Patent Publication Number: US-10321769-B2

Title: Clip-on child booster seat

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/427,762 filed on Nov. 29, 2016. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to portable seating for small children, and more particularly to a collapsible seat that may be conveniently attached to a table or the like, including tables having a skirt or apron extending below the table surface adjacent to the table surface perimeter. 
     Portability of infant care accessories is an increasingly important consideration among consumers. Foldable seat frames that conveniently clamp to a table are well-known in the art, known frames generally lack the ability to be effectively clamped to a table that includes a downwardly extending skirt or apron proximate to the edge of the table surface. Existing frames that accommodate such installations generally do so with compromises to the compactness and ease of use (e.g., attachment to and removal from the table) when they are removed and folded for stowage. Consequently, the need to improve compactness, stability when installed, and ease of use of foldable seat frames is a growing concern. Many benefits would be realized by a foldable seat frame that is conveniently attachable to a table surface, even one including a substantial downwardly extending apron, secure when attached, easily removable, and collapsible into a compact form when removed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention, in any of the embodiments described herein, may provide one or more of the following advantages: 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable seat frame for attachment to a table surface adjacent an edge of the surface that provides a seat proximate to the table surface suitable for a young child. The frame comprises a pair of frame portions pivotally coupled to form a generally X-shaped frame. Contact members are provided on adjacent opposing ends of the frame disposed on a first side of the pivot connection, the contact members configured for adjacent contact with opposing upper and lower surfaces of a table. A tension device is connected between adjacent opposing ends of the frame disposed on the opposite side of the pivot connection, the tension device configured to draw the opposing ends toward each other which coincidentally draws the contact members closer and thereby enables the table to be clamped therebetween. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a foldable seat frame for attachment to a table surface adjacent an edge of the surface that provides a seat proximate to the table surface suitable for a young child wherein the table further includes a downwardly extending apron or skirt structure proximate to the table surface edge. Contact members are provided on adjacent opposing ends of the frame disposed on a first side of the pivot connection, the contact members configured for adjacent contact with opposing upper and lower surfaces of a table. Lower contact members positioned adjacent to the lower table surface are movable between a first position generally parallel to the table surface and second position generally perpendicular to the table surface. When the lower contact members are in the first position, the seat frame may be easily detached from the table without requiring large pivoting movement of the frame. When the lower contact members are in the second position, they extend upwardly toward the lower table surface to reduce the degree of frame pivoting movement necessary to clamp the frame to the table. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a foldable seat frame for attachment to a table surface adjacent an edge of the surface that provides a seat proximate to the table surface suitable for a young child wherein the table further includes a downwardly extending apron or skirt structure proximate to the table surface edge. Lower contact members positioned adjacent to the lower table surface are movable between a first position generally parallel to the table surface and second position generally perpendicular to the table surface. When positioned to extend upwardly toward the lower table surface, the lower contact members may be angled slightly or an offset contact foot may be provided on the ends of the lower contact members to create a slight over-center relationship in the movement between first and second positions so that movement from the second position is inhibited once the seat frame is clamped to the table thereby improving lateral stability of the frame. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a foldable seat frame for attachment to a table surface suitable for use by a young child that is durable in construction, inexpensive of manufacture, carefree of maintenance, easily assembled, and simple and effective to use. 
     These and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a foldable seat frame for attachment to a table surface adjacent an edge of the table surface for positioning a young child proximate to the table surface. The frame is configured for attachment to a table which further includes a downwardly extending apron or skirt structure proximate to the table surface edge adjacent to the seat attachment. The frame comprises a pair of frame portions pivotally coupled to form a generally X-shaped frame. Contact members are provided on adjacent opposing ends of the frame disposed on a first side of the pivot connection, the contact members configured for adjacent contact with opposing upper and lower surfaces of a table. Lower contact members positioned adjacent to the lower table surface are movable between a first position generally parallel to the table surface and second position generally perpendicular to the table surface. When the lower contact members are in the first position, the seat frame may be easily detached from the table without requiring large pivoting movement of the frame. When the lower contact members are in the second position, they extend upwardly toward the lower table surface to reduce the degree of frame pivoting movement necessary to clamp the frame to the table. A tension device is connected between adjacent opposing ends of the frame disposed on the opposite side of the pivot connection, the tension device configured to draw the opposing ends toward each other which coincidentally draws the contact members closer and thereby enables the table to be clamped therebetween. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of the invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a foldable seat frame for a child shown attached to a conventional table having a downwardly extending perimeter apron; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the foldable seat frame shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the foldable seat frame of  FIG. 1  shown in a released configuration in preparation for detachment from the table; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the foldable seat frame shown in  FIG. 1  shown in a collapsed configuration for storage; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation view of the foldable seat shown attached to the table; 
         FIG. 6  shows an alternate arrangement to the configuration shown in  FIG. 5  using a modified foot to create an over-center lock; and 
         FIGS. 7 through 9  illustrate the opposing positions of folding extensions that enable the foldable seat frame to reach around a side apron on a table and clamp the table surface and to be easily removed therefrom. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art, and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail. Also, any reference herein to the terms “up” or “down,” or “top” or “bottom” are used as a matter of mere convenience, and are determined as the seat frame would normally be positioned when clamped to a table surface to support a child. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application of any element may already be widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail. When referring to the figures, like parts are numbered the same in all of the figures. 
     Referring to the figures, and  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, a foldable seat frame  10  embodying the present invention is shown positioned for use by attachment to a conventional table  5  having an upper surface  6  and a lower surface  8 , the lower surface  8  including a downwardly extending apron  7  adjacent to an edge  9  of the table. The frame  10  comprises a first portion  12  and a second portion  14  that are coupled at a hinge  16  that enables relative movement between the two portions about a hinge axis  100 . The frame portions  12 ,  14  may be generally U-shaped to create a seating space between the extensions. 
     The hinge axis  100  is positioned intermediately between opposing inward and outward ends  122 ,  124  of the first portion  12  and opposing inward and outward ends  142 ,  144  of the second portion  14 . The frame portions  12 ,  14  are configured in a crossing or scissor-like arrangement so that the adjacent inward ends  122 ,  142  move toward each other simultaneous with movement of the outward ends  124 ,  144  towards each other. The frame portions  12 ,  14  may also include offset structures  15  to provide the spatial relationship between the first and second frame portions to accommodate seating of a child partially within the frame  10 . 
     A securing apparatus  50  is provided connecting the adjacent outward ends  124 ,  144  of the first and second portions. The securing apparatus  50  may be in the form of a tensioning belt  52  which connects the adjacent first and second outward ends  124 ,  144  and allows them to be drawn toward each other. The securing apparatus  50  further comprises a releasable ratchet mechanism  54  which enables the tensioning belt  52  to be moved in a first direction by pulling an end  51  of the belt  52 , but requires that the ratchet mechanism  54  be released, preferably by a user accessible release actuator  55 , before the belt  52  is permitted to move in a direction opposite of the first direction. 
     It is preferable for the hinge axis  100  to be disposed generally proximate to a midpoint of the overall length of the frame to provide a near-direct relationship between the tensioning force applied between the outward ends  124 ,  144  by the securing apparatus  50  and the clamping force applied to the table  5 . 
     The inward ends  122 ,  142  of the frame portions  12 ,  14  are configured to be positioned in adjacent contact with opposing upper  6  and lower surfaces  8  so that the table  5  is disposed between the adjacent inward ends  122 ,  142 . The securing apparatus  50  allows the outward ends  124 ,  144  to be drawn toward each other which causes the inward ends  122 ,  142  to also be drawn into closer proximity, clamping the table  5  therebetween. 
     The inward ends  142  of the second frame portion  14  may be provided with clamping space adjusters  30  that permit the second portion of the frame  14  to be positioned below the downwardly extending apron  7  of the table  5  while extending upwardly to the lower surface  8  of the table. Each clamping space adjuster  30  comprises an extension  32  and a rotator connector  34  which rotatably couples the adjuster  30  to the second frame portion  14 . The clamping space adjusters  30  may also replace the inward-most portion of the second frame portion  14 , as is illustrated, by locating the rotator connectors  34  in the offset structures  15 . The clamping space adjusters  30  are configured in a manner so that the extension  32  may be rotated between a first position, shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 7, and 8 , and a second position, shown in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 9 . The space adjusters  30  are configured to rotate in opposite directions relative to one another when moving from the second position toward the first position to improve stability when clamped to the table. It is preferred for the extension  32  to be positioned in either of the extremes of rotation for use or removal as appropriate. 
     The clamping adjusters may be provided with features to permit the extensions  32  to be removed for additional compactness of the frame  10  when not in use. It is preferred that removal of the extensions  32  only be accomplished while in the second position. The rotator connector  34  may include tabs and channels, press buttons, or the like that are aligned to permit removal only when the extensions are aligned in the second position. Similarly, the inward ends of the first frame portion  12  may also be detachable by a user to further improve compactness of the folded frame when it is not in use. 
     The extent of the rotational movement is limited by a travel stop  37  affixed to the second portion  14  that engages a travel limiter  35  that is affixed to the rotator connector  34 , best illustrated in  FIGS. 7 through 9 . The extent of the rotational movement is limited by a travel stop  37  affixed to the rotator connection that is engaged by a travel limiter  35  that is affixed to the extension  32 . In the exemplar, the travel stop is a fastener protecting radially from the extension tube which travels in arcuate recess formed in the rotator connector  34  into which the fastener may be disposed. It is preferable for the range of rotational movement to be limited to approximately one-quarter turn. In one embodiment, the range of rotational movement is limited to approximately 95 degrees, with the extension being generally parallel to the table surface when in the second position and the extension being approximately 5 degrees beyond perpendicular with the table when in the first position. It is also preferable to orient the respective travel limiters  35  such that the extensions  32  are rotated inwardly, towards each other (counter-rotation) as they are moved toward their respective second positions. 
     The inward ends  122  of the first frame portion  12  may be provided with grips  125  to increase friction between the first inward ends  122  and the upper surface  6  of the table. The grips  125  are preferably made from an elastomeric material that is relatively soft in comparison to the table  5  so that the grips protect the upper surface  6  from damage by direct contact with the inward ends  122  of the first portion; the frame portions  12 ,  14  are preferably metal structural members. The distal ends of extensions  32  may also include bumper grips  38 , which like the grips  125 , are preferably made from an elastomeric material to protect the lower surface  8  from damage due to contact with the extension  32  and to increase friction between the extension and the lower surface  8 . 
     As is best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the extensions  32  may be angled slightly relative to the lower surface  8  when in the first position to improve stability and to prevent unintended movement of the extensions  32  toward the second position without requiring a latching mechanism. This is accomplished by angling the extensions  32  to an angle θ that is slightly greater (preferable by approximately 3 to 5 degrees) than 90 degrees to create an over-center arrangement of the rotational connection of the rotator connector  34 . Greater values of angle θ are possible, but provided diminishing returns as the angle increases substantially beyond 5 degrees. When the frame  10  is clamped to the table, movement of the extensions  32  toward the second position requires that the extension move through the perpendicular relationship with the lower surface which requires increasing the clamping force with even as little as one or two degrees of rotation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternate arrangement for stabilizing the extensions  32  is shown wherein the extensions may remain generally perpendicular to the lower surface  8  of the table, but the bumper grips  38  are asymmetric in relation to the extensions  32 . When the seat is clamped to the table, inward rotation of the extensions  32  is resisted by the over-center position of the outward portion of the asymmetric portion  38 A bumper grips  38 . Strength of the extensions  32  and the structure in general is improved by maintaining the extensions  32  generally perpendicular to the table. Stability may be further enhanced by combining the asymmetric bumpers  38 A with the overcenter angling of the extensions  32 . 
     A seating arrangement  60  is connected to the frame  10  and disposed adjacent to the outward ends  124 ,  144  to support a child adjacent to the table  5  when the seat frame  10  is secured thereto. The seating arrangement  60  may comprise a bottom support  62  and a front support  64  which collectively allow a small child to sit and be confined to the seat  10 . Soft goods (not shown) typically cover portions of the frame  10  and seating arrangement  60  to comfortably support the seat occupant. The seating arrangement  60  is preferably moveably connected to the frame  10  using pivoting joints so that the seating arrangement  60  may be reconfigured into a more compact configuration as the frame  10  is folded. 
     Naturally, the invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but it can also be modified in many ways without departing from the basic concepts. Changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.