Portable Travel Seat

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/645,251, filed May 10, 2024, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Portable folding chairs are a convenient way to enjoy sporting events, camping trips, and other activities. However, such chairs are not designed to safely accommodate infants or toddlers and do not match the angles required to meet zero-to six-month safety requirements. Portable folding chairs, even if sized for smaller children, may not meet safety requirements that prevent the chair from collapsing in on a child if not properly opened. Generally, portable folding chairs also do not include removable pads for laundering. It is to the provision of a portable travel seat having new and improved safety features that the present disclosure is primarily directed.

Various embodiments are disclosed for a portable folding chair that is designed to support babies under six months of age. The portable folding chair includes a collapsible frame having four legs and four fastened x-braces, wherein each leg is pivotably coupled to two fastened x-braces. The portable folding chair includes a double safety latch having two engaged positions. When the double safety latch is in a first engaged position, the collapsible frame is locked into a partially open position; when the double safety latch is in a second engaged position, the collapsible frame is locked into a fully open position; and when the double safety latch is in a released position, the collapsible frame can be collapsed into a folded position. The portable folding chair also includes a removable soft seat having a crotch restraint.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode as presently perceived.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope described herein, as other equally effective embodiments are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey certain principles. In the drawings, similar reference numerals between figures designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily the same, elements.

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

The features, structures, or characteristics described above may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner, and the features discussed in the various embodiments may be interchangeable, if possible. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided in order to fully understand the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical solution of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, materials, and the like may be employed. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

Although the relative terms such as “on,” “below,” “upper,” and “lower” are used in the specification to describe the relative relationship of one component to another component, these terms are used in this specification for convenience only, for example, as a direction in an example shown in the drawings. It should be understood that if the device is turned upside down, the “upper” component described above will become a “lower” component. When a structure is “on” another structure, it is possible that the structure is integrally formed on another structure, or that the structure is “directly” disposed on another structure, or that the structure is “indirectly” disposed on the other structure through other structures.

In this specification, the terms such as “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements and components. The terms “comprise,” “include,” “have,” “contain,” and their variants are used to be open ended, and are meant to include additional elements, components, etc., in addition to the listed elements, components, etc. unless otherwise specified in the appended claims.

The terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used only as labels, rather than a limitation for a number of the objects. It is understood that if multiple components are shown, the components may be referred to as a “first” component, a “second” component, and so forth, to the extent applicable.

Turning now to the figures, in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, embodiments of the present disclosure can be appreciated.shows a portable folding chairin a folded position. Portable folding chaircomprises a collapsible frame, shown in a collapsed position. Safety latchis in a released position, allowing collapsible frameand soft seatto fold down for portability or storage. Safety latchis depicted in a released position, allowing the frame to collapse. As can be seen, collapsible frameincludes telescoping legs,that have an internal leg. Legs,slide upward along internal legwhen the portable folding chairis in the folded position.

In one embodiment, the portable folding chaircan have dimensions of about twenty inches by aboutinches by about eighteen inches when in an unfolded position, not including any canopy attachment. Advantageously, the portable folding chaircan hold an infant up to twenty pounds, e.g. from about zero to about six months. In other embodiments, the portable folding chaircan be adaptable to accommodate larger children so that the chair can be used from infant through toddler (e.g. through extendable frames or reconfigured soft seat portions).

shows a rear view of the portable folding chairin a partially open position. In this position, safety latchis a double safety latch in a first engaged position (also referred to as a safety position). This partially open position prevents the chair from collapsing inwards on the infant in instances where the collapsible frameis not fully open and locked, providing additional safety. The double safety latchlocks in the first engaged position when armsare open to about 150°, preventing the rear fastened x-bracefrom folding closed. Although a double safety latch (e.g. having two possible engaged positions) is shown in the figures, alternative embodiments can include a safety latchhaving one engaged position to lock the portable folding chairin the fully open position or a foot latch as depicted in.

Each of the four x-bracesis formed from two strutsfastened together at their midpoints to form an x-shape. The fastener allows for the two strutsto rotate relative to one another to allow the collapsible frameto fold in an open or a collapsed position. The top end of each strutis coupled with a slide connectorand the bottom end is coupled with a foot. The strut, as used herein, can also be referred to as a brace, a leg, a tube, or the like, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. As shown in the present embodiment, the strutsare connected to the slide connector, foot, and at to each other at the center via rivets. However fastened x-bracescan be fastened at their centers by various fasteners, including but not limited to rivets, bolts and nuts, or other suitable fasteners that allow for the x-brace to pivot about its center to facilitate the frame collapse as can be envisioned by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, the ends of the fastened x-bracescan couple to either or both of the slide connectorand footvia bolts and nuts, ball and socket joints, or other suitable fasteners that allow for the strutsof the x-brace to pivot relative to the slide connectorand footto facilitate the frame collapse. Each leg,is also coupled to the slide connectorand footat its top and bottom ends, respectively. In other embodiments (not shown), the x-bracecan be connected to the legs near their bottoms via another slide connectorabove the footrather than coupling directly with the foot.

At the bottom surface, the foothas a width wider than that of the leg to provide additional stability and safety when in contact with the floor or ground. As can be envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art, the bottom surface can be provided with non-slip or gripping surfaces. The footcan also be provided in different shapes or widths. When the collapsible frameis in the folded position, the legs,are brought close to one another and each pair of strutsin the fastened x-bracesare rotated so that they are nearly parallel or parallel to one another. In the open and partially open positions, the legs,are pulled apart from one another and each pair of strutsin the fastened x-bracesare rotated so that form an x-shape. In the fully open and locked position, the strutsform an angle of about 40-90° relative to one another, and at about 40-90° relative to a leg. The slide connectorslides downward along its respective leg during opening.

In the depicted embodiment, soft seatincludes a crotch restraint. In this embodiment, the soft seatincludes two sleeve pockets that slide over extensions on rear legs. The soft seatcan be made of washable material and can be removed for laundering.

In other embodiments (not shown), the portable folding chair includes a collapsible frame having four legs and two opposing fastened x-braces, wherein each leg is pivotably coupled to one fastened x-brace and one elbow brace. In this embodiment, the portable folding chair folds like a director's chair. In yet other embodiments, the legs,do not telescope, and slide connectorslides upward along its respective leg during folding.

shows a rear view of the portable folding chairfromin a fully open and locked position. In this position, double safety latchis in a second engaged position. This fully open position locks the collapsible frameinto the fully open and locked position for use. The double safety latchlocks in the second engaged position when armsare open to about 180°, preventing the rear fastened x-bracefrom folding closed. Release buttoncan be pressed to disengage double safety latchto allow for folding or opening. In this figure, the safety latchis located on the rear of collapsible frame. However, as can be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the safety latchcan alternatively be located on the front, sides, or back of the frame. The latch can be located on the inside or outside of the collapsible frame, in an upper or lower position relative to the x-bracecenter fastening.

depicts one embodiment of the internal locking mechanism of double safety latch. As can be seen, interlocking teethengage inside of double safety latch, where there is at least a first and a second set of interlocking teethcorresponding to a first engaged position and a second engaged position. When armsrotate to about 150°, the first set of interlocking teethinterlock to form the first engaged position. When armsrotate to about 180°, the first set of interlocking teethinterlock to form the second engaged position. There can be an optional third position to lock the double safety latchinto the folded position, preventing the collapsible frame from opening during transportation and storage. Release button(shown as transparent in) can be pressed to disengage double safety latchto allow for folding or opening. When release buttonis pushed, the interlocking teethdisengage. Advantageously, the release button operation and folding and/or unfolding of the chair can be completed with one hand, allowing a user to hold the infant in one arm while operating the chair with the free hand.

show a front perspective and side view, respectively, of another embodiment of the portable folding chair. Removable soft seatincludes two sleeve pocketsthat slide over extensionson rear legs. Soft seatis attached to the collapsible frameat the front legsby two end caps. The soft seatincludes reinforced holes that receive front legs. End capssnap onto front legsover the soft seatto secure the seat in place. End capsare removable to facilitate easy removal of soft seatfor laundering or changing to a different pattern or size. End capscan include child resistant features, which prevent inadvertent removal of the end caps. In a particular embodiment, the child-resistant feature is a center release lever. In other embodiments, the end capand legscould include complementary threads so that the end capscrews to the legs. In yet other embodiments, the end capcan include other child-resistant features such as squeeze locks or other safety features as can be envisioned by one having ordinary skill in the art. In yet another embodiment, the end capscan be tethered to the legsto prevent loss. In, the end capsare integral to the soft seat. As depicted, the end capsare sewn to the underside of the soft seatand include features that mate with holes on a plate atop legsor integral to slide connector, described below. The end capcan include features such as press studs, clips, or other child-resistant connections for removably interlocking with the collapsible frame.

As can be appreciated from, the soft seatand crotch restraintare angled in accordance with infant safety seat standards, e.g. ASTMF3084 and European standards EN12790 and 12790-1. In some embodiments, the front legscan be shorter than rear legsto change the angle and position in which the soft seatis anchored to frame. The angle can also be changed by using the chair in the safety position, which allows soft seatto sag.

The portable folding chaircan also include a removable canopy. The canopycan be removably attached to the soft seatusing such as hook and loop straps, where the canopy straps include a corresponding slit or buttonhole to receive the straps. In other embodiments (not shown), the canopycan be attached by other means such as hooks, snaps, buttons, plugs, or the like. In yet other embodiments, the canopycan attach to the collapsible frameusing such as legs, knuckles, extensions, or the like. Canopycan be made from such as a mesh fabric. It can include UPF sun protective fabrics. Canopycan be edged with a flexible material such as 8 mm wire so that the canopybends to form an arch shape when attached to the soft seatbut returns to a flat shape when removed. The soft seatcan include reinforced, stitched edges to provide strength to the seat and for attachment of the canopy. In other embodiments (not shown), the canopy can have an expandable width (e.g. having multiple leaves) and/or can be wider to provide more coverage over the chair. In yet other embodiments, a toy bar can be incorporated into the edge of the canopy.

shows a carrying bag, the portable folding chairin a folded position, and the canopyin a flat state. As can be seen from, portable folding chaircan be inserted into the carrying bagfor easy storage and transportation. Canopycan twist-fold into a smaller round that can also fit inside the carrying bag. The canopycan twist fold into a smaller round that is such as a half, a third, or a quarter of its original length.

shows another embodiment of the collapsible frame. In this embodiment, double safety latchis incorporated into at least one of legsor. In the depicted embodiment, a rear legand a front legeach have a double safety latch. However, as can be envisioned by one having ordinary skill in the art, the collapsible frame can have a double safety latchon one, two, three, or four legs. The double safety latchis preferably located at a foot portion of the leg, or on a foot connector. When the double safety latchis in a released position the collapsible framecan be collapsed into a folded position. The release button, depicted in this embodiment as a switch, releases the double safety latchand can be operated via a user's foot or hand, making single-handed operation easier.

Slide connectorsprovide pivoting connection points for the attachment of the fastened x-bracesto leg, as described above. In the depicted embodiment, slide connectorfurther functions as a seat for attaching end cap, as described above. In the depicted embodiment, collapsible frameis arranged with slide connectors to receive end capson front legsand with extensionsto receive sleeve pocketsof a soft seat. The seat portion of the slide connectorincludes a plate or top surface having a hole or holes to receive the end cap, which can be integral to the soft seatas described above with reference to. However, in other embodiments, all four legs could be arranged to be fitted with end caps. In yet another embodiment, two legs could be arranged to be fitted with end caps and two legs could be fitted with a buckle configured to mate with the soft seat.

provides a close-up view of the safety latchand release buttonshown in. In this example, the collapsible frameis in an open and locked position.provides an exploded view of the safety latch. A legorfitted with a safety latchcontains an internal legmounted inside the foot. The legorraises along internal legwhen the fastened x-bracesare folded and lowers when they are extended, locking into place via a tooththat engages with sloton the legor leg. When the safety latchis in an engaged position and the toothis engaged in slot, the collapsible frameis locked into a fully open position for use as a seat. When the release buttonis pressed, safety latchis in an engaged position and the toothis disengaged from slot, the collapsible framecan be collapsed into the folded position. In another embodiment (not shown), a second slotcan be present. The second slotprovides a safety position to prevent the chair from collapsing on an infant if the frame is not in the fully open and locked position. When the safety latchis in a second engaged position such that the toothis engaged in the second slot, the collapsible frameis locked in the partially open safety position. The release buttonmust be pressed to either allow the collapsible frameto collapse or to open the collapsible frameinto the fully open and locked position.

In some embodiments, the soft seator the collapsible framecan include a safety harness or a safety belt to buckle the infant into the seat. In some embodiments, the safety belt or safety harness can be part of the soft seat. In other embodiments, the fixed ends of the safety belt or safety harness can be attached to the collapsible frame.

In some embodiments, the soft seator the collapsible framecan include one or more accessories such as a cupholder and/or bottle holder, pockets, pop-toy bar, or other accessories that are either integral or detachable. The soft seatcan include removable or affixed features such as a head contour pillow or mesh panels to provide ventilation.

In some embodiments, the fastened x-bracescan be fastened at their centers by various fasteners, including but not limited to rivets, bolts and nuts, or other suitable fasteners that allow for the x-brace to pivot about its center to facilitate the frame collapse as can be envisioned by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

show another embodiment of the portable folding chairthat includes a bounce feature. As can be seen, front legsinclude a bounce capand rear legsinclude a spring foot. Bounce capis spring loaded and allows the soft seatto bounce up and down. Rear legsinclude a spring foot, allowing the rear legsto bounce relative to the ground surface. In this manner, the portable folding chair can bounce in a forward and back rocking motion. As can be envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art, the bounce capand or spring footcan be placed in various combinations to provide for different motions. For example, all four legs could be provided with a bounce capwhere the extensionsare mounted to a bounce capor in embodiments without the extensions. In other embodiments, a front legand a diagonally-opposed rear legcan include a spring footto provide a side-to-side rocking motion. One or both of the bounce capor the spring footcan be used in conjunction with the foot switch safety latchor the safety latch.

provide a detail view of the bounce capwith end capattached. Bounce capforms a sleeve over end-fittingon the top end of the leg and slide connector. Bounce capalso mates with end capto attach the soft seatto the collapsible frame. In a particular embodiment, bounce capincludes a receiving cavity for spring. In other embodiments, the end of springmay be permanently affixed to an interior of bounce cap. Springseats into receiving holes in end-fitting. Springis of an appropriate length and coil tension to allow the bounce capto bounce up and down relative to the leg, such as when an adult applies pressure to the frame to bounce or rock an infant in the seat or when the infant moves around within the seat to bounce herself. In a particular embodiment, the bounce cap travels about 20 mm above end-fittingwhen the spring is in the uncoiled position. In some embodiments, bounce capis coupled to end-fittingto prevent bounce capfrom detaching from end-fittingduring bouncing or decoupling from end cap. The coupling can be achieved using such as a perimeter latch where perimeter flex snap fingers on bounce capengage with an upper return wall of end-fitting, such that once bounce caphas been snapped onto end-fitting, it cannot be removed. In another embodiment, bounce capincludes screw bosses through holes on top of end-fitting; washer screws loaded from the bottom of end-fittingprevent bounce capfrom detaching when sliding up. The boss length determines the total slide travel.

provide a detail view of the spring foot. Spring footforms a rocker base at the bottom of footand is rotatably coupled to footat one end to form a lever action. Spring footand footeach include a recess to receive a spring. When downward force is applied to the portable folding chair, the springcompresses and spring footswings into the inside of foot, causing a rocking and/or bouncing motion of the chair. In a particular embodiment, the chair bounces about 10 mm in an arc. In other embodiments (not shown), spring footcan be a similar shape to the footand the springcan be embedded directly under the leg, such that the bouncing is a pogo motion rather than a rocker motion. Other variations can be envisioned by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

provide another embodiment of the portable folding chair that includes a soft seatwith a bouncing feature. Bouncing featureis installed under the head region of the underside of the soft seat, which is the surface opposite the surface in which the infant sits, and allows for a bouncing motion when a downward force is applied to soft seat. In the depicted embodiment, strapsand′ are affixed to extensions, such as by a screw. The sleeve pocketsthat receive the extensionscan include a cutout through which straps,′ can pass. Straps,′ can be fitted with a ring or end in a loop. Central strapcan be permanently attached to the underside of soft seat, such as by sewing, or removably attached such as by hook and loop fastening. Central strapcan have a loop or a ring at either end. Springcan be attached on either end to straps,′. Springcan be removably or permanently coupled to one of straps,′ at one end and removably coupled to central strapat the other end. Because the spring is detachable from the soft seat, the soft seatcan be removed for washing. In the depicted embodiment, two springsare attached to central strap. In various embodiments, fewer or more springscan be included. In other embodiments, the springsor all or part of the bouncing featurecan be wrapped in a soft goods sleeve. The sleeve or straps may be removably coupled with the soft seatat intervals to prevent an infant or child from inadvertently entrapping her head in the bouncing feature.

provides another embodiment of the bouncing featurein which the springs are substituted with a bungee cordor elastic strap. Like the previous embodiment, the bungee cordcan be removably coupled with the strapsand′ to allow the soft seatto be removed for washing. Depicted is a double loop of 4 mm diameter bungee cord, but other diameters such as 8 mm can be substituted to achieve the desired tension and bounce. Bungee cordcan be held at the center in a sleeve attached to the soft seat. The sleeve can comprise a hook and loop opening for removal of the bungee cord. The sleeve can be formed from a stretch material to allow for the bungee cord to flex. In some embodiments, two bungee cords can be attached through either end of a central strapas described above. The bungee cordcan have a flattened shape to provide extra comfort against the infant's back.

The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.