Patent Publication Number: US-11653771-B2

Title: Booster seat for convertible high chair

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/070,719 filed Oct. 14, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/367,832 filed Mar. 28, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/670,170 filed Aug. 7, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,278,513 issued May 7, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/742,132 filed Jun. 17, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,883,749 issued Feb. 6, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/614,863 filed Sep. 13, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,225 issued Aug. 11, 2015, which claims priority to provisional U.S. Application No. 61/533,972 filed Sep. 13, 2011; this application is also a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/697,788 filed Sep. 7, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,299,607 issued May 29, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/742,132 filed Jun. 17, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,883,749 issued Feb. 6, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/614,863 filed Sep. 13, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,225 issued Aug. 11, 2015, which claims priority to provisional U.S. Application No. 61/533,972 filed Sep. 13, 2011; all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of the present invention described herein generally relate to children&#39;s high chairs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional children&#39;s high chairs typically include a child seat elevated above a floor by a frame. Certain high chairs, however, are provided with an additional seat that can be removably secured to the high chair&#39;s child seat in order to convert the high chair for use by children of different ages. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,934 to Bearup et al describes a high chair having a seat member and a separate infant booster seat that can be removably secured to the high chair&#39;s seat member. As such, the high chair is convertible into multiple configurations: the high chair and seat member alone, the high chair with the booster seat secured to the seat member, and the booster seat alone. When the booster seat is detached from the high chair, it must be coupled to a separate base member and can then be secured to a standard chair for use as a booster. 
     However, there remains a need in the art for an improved convertible high chair that is easier and more convenient for users to convert and that includes a removable booster seat capable of stably supporting itself on a support surface (e.g., a standard chair) without the need to be secured to a separate component (e.g., a separate base member). 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a convertible children&#39;s high chair. In various embodiments, the convertible high chair comprises: a frame configured for resting on a floor; a first child seat defining a first seating surface, the first child seat being coupled to the frame and supported above the floor; and a second child seat defining a second seating surface, the second child seat configured for being removably coupled to at least one of the first child seat and the frame. In various embodiments, the second child seat defines a base surface configured for resting directly on a support surface and supporting the second child seat on the support surface when the second child seat is decoupled from the first child seat and the frame. 
     In addition, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the surface profile of the second child seat&#39;s base surface is substantially complimentary to the surface profile of the first seating surface; and the second child seat is configured such that, when the second child seat is coupled to the first child seat, the second child seat&#39;s base surface engages the first seating surface. In further embodiments, the first child seat defines upwardly extending shoulders on lateral sides of the first seating surface; and, when the second child seat is coupled to the first child seat, at least a portion of the base surface of the second child seat is positioned securely between the first child seat&#39;s shoulders. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of a convertible children&#39;s high chair in an infant high chair configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    shows a perspective view of a convertible children&#39;s high chair in a toddler high chair configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    shows a perspective view of a second child seat in an infant booster seat configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    shows a bottom-left perspective view of the second child seat according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    shows a bottom-right perspective view of the second child seat according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    shows a bottom-left perspective view of the second child seat according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of the second child seat secured to a chair. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a convertible children&#39;s high chair. According to various embodiments, the convertible high chair generally comprises a first child seat supported above a floor by a high chair frame, and a second child seat configured for being removably coupled to first child seat. The second child seat is configured such that, when detached from the high chair&#39;s first child seat, it can be used apart from the high chair as a booster seat (e.g., secured to the seating surface of a standard chair or another support surface). 
     In certain embodiments, the convertible high chair is adapted such that it can be converted for use by children of varying ages. For example, in one embodiment, the high chair&#39;s first child seat may be configured as a toddler seat dimensioned for toddler-age children. As such, when the second child seat is detached, the high chair functions in a first configuration as a toddler high chair. In addition, the second child seat may be configured as an infant booster seat dimensioned for infant-age children. As such, when the second child seat is coupled to the first child seat, the high chair functions in a second configuration as an infant high chair. In such embodiments, the second child seat may also include a base surface configured to stably support the second child seat on a separate support surface (e.g., without the need to be attached to or mounted on a separate base or support member). As such, when the second child seat is detached, it may function on its own in a third configuration as an infant booster seat. Exemplary embodiments of such convertible high chairs are described in greater detail below. 
     Convertible High Chair 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a convertible high chair  1  according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the convertible high chair  1  generally comprises a frame  2 , a first child seat  10 , and a second child seat  20 . As described in greater detail below, the  FIG.  1    illustrates the convertible high chair  1  in a first configuration as an infant high chair, in which the second child seat  20  is coupled to the first child seat  10  and thereby supported by the frame  2  in a high chair configuration. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a second configuration in which the convertible high chair  1  is adapted as a toddler high chair (e.g., a restaurant-style high chair). In the configuration of  FIG.  2   , the second child seat  20  is decoupled from the first child seat  10  and removed from the high chair  1 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the high chair&#39;s frame  2  comprises a pair of base frame members  2   a  from which vertical frame members  2   b  extend upwardly. According to various embodiments, the frame  2  is generally configured for resting on a floor (or other support surface) in order to support the first child seat  10  in an elevated position above the floor. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  2   , the frame  2  also includes a plurality of wheels  2   c  (e.g., casters) that permit the frame  2  to be rolled by a user along the floor. According to various embodiments, the wheels  2   c  may include brakes for selectively locking the wheels  2   c  and may comprise other sliding or rolling means. In addition, certain embodiments of the frame  2  may be configured to be height adjustable in order to selectively raise or lower the first child seat  10 . As an example, in one embodiment, the vertical frame members  2   b  may be telescoping frame members. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the first child seat  10  is attached to the vertical frame members  2   b  and supported above the support surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the first child seat  10  defines a first seating surface  11 , which includes an upwardly extending crotch restraint  12  configured to prevent a child from sliding off the seating surface  11 . The first child seat  10  also includes shoulders  13 , which extend upwardly from lateral sides of the first seating surface  11  and function as armrests for a child seated therein. Additionally, the first child seat  10  includes a back rest  14  for supporting the back of a child seated on the first seating surface  11 . A foot rest  19  is also secured to upper portions of the vertical frame members  2   b  to support the feet of a child seated in the first child seat  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first child seat&#39;s seating surface  11 , crotch restraint  12 , shoulders  13 , and back rest  14  are generally dimensioned to accommodate a toddler-age child. As such, the high chair  1  is well suited to function as a toddler high chair in the configuration shown in  FIG.  2   . However, as will be appreciated from the description herein, various other embodiments of the first child seat  10  may be dimensioned for supporting children of any age. 
     Booster Seat 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a third configuration in which the second child seat  20  is adapted as an infant booster seat. In the configuration of  FIG.  3   , the second child seat  20  is decoupled from the first child seat  10  and configured for use apart from the high chair  1 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the second child seat  20  defines a second seating surface  21 , which includes an upwardly extending crotch restraint  22  configured to prevent a child from sliding off the seating surface  21 . The second child seat  20  also includes shoulders  23 , which extend upwardly from lateral sides of the second seating surface  21  and function as armrests for a child seated therein. Additionally, the second child seat  20  includes a back rest  25  for supporting the back of a child seated on the second seating surface  21 . In certain embodiments, the back rest  25  may be reclineable and/or removable. Furthermore, the second child seat  20  includes a rear handle  29  configured to provide an easy gripping surface for a user to grasp and move the second child seat  20 . In certain embodiments, the rear handle  29  may also serve as a stop for the back rest  25  and may assist a user in locating the second child seat  20  on an adult chair by spacing it an appropriate distance from the back rest of the adult chair. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the rear handle  29  may be adapted to receive or otherwise engage the first child seat&#39;s back rest  14 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  3   , the second child seat  20  also includes a tray  39  coupled to the shoulders  23  and adapted to restrain a child seated in the second child seat  20 . In certain embodiments, the tray  39  may be configured to pivot in a horizontal plane about one or both of the shoulders  23 . However, other embodiments of the tray  39  may be alternatively constructed (e.g., the tray  39  may be removably attached to the shoulders  23  by means of snaps, hooks, or other conventional fasteners). The second child seat  20  may also be provided with a seatbelt or harness to further secure a child positioned therein. 
     In addition, the second child seat  20  includes a pair of storage compartments  28  on its lateral sides adjacent the second child seat&#39;s base surface  30  (shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   ). In the illustrated embodiment, the storage compartments  28  are configured with a hinged door  61  and are configured for storing straps  51  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  6   ) for use in securing the second child seat  20  to a chair  60  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  7   ) or other support surface when used as a booster seat. In certain embodiments, the second child seat  20  is configured such that the second child seat  20  may not be coupled to the first child seat  10  unless the storage compartments  28  are closed (e.g., as can be appreciated from the fit of the second child seat  20  in the first child seat  10  shown in  FIG.  1    and the obstructing open position of the storage compartment&#39;s hinged door  61  shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   ). In such embodiments, this may function as a safety feature to ensure the straps  51  are contained within the storage compartments  28  when the second child seat  20  is coupled to the first child seat  10 , thereby preventing the straps  51  from hanging down from the seats  10 ,  20  (e.g., such that a sibling or other child could grab them or they could interfere with the seats  10 ,  20  securely locking together). 
       FIG.  4    shows a bottom view of the second child seat  20  as viewed from the seat&#39;s left side, while  FIG.  5    provides a bottom view of the second child seat  20  as viewed from the seat&#39;s right side. As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the second child seat  20  defines a bottom base surface  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, the base surface  30  has a surface profile that is generally complimentary to that of the first child seat&#39;s first seating surface  11 . As such, the base surface  30  is substantially flat, but includes a recessed portion  31  dimensioned for receiving at least a portion of the first child seat&#39;s crotch restraint  12 . In addition, the base surface  30  includes four non-slip pads  32  positioned at corners of the base surface  30 . According to various embodiments, the non-slip pads  32  may comprise rubber strips or another material suitable for gripping a support surface. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the second child seat&#39;s seating surface  21 , crotch restraint  22 , shoulders  23 , and back rest  25  are generally dimensioned to accommodate an infant-age child. As such, the second child seat  20  is well suited to function as an infant booster seat in the configuration shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5   . In particular, the second child seat&#39;s base surface  30  provides a stable platform on which the second child seat may rest when placed on a separate support surface, such a dining chair  60  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  7   ). As such, the second child seat  20  can be stably placed on a separate support surface without the need to be attached to or mounted on a separate base or support member. As discussed below, in the illustrated embodiment, the second child seat&#39;s base surface  30  is also dimensioned to nest within the first child seat  10 , thereby providing the base surface  30  with a relatively narrow surface area profile suitable for being placed on the seating surface of an adult chair (e.g., such that the edges of the base surface  30  do not hang over the edges of a typical adult chair&#39;s seating surface). In addition, the base surface&#39;s non-slip pads  32  provide additional stability when placed on support surfaces. Moreover, the straps  51  contained in the storage compartments  28  enable the second child seat  20  to be securely attached to a chair  60  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  7   ) or other support surface. As will be appreciated from the description herein, various other embodiments of the second child seat  20  may be dimensioned for supporting children of any age. 
     As noted above, the second child seat  20  is also configured for being removably coupled to the first child seat  10  (e.g., in the infant high chair configuration of  FIG.  1   ). In particular, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the second child seat&#39;s base surface  30  is dimensioned to fit within the first child seat&#39;s shoulders  13  and rest on the first child seat&#39;s seating surface  11 . As the base surface  30  has a surface profile complimentary to that of the seating surface  11 , the second child seat  20  fits securely on top of the first child seat  10 . The base surface&#39;s non-slip pads  32  also enhance the secure fit of the second child seat  20  on the first child seat  10  by gripping the seating surface  11 . In addition, the second child seat&#39;s shoulders  23  define recessed bottom surfaces  24  (shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   ), which are dimensioned to receive the first child seat&#39;s shoulders  13  when the second child seat  20  is coupled to the first child seat  10 . This also enhances the fit between the second child seat  20  and the first child seat  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the second child seat  20  also includes a locking mechanism comprising a spring-loaded ridge  27  and a release handle  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spring-loaded ridge  27  is positioned at the rear of the second child seat  20  and is configured to engage a lip on the first child seat  10  when the second child seat  20  is coupled to the first child seat  10 , thereby locking the second child seat  20  to the first child seat  10 . To release the second child seat  20  from the first child seat  10 , the ridge  27  can be actuated by pulling the release handle  26 , which retracts the ridge  27  and enables the second child seat  20  to be removed from the first child seat  10 . 
     As will be appreciated from the description herein, the configuration of the convertible high chair  1  enables a user to easily convert the high chair  1  between an infant high chair configuration, a toddler high chair configuration, and an infant booster seat configuration. In addition, the high chair&#39;s second child seat  20  is especially well suited for use on its own as a booster seat, without the need to be attached to additional base or support members. According to various embodiments, this ability enhances the convenience for a user in converting the high chair  1 , reduces the manufacturing cost of the high chair  1 , and improves the overall reliability of the high chair  1 . 
     Various Other Embodiments 
     As will be appreciated from the description herein, various changes and modifications to the convertible high chair  1  are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. For example, as will be appreciated from the description herein, the first child seat  10  may be permanently attached to the frame  2 , or removably coupled to the frame  2 . In addition, in various embodiments, the second child seat  20  may configured for being coupled to the first child seat  10 , the frame  2 , or both when in the infant high chair configuration of  FIG.  1    (e.g., where the frame defines shoulder portions of the first child seat or fully defines the first child seat). 
     Additionally, in certain embodiments, the bottom surface  30  of the second child seat  20  may not be complimentary to the first seating surface  11 . As an example, in one embodiment, the bottom surface  30  defines protruding portions where the non-slip pads  32  are located that may act as feet for the second child seat  20 . In such embodiments, the second child seat  20  may be configured to be coupled to the first child seat  10  and for use as a boost seat on its own in a manner analogous to that described above. In addition, as will be appreciated from the description herein, various features of the of the first child seat  10  and second child seat  20  described herein may be omitted in other embodiments (e.g., footrests, back rests, non-slip pads, etc.). In addition, according to various other embodiments, both of the child seats  10 ,  20  may be adapted for use by infants, toddlers, or young children. 
     CONCLUSION 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.