
receiving support and spring-biased toward the carrier. The seat defines a 
cavity for receiving a portion of the seat latch to inhibit separation of 
the carrier and carrier receiving support when the carrier is received by 
the carrier receiving support. The seat latch and carrier receiving 
support provide an indication of whether the seat latch is in a locked 
position. The seat latch and carrier receiving support provide indicia of 
whether the carrier is received by the carrier receiving support and, if 
so, whether the carrier is partially or fully received by the carrier 
receiving support. 
At least one of the arms comprises a tab. The carrier includes a locking 
member nonrotatably coupled to the seat. The locking member has at least 
one engaging surface angled with respect to a handle pivot axis and 
disposed to interfere with the tab as the handle pivots to inhibit pivotal 
motion of the handle relative to the seat. The locking member is slidable 
relative to the seat to a first position where the tab and engaging 
surface interfere when the handle is pivoted and to a second position 
where the handle pivots substantially free of interference between the tab 
and the engaging surface. 
The assembly further comprises a support member pivotally attached to a 
rear surface of the seat and adapted to support the seat in upright and 
reclining positions when the carrier is detached from the carrier 
receiving support. The support member comprises two substantially 
triangular-shaped walls and a coupling member coupled between the two 
walls, and the support device pivots relative to the seat about a support 
member pivot axis near a vertex of each of the walls. 
In general, in another aspect, the invention features an infant carrier 
comprising a seat adapted to receive a child. A handle is pivotally 
attached to the seat and includes a pair of arms connected by a cross 
member and an extension depending from the cross member for carrying the 
carrier when the handle is in a first position and for providing a passive 
restraint for the child when the handle is in a second position. 
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following 
features. An end of the extension opposite the cross member is disposed 
near a surface of a leg portion of the seat when the handle is in the 
second position. An end of the extension opposite the cross member is 
disposed within a recess in a surface of a leg portion of the seat when 
the handle is in the second position. 
In general, in another aspect, the invention features an apparatus 
comprising a seat for holding a child, and a stabilizer pivotally attached 
to a rear surface of the seat and adapted to stabilize the seat in upright 
and reclining positions relative to a flat surface. 
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following 
features. The stabilizer has a substantially triangular shape and is 
pivotally mounted to the seat near a vertex of the triangular shape. The 
stabilizer comprises a substantially hollow shell. 
The apparatus further comprises a base including a receiving portion 
adapted to removably receive the seat, and a handle pivotally mounted to 
the seat, and the stabilizer is adapted to stabilize the seat in the 
upright and reclining positions when the seat is detached from the 
receiving portion. 
In general, in another aspect, the invention features a chair and carrier 
assembly comprising a carrier including a seat for holding a child and a 
handle including a pair of arms pivotally mounted to the seat, at least 
one of the arms including a tab. A carrier receiving support is adapted to 
removably receive the carrier. A base is adapted to receive the carrier 
receiving support. The carrier defines a recess for receiving the tab, the 
recess being partially defined by a wall disposed at an angle relative to 
a pivot axis of the at least one arm, the wall inhibiting pivotal motion 
of the handle relative to the seat when the tab is received in the recess. 
In general, in another aspect, the invention features a chair and carrier 
assembly comprising a carrier including a seat for holding a child and a 
handle including a pair of arms pivotally mounted to the seat and 
connected by a cross member. A base is adapted to be removably coupled to 
the carrier and to support the carrier above a flat surface. The carrier 
includes a pair of engaging surfaces configured to engage each other to 
inhibit pivoting of the handle while a torque applied to the handle 
relative to the carrier is less than a predetermined torque. 
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following 
features. A first one of the arms is mounted to the seat to pivot about a 
pivot axis and includes one of the engaging surfaces, and the other one of 
the engaging surfaces is angled with respect to the pivot axis. The 
carrier includes a locking member nonrotatably coupled to the seat and 
slidable relative to the seat to a first relative position in which the 
pair of engaging surfaces can interfere when the handle is pivoted and to 
a second relative position in which the handle can pivot substantially 
free of interference between the pair of engaging surfaces. The locking 
member is slidable relative to the seat in a direction parallel to the 
pivot axis and is spring-biased into the first relative position. The 
first arm includes a tab and the locking member defines a plurality of 
radial notches for receiving the tab, a first one of the notches having 
walls substantially parallel to the pivot axis to substantially prevent 
pivoting of the handle when the tab is received by the first notch and a 
second one of the notches having the angled engaging surface. The second 
notch and the tab are disposed such that the cross member is disposed 
behind a rear surface of the seat when the tab is received by the second 
notch. 
In general, in another aspect, the invention features a high chair 
comprising a plurality of legs. A carrier receiving support is coupled to 
at least a pair of the legs. A carrier is removably mounted to the carrier 
receiving support and includes a seat that defines a chamber for holding 
an infant, the chamber including an upper-body receiving portion and a 
lower-body receiving portion, the carrier further including a 
substantially U-shaped handle. The handle includes first and second arms 
connected by a cross member, the arms being pivotally mounted to the seat 
along a pivot axis, the first arm including an engaging tab. The handle 
further includes an elongated member extending from the cross member 
toward the lower-body receiving portion of the seat when the handle is in 
a first position and extending substantially parallel to a length of the 
seat when the handle is in a second position. The carrier defines a 
plurality of recesses, disposed about the pivot axis, for receiving the 
tab, a first one of the recesses being partially defined by a wall 
configured to interfere with the tab to permit pivotal motion of the 
handle relative to the seat when a loading of the handle exceeds a 
predetermined loading and the tab is received by the first recess. 
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following 
features. The high chair further comprises a stabilizer pivotally mounted 
to a rear surface of the seat for supporting the seat in upright and 
reclining positions, relative to a flat surface, when separated from the 
carrier receiving support. 
Various embodiments of the invention may provide one or more of the 
following advantages. 
As provided, the chair may be advantageously adjusted to meet the needs of 
a growing child. 
The invention has the advantage that it is easily assembled. 
The invention has the additional advantage of not requiring purchase of 
both a child carrier and an adjustable-height chair. 
The invention has the additional advantage of providing a carrier that is 
easily attached to and removed from an adjustable-height chair assembly 
without having to remove the child from the carrier. 
The invention has the additional advantage of a pivoting U-shaped handle 
that serves as both a convenient carrying handle and a passive restraint 
for the child in the carrier. The invention allows the passive restraint 
to be movable while guarding against pinching dangers. 
The invention has the further advantage of a stable structure to prevent 
the carrier from rocking or tipping over when used separately from the 
base. 
The invention also provides a high chair that is stable and can withstand 
significant forces on various parts of the high chair without tipping over 
and can automatically compensate for at least some undesired forces. 
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from 
the following detailed description, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of the invention as a chair and 
carrier assembly 10 comprising a base 12, a carrier 14 and a carrier 
receiving support 16. Carrier 14 is removable from carrier receiving 
support 16 to function as a booster seat or as a portable infant carrier. 
Base 12 includes front tubular legs 18, rear tubular legs 20 and horizontal 
tubular supports 22 and 23 extending, respectively, between front legs 18, 
18 and rear legs 20, 20. Front tubular legs 18 and rear tubular legs 20 
are angled with respect to each other to form a stable supporting 
structure. Base 12 also includes feet 24a-24d connected to legs 18, 18 and 
20, 20 at the junction of supports 22 and 23 to assist in maintaining the 
shape of base 12 at the junctions of the tubular pieces 18 and 20 with 22 
and 23, respectively. Base 12 also includes leg collars 26 to which legs 
20 are pivotally coupled (as more fully described below with respect to 
FIG. 12 in relation to the embodiment shown therein). Leg collars 26 
permit rear tubular legs 20 to be folded inward toward front tubular legs 
18 for storage or transport of the base. Feet 24a-24d support base 12 on a 
horizontal surface such as the floor. 
Tubular portions 18, 20, 22, and 23 are made of metal (e.g., steel) and 
feet 24a-24d and leg collars 26 may be made from any rigid material, 
preferably a hard plastic (e.g., polypropylene), metal or a combination of 
both. Further, tubular portions 18, 20, 22, and 23 may be either hollow or 
solid. Feet 24a-24d may also have rubberized or rough lower surfaces to 
prevent slippage of assembly 10 on the floor. 
Legs 18 extend above leg collars 26 and pivot supports 28 are slidably 
mounted to the upper ends of front tubular legs 18 for height adjustment. 
Front tubular legs 18 extend within pivot supports 28. Each pivot support 
28 includes a forwardly projecting supporting arm 30 and protrusions 32 
and 33 (FIG. 2). Protrusion 32 securely mates with pivot bushing 34, e.g., 
by threading, and protrusion 33 securely mates with nut 35, e.g., by 
threading as well. 
Each pivot support 28 also includes a height adjust button 36, which fits 
within recess 38 in supporting arm 30. Pivot support 28 is prevented from 
sliding downward along front tubular leg 18 by a spring loaded lever that 
falls into one of a plurality of corresponding holes in front tubular leg 
18 (as more fully described below with respect to FIG. 12 in relation to 
the embodiment shown therein). Height adjust button 36 is depressed to 
adjust the height of pivot support 28 with respect to the ground by 
releasing the spring loaded lever to allow pivot support 28 to move along 
the length of front tubular leg 18. 
Carrier receiving support 16 is pivotally connected to pivot supports 28 so 
that it may recline for young children. Carrier receiving support 16 is 
preferably a unitary injection molded piece of hard plastic material, 
e.g., polypropylene. Carrier receiving support 16 has an exterior bottom 
portion 40 and an interior upper surface 42 including side walls 44. The 
interior side walls 44 contain guide protrusions 50 which form a linear 
sliding region 52. The interior side walls also include elongated sliding 
pivot holes 100. 
Carrier receiving support 16 also has lower flanges 46 (only one shown in 
FIG. 2) projecting orthogonally outwardly from exterior bottom portion 40. 
Each flange 46 includes an elongated slotted portion 48, with a plurality 
of enlarged notches 49 along its length (better shown in FIGS. 5-7). 
Carrier 14 is shaped to be received within interior upper surface 42 of 
carrier receiving support 16 between interior side walls 44. Carrier 14 
includes a seat 15 having a seat portion 54 for holding a child and that 
is preferably a unitary molded component. Seat 15 also has a bottom 
surface 56 which engages with carrier receiving support 16. Bottom surface 
56 has a protruding tongue 58 on each side (only one shown in FIG. 2) 
shaped to slide into linear sliding region 52 formed by guide protrusions 
50 (only two of four shown in FIG. 2) on interior side walls 44 of carrier 
receiving support 16. The carrier 14 can be locked into place in the 
carrier receiving support 16. 
To lock the carrier 14 into the carrier receiving support 16, a seat latch 
92 and compression spring 94 are mounted onto the bottom side of the lower 
portion of carrier receiving support 16. As further shown in FIG. 2A, seat 
latch 92 together with compression spring 94 act as a spring loaded clip 
mechanism for locking carrier 14 in place when carrier 14 is being placed 
onto carrier support member 16. Spring 94 is disposed between an end 89 of 
slot 91 and a post 87 depending from the bottom of support 16. Seat latch 
92 is thus spring biased through a hole 93 in support 16 in direction 101. 
Hole 93 provides a guide to seat latch 92. A rib 107 and two retaining 
clips 109 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2A) on either side of seat 
latch 92 that slidably clip to seat latch 92 help keep seat latch 92 in 
place while permitting seat latch 92 to slide relative to carrier 
receiving support 16. 
When carrier 14 is slid into place on carrier receiving support 16, a 
portion 95 of bottom surface 56 of seat 15 makes contact with the seat 
latch 92 to push it out of the path of movement of the seat 15 in 
direction 99. When an opening 97 on the bottom of seat 15 reaches seat 
latch 92, the latch 92 snaps into the opening 97, in direction 101, due to 
the force of the compressed spring 94. To release carrier 14 for removal 
from carrier receiving support 16, seat latch 92 is pulled out of the 
opening 93 in direction 101. When carrier 14 is removed and seat latch 92 
is released, spring 94 causes seat latch 92 to move in direction 99. A top 
surface 103 of seat latch 92 shows through a slot 105 in support 16. 
Markings on top surface 103 visible through slot 105 indicate whether seat 
15 is present, and if so, whether seat 15, and thus carrier 14, is locked 
into place with carrier receiving support 16, as described more fully 
below with respect to FIG. 23 and the embodiment of the invention shown 
therein. 
Seat portion 54 may include holes 60 for attaching shoulder strap 62, waist 
straps 64, and crotch strap 66 that fastens to waist straps 64, all of 
which help to retain the child in the seat portion 54. Seat portion 54 may 
also receive or include a seat cushion (not shown). 
A U-shaped handle 70 of carrier 14 is a bail with side arms 71 and a cross 
member 73. Handle 70 is pivotally attached to seat 15 by connectors 72 
located on the sides of the seat 15. Handle 70 pivots around connectors 72 
about a pivot axis 75 (FIG. 1) over the seat portion 54 and is locked in 
only a fixed number of angular positions, including behind seat 15. To 
accomplish this pivoting, handle 70 is attached to connector 72 with 
handle locking button 74, handle locking disk 76 and handle locking hub 
78, all of carrier 14, through a hole 80 in handle 70. Hub 78 fits in hole 
80 of handle 70 to provide structure within hole 80. Button 74, disk 76, 
hub 78 in combination with handle 70, and connector 72 are configured and 
operate similar to another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 
14-16 and described more fully with respect thereto. The embodiment shown 
in FIG. 2, however, does not include the "breakaway" feature of the 
embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16 and described below. 
Handle 70 may be rotated over the head and body of a child placed in seat 
15 to be positioned in front of the child to serve as a support for a tray 
90. Tray release levers 96 attached to the underside of tray 90 are spaced 
to snap into recesses 137 in arms 71 to snap tray 90 into place on handle 
70 when the handle 70 is pushed to the forward horizontal position. Tray 
release levers 96 may be pressed to remove tray 90 from handle 70. 
Seat 15 and handle 70 cooperate to provide both an adjustable-height chair 
and a reclining infant carrier. Handle 70 also has a passive restraint 
hand grip extension 82. Extension 82 extends from cross member 73 of 
handle 70 inwardly toward pivot axis 75 and away from a bottom surface 77 
of handle 70. Handle 70 can be positioned in front of a child placed in 
carrier 14 to provide a support for tray 90 such that extension 82 extends 
between the child's legs to a front edge, or into a recess 61 in the front 
edge, of the seat 15 to provide a passive restraint to help to restrain 
the child in the carrier 14. The configuration with extension 82 in recess 
61 is shown in FIG. 3. 
As shown in FIG. 4, extension 82 also functions as a carrier handle when 
carrier 14 is used separately from base 12 as a child carrier. Extension 
82 may also include handgrip 83 (FIG. 2) for easy gripping by a person 
carrying carrier 14. In the position shown in FIG. 4, extension 82 is 
generally parallel to the length of the carrier 14 for ease of carrying. 
A triangular-shaped support member 84 of carrier 14 is pivotally attached 
to a back surface 57 of seat 15. As shown, support member 84 is hollow. 
Especially when placed in the upper position (FIGS. 5-7) against the back 
of seat 15, support member 84 may be used as a storage bin. The support 
member 84 may be fully enclosed and may have one or more hinges on one of 
its edges. When placed in the lower position (FIG. 9) orthogonally to 
bottom portion 56, support member 84 may be used to support carrier 14 in 
an upright position with respect to a horizontal surface. With support 
member 84 in the upper position, carrier 14 will be unstable if in the 
upright position when separated from carrier receiving support 16 and 
placed on a flat surface with no other support. 
A slot 69 in triangular-shaped support member 84 is provided for receiving 
a clip 420 of a booster seat strap 68. Clip 420 is fixedly attached, e.g., 
by sewing, along a length of a webbing 422, as is a female fastener 424 to 
one end of webbing or mesh member 422 (e.g., woven nylon or 
polypropylene). A male fastener 426 is adjustably coupled near the other 
end of webbing 422 so that fastener 426 can be moved along the length of 
webbing 422. The fasteners 424 and 426 can be, e.g., VALCO.RTM. snap 
buttons (made by VALCO.RTM. Valley Tool & Die, Inc., 10020 York Theta 
Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44133-3535) and can be connected around part of a 
chair (not shown), and male fastener 426 adjusted, to help secure assembly 
10 to the chair. A similar slot 69 and booster seat strap 68 are provided 
at the other end of member 84, although neither are shown in FIG. 2. 
Triangular support member 84 may be locked in place in either the upper or 
lower position using tab and slot connectors (e.g., as more fully 
described below with respect to FIG. 11 in relation to the embodiment 
shown therein). Triangular support member 84 may be easily unlocked from 
either locked position, e.g., by removing the tabs from the respective 
slots. 
To assemble assembly 10, carrier receiving support 16 is attached to base 
12. Protrusions 32 are mated with pivot bushings 34 through elongated 
slotted portion 48. Similarly, protrusions 33 are mated with nuts 35 
through sliding pivot holes 100. 
In use, carrier 14 is placed on carrier receiving support 16 by aligning 
protruding tongue 58 on the seat 15 in the linear sliding region 52 formed 
on the interior side walls 44 of the carrier receiving support 16. As the 
carrier 14 slides into place, it automatically locks onto the carrier 
receiving support 16 by the action of the seat latch 92 as described 
above. The carrier 14 is removed from the carrier receiving support 16 
simply by pulling on the seat latch 92 to release the carrier 14 and 
lifting the carrier 14 out of the carrier receiving support 16 along the 
linear sliding region 52. 
The reclining angle of the carrier 14 may be changed when carrier 14 is 
placed in carrier receiving support 16. To recline the carrier 14, the 
carrier receiving support 16 is lifted slightly and moved forward or back 
to rest in notched portions 49 along elongated slot 48. To accommodate the 
slight lifting movement, the protrusion 33 slides up and down within the 
sliding pivot hole 100. FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show three different reclining 
positions that may be achieved using this mechanism, namely upright, 
partially reclining and fully reclining. 
As discussed above, carrier 14 may be used separately from base 12 and 
carrier receiving support 16. For example, FIGS. 8 and 9 show carrier 14 
placed in both the reclining and upright positions on a horizontal 
surface, respectively, using triangular support 84 in upper and lower 
positions, respectively, to maintain the positions of carrier 14. 
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 10-27. As shown in 
FIGS. 10-12, a high chair and carrier assembly 110 includes a base 112, a 
carrier 114, a tray 132, and a carriage or carrier receiving support 116. 
Carrier 114, tray 132, and carrier receiving support 116 are made 
primarily of an injection molded copolymer such as polypropylene. Legs 348 
of base 112 are made of metal, e.g., steel. 
Referring to FIG. 12, carrier 114 includes a handle 118 a seat 120, and a 
basket 122. Carrier 114 is adapted to receive a child comfortably and to 
be received by carrier receiving support 116. When removed from receiving 
support 116, carrier 114 can be used to transport a child and when 
received by receiving support 116 can serve as the seat portion of a high 
chair. 
Seat 120 includes side walls 146, a backrest 208, an upper leg portion 210, 
and a lower leg portion 212. These portions of seat 120 define a chamber 
214 for comfortably receiving a child. Backrest 208 has several strap 
openings 216, 218, and 220 (only one is shown in FIG. 12) for receiving 
shoulder straps and waist straps (FIG. 2) for securing the child into 
chamber 214. These straps are respectively secured to the back and bottom 
of seat 120. Two sets of strap openings 216 and 218 are provided to permit 
adjustability of the shoulder straps to accommodate children of different 
sizes. Upper leg portion 210 has an opening 222 for receiving a crotch 
strap (FIG. 2) that is attached to the bottom of seat 120 and extends up 
through the child's legs. Upper leg portion 210 also has two slots 224 
(one shown), for receiving portions of a seat latch (described below), and 
a circular recess 226 for receiving a portion of a handle (described 
below). Disposed about a periphery of seat 120 are a plurality of clips 
119 (FIG. 11) on the back side of seat 120 for attaching a cushion (not 
shown) to seat 120 in chamber 214. The clips 119 correspond to a plurality 
of recesses 232 that appear on the front side of seat 120 that help ensure 
that the material thickness of seat 120 is consistent throughout. 
Referring also to FIG. 17, handle 118 is substantially U-shaped and 
includes arms 124, a cross member 126, and an extension 128. Extension 128 
extends from cross member 126 inwardly toward a pivot axis 130 and away 
from a bottom surface 131 of cross member 126. Extension 128 is adapted to 
be grasped by a person for use as a carrier handle in order to carry the 
carrier 114. To make extension 128 as a unitary piece as shown, it is made 
using a gas-assist molding process (an injection molding process where gas 
is injected into liquid plastic to fill a portion of the mold to produce 
hollow portions in the finished piece). An end portion 228 of extension 
128 of handle 118 fits within recess 226 in upper leg portion 210 of seat 
120. 
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13A-13B, handle 118 and tray 132 are configured 
to mate such that tray 132 rests on arms 124 and cross member 126. Two 
posts 400 of each of two tray latches 134 (only one is shown in FIGS. 
13A-13B) are rotatably received by holes 402 in tray 132 to pivotally 
attach each latch 134 to the underside of the tray 132. A compression 
spring 135 is slidably received by a post 404 of latch 134 and by a 
similar post 406 of tray 132. Spring 135 spring biases latch 134 to pivot 
inwardly about posts 400 toward the center of tray 132. Each latch 134 has 
two prongs 136 that are configured to fit within two recesses 137 of five 
recesses 137 in arms 124 (recesses 137 in only one of arms 124 are shown 
in FIG. 12). The two recesses 137 into which prongs 136 fit are separated 
by one recess 137 such that tray latches 134 can be received by recesses 
137 in three positions along the lengths of arms 124. 
Tray 132 is attached and removed from handle 118 using tray latches 134. To 
mount tray 132 on handle 118, tray latches 134 are rotated outward about 
posts 400 against the spring bias of springs 135. Tray 132 is positioned 
onto handle 118 such that prongs 136 are aligned with recesses 137 in arms 
124. Tray latches 134 are released so that the spring biases of springs 
135 force prongs 136 into two of the five recesses 137. To release tray 
132, one of tray latches 134 is rotated outward about posts 400 until 
prongs 136 are no longer received by recesses 137 in the corresponding arm 
124. The edge of tray 132 with the released tray latch 134 is lifted to 
rotate tray 132 to remove prongs 136 of the other tray latch 134 from 
recesses 137 in the other arm 124. Alternatively, both tray latches 134 
can be rotated until prongs 136 are removed from recesses 137 in both arms 
124, and tray 132 separated from handle 118. Tray 132 can be moved so that 
prongs 136 align with different recesses 137, and tray latches released to 
allow recesses 137 to receive prongs 136. 
Referring to FIG. 12, in carrier 114, handle 118 is pivotally coupled to 
seat 120 to permit handle 118 to be pivoted into a fixed number of angular 
positions relative to seat 120. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 14-16, 
handle 118 is coupled to seat 120 with a pivot assembly 139 (with a mirror 
image assembly provided for the other arm 124) of carrier 114. Each pivot 
assembly 139 includes a button 138, a screw 140, a locking disk 142, and a 
spring 144. 
Referring to FIGS. 14-16, a side wall 146 of seat 120 includes a recess 148 
for receiving spring 144 and locking disk 142. In recess 148 are several, 
here four, ribs 154 (only two are shown in FIG. 15) extending inward from 
an interior wall 156 of recess 148. Ribs 154 mate with corresponding slots 
158 (portions of only three slots 158 are shown in FIG. 15) defined in an 
exterior wall 160 of locking disk 142. Ribs 154 and corresponding slots 
158 are asymmetrically disposed about a pivot axis 170 to ensure proper 
orientation of locking disk 142 relative to seat 120. One end of spring 
144 fits over a post 150 having an opening 152 and the other end is 
received over a post 179 of locking disk 142. 
A top surface 162 of locking disk 142 defines and includes several annular 
recesses and annular ridges. An annular ridge 166 is disposed about a 
periphery of locking disk 142 and defines several notches 168 and 173 at 
various angular positions relative to pivot axis 170. As shown, notches 
168 are locking notches having side walls 172 parallel to pivot axis 170. 
Notches 173, however, have one side wall 174 angled or sloped relative to 
pivot axis 170 at an angle 175 to provide cam surfaces. Locking disk 142 
also includes two annular ridges 176 and 178 which, together with ridge 
166, define annular recesses 164 and 180. 
Arm 124 of handle 118 defines a recess 182 between an interior wall 184 and 
an exterior wall 186 of a hub 188 for receiving ridge 166 of locking disk 
142. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the arm 71 and the hub 78 provide 
the structure of hub 188. Returning to FIGS. 14-16, a radial tab 190 (FIG. 
14) extends between interior wall 184 and exterior wall 186 and is sized 
to fit within notches 168 and 173. 
Hub 188 defines several arcuate slots 194 and 196. Three arcuate slots 194 
are disposed at a shorter radial distance from pivot axis 170 than four 
slots 196. Slots 194 are disposed to align with annular recess 180, and 
slots 196 are disposed to align with annular recess 164, of locking disk 
142. 
Slots 194 and 196 respectively receive several fingers 198 and 200 of 
handle locking button 138. Fingers 200 include tabs 202 extending radially 
outwardly from pivot axis 170. As shown in FIG. 16, fingers 200 are angled 
slightly radially outward relative to pivot axis 170 so that when fingers 
200 extend through slots 196, tabs 202 overlap with top surface 204 of hub 
188 to inhibit separation of button 138 from arm 124. Fingers 198 and/or 
200 are slidable within arcuate slots 194 and 196, are long enough and 
strong enough to contact and separate disk 142 from arm 124, and are 
slidable in recesses 164 and/or 180. 
Screw 140 (not shown in FIG. 16) extends through holes 192 and 181 in arm 
124 and locking disk 142, respectively, and is received by opening 152 in 
post 150. Screw 140 has tapered threading and opening 152 has a smaller 
diameter than the larger-diameter threads of screw 140. Thus, inserting 
and twisting screw 140 in opening 152 self threads screw 140 in opening 
152 by deforming the walls of opening 152. With screw 140 tightened into 
opening 152, spring 144 biases locking disk 142 against hub 188 of arm 
124. 
With pivot assembly 139 assembled, handle 118 can be selectively pivoted to 
one of several positions. With reference to FIG. 16, a user pushes buttons 
138 so that fingers 198 and/or 200 push against locking disks 142 to 
overcome the spring biases of springs 144 to disengage radial tabs 190 
from notches 168 or 173 in which they are received and move locking disks 
142 into unlocked positions. While locking disks 142 are in the unlocked 
positions, the user rotates handle 118 to any of the selectable angular 
orientations provided by notches 168 and 173. Releasing buttons 138 allows 
the spring force of springs 144 to force locking disks 142 toward arms 124 
into locked positions so that radial tab 190 will be forced into one of 
the notches 168 or 173. 
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14-17, notches 168 are arranged such that handle 
118 can be locked into four selectable positions. Tab 190 is in one of 
notches 168 when handle 118 is in either position 1, 2, 5, or 6 shown in 
FIG. 17. When handle 118 is in position 1, extension 128 extends from 
cross member 126 into recess 226 of seat 120, providing a passive crotch 
restraint for a child seated on seat 120. In this position, handle 118 can 
support tray 132 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Returning to FIG. 17, when 
handle 118 is in position 2, extension 128 extends substantially parallel 
to a length of carrier 114 (similar to FIG. 4) so that the user can 
conveniently carry carrier 114 when separated from carrier receiving 
support 116. 
Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 14-17, radial tab 190 is disposed within 
notches 173 when handle 118 is in position 3 or position 4 as shown in 
FIG. 17. Positions 3 and 4 help carrier 114 be received by an adult chair 
(not shown). Position 3 can also be used for a feeding position with 
carrier 114 separated from carrier receiving support 116 by reclining 
carrier 114 such that handle 118 supports carrier 114. In positions 3 or 4 
with carrier 114 received by support 116, handle 118 presents a risk of 
assembly 110 (although the full assembly 110 is not shown in FIG. 17) 
being tipped over if a load is placed on cross member 126 or arms 124. Cam 
surfaces 174 of notches 173 are sloped such that notches 173 will inhibit 
tab 190 from leaving notch 173 without button 138 being depressed. A 
sufficient torque, however, applied to handle 118 about pivot axis 170 
will force tab 190 against surface 174 such that the force parallel to 
pivot axis 170 overcomes the spring force of spring 144. Tab 190 thus 
provides a cam surface that slides over cam surface 174 of locking disk 
142, pushing locking disk 142 along axis 170 compressing spring 144. 
Handle 118 will thus "breakaway" upon sufficient loading of handle 118 
when handle 118 is in position 3 or position 4, and thus pivot to position 
4 or 5. For example, a load of about 10 pounds directed normal to the 
surface on which assembly 110 rests (e.g., as indicated by arrows 378 and 
380) applied to cross member 126 will cause handle 118 to breakaway. 
Handle 118 can pivot toward the bottom and front of seat 120 (clockwise as 
shown in FIG. 17) to guard against the force applied to cross member 126 
toppling assembly 110. 
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 18, basket 122 is pivotally attached to a rear 
surface 234 of backrest 208. Basket 122 has two substantially triangular 
shaped end walls 236 connected by a side wall 238. Two brackets 240 extend 
from side wall 238 near respective end walls 236. Brackets 240 fit over 
flanges 242 extending from back surface 234. Pivot pins 244 extend through 
openings in brackets 240 and flanges 242 to pivotally couple basket 122 to 
seat 120 along a pivot axis 246 disposed near a vertex of 
triangular-shaped end walls 236. Especially when basket 122 is in the 
position shown in FIG. 11, basket 122 and rear surface 234 of seat 120 
form a receptacle for receiving and storing items such as toys. 
Referring also to FIG. 19, basket 122 can attach to seat 120 in a lower 
position 382, shown in solid lines, or an upper position 384, shown in 
dashed lines. As shown in FIG. 19, carrier 114 can be mounted in an 
upright position on a flat surface 392 with basket 122 in lower position 
382. Carrier 114, however, would be unstable and would tend to tip over if 
placed in the upright position shown in FIG. 19 with basket 122 in upper 
position 384. End walls 236 define locking openings 248 that receive tabs 
252, on brackets 254 extending from rear surface 234, with basket 122 in 
upper position 384. Each tab 252 extends outward from bracket 254 a 
sufficient distance and at an angle such that inner surfaces 249 (only one 
shown in FIG. 18) of basket 122 will slide against and deflect tab 252 
inward when receiving tab 252. Tab 252 is positioned to interfere with 
basket 122 once received by opening 248. Thus, tabs 252 and mating 
openings 248 help to retain basket 122 in upper position 384. A rim 250 
extending around a periphery of basket 122 has a pair of hollow triangular 
receptacles 251 (only one is shown in FIGS. 11, 18, and 19) that receive 
triangular tabs 256 extending from rear surface 234. Receptacles 251 and 
mating tabs 256 help to align basket 122 in upper position 384. To help 
secure basket 122 in lower position 382, a slot 386 (FIG. 11) in basket 
122 is configured to receive a clip 388 extending from, and disposed near 
the bottom of, seat 120. Clip 388, shown in FIG. 18 through a sectioned 
portion of basket 122, has a hook shape and extends at an angle from back 
surface 234 such that basket 122 will deflect clip 388 downward when 
receiving clip 388, and clip 388 will be positioned to interfere with 
basket 122 once received by slot 386. 
Brackets 254 are adapted to allow seat 120 to be secured to a chair (not 
shown). Brackets 254 provide openings 257 for receiving a strap 267 (not 
shown to scale). Strap 267 has a female fastener 261 fixedly attached to 
one end of a mesh member 263 (e.g., woven nylon or polypropylene) and a 
mating male fastener 265 adjustably attached to the other end of mesh 
member 263. Strap 267 can be fed through openings 257 and around the 
chair, and fasteners 261 and 265 connected and adjusted to tighten strap 
267. With strap 267 received through openings 257, strap 267 inhibits 
receptacles 251 from receiving mating tabs 256, thus helping to prevent 
basket 122 from being secured in upright position 382. This helps prevent 
a situation where basket 122 is in upright position 382 and carrier 114 is 
secured to the adult chair with strap 267, which could be an unsafe 
arrangement. 
As shown in FIG. 20, two floor supports 258 extend from a bottom surface 
264 of seat 120. Bottom surfaces 260 of supports 258 are disposed and 
adapted to frictionally engage a surface such as the floor when seat 120 
is separated from carrier receiving support 116 (FIG. 12) and rested on a 
surface in an upright position similar to that shown in FIG. 19. For 
example, bottom surfaces 260 may be coated or covered with rubber. Also, 
each floor support 258 provides a through hole 259 for receiving a strap 
(not shown) for securing seat 120 to a chair (not shown). The strap may be 
a mesh member with a fastener fixed to one end and a mating fastener 
adjustably coupled to the other end, similar to strap 267 shown in FIG. 
18. Such a strap can be passed through both holes 259 and around the 
chair, the fasteners connected, and the adjustable fastener manipulated to 
tighten the strap. Seat 120 also has two slots 224 that extend through 
seat 120, as shown, for receiving portions of a seat latch described 
below. 
Side walls 146 mate with carrier receiving support 116. Side walls 146 
extend toward the bottom rear of seat 120 to form the outside surfaces of 
two wedge-shaped extensions 262 adapted to fit into carrier receiving 
support 116 as described below. Extensions 262 have rounded edges 264 and 
rounded corners 266 and join back surface 234 (FIG. 11) and bottom surface 
264 with side walls 146. Each side wall 146 also provides a wedge-shaped 
rib 268 having a wide end 270 disposed near an arm rest 272 and extending 
generally toward the bottom and rear of seat 120 to a rounded corner 274. 
Extending from bottom surface 264 near the rear of seat 120 is a 
triangular member 275. 
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 21, carrier receiving support 116 defines a 
trough 276 for receiving seat 120 and aligns seat 120 therein. Side 
portions 277 of trough 276 receive extensions 262 of seat 120. Pie-shaped 
or wedge-shaped slots 280 in side walls 278 are adapted to receive ribs 
268 (FIG. 20) of seat 120 to help guide seat 120 into support 116. A 
central member 282 has a recess 283 for receiving triangular member 275 
(FIG. 20) of seat 120 and has two holes 286 through its top surface 284 
for receiving two prongs 288 of a seat latch 290 (FIGS. 12 and 22). 
Referring also to FIGS. 22 and 23, seat latch 290 is spring biased by a 
tension spring 281 such that prongs 288 extend through holes 286 of 
central member 282. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view in a plane passing 
off-center lengthwise through seat latch 290, including through one of 
prongs 288 and an off-center one of three retaining bushings 285. FIG. 23 
is a cross-sectional view in a plane passing through the center, 
lengthwise, of seat latch 290, including through an on-center one of 
retaining bushings 285. Spring 281 has a loop 301 on one end disposed 
around an L-shaped post 303 of seat latch 290 and a loop 305 on the other 
end disposed around a pair of ribs 307 of support 116 and one of three 
retaining bushings 285 (only one is shown in each of FIGS. 22 and 23). 
Retaining bushings 285 have barrel portions 289 received through slots 287 
in seat latch 290. Bushings 285 are secured, such as with self-threading 
screws 440, to carrier receiving support 116 and have flanged ends 291 
disposed against the bottom of seat latch 290, opposite support 116, when 
secured to support 116. As shown in FIG. 22, prongs 288 (one shown) can 
pass through holes 286 in support 116 such that seat latch 290 is in a 
locked position. In the locked position, prongs 288 are received by slots 
224 in seat 120 and inhibit removal of seat 120 from trough 276 (FIG. 21) 
of support 116. 
Seat latch 290 provides indications of whether seat 120 is locked, not 
locked, or not present. When seat 120 is locked into support 116, seat 
latch 290 is in the locked position as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. In this 
position, a portion 296 (FIGS. 12 and 23) of seat latch 290 indicating the 
locked position can be viewed through a hole 292 in a foot rest portion 
294 of carrier receiving support 116. The indication can be, for example, 
a color indicator such as a green color and/or a word such as "LOCKED" 
and/or a symbol such as a diagram of a locked padlock. Other portions, 
such as portions 298 and 299, of seat latch 290 can have other indications 
such as different colors, e.g., red, and/or words, e.g., "NOT LOCKED" 
(portion 298) or "NO SEAT" (portion 299), or have a different symbol such 
as a diagram of an unlocked padlock (portion 298). With seat 120 removed 
from trough 276 (FIG. 21) of support 116, seat latch 290 is biased, in a 
direction 303, into openings 286 in support 116 such that portion 299 is 
visible through hole 292. With seat 120 partially received by trough 276, 
but without slots 224 receiving prongs 288, a bottom surface 117 of 
support 116 pushes seat latch 290 in a direction 305 such that portion 298 
is visible through hole 292. Thus, portions 298 and 299 are aligned with, 
and indicate through, hole 292 when seat 120 is present in trough 276 but 
seat latch 290 is not in the locked position, or that seat 120 is not 
present in trough 276, respectively. Seat latch 290 includes a hand grip 
300 disposed at one end that is accessible when assembly 110 has been 
assembled regardless of whether seat latch 290 is in the locked position. 
Carrier receiving support 116 is adapted to mate with base 112. As shown in 
FIG. 21, side walls 278 of support 116 include slots 302 and 304, each of 
slots 304 having three notches 306 along its length. Slots 304 and notches 
306 are similar to slots 48 and notches 49 shown in FIGS. 5-7. 
Referring to FIGS. 12, 21 and 24-25, base 112 includes a pair of 
pivot/height adjustment assemblies 308 and a leg assembly 310 adapted to 
couple to carrier receiving support 116 through slots 302 and slots 306 
and in detents 319. Base 112 provides a foundation for carrier receiving 
support 116 and carrier 114 to form a high chair mountable on a surface 
such as a floor. Base 112, in conjunction with support 116, provides 
adjustable height and reclining features for assembly 110. 
As shown in FIG. 24, each assembly 308 includes a tube 312. Tube 312 is 
adapted to receive a cap 340 and has a recess 313, in an upper end 341, 
adapted to receive a tab 343 of cap 340 to help align cap 340 within tube 
312. With cap 340 received in tube 312, a hole 337 of cap 340 aligns with 
a through hole 335. An upper end 342 of cap 340 has a diameter 
approximately equal to the exterior diameter of tube 312. 
Referring to FIGS. 20, 24 and 25, each assembly 308 is adapted to be 
slidably coupled through slot 302 (FIG. 21) to support 116 (for clarity, 
not shown in FIG. 24). A shaft 314 projects from tube 312 and is rotatably 
received by at least a portion of a hole 315 in a carrier lock 316. 
Extending within shaft 314 are two spokes 325 and a spoke 327 that extends 
within, and to an end 329 of, shaft 314. Spoke 327 is received by a slot 
331 in an upper pivot mount 320 that is connected to shaft 314, e.g. by 
inserting a screw 430 through holes 333 and 315 (and slot 302) and self 
threading screw 430 in holes 335 and 337. Upper pivot mount 320 has a boss 
323 that slidably fits within slot 302 of carrier receiving support 116 
(FIG. 21) and has a flange 311 with an outer diameter that is larger than 
a width of slot 302. Securing flange 311 against support 116 helps retain 
the relationship between tube 312, carrier lock 316, and carrier support 
116. 
Carrier lock 316 includes a boss 317 adapted to be selectively received in 
detent 319 in carrier receiving support 116 with seat 120 and support 116 
in an upright position (similar to FIG. 5). Boss 317 is shaped to slide 
across the surface of side wall 278 of support 116 to snap into detent 
319. Boss 317 is also shaped with angled sides to be removed from detent 
319 by rotating carrier lock 316. An arm 321 (FIG. 11) on carrier lock 316 
is adapted to facilitate rotating carrier lock 316 and can interfere with 
tube 312 to limit the range of rotation of carrier lock 316. 
Each assembly 308 also includes an upper arm 322 and a lower arm 324, that 
are molded as a single piece, mounted to tube 312. Arms 322 and 324 meet 
at a joint 326. A bushing 328 is slidably coupled through slot 304 or one 
of slots 306 of support 116 (for clarity, not shown in FIG. 24) to joint 
326 by a screw 432 that self threads in joint 326. 
In use, assemblies 308 allow seat 120, along with carrier receiving support 
116, to be positioned into three different reclining positions, namely 
upright, partially reclined, and fully reclined, similar to the discussion 
above with respect to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 respectively. To reposition seat 
120, the user positions carrier locks 316 so that bosses 317 are removed 
from detents 319. The user lifts carrier receiving support 116, sliding 
upper pivot mount 320 within slot 302 and sliding bushing 328 from notch 
306 into slot 304. Bushing 328 slides in slot 304 as the user adjusts the 
reclining angle of support 116. At a desired angle corresponding to one of 
the three notches 306, the user lowers support 116 such that bushing 328 
slides into the desired notch 306. If seat 120 and support 116 are in the 
upright position, the user rotates carrier locks 316 so that bosses 317 
snap into detents 319 to inhibit vertical motion of support 116 relative 
to tubes 312. This helps prevent seat 120 from being undesirably moved 
within slots 306. 
As shown in FIGS. 12, 24, and 26, upper arm 322 and tube 312 define 
openings 330 and 332 for receiving a height adjust button 334 and a height 
lock 336 respectively. Height adjust button 334 is pivotally mounted 
within opening 330 to upper arm 322, e.g., by inserting a rivet 434 
through bosses 349 (only one is shown in FIG. 24) and holes 351. Button 
334 is spring biased by a compression spring 338 that is received by a 
post (not shown) on the bottom of height adjust button 334 and an opposing 
post (not shown) of upper arm 322 similar to the arrangement for spring 
biasing tray latches 134 discussed above. Button 334 is connected to a 
first end 345 of height lock 336, e.g., by inserting rivet 434 through 
hole 353 also. Height lock 336 is made of metal, e.g., steel, and extends 
through, and is guided by, an opening 412 in button 334 such that a second 
end 347 of height lock 336 extends through opening 332 in tube 312 and one 
of three holes 352 in a leg 348 (FIG. 12). A tab 414 extends radially 
inward within tube 312 and is slidably received by an elongated recess 416 
(FIG. 12) in an outer surface of leg 348. As shown in FIG. 26, arm 321 of 
carrier lock 316 is displaced from tube 312 with boss 317 received by 
detent 319 (FIG. 25). 
The height of seat 120 relative to the surface on which assembly 110 rests 
can be adjusted using height adjust buttons 334. The user grasps upper 
support arms 322, lifts slightly, and depresses height adjust buttons 334. 
Depressing buttons 334 against the spring bias of spring 338 pivots 
buttons 334 and removes height locks 336 from holes 352 in legs 348. With 
height locks 336 no longer in holes 352 in legs 348, legs 348 are able to 
slide within tubes 312. Tabs 414 slide within recesses 416, being 
inhibited by the ends of recesses 416 to help limit the range of motion of 
tubes 312 relative to legs 348. The user lifts or lowers tubes 312, on 
which carrier receiving support 116 and carrier 114 are mounted, to a 
desired height corresponding to one of the holes 352 in legs 348. The user 
releases height adjust buttons 334, allowing height locks 336 to extend 
through the desired holes 352 in legs 348. With height locks 336 extending 
through openings 332 in tubes 312 and holes 352 in legs 348, legs 348 are 
inhibited from sliding within tubes 312. 
Still referring to FIGS. 12, 24 and 26, leg assembly 310 includes a front 
frame 344 and a rear frame 346. Front frame 344 has a tubular construction 
with two legs 348 having upper ends 350 configured to fit within tubes 
312. Upper ends 350 have several holes 352 configured to receive ends 347 
of height locks 336 extending through openings 332 in tubes 312. Rear 
frame 346 has a tubular construction and is connected to front frame 344 
to provide a stable foundation for assembly 110. 
Legs 348 of front frame 344 are bent to project forward toward a cross tube 
354 connecting legs 348. Legs 348 and cross tube 354 can be formed as a 
unitary piece and made of metal, e.g., steel. At the junction between legs 
348 and cross tube 354 are feet 356 and 357, foot 356 being a mirror image 
of foot 357. 
Foot 357 includes two halves, an upper half 358 and a lower half 360. These 
halves 358 and 360 are configured to receive approximately half the 
circumference of each of leg 348 and cross tube 354. Halves 358 and 360 
sandwich the junction between leg 348 and cross tube 354, and a portion of 
leg 348 and cross tube 354, and are secured together to form foot 357 such 
as by being screwed together or sonic welded. Feet 356 and 357 project 
outwardly of legs 348 to provide a wider base than the frame 344 provides. 
Rear frame 346 is pivotally coupled to front frame 344 by collars 362 and 
363 and snap buttons 370, one of which is shown in FIG. 27. Collars 362 
and 363 are mirror images and are unitary injection molded pieces made of, 
e.g., polypropylene. Collars 362 and 363 receive legs 348 of front frame 
344 and legs 364 of rear frame 346. Rear frame 346 is pivotally connected, 
e.g., by riveting, to collars 362 and 363 about a pivot axis corresponding 
to holes 366 in collars 362 and 363. Legs 364 project rearwardly of front 
frame 344 when base 112 is in a non-collapsed position. Legs 364 are 
hollow and receive snap buttons 370. Snap buttons 370 outwardly spring 
bias posts 368 through holes 372 (only one is shown in FIG. 12) in legs 
364. Posts 368 are adapted to be received by holes 373 (only one is shown 
in FIG. 12) in collars 362 and 363. Recess, not shown, in interior 
surfaces of collars 362 and 363 are adapted to partially receive rounded 
ends 369 of posts 368 near legs 348 when base 112 is in a collapsed 
position. With posts 368 received by these recesses, legs 364 are 
inhibited from pivoting relative to legs 348. Legs 364 can be pivoted, 
however, upon application of enough torque to force rounded ends 369 
against walls of the recesses to produce enough force to overcome the 
spring biases of snap buttons 370. 
Similar to front frame 344, legs 364 of rear frame 346 are joined by a 
cross tube 374 at junctions enclosed by feet 356 and 357. Another cross 
tube 376 is adapted to be received by cavities 410 of, and thereby 
connect, lower arms 324 (FIG. 24) to provide assembly 110 with additional 
stability. Cross tube 376 is riveted to lower arms 324. Legs 364 and cross 
tubes 374 and 376 are made of metal, e.g., steel. 
In use, assembly 110 provides a combination of a high chair and infant 
carrier. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, assembly 110 provides an 
adjustable-height, reclining high chair with a passive crotch restraint 
and a basket 122 for storing items. Carrier 114 can be removed from 
carrier receiving support 116 to provide an infant carrier. 
To achieve the high chair configuration shown in FIGS. 10-11, the user 
inserts and locks carrier 114 into carrier receiving support 116. To do 
this, the user inserts seat 120 into trough 276 by sliding ribs 268 into 
slots 280 and inserting triangular member 275 into recess 283. Having 
triangular member 275 and recess 283 helps guard against the user 
inserting carrier 114 into support 116 incorrectly. For example, if 
carrier 114 is oriented such that member 275 rests on surface 284 of 
central member 282, then member 275 preferably will cause carrier 114 to 
wobble, indicating an unstable, undesirable arrangement of carrier 114 and 
support 116. Interaction of ribs 286 with slots 280 will align seat 120 
within trough 276. 
As the user inserts carrier 114 into support 116, carrier 114 is locked 
into support 116 by operation of seat latch 290. As seat 120 is guided 
into support 116, bottom surface 117 of seat 120 engages prongs 288 of 
seat latch 290, pushing seat latch 290 downward and forward in direction 
305 (FIGS. 22 and 23). Retaining bushings 28S retain and guide, and 
interact with walls of slots 287 to limit the range of motion of, seat 
latch 290 relative to support 116. The portion of seat latch 290 showing 
through window 292 changes from portion 299, indicating no seat, to 
portion 298, indicating that seat 120 is not locked. When seat 120 has 
been fully received within trough 276, the spring bias on seat latch 290 
forcing seat latch 290 in direction 303 (FIGS. 22 and 23) will force 
prongs 288 into openings 224 in seat 120, locking seat 120 into place. The 
portion of seat latch 290 showing through window 292 changes from portion 
298 to portion 296, indicating that seat 120, and thus carrier 114, is 
locked into position. 
Carrier 114 can be separated from carrier receiving support 116 when seat 
latch 290 is unlocked. To unlock seat latch 290, grip 300 of seat latch 
290 is pulled downwardly and forwardly in direction 305 until prongs 288 
will not interfere with seat 120 as carrier 114 is slid out from support 
116. That prongs 288 are sufficiently out of the way is indicated by the 
portion of seat latch 290 showing through window 292 changing to portion 
298 or portion 299. Carrier 114 is pulled from support 116, e.g., by 
pulling on handle 118, to slide seat 120 in a direction opposite to that 
for inserting carrier 114 into support 116. Once removed, carrier 114 can 
be used, e.g., to transport the child and to place the child on a variety 
of surfaces in, e.g., an upright or sitting position or a reclining 
position. 
As shown in FIG. 19, basket 122 can serve as a support member or stabilizer 
to help orient, support and stabilize carrier 114 in the upright and 
reclining positions. Basket 122 can be placed in lower position 382 or 
upper position 384. In upper position 384, basket 122 can be used to store 
items. Referring also to FIGS. 11 and 18, to put the basket 122 in upper 
position 384, basket 122 is rotated until mating tabs 256 are received by 
receptacles 251 and openings 248 receive tabs 252. Basket 122 is released 
from the upper position 384 by pushing tabs 252 through openings 248 and 
rotating basket 122 away from the back surface 234 of seat 120. To place 
basket 122 in lower position 382, basket 122 is rotated until slot 386 
receives clip 388. In lower position 382, clip 388 inhibits basket 122 
from rotating about pivot axis 246, and surface 390 is substantially 
parallel with bottom surface 260 of floor supports 258. In this position, 
carrier 114 can be rested on surface 392, with basket 122 providing 
stability to carrier 114. Basket 122 is released from lower position 382 
by pushing clip 388 through slot 386 and rotating basket 122 upwardly 
toward the back surface 234 of seat 120. 
Assembly 110 can be manipulated, including being disassembled to some 
degree, to help reduce space for storing assembly 110. To reduce space 
occupied by assembly 110, tray 132 can be removed and handle 118 can be 
rotated into a desired position (e.g., positions 1 or 6 shown in FIG. 17). 
Also, carrier 114 can be separated from support 116, support 116 can be 
separated from base 112, and base 112 can be collapsed. To collapse base 
112, posts 368 of snap buttons 370 are pushed against the spring bias of 
snap buttons 370 such that posts 368 are removed from holes 373 in collars 
362 and 363. Legs 364 are rotated toward legs 348 into a collapsed 
position such that posts 368 slide along the interior surface of collars 
362 and 363 and have their rounded ends 369 snap into recesses (not shown) 
on these interior surfaces. Receiving rounded ends 369 of posts 368 in 
these recesses helps to retain legs 364 in the collapsed position. It also 
permits removal of posts 368 from these recesses and rotation of legs 364 
toward the non-collapsed position upon exertion of a sufficient torque. 
Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.