Patent Description:
High chairs may comprise a variety of shapes, sizes, and features. For example, high chairs may provide a safe and comfortable place for infants to sit while eating or drinking. High chairs may include features for securing an infant and/or for preventing and/or limiting the spillage of food and/or drink.

A conventional high chair generally consists of a frame, a seat, and a food tray. The seat is for seating a child and may be moved upwards on the frame. The food tray rests on the seat for holding food and drink. At mealtimes, infants and small children are placed in the high chair to be fed. The child may be strapped into the seat, and then the high chair tray is attached in front of the child.

However, conventional high chairs suffer from various deficiencies that can make such high chairs difficult to use. For instance, conventional high chairs require the user to carefully align the tray with two rails when attaching the tray to the seat. The tray is then pushed in one, and only one, direction for attachment. This can be difficult to do with one hand. There exist today multi-layer trays that provide magnetic guidance and latching systems that can assist the user in aligning and placing the tray onto the seat. However, these multi-layer trays require additional and complex components to attach the tray to the seat and also slide the tray in and out relative to the seat. These additional and complex components increase the complexity of the manufacturing process and add significant cost to manufacture a high chair.

Accordingly, a need exists for an improved high chair that cures such deficiencies.

It is noted that <CIT>, <CIT> <CIT> and <CIT> can be considered as prior art, which is useful for understanding the invention.

The foregoing aspects and other features of the disclosed embodiment are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an exemplary "infant-supporting" chair apparatus <NUM> (also referred to herein as infant-supporting chair <NUM>) in the form of an infant high chair, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Although the aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied in many forms. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the term "infant-supporting" as used herein is intended to encompass infants as well as small children that are commonly fed utilizing "high chairs" and high-chair like aspects. Moreover, as the present disclosure proceeds, the person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that certain features of the chairs and aspects of the chair assembly disclosed herein may find equal utility in use in connection with chair and chair arrangements that may be more specifically tailored to support larger children or adults without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the illustrated aspect, the infant-supporting chair <NUM> includes a frame assembly <NUM> that is configured to movably support a seat <NUM> in a plurality of heights above the floor or other surface upon which the frame assembly <NUM> is supported. As will be discussed in further detail below, the infant-supporting chair <NUM> also includes a tray assembly <NUM> that is removably attachable or "releasably mountable" to the seat <NUM>.

The frame assembly <NUM> is fabricated from multiple components that may be fabricated from various structural materials. For example, the components of the frame assembly <NUM> may be fabricated from extruded aluminum or from steel or other metal material as well as from structural blow-molded plastics and other polymer materials and combinations thereof. The metal components may be painted or otherwise coated or encapsulated in anti-microbial and hydrophobic plastics or be coated or covered with powder coating or other suitable coating materials to achieve a desired aesthetic appearance for example.

The frame assembly components may be joined together by fasteners or fastener medium such as, for example, screws, bolts, spring-biased detents, rivets, bent tabs, molded snap features, interference fits, crushable features, hinges, tongue-in-groove arrangements, and/or in any other suitable fasteners. In some aspects, the fasteners may be removable to facilitate disassembly by the user for storage and/or transport purposes and, in other aspects, the fasteners or fastener medium may not be removable. For example, in other aspects, the frame assembly components may be joined together by welding, adhesive, etc. In still other embodiments, the frame assembly may be formed in one piece. For example, the frame assembly may be formed from structural, blow molded plastic or other suitable materials.

In the aspect illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the frame assembly <NUM> includes a right side structure <NUM> and a left side structure <NUM>, the terms "left" and "right" being used herein for ease of explanation and are not limiting of the frame assembly <NUM> structure. The right side structure <NUM> includes a right vertical strut <NUM> that is attached to a right transition joint <NUM>. A right front leg <NUM> and a right rear leg <NUM> are attached to the right transition joint <NUM>. Similarly, the left side structure <NUM> includes a left vertical strut <NUM> that is attached to a left transition joint <NUM>. A left front leg <NUM> and a left rear leg <NUM> are attached to the left transition joint <NUM> as shown. A front cross strut <NUM> is attached to the right transition joint <NUM> and the left transition joint <NUM> and extends therebetween as shown. A rear strut <NUM> is attached to the right rear leg <NUM> and the left rear leg <NUM> and extends therebetween. A curved grab rail <NUM> may also be attached to the right vertical strut <NUM> and the left vertical strut <NUM> and extends therebetween. The grab rail <NUM> may provide a convenient means for moving the infant-supporting chair <NUM> into a desired location. In the illustrated aspect, the legs, struts and connectors are fabricated from extruded metal such as aluminum or other suitable materials and are coupled together by screws, not shown, or other suitable fastener arrangements, but in other aspects, any suitable materials and fasteners (removable or non-removable) may be employed as noted above.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, the seat <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a right armrest 210R, and left armrest <NUM>. The right armrest 210R and the left armrest <NUM> extend from opposite sides of the seat base <NUM>. An infant (or "occupant") can be seated on the base <NUM> between the right and left armrests 210R, <NUM> of the seat <NUM>. The seat <NUM> also includes a backrest <NUM> that extends upward from a rear side of the base <NUM>. The backrest <NUM> is configured to support an infant (or occupant) positioned in the seat <NUM> in an upright and/or seated position. In other aspects, the seat <NUM> may not include a backrest. In the aspect illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the seat <NUM> includes a restraint post <NUM> (see <FIG>) that extends upward from the base <NUM>. The restraint post <NUM> may be configured to assist in securing and restraining an infant or occupant who is positioned in the seat <NUM>. In various aspects, the seat <NUM> may be fabricated from plastic polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), polyoxymethylene ("POM"), nylon polystyrene (Nylon PS), etc. wherein the restraint post <NUM> is integrally formed therewith. In other aspects, the restraint post <NUM> is attached to the base <NUM> by screws, bolts snap features, and/or any other suitable removable fasteners, such as those noted above, for assembly purposes and to facilitate positioning of the restraint post <NUM> in multiple positions on the seat and/or detachment therefrom. In other aspects, the restraint post <NUM> may be non-removably affixed to the base by adhesive, rivets, an/or by any other suitable non-removable fasteners such as those noted above. The seat <NUM> may also include a removable insert cushion 200C. In at least one aspect, for example, the insert cushion 200C comprises a one-piece seat insert that is conformed to at least a portion of the seat <NUM> and is removable for cleaning purposes. In still other aspects, the insert cushion 200C may be formed in multiple pieces from a cushion material or materials. The seat <NUM> may include a multi-piece restraint system (such as a two-point harness, a three-point harness, a four-point harness, a five point harness, or any other suitable restraint) for securing the infant within the seat <NUM> such as described in, for example, <CIT> and entitled "Infant Chairs", <CIT> and <CIT>.

In the illustrated aspect, referring also to <FIG>, the seat <NUM> is movably coupled to the frame assembly <NUM> by a seat positioning system generally designated as <NUM> (see <FIG>). In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, for example, the seat positioning system <NUM> comprises a right seat height latching assembly 310R and a left seat height latching assembly <NUM>, only the left seat height latching assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG> (noting the right seat height latching assembly 310R is located behind the left seat height latching assembly <NUM> and is obscured by the left seat height latching assembly <NUM> in the view illustrated in <FIG>). In the illustrated aspect, the right and left seat height latching assemblies 310R, <NUM> are identical in construction and operation and are "mirror images" of one another such that only the left seat height latching assembly will be described. <FIG> illustrates various portions of the left seat height latching assembly <NUM>. The left seat height latching assembly <NUM> includes a left height adjust lever <NUM> that is configured to slidably engage a left recess plate <NUM>. The left recess plate <NUM> is attached to the left vertical strut <NUM> and has three recess slots <NUM>. In other aspects, the recess plate <NUM> may have any number of recess slots <NUM>.

In operation (noting the right height adjustment lever 312R has a substantially similar operation to the left height adjustment lever <NUM>), a user squeezes the left height adjustment lever <NUM> in the direction of arrow V. The left height adjustment lever <NUM> pivots around a left height lever pin (e.g., pivot point) <NUM> causing a locking arm 312LA of the left height adjustment lever <NUM> to rotate or more in the direction of arrow E. Movement of the locking arm 312LA in the direction of arrow E causes the left height adjustment lever <NUM> to disengage from one of the recess slots <NUM>, where the locking arm 312LA is integral to or other coupled to the left height adjustment lever so as to rotate about the left height lever pin <NUM>. The user may now raise or lower the seat positioning system <NUM> to a new height, where the user releases the left height lever <NUM> causing a left torsion spring <NUM> to pivot the left height lever <NUM> and the locking arm 312LA about the left height lever pin (pivot point) <NUM> moving the locking arm 312LA of the left height lever <NUM> in the direction of arrow F into another (or the same) recess slot <NUM>.

As previously discussed, the curved grab rail <NUM> may be attached to the right vertical strut <NUM> and the left vertical strut <NUM> and extend therebetween. The curved grab rail <NUM> may be attached to the right vertical strut <NUM> and the left vertical strut <NUM> through a connection interface 316R and <NUM> (see <FIG>) to the right seat height latching assembly 310R and the left seat height latching assembly <NUM> (connection of the curved grab rail <NUM> to the left seat height latching assembly <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> for exemplary purposes, again noting the right seat height latching assembly 310R is substantially similar to the left seat height latching assembly <NUM>). In the illustrated aspect, the seat <NUM>, the curved grab rail <NUM>, and the right and left seat height latching assemblies 310R, <NUM> move in unison as the user adjusts the height of the seat <NUM>. In the illustrated aspect, should a user squeeze only one of the height adjustment levers <NUM> or 312R in the direction of arrow V, the seat <NUM> will not move vertically along the vertical struts <NUM>, <NUM> because the other height adjust lever 312R or <NUM> will remain engaged in the recess slot <NUM> of the recess plate 315R or <NUM>. Such arrangement, therefore, may prevent a user from accidentally unlatching the seat <NUM> when a child is sitting in the seat, as such, the height cannot be adjusted unless the user simultaneously squeezes both the height adjustment levers <NUM> or 312R in the direction of arrow V.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in the illustrated aspect, as noted above, the seat <NUM> is movably coupled to the frame assembly <NUM> by the seat positioning system generally designated as <NUM>. In at least one aspect, for example, the seat positioning system <NUM> comprises a right seat recline latching assembly 410R and a left seat recline latching assembly <NUM>, only the left seat recline latching assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, but it is noted that the right seat recline latching assembly 410R is substantially similar to the left seat recline latching assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated aspect, the right and left seat latching assemblies 410R, <NUM> are identical in construction and operation and are "mirror images" of one another. <FIG>, illustrate various portions of the left seat recline latching assembly <NUM>. The left seat recline latching assembly <NUM> includes a left dovetail support <NUM> that is configured to support and rotate the seat <NUM> relative to the frame assembly <NUM>. The left dovetail support <NUM> fits into a dovetail support casing <NUM> (<FIG>) and rotates around a dovetail support casing male connector <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The dovetail support casing male connector <NUM> may be integral to the seat <NUM> or may be attached to the seat <NUM> using any suitable attachment means such as those described herein. The left dovetail support <NUM> has a dovetail support female connector <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) that slidably engages and rotates around the dovetail support casing male connector <NUM>. The left dovetail support <NUM> has three dovetail support teeth <NUM> that are configured to engage a dovetail support casing button <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). In other aspects, the dovetail support <NUM> may have any number of dovetail support teeth <NUM>. The left dovetail support <NUM> may also have a dovetail support locking feature <NUM> that connects or locks the dovetail support <NUM> to left vertical strut <NUM> of the frame assembly <NUM> (<FIG>).

In operation, a user may pull or otherwise move the dovetail support casing buttons <NUM> and 420R in the direction of arrow W (see <FIG>) to adjust a recline angle of the backrest <NUM> as will be described in greater detail below. In one aspect, the recline angle of the backrest <NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees; however, in other aspects, the recline angle may be set to any suitable angle that restrains or otherwise holds the occupant within the seat <NUM>. The operation of the seat recline latching assemblies <NUM>, 410R will be described in terms of left seat recline latching assembly <NUM> only and it is understood that both the left seat recline latching assembly <NUM> and the right seat recline latching assembly 410R are actuated in a substantially similar manner to recline the seat <NUM>. In operation, moving the dovetail support casing buttons <NUM> in the direction of arrow W disengages the dovetail support casing button locking tooth <NUM> from at least one of the dovetail support slots <NUM>. With the dovetail support casing button locking tooth <NUM> from at least one of the dovetail support slots <NUM> the user may recline the seat <NUM> to a different recline angle, causing the dovetail support <NUM> to rotate around the dovetail support casing male connector <NUM>. When the desired recline angle is achieved, the user may release the dovetail support casing button <NUM>, which is biased in direction W2 (<FIG>) by any suitable biasing member causing the support casing button locking tooth <NUM> to engage at least one of the dovetail support slots <NUM> to lock rotation of the dovetail support <NUM> (and the seat <NUM>) relative to the frame assembly <NUM>. In one aspect, the biased motion of the dovetail support casing button <NUM> is controlled by the biasing member which in one aspect is a spring or other suitable resilient material/member, while in other aspects, the motion of the dovetail support casing button <NUM> in direction W2 may be effected by any suitable device, biasing/resilient member, detents, etc. so that engagement between the dovetail support casing button locking tooth <NUM> and the at least one of the dovetail support slots <NUM> is maintained unless released by the user.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and as indicated above, the seat <NUM> includes right armrest 210R and left armrest <NUM>. Each of the armrests 210R, <NUM> has a cavity <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) molded therein that is configured to accommodate a female latch receptacle <NUM> (<FIG>). The female latch receptacle <NUM> has a latch slot plate <NUM> formed therein. The latch slot plate <NUM> is defined by a relatively flat or planar upper surface <NUM>. As can also be seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, a solid magnet <NUM> (also referred to as magnetic guide members) is also supported within the cavity <NUM> having a magnetic force in an upward direction U (see <FIG>). An arm cover plate <NUM> is attached to the corresponding armrest 210R, <NUM> by any suitable fasteners (such as those described herein) to cover the cavity <NUM> and at least a portion of the contents (e.g., the female latch receptacle <NUM> and solid magnet <NUM> noted above) therein.

As indicated above, the chair assembly <NUM> also includes a tray assembly <NUM>, which is configured to be releasably mounted to the armrests 210R, <NUM> of the seat <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the illustrated tray assembly <NUM> includes a unitary tray body <NUM> that has a tray latching system <NUM> integrated into the unitary tray body <NUM>. The unitary tray body <NUM> is a single piece or monolithic body (which may be comprised of multiple component parts fixedly coupled to each other to form a unitary or monolithic body (e.g., the component parts are not capable of movement relative to each other when assembled or when otherwise coupled to each other) or a single one-piece component) where the tray latching system provides for both sliding movement/adjustment of the unitary tray body <NUM> in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., towards and away from the seat <NUM>) and release of the unitary tray body <NUM> from the armrests 210R, <NUM> in at least substantially vertical direction or a direction out of plane to the plane generally formed by the tray (e.g., transverse to the substantially horizontal adjustment movement of the unitary tray body <NUM>). The tray assembly <NUM> also includes a tray liner <NUM> that is configured to be removably coupled to the unitary tray body <NUM>. In at least one aspect, for example, the unitary tray body <NUM> may be molded from plastic polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), polyoxymethylene ("POM"), nylon, or any other suitable material. In the illustrated aspect, the unitary tray body <NUM> includes a bottom portion <NUM> and a latch housing portion <NUM>. In one aspect, the bottom portion <NUM> has a smooth outer surface texture that facilitates easy cleaning; however in other aspects the bottom portion <NUM> may have any suitable outer surface texture. In other aspects, the bottom portion <NUM> may have a plurality of feet (not shown) for facilitating support of the tray assembly <NUM> on a surface such as a table top or countertop, etc. when the tray assembly <NUM> has been detached from the seat <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, the unitary tray body <NUM> includes a U-shaped right docking member 510R and a U-shaped left docking member <NUM>, noting that only the U-shaped left docking member <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The right and left docking members 510R, <NUM> are identical in construction and each includes a respective docking area 520R, <NUM> (Se <FIG> and <FIG>). In the illustrated aspect, for example, each of the docking members 510R, <NUM> is molded from plastic polyoxymethylene ("POM"), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), nylon, or any other suitable material; however, in other aspects, the docking members 510R, <NUM> may be fabricated from any suitable materials utilizing any suitable manufacturing techniques. Each docking member 510R, <NUM> includes a ferromagnetic element 515R and <NUM> respectively, such as, for example a steel bar mounted to or otherwise coupled/affixed to each docking member 510R, <NUM>. As will be discussed in further detail below, the right docking member 510R is configured to receive at least a portion of the top of the right armrest 210R therein and the left docking member <NUM> is configured to receive at least a portion of the top of the left armrest <NUM> therein to facilitate mechanical latching of the tray assembly <NUM> to the seat <NUM> by the tray latching system <NUM>. In one aspect, the ferromagnetic elements 515R, <NUM> and the respective magnets <NUM> form at least a portion of a cooperative guidance and latching system. In one or more aspects, the docking members <NUM>, 510R and portions of the armrests noted above form at least a portion of the cooperative guidance and latching system. To facilitate "fore and aft" adjustment in the direction of arrow A of the tray assembly <NUM> relative to the seat <NUM> after the tray assembly <NUM> has been latched to the seat <NUM>, each docking member 510R, <NUM> is selectively movable between a plurality of latching positions as will be described herein.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the unitary tray body <NUM> includes an integrated tray latching system <NUM> (also referred to as a multiple stage tray latching system), which in one or more aspects forms at least a portion of the cooperative guidance and latching system. The tray latching system <NUM> is a tactile feedback multiple stage latching system is configured to effect (as described herein) both the substantially horizontal adjustment movement of the unitary tray body <NUM> (and the tray assembly <NUM>) and the at least vertical release movement of the unitary tray body <NUM> (and the tray assembly <NUM>) with a single operating mechanism that is common to both the horizontal and vertical motions of the unitary tray body <NUM> (and tray assembly <NUM>). The tray latching system <NUM> includes a release button <NUM> that operates in combination with a release lever <NUM>. The operating states of the combination of the release button <NUM> and the release lever <NUM> are further shown in <FIG>, and discussed further below. The latching system <NUM> further includes a right tray latch assembly 505R and a left tray latch assembly <NUM> for latching and unlatching the unitary tray body <NUM> to and from the seat <NUM>. The operating states and the interaction between the left tray latch assembly <NUM> of the unitary tray body <NUM> and seat <NUM> are further shown in <FIG>, and discussed further below. The right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly <NUM> are connected to the release lever <NUM> by a right strap 506R and a left strap <NUM> respectively, where the right strap 506R and the left strap <NUM> are constrained by a right channel 507R and a left channel <NUM> respectively. The straps 506R, <NUM> are flexible straps and may comprise any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, string, wire, cloth, and composite materials. The operating states of the left strap <NUM> and the left channel <NUM> are further shown in <FIG>, and discussed further below.

The docking members 510R, <NUM> (only <NUM> is shown) may have a three position latch piece (latch piece <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> with respect to docking member <NUM> and it should be understood that the docking member 510R includes a substantially similar latch piece 530R) attached thereto. In operation, a user may position the unitary tray body <NUM> so that there is a magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic elements <NUM> and 515R located in the docking member 510R, <NUM> of the unitary tray body <NUM> and the magnet <NUM> located in each of the right armrest 210R and the left armrest <NUM>. The magnetic attraction guides (in some aspects, along with a configuration of a guiding engagement between the docking members <NUM>, 510R and the left and right armrests <NUM>, 210R) the unitary tray body <NUM> to a latching position causing the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly <NUM> to slightly retract (e.g., engagement of the docking member 510R, <NUM> with a respective right tray latch assembly 505R and left tray latch assembly <NUM> pushes or otherwise moves the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly <NUM> towards a centerline CL (see <FIG>) of the tray body <NUM>) while the unitary tray body <NUM> is being guided into contact with the seat <NUM> in direction U2 (See <FIG>) by at least the magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic elements <NUM>, 515R and the respective magnet <NUM>. Once the tray assembly <NUM> is in the latching position the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly <NUM> are biased, in any suitable manner, so as to automatically extend into the female latch receptacle <NUM> and engage the latch slot plate <NUM> of the right arm rest 210R and the left arm rest <NUM> respectively (the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly <NUM> and the respective slot plate <NUM> may collectively be referred to as latching members). Thus, the magnetic attraction, between the ferromagnetic elements <NUM>, 515R and magnet <NUM>, with the tray in range provide a sensible bias or pull on the tray body <NUM> to at least one latching position relative to the seat <NUM>. The seating between the tray latch assembly <NUM>, 505R and the arm rests <NUM>, 210R, with the tray body <NUM> in the at least one latching position under such bias/pull results in a positive tactile feel that the tray body <NUM> is in positional engagement with the arm rests <NUM>, 210R with one step. Release of release button <NUM> (as described herein) provides for locking the tray body <NUM> in position relative to the seat <NUM> if the seat is in a desired pose, or fore and aft adjustment of the tray body <NUM> to a desired position with the tray body <NUM> engaged with the arm rests <NUM>, 210R.

With the unitary tray body <NUM> latched to the seat <NUM>, the user may now either move the unitary tray body <NUM> in the "fore and aft" or horizontal direction (e.g., direction A) and/or remove the unitary tray body <NUM> from the seat <NUM> in at least the vertical direction U. To move the unitary tray body <NUM> in the "fore and aft" direction, the user may press and hold the release button <NUM> and pull the release lever <NUM> to a first position, causing the straps <NUM> and 506R to retract or otherwise move, towards centerline CL, the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly <NUM> and partially disengage from the latch slot plate <NUM> located in the right arm rest 210R and the left armrest <NUM> respectively. With the tray latch assemblies 505R and <NUM> partially disengaged from the latch slot plate <NUM>, the user may move the unitary tray body <NUM> in direction A to a different latch position (so as to move the tray body <NUM> closer or further away from the seat <NUM> backrest <NUM>) and release the release lever <NUM> and the release button <NUM> causing the tray latch assemblies 505R and <NUM> to engage (under any suitable biasing force) with the latch slot plate <NUM> at the new position.

To remove the unitary tray body <NUM> from the seat <NUM>, the user may press and hold the release button <NUM> and pull the release lever <NUM> to a second position, causing the straps <NUM> and 506R to retract or otherwise move the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly <NUM> towards the centerline CL and fully disengage from the latch slot plate <NUM> located in the right arm rest 210R and the left armrest <NUM> respectively. With the tray latch assemblies 505R and <NUM> fully disengaged from the latch slot plate <NUM>, the user may now remove the unitary tray body <NUM> from the seat <NUM>, such as by moving the tray body <NUM> in direction U. In the aspects shown in the figures the mating configuration of the docking members <NUM>, 510R with the respective portions of the arm rests <NUM>, 210R and/or of the latch system <NUM> components is such that the tray body <NUM> is removed from the arm rests <NUM>, 210R substantially only in the vertical direction U; while in other aspects the mating configuration of the docking members <NUM>, 510R with the respective portions of the arm rests <NUM>, 210R may be any suitable mating configuration that allows removal of the tray body <NUM> from the arm rests <NUM>, 210R in any suitable direction(s).

Referring now to <FIG>, the release button <NUM> includes a release button flexure <NUM> and a release button locking tab <NUM> connected to the release button flexure <NUM> so as to move with the release button flexure <NUM>. The release lever <NUM> includes a release lever channel <NUM> having a channel front wall 503F, a channel back wall 503B, and a channel floor 503FL. The release lever channel <NUM> is configured to accept or otherwise receive at least a portion of the release button locking tab <NUM>. <FIG> shows release lever <NUM> in a locked state or configuration, where in the locked state the release button <NUM> is not pressed, the locking tab <NUM> is inserted into the channel <NUM>, and the release button flexure <NUM> may be substantially parallel with the channel floor 503FL (it should be understood that in other aspects, the release button flexure may have any suitable shape and may not be substantially parallel with the channel floor 503FL). In the locked state, the release button locking tab <NUM> is located within the release lever channel <NUM> and the contact between the release button locking tab <NUM> with one or more of the channel back wall 503B and the channel front wall 503F substantially prohibits a user or an occupant from pulling or pushing the release lever <NUM> in direction A and disengaging the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly <NUM> of the unitary tray body <NUM> from the seat <NUM>. <FIG> shows release lever <NUM> in an unlocked state or configuration, where in the unlocked state the release button <NUM> is pressed and the release button flexure may be flexed or otherwise move in direction Z to remove the release button locking tab <NUM> from the channel <NUM> and, in the aspect illustrated, the release button flexure <NUM> may be at an angle that is not substantially parallel with the channel floor 503FL. In the unlocked state, there is no contact between the release button locking tab <NUM> and the channel back wall 503B and a user may pull the release lever <NUM> and either partially or fully disengage the right tray latch assembly 505R and the left tray latch assembly <NUM> of the unitary tray body <NUM> from the seat <NUM>. <FIG> shows release lever <NUM> in an unlocked state just prior to the release lever <NUM> being pulled.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the left tray latch assembly <NUM> includes a left tray latch finger plate <NUM> that is configured to engage and disengage the unitary tray body <NUM> to and from the seat <NUM>. As noted herein, the left armrest <NUM> includes the female latch receptacle <NUM> and the latch slot plate <NUM> that is located within the female latch receptacle <NUM>. The latch slot plate <NUM> has <NUM> recess slots <NUM> (in other aspects there may be more or less than <NUM> recess slots) configured to engage the left tray latch finger plate <NUM>. <FIG> shows the left tray latch assembly <NUM> fully extended (e.g., so that the tray latch finger plate <NUM> is biased laterally away from the centerline CL (see <FIG>)) so that the left tray latch finger plate <NUM> is fully engaged into the latch slot plate <NUM> (it is noted that the right tray latch assembly 505R includes a substantially similar tray latch finger plate 530R). With the left and/or right tray latch finger plate <NUM>, 530R fully engaged with the respective latch slot plate <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG> with respect to left tray latch finger plate <NUM>) the unitary tray body <NUM> substantially cannot be moved in the "fore or aft" direction (e.g., direction A) or removed from the seat <NUM>. For exemplary purposes, <FIG> shows the left tray latch assembly <NUM> partially extended (e.g., so that the tray latch finger plate <NUM> is biased laterally away from the centerline CL (see <FIG>)) so that the left tray latch finger plate <NUM> partially engaged into the latch slot plate <NUM>. With the left and/or right tray latch finger plate <NUM>, 530R partially engaged into the respective latch slot plate <NUM> the unitary tray body <NUM> may be moved in the "fore or aft" direction (e.g., direction A); however, the unitary tray body <NUM> cannot be removed from the seat <NUM> when the left and/or right latch finger plate <NUM>, 530R is partially engaged into the latch slot plate <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, latching system <NUM> includes a left strap <NUM> and left channel <NUM> where the left strap <NUM> may be constrained by left channel <NUM> (it is noted that the right strap 506R and the right channel 507R are similar configured such that only the left strap <NUM> and left channel <NUM> will be described). The left channel <NUM> may have a left channel bump <NUM> and the left strap <NUM> may have a left strap bump <NUM>. The interaction between the left channel bump <NUM> and left strap bump <NUM> while the release lever <NUM> is being pulled provide a stage indication to the user (e.g., that is felt by a user as tactile feedback through a resistance to actuation/motion of the release lever <NUM>) at a first stage (e.g., the first stage being where the tray latch finger plate <NUM> is partially retracted from the latch slot plate <NUM>) and then again at a second stage (e.g., the second state being where the tray latch finger plate <NUM> is fully retracted from the latch slot plate <NUM>). The tactile feedback distinctly identifies each of the first stage and second stage so that the first stage is distinct from the second stage in a commutable manner. Here, at least the release lever <NUM> and the straps 506R, <NUM> may be referred to as a multiple stage operating mechanism. In operation, a user may pull or otherwise move the release lever <NUM> in direction A2 (see <FIG> and <FIG>) until the user feels resistance in the release lever <NUM>. This resistance is caused by the interaction between the left channel bump <NUM> and left strap bump <NUM> while the user is pulling the release lever <NUM>. When the user feels the resistance, it is an indicator that the latching system <NUM> is at stage one and the latch finger plate <NUM> is partially disengaged from the latch slot plate <NUM> so that the user can adjust the unitary tray body <NUM> in the "fore and aft" direction. The user may overcome the resistance caused by the interaction between the left channel bump <NUM> and left strap bump <NUM> by further pulling or otherwise moving the release lever <NUM> in direction A2 so that the latching system <NUM> moves to stage two (movement of the release lever <NUM> in direction A2 may be limited in any suitable manner such as by any suitable hard stops or limits of travel of the tray latch finger plates <NUM>, 530R) so that the latch finger plate <NUM> is fully disengaged from the latch slot plate <NUM> and the user can remove the unitary tray body <NUM> from the seat <NUM>. As can be seen above, actuation of the release lever <NUM> is common to both the horizontal adjustment movements of the tray body <NUM> relative to the seat <NUM> and the vertical removal movement of the tray body <NUM> relative to the frame assembly <NUM> / arm rests <NUM>, 210R.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment an infant supporting chair is provided. The infant supporting chair including a frame, a seat movably supported on the frame, a unitary tray, a cooperative guidance and latching system configured to magnetically pull the unitary tray toward at least one latching position with the unitary tray in range of the at least one latching position relative to the seat, releasably secure the unitary tray to the seat with the unitary tray engaged to the at least one latching position, and slidably position the unitary tray relative to the seat with the unitary tray partially disengaged from the at least one latching position.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the latching system is a two stage latching system.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the seat is movable in a height direction.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the seat is moveable in a recline angle direction.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the cooperative guidance and latching system is integrated into the unitary tray.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the cooperative guidance and latching system is further configured for removal of the unitary tray from the frame in a direction substantially transverse to a sliding direction of the unitary tray when the unitary tray is completely disengaged from the at least one latching position.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure an infant supporting chair is defined in claim <NUM>.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the multi-stage operating mechanism comprises a lever and the distinct operation stages are identified by tactile feedback through movement of lever.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the multi stage operating system comprises at least one flexible strap coupling the lever to the latching members and the unitary tray comprises at least one channel in which the at least one flexible strap is disposed, the at least one flexible strap and the at least one channel having detent features that engage one another to identify the distinct operational stages.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the latching members comprise: a finger plate slidably coupled to the unitary tray; and a latch slot plate coupled to the frame; wherein the multi-stage operating mechanism is coupled to the finger plate to effect staged movement of the finger plate relative to the latch slot plate.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the infant supporting chair further comprises a seat recline latching assembly that rotatably couples the seat to the frame.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the seat recline latching assembly comprises a slide lock that locks the seat in one of a number of rotation positions relative to the frame.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the infant supporting chair further comprises a seat height latching assembly configured to slidably couple the seat to the frame.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the seat height latching assembly comprises a pivot lock that locks the seat in one of a number of height positions relative to the frame.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure an infant supporting chair is further defined in claim <NUM>.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the first stage and second stage are differentiated from each other by tactile feedback through movement of the single actuating lever.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the latch portion of the cooperative guidance and multiple stage latching system comprises at least one flexible strap coupling the single actuating lever to latching members, and the unitary tray comprises at least one channel in which the at least one flexible strap is disposed, the at least one flexible strap and the at least one channel having detent features that engage one another to distinctly identify the first stage and the second stage.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure the latching members comprise a finger plate slidably coupled to the unitary tray, and a latch slot plate coupled to the frame.

Claim 1:
An infant supporting chair (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>);
a seat (<NUM>) movably supported on the frame;
a unitary tray (<NUM>,<NUM>); and
a cooperative guidance and latching system (<NUM>) configured:
to magnetically pull the unitary tray toward at least one latching position with the unitary tray in range of the at least one latching position relative to the seat,
releasably secure the unitary tray to the seat with the unitary tray engaged to the at least one latching position, and
slidably position the unitary tray relative to the seat with the unitary tray partially disengaged from the at least one latching position.