GB2503091A

GB2503091A - Braking mechanism for use on high chairs

Info

Publication number: GB2503091A
Application number: GB1307512.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hong-Bo Chen
Original assignee: BP Childrens Products HK Co Ltd
Current assignee: BP Childrens Products HK Co Ltd
Priority date: 2012-04-26
Filing date: 2013-04-25
Publication date: 2013-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-25
Also published as: CN103371670A; DE102013007285B4; GB201307512D0; DE102013007285A1; CN103371670B; GB2503091B

Abstract

A high chair and a braking mechanism 40 for use on a childs high chair 1. The locking mechanism includes a braking component pivoted to the supporting frame 20 of the childs dining chair, for pivoting between a first position and a second position. The locking component contacts against the ground to raise the supporting frame and separate the wheels 30 from the ground as the braking component is forced to pivot to the first position, so as to implement a function of immobilising the chair. As the braking component pivots to the second position, the braking component is separated from the ground, so that the wheel contacts against the ground, so as to implement a function of releasing the wheel. The childs dining chair can be pushed to move as the wheel contacts the ground. The childs dining chair is east to operate and has a simple structure and high security.

Description

BRAKING MECHANISM AND CHILD'S DINING CHAIR THEREWITH

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a braking equipment technology, and more specifically, to a braking mechanism and a child's dining chair therewith.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many children carriers, such as a child's dining chair, acrib, astrolleroratricycle, havewheels foreasymovement.

In addition, those devices have to be fixed on a position safely to facilitate parents to take care of the children. Therefore, it has to dispose a corresponding braking mechanism to lock the wheels to ensure the safety of the children sitting on the device. For example, the conventional child's dining chair usually includes a seat portion and a supporting frame for supporting the seat portion. A removable tray, a back supporting portion and a leg supporting portion can be selectively pivoted to the seat portion. Most of conventional child's dining chairs do not have any wheel, so that it cannot satisfy convenient movement of the conventional child's dining chair. As for the child's dining chair with wheels, the wheels are often disposed on a lower end of the supporting frame and a braking mechanism is connected to the supporting frame correspondingly, so that the braking mechanism is for locking the wheels. The braking mechanism can also release the wheels, so as to move the child's dining chair. However, the conventional braking mechanism has disadvantages of a complicated structure and inconvenience of operation, so that it does not facilitate the user to operate. Furthermore, the conventional braking mechanism may be separated from the child's dining chair due to improper assembly, resulting in a safety issue to the children sitting on the child's dining chair. Therefore, there is an important issue to provide a braking mechanism which has a simple structure, facilitated operation and high reliability to improve the disadvantages of conventional braking mechanism.

Summary of the Invention

A purpose of the present invention is to provide a braking mechanism which has a simple structure, convenience of operation and high reliability.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a child' s dining chair which has a simple structure, convenience of operation and high reliability.

In order to achieve above purposes, the present invention disclose a braking mechanism installed on a supporting frame of a child's dining chair for locking a wheel installed on the supporting frame. The braking mechanism includes a braking component pivoted to the supporting frame for pivoting between a first position and a second position. The braking component contacts against a ground to separate the wheel from the ground as the braking component pivots to the first position, and the wheel contacts against the ground as the braking component pivots to the second position.

Preferably, the supporting frame includes two front feet, two rear feet and a bottom tube disposed between the two rear feet. A braking surface is formed on an end of the braking component, and the other end of the braking component is pivoted to the bottom tube. The braking surface contacts against the ground as the braking component pivots to the first position.

Preferably, the supporting frame further comprises at least one casing connected to the bottom tube and the corresponding rear foot, and the wheel is disposed on the at least one casing.

Preferably, the braking component inoludes a braking pedal and a braking block. The braking block is a bent-shaped structure, and an end of the braking blook is connected to the braking pedal. The braking surface is disposed on the other end of the braking block, and the braking blook and the braking pedal are rotatably engaged with the bottom tube. Therefore, as the braking pedal is pressed, the braking component rotates around the bottom tube. As the braking surface rotates to a position under the bottom tube and contacts against the ground, the braking block lifts up the bottom tube, so that the wheel is separated from the ground, so as to lock the wheel. An operation of locking the wheel is simple.

Preferably, an inner surface of the braking block is an arc structure. The braking surface is a planar structure disposed on an outer surface of the braking block, and the inner surface of the braking block and the braking pedal are rotatably engaged with the bottom tube.

Preferably, the braking pedal is perpendicular to the bottom tube substantially.

Preferably, the braking component further includes an engaging block connected to the braking pedal. An engaging space is formed between the engaging block and the inner surface of the braking block, and the bottom tube is engaged in the engaging space. It is convenient to install the braking component on the bottom tube, and it is easy to implement a braking function of the braking component.

Preferabiy, a constraining rib is formed on the engaging block. The braking mechanism further includes a locating component fixed on the bottom tube and disposed on a side of the braking component. A constraining siot is formed on a side wall of the locating component, and the constraining rib is slidably disposed inside the constraining slot for constraining the braking component.

Preferably, a locating protrusion is formed on the constraining slot, and the constraining rib is selectively engaged between the locating protrusion and one of side walls of the constraining slot. It is safe and easy for the braking component to be in a locked state or a released state by cooperation of the constraining slot and the constraining rib.

Preferably, the braking mechanism further includes a fixing component fixed on the bottom tube. An outer surface of the fixing component is an arc structure, and the braking component is rotatably engaged with the fixing component. The braking component can be connected to the bottom tube with different shapes by pivoting the braking component to the bottom tube via the fixing component, and it is easy to install the braking component.

Preferably, a pivoting axis of the braking component is parallel to a central line of the bottom tube substantially.

Preferably, the braking component comprises two braking frames pivoted to the bottom tube separately. It is more stably to support the bottom tube by opening the two braking frames.

Preferably, each braking frame comprises two symmetrical pivoting pieces, a braking surface is formed on an end of each pivoting piece, and the other end of each pivoting piece is pivoted to the bottom tube.

Preferably, an engaging slot is formed on an end of the braking frame far away from the braking surface, and the bottom tube is engaged inside the engaging slot as the braking frame pivots to the first position. The braking surface contacts against the ground, and the bottom tube 25 is lifted up, so that the wheel is separated from the ground, so as to lock the wheel.

Preferably, an engaging space is formed between the two pivoting pieces, and the bottom tube is engaged inside the engaging space as the braking frame pivots to the second position. The wheel contacts against the ground as the two braking frames are engaged with the bottom tube, so as to release the wheel.

Preferably, a locating rib is disposed on one of the two pivoting pieces, and the locating rib is a strip structure.

An end of the locating rib contacts against the bottom tube as the braking frame pivots to the first position. A side of the locating rib contacts against the bottom tube as the braking frame pivots to the second position. Therefore, the end of the locating rib contacts against the bottom tube as the braking frame pivots to the first position, so as to locate the braking frame. It can prevent the braking frame from rotating and increase safety. As the braking frame is on the second position, the locating rib is engaged with the bottom tube, so as to prevent the braking frame from separating from the bottom tube, resulting in inconvenience.

Preferably, a pivoting axis of each braking frame is perpendicular to a central line of the bottom tube substantially.

Preferably, A child's dining chair includes a suppcrting frame, a seat portion and a braking mechanism. A wheel is installed on the supporting frame. The seat portion is installed on the supporting frame. The braking mechanism is dispcsed on the suppcrting frame for locking the wheel rotatably. The braking mechanism includes a braking ccmponent pivoted to the supporting frame for pivoting between a first position and a second position. The braking component contacts against a ground to separate the wheel from the ground as the braking component pivots to the first position, and the wheel contacts against the ground as the braking component pivots to the second position.

The braking mechanism of the present invention includes the braking component pivotally connected to the bottom tube of the supporting frame of the child's dining chair. The braking component pivots between the first position and the second position. As the braking component is forced to pivot to the first position, the braking component contacts against the ground, so that the wheels are separated from the ground, so as to lock the wheels. As the braking component is forced to pivot to the second position, the braking component is separated from the ground, so that the wheels contact against the ground, so as to unlock the wheels. As a result, the child's dining chair can move by wheels. The structure of the braking component has a simple structure, convenience of operation and high reliability.

These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG.1 is a structural diagram of a child's dining chair according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.2 is a structural diagram of the child's dining chair in another view according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.3 is an enlarged diagram of a braking mechanism shown in FIG.2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagram of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.3 in another view according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded diagram of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.6 is an enlarged diagram of a fixing component shown in FIG.5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.7 is a structural diagram of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.2 in a locked state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.8 is a side view of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.7 in the locked state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.9 is a side view of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.2 in a released state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.1O is a structural diagram of a child's dining chair according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded diagram of a braking mechanism shown in FIG.lO according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.12 is an enlarged diagram of a braking frame shown in FIG.ll according to the second embodiment of the present invention -FIG.13 is a structural diagram of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.10 in a locking state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.14 is an enlarged diagram of part A illustrated in FIG.13 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.15 is a structural diagram of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.13 in another view according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.16 is an enlarged diagram of part B illustrated in FTG.15 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.17 is a side view of the braking mechanism shown in FTG.10 in the locked state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.18 is a sectional view of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.1O in the locked state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Please refer to FIG.l and FIG.2. FIG.1 is a structural diagram of a child's dining chair 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.2 is a structural diagram of the child's dining chair 1 in another view according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The child's dining chair 1 includes a seat portion 10, a supporting frame 20, two wheels 30 and a braking mechanism 40. The seat portion includes a seat plate 11 for a child to sit on. The seat portion 10 can selectively include a back supporting portion, a leg supporting portion, a tray, and so on. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seat portion 10 includes the seat plate II, two armrests 12, a tray 13, a leg supporting portion 14 and a back supporting portion 15. Two side walls opposite to eaoh other are bent upward to extend to form two armrest oonnecting portions 16. Front ends of the two armrest connecting portions 16 are connected to the two armrests 12, so that the tray 13 can be connected to the two armrest oonnecting portions 16. The leg supporting portion 14 is oonneoted to a front end of the seat plate 11 for the child to sit on comfortably. The back supporting portion 15 is connected to a rear end of the seat plate 11.

The supporting frame 20 includes two front feet 21 and two rear feet 22. The two front feet 21 are parallel to each other, and lower ends of the two front feet 21 are connected to a bottom tube 23. The two rear feet 22 are parallel to each other, and upper ends of the two rear feet 22 are respectively pivoted to upper ends of the two front feet 21. Lower ends of the two rear feet 22 are oonnected to a bottom tube 25, and the bottom tube 25 is disposed between the two rear feet 22. The bottom tube 23 and the bottom tube 25 are parallel to each other.

Therefore, as the supporting frame 20 is in the unfolded position, the two front feet 21 and the two rear feet 22 move forward and rearward from the child's dining chair 1 respectively, and the two bottom tubes contact against a ground for supporting the child's dining chair 1 stably.

Because the two front feet 21 are pivotally connected to the two rear feet 22, the supporting frame 20 oan be folded to store the child's dining ohair 1 as the child's dining chair 1 is not used. Furthermore, the supporting frame 20 includes four casings, and each of two casings 26 is connected to the bottom tube 25 and the lower end of the corresponding rear foot 22. There are two wheels 30 disposed on the two casing 26 respectively, so that the child's dining chair 1 can move conveniently. It also can dispose two wheels on the two casings 24 which are connected to the lower ends of the two front feet 21 and the bottom tube 25. In addition, it also can dispose four wheels on the two oasings 24 and the two casings 26 respectively. The supporting frame 20 of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it can be implemented by other structures.

Because there are the wheels 30 installed on the ohild's dining chair 1, the child's dining chair 1 further includes a braking mechanism 40 rotatably disposed on the bottom tube of the supporting frame 20 for locking the wheels 30, so as to ensure the safety of the child's dining chair 1 located on a position. The wheels 30 can rotate freely as the braking mechanism 40 is unlocked, so as to facilitate the child's dining chair 1 to move.

The braking mechanism 40 of the child's dining chair 1 is described with figures as follows. Please refer to FIG.3 to FIG.5. FIG.3 is an enlarged diagram of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.4 is an enlarged diagram of the braking mechanism 40 shown in FIG.3 in another view according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.5 is an exploded diagram of the braking mechanism 40 shown in FIG.3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the first embodiment of the child's dining chair 1, the braking mechanism 40 includes a fixing component 41, a locating component 42a, a locating component 42b and a braking component 43. The fixing component 41 is fixed on the bottom tube 25. The locating component 42a and the locating component 42b are fixed on the bottom tube 25 and disposed on two sides of the fixing component 41. An end of the braking component 43 is pivotally connected to the fixing component 41 and slidably engaged with the locating component 42a and the locating component 42b. The locating component 42a and the locating component 42b are for locating the braking component 43. The braking component 43 includes a braking pedal 431, an engaging block 432, a oonstraining rib 433 and a braking block 434. The braking block 434 is disposed on the other end of the braking component 43, and the braking block 434 and the braking pedal 431 are rotatably engaged with the bottom tube 25. The braking component 43 is pivoted to the bottom tube 25 of the supporting frame 20 for pivoting between a first position and a second position. The braking component 43 pivots between the first position and the second position around the bottom tube 25. A pivoting axis of the braking component 43 is parallel to a central line H of the bottom tube 25 substantially.

A braking surface 434a is formed on an end of the braking component 43, that is, the braking surface 434a is formed on the braking block 434, and the other end of the braking component 43 is pivoted to the bottom tube 25. Specifically, the braking surface 434a of the braking block 434 of the braking component 43 contacts against the ground to separate the wheels 30 from the ground as the braking component 43 pivots to the first position, so as to lock the wheels 30. As the braking component 43 pivots to the second position, the braking surface 434a of the braking block 434 of the braking component 43 is separated from the ground, so that the wheels contact against the ground, so as to release the wheels 30. The braking component 43 is located on the first position and The second position by the locating component 42a and the locating component 42b respectively.

As shown in FIG.4 and FIG.5, the fixing component 41 preferably includes a first fixing component 411 and a second fixing component 412, and outer surfaces of the first fixing component 411 and the second fixing component 412 are arc structures. Inner surfaces of the first fixing component 411 and the second fixing component 412 form concave structures to match the bottom tube 25. The first fixing component 411 and the second fixing component 412 are respectively installed on an upper side and a lower side of the bottom tube 25, and the braking component 43 is rotatably engaged with the first fixing component 411 and the second fixing component 412. The braking component 43 further includes the engaging block 432, and the braking component 43 is pivotally connected to the bottom tube 25 by the engaging block 432. The locating component 42a and the locating component 42b constrain rotary movement of the braking component 43. The fixing component 41 can be connected to the bottom tube 25 with different shapes cooperatively. Additionally, the braking component 43 can pivot smoothly due to the engaging block 432. A structure of the fixing component 41 is not limited to this embodiment, it also can be other structures for engaging the braking component 43 with the bottom tube 25.

Please refer to FIG.4 to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is an enlarged diagram of the fixing component 41 shown in FIG.5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The locating component 42a and the locating component 42b are fixed on two sides of the fixing component 41 symmetrically. Two constraining slots 423 are respectively disposed on two side walls of the locating component 42a and the locating component 42b facing to each other, and the two constraining slots 423 are for locating the braking component 43. Amount of the locating component is not limited to this embodiment. For example, only one locating component can also be used to locate the braking component 43. The locating component 42a and the locating component 42b have the same structures, and the locating component 42b is only to be described as follows.

As shown in FIG.6, the locating component 42b includes a base portion 421, and a lower surface of the base portion 421 forms a concave shape matching the bottom tube 25. An upper surface of the base portion 421 protrudes to form a constraining portion 422, and a constraining slot 423 is formed on a side wall of the constraining portion 422. The constraining slot 423 is an arc structure. A locating protrusion 424 is formed on the constraining slot 423. The locating protrusion 424 extends from an upper side wall to a lower sidewall of the constraining slot 423, and the locating protrusion 424 is on a central position of the constraining slot 423. Therefore, a side portion of the braking component 43 is slidably engaged inside the constraining slot 423. The constraining slot 423 constrains movement of the braking component 43, so that the braking component 43 pivots between the first position and the second position. As the constraining rib 433 slides to the side of the constraining slot 423, the braking component 43 is engaged between the locating protrusion 424 and the side wall 423a. As the constraining slot 423 slides to the other end of the constraining slot 423, the braking component 43 is engaged between the locating protrusion 424 and the side wall 423b.

Therefore, it can locate the braking component 43 on the first position or the second position.

As shown FIG.4 and FIG.5, the engaging block 432 and the braking block 434 are connected to a central position of the braking pedal 431 substantially, and the constraining rib 433 is disposed on the engaging block 432. The braking pedal 431 is a strip structure. An end of the engaging block 432 is connected to a front end of the braking pedal 431, and the other end of the engaging block 432 is curved in an arc structure toward a rear end of the braking pedal 431. The braking block 434 is a bent-shaped structure and is connected to a rear end of the braking pedal 431. The braking block 434 is curved to the engaging block 432, and an inner surface of the braking block 434 is an aro structure. Therefore, an engaging spaoe is formed between the engaging block 432 and the inner surface of the braking block 434, and the engaging space is an arc-shaped space. The braking surface 434a is a planar structure disposed on an outer surfaoe of an end of the braking block 434 far away from the braking pedal 431.

The constraining ribs 433 protrude to form on the engaging block 432 near two sides of the braking pedal 431. The constraining ribs 433 are for locating the braking component 43 with the locating component 42a and the locating component 42b cooperatively. The fixing oomponent 41 is engaged with the engaging space of the braking component 43 as the braking component 43 is installed on the bottom tube 25. The engaging block 432 is on a front side of the child's dining chair 1, and the braking block 434 is on a rear side of the child's dining chair 1. The braking pedal 431 is perpendicular to the bottom tube 25 substantially, and the constraining rib 433 is slidably disposed inside the constraining slot 423 for constraining the braking component 43. Therefore, the braking component 43 can rotate around the bottom tube 25 as a rear end of the braking pedal 431 is pressed.

As the braking block 434 rotates to a position under the bottom tube 25 and the braking surface 434a contacts against the ground, the braking component 43 rotates to the first position. At this time, the wheels 30 are separated from the ground, so as to look the wheels 30. The constraining rib 433 is engaged between the locating protrusion 424 and a side wall 423a of an end of the constraining slot 423, so as to locate the braking component 43 on the first position. As the braking pedal 431 is lifted up so that the braking component 43 rotates forward around the bottom tube 25, the braking surfaoe 434a of the braking block 434 is separated from the ground, so that the wheels 30 contaot against the ground again, so as to release the wheels 30. That is, as the braking component 43 rotates to the second position, the constraining rib 433 is engaged between the boating protrusion 424 and a side wall 423b of another end of the oonstraining slot 423, so as to looate the braking oomponent 43 on the seoond position.

Please refer to FTG.3 and FTG.7 to FTG.9. FIG.7 is a struotural diagram of the braking meohanism 40 shown in EIG.2 in a locked state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FTG.8 is a side view of the braking meohanism 40 shown in FTG.7 in the locked state acoording to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.9 is a side view of the braking mechanism 40 shown in FIG.2 in a released state aocording to the first embodiment of the present invention. An operational principle and a procedure of the brakingrnechanism4O are described as follows. As it is desired to lock the wheels 30, a user can push the rear end of the braking pedal 431, so that the braking oomponent 43 rotates around the bottom tube 25. In a procedure of rotation, the constraining rib 433 slides inside the constraining slot 423.

Finally, the braking surface 434a of the braking block 434 contacts against the ground. Because a vertical distance between the central line H of the bottom tube 25 and the braking surface 434a is greater than a maximum vertical distance between the central line H of the bottom tube 25 and a circumference of the wheel 30, the braking block 434 contacts against the ground to separate the wheels 30 from the ground, so as to lock the wheels 30. At this time, the braking component 43 is on the first position, and the constraining rib 433 is engaged between the locating protrusion 424 and the side wall 423a of the end of the constraining slot 423, so as to locate the braking component 43 on the first position. Therefore, it can ensure stability and the safety of the child's dining chair 1 in a fixed position.

As it is desired to release the wheels 30, the user can lift up the rear end of the braking pedal 431, so that the braking component 43 rotates around the bottom tube 25 to release the wheels 30. In a procedure of rotation, the constraining rib 433 slides inside the constraining slot 423.

Finally, the braking surface 434a of the braking block 434 is separated from the ground, so that the wheels 30 contact against the ground again, so as to release the wheels 30. At this time, the braking component 43 is on the second position, and the constraining rib 433 is engaged between the locating protrusion 424 and the side wall 423b of another end of the constraining slot 423, so as to locate the braking component 43 on the second position.

Please refer to FIG.10. FIG.l0 is a structural diagram of a child's dining chair 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A difference between the child' s dining chair 2 of the second embodiment and the child's dining chair 1 of the first embodiment is the structure of the braking mechanism. Because other structures except the braking mechanism are the same, it is only to describe the braking mechanism as follows, and further description of other structures is omitted herein. As shown in FTG.10, the braking mechanism 40a includes a braking component having two braking frames 50. An end of each braking frame 50 is pivoted to the bottom tube 25, and a braking surface is formed on the other end of each braking frame 50. As the braking component is open, the braking surface contacts against the ground, so that the wheels 30 are separated from the ground, so as to lock the wheels 30.

Please refer to FIG.1l to FIG.16. FIG.ll is an exploded diagram of the braking mechanism 40a shown in FIG. 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.12 is an enlarged diagram of a braking frame 50 shown in FIG.ll according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.13 is a structural diagram of the braking mechanism 40a shown in FIG.l0 in a locking state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.14 is an enlarged diagram of part A illustrated in FIG. 13 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.l5 is a structural diagram of the braking mechanism 40a shown in FIG. 13 in another view according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an enlarged diagram of part B illustrated in FIG.15 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the braking component has two braking frames 50 pivoted to the bottom tube 25 separately.

A pivoting axis of each braking frame 50 is perpendicular to the central line H of the bottom tube 25 substantially, so that the two braking frames 50 oan pivot to open to support the child's dining chair 2 on the ground. At this time, the wheels 30 are separated from the ground, so as to lock the wheels 30. As the two braking frames 50 pivot to close, the wheels 30 contact against the ground, so as to release the wheels 30. A design of the braking component is not limited to the two braking frames 50, and it can be designed as one braking frame 50 or other structures to meet the operational principle described above.

The two braking frames 50 have the same structures, and only one of the two braking frames 50 is described as follows.

Please refer to FIG.1l and FIG.12. The braking frame 50 includes two symmetrical pivoting pieces 51 and 52, and an engaging space 53 is formed between the pivoting piece 51 and the pivoting piece 52. A braking surface 50a is formed on an end of each pivoting piece of the braking frame 50, and the other end of each pivoting piece is pivoted to the bottom tube 25. A pivoting hole 511 and a pivoting hole 521 are formed on the pivoting piece 51 and the pivoting piece 52 respectively for pivoting the braking frame 50 with the bottom tube 25.

An engaging slot 54 is formed on the other end of the two pivoting pieoes oorresponding to the pivoting hole 511 and the pivoting hole 521. That is, the engaging slot 54 is formed on the end of the braking frame 50 far away from the braking surface 50a. Furthermore, a locating rib 55 is disposed on an inner side wall of the pivoting piece 52, and the locating rib is a strip structure which is disposed along a direction of a long edge of the braking frame 50. As the braking frame is connected to the bottom tube 25, the braking frame 50 is under the bottom tube 25. The pivoting piece 51 and the pivoting piece 52 clip the bottom tube 25 and are pivotally connected to the bottom tube 25 via the pivoting hole 511 and the pivoting hole 521 respectively. Therefore, the braking frame 50 can pivot via the pivoting axis.

As the braking frame 50 pivots to the first position, the braking frame 50 is perpendicular to the bottom tube 25 substantially, and the bottom tube 25 is engaged inside the engaging slot 54. As a result, the braking surface 50a contacts against the ground, so that the wheels 30 are separated from the ground, so as to look the wheels 30. As the braking frame pivots to the second position, the braking frame 50 is parallel to the bottom tube 25 substantially, and the bottom tube 25 is engaged inside the engaging space 53. As a result, the braking surface 50a is separated from the ground, so that the wheels 30 contact against the ground again, so as to release the wheels 30. As the braking frame 50 pivots to the first position and supports the child' s dining chair 2 on the ground, an end of the locating rib 55 oontaots against the bottom tube 25, so as to locate the braking frame 50 to prevent the braking frame 50 from pivoting inward to the seoond position. At the same time, outer edge of the braking frame 50 oontaots against the corresponding casing 26 to prevent the braking frame 50 from pivoting over the first position, so as to ensure the stability of locking the wheels 30. As the braking frame 50 pivots to the seoond position to close, a side of the locating rib 55 contacts against an upper edge of the bottom tube 25, as shown in FIG.16, so that the braking frame 50 is olosed stably and is not loose.

Please refer to FTG.l0, FIG.13 to FIG.18. FTG.17 is a side view of the braking mechanism shown in FTG.10 in the locked state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a seotional view of the braking mechanism shown in FIG.l0 in the looked state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. An operation of the braking mechanism 40a of the child's dining chair 2 according to the second embodiment is described as follows. As it is desired to lock the wheels 30, each braking frame 50 can be rotated around the axis outward to the first position, so that each braking frame 50 is perpendicular to the bottom tube 25 substantially, and the bottom tube 25 is engaged inside the engaging slot 54. Because a vertical distance between the central line H of the bottom tube 25 and the braking surface 50a is greater than a maximum vertical distance between the central line H of the bottom tube 25 and the circumference of the wheel 30, the braking surface SOa contacts against the ground to separate the wheels 30 from the ground, so as to lock the wheels 30. At this time, the braking frame 50 is on the first position, and an end portion 55a of the locating rib 55 of the pivoting piece 52 contacts against the bottom tube 25, as shown in PIG.15 to FIG.17. The braking frame 50 can be located by the locating rib 55, so as to prevent the braking frame 50 from rotating inward. Therefore, it can ensure stability and the safety of the child's dining chair 2 in a fixed position.

As it is desired to release the wheels 30, the user pushes the two braking frames 50 to rotate towards each other, so that the two braking frames 50 are parallel to the bottom tube 25. Then, a side 55b of the locating rib 55 contacts against the bottom tube 25, so that the bottom tube 25 is engaged with the engaging space 53, as shown in FIG.18. At this time, the braking frame 50 is on the second position, and the wheels contact the ground again, so as to release the wheels 30.

In contrast with the prior art, the braking mechanism of the present invention includes the braking component pivotally connected to the bottom tube of the supporting frame of the child's dining chair. The braking component pivots between the first position and the second position. As the braking component is forced to pivot to the first position, the braking component contacts against the ground, so that the wheels are separated from the ground, so as to lock the wheels. As the braking component is forced to pivot to the second position, the braking component is separated from the ground, so that the wheels contact against the ground, so as to unlock the wheels. As a result, the child's dining chair can move by wheels. The structure of the braking component has a simple structure, convenience of operation and high reliability.

Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention.

Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited oniy by the metes and bounds of the appended olaims.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is: 1. A braking mechanism installed cn a supporting frame of a child's dining chair for locking a wheel installed on the supporting frame, the braking mechanism comprising: a braking component pivoted to the supporting frame for pivoting between a first position and a second position, the braking component contacting against a ground to separate the wheel from the ground as the braking component pivots to the first position, and the wheel contacting against the ground as the braking oomponent pivots to the second position.
2. The braking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the supporting frame comprises two front feet, two rear feet and a bottom tube disposed between the two rear feet, a braking surface is formed on an end of the braking component, the other end of the braking component is pivoted to the bottom tube, and the braking surface contacts against the ground as the braking component pivots to the first position.
3. The braking mechanism of claim 2, wherein the supporting frame further comprises at least one casing connected to the bottom tube and the corresponding rear foot, and the wheel is disposed on the at least one casing.
4. The braking mechanism of claim 2, wherein the braking component comprises: a braking pedal; and a braking block, the braking block being a bent-shaped structure, an end of the braking block being connected to the braking pedal, the braking surface being disposed on the other end of the braking block, and the braking block and the braking pedal being rotatably engaged with the bottom tube.
5. The braking mechanism of claim 4, wherein an inner surface of the braking block is an arc structure, the braking surface is a planar structure disposed on an outer surface of the braking block, and the inner surface of the braking block and the braking pedal are rotatably engaged with the bottom tube.
6. The braking mechanism of claim 5, wherein the braking pedal is perpendicular to the bottom tube substantially.
7. The braking mechanism of claim 5, wherein the braking component further comprises an engaging block connected to the braking pedal, an engaging space is formed between the engaging block and the inner surface of the braking block, and the bottom tube is engaged in the engaging space.
8. The braking mechanism of claim 7, wherein a constraining rib is formed on the engaging block, the braking mechanism further comprises a locating component fixed on the bottom tube and disposed on a side of the braking component, a constraining slot is formed on a side wall of the locating component, and the constraining rib is slidably disposed inside the constraining slot for constraining the braking component.
9. The braking mechanism of claim 8, wherein a locating protrusion is formed on the constraining slot, and the constraining rib is selectively engaged between the locating protrusion and one of side walls of the constraining slot.
10. The braking mechanism of claim 5, further comprising a fixing component fixed on the bottom tube, an outer surface of the fixing component being an arc structure, and the braking component being rotatably engaged with the fixing component.
11. The braking mechanism of claim 1, wherein a pivoting axis of the braking component is substantially parallel to a central line of the bottom tube.
12. The braking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the braking component comprises two braking frames pivoted to the bottom tube separately.
13. The braking mechanism of claim 12, wherein each braking frame comprises two symmetrical pivoting pieces, abraking surface is formed on an end of each pivoting piece, and the other end of each pivoting piece is pivoted to the bottom tube.
14. The braking mechanism of claim 13, wherein an engaging slot is formed on an end of the braking frame far away from the braking surface, and the bottom tube is engaged inside the engaging slot as the braking frame pivots to the first position.
15. The braking mechanism of claim 13, wherein an engaging space is formed between the two pivoting pieces, and the bottom tube is engaged inside the engaging space as the braking frame pivots to the second position.
16. The braking mechanism of claim 13, wherein a locating rib is disposed on one of the two pivoting pieces, the locating rib is a strip structure, an end of the locating rib contacts against the bottom tube as the braking frame pivots to the first position, and a side of the locating rib contacts against the bottom tube as the braking frame pivots to the second position.
17. The braking mechanism of claim 13, wherein a pivoting axis of each braking frame is substantially perpendicular to a central line of the bottom tube.
18. A child's dining chair, comprising: a supporting frame whereon a wheel is installed; a seat portion installed on the supporting frame; and a braking mechanism as disclosed in any of claim 1 to claim 17.
19. The child's dining chair of claim 18, wherein the supporting frame comprises two front feet, two rear feet and a bottom tube disposed between the two rear feet, a braking surface is formed on an end of the braking component, the other end of the braking component is pivoted to the bottom tube, and the braking surface contacts against the ground as the braking component pivots to the first position.
20. The child's dining chair of claim 19, wherein the braking component comprises: a braking pedal; and a braking block, the braking block being a bent-shaped structure, an end of the braking block being connected to the braking pedal, the braking surface being disposed on the other end of the braking block, and the braking block and the braking pedal being rotatably engaged with the bottom tube.