PORTABLE TRAVEL SEAT

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable folding chair including a collapsible frame. The frame includes four legs and four fastened x-braces. Each leg is pivotably coupled to two of the fastened x-braces. The frame also includes a safety latch having at least two positions, so that when the safety latch is in an engaged position the collapsible frame is locked into a fully open position, and when the safety latch is in a released position the collapsible frame can be collapsed into a folded position. The chair also includes a removable soft seat comprising a crotch restraint.

Claims

1. A portable folding chair, comprising: a collapsible frame, the frame comprising four legs and four fastened x-braces, wherein each leg is pivotably coupled to two of the fastened x-braces; a safety latch comprising at least two positions, wherein when the safety latch is in an engaged position the collapsible frame is locked into a fully open position, and wherein when the safety latch is in a released position the collapsible frame can be collapsed into a folded position; and a removable soft seat.

2. The portable folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the safety latch is connected to a sliding lock inside one of the legs and comprises a release button on a foot connector.

3. The portable folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the removable soft seat is attached to the collapsible frame by a child-resistant end cap, wherein the end cap is removably coupled to a top end of a leg to hold the soft seat portion in place.

4. The portable folding chair according to claim 3, wherein the removable soft seat is attached to two of the legs by the child-resistant end caps, and wherein a remaining two legs comprise an extension configured to insert into corresponding pocket sleeves in the removable soft seat.

5. The portable folding chair according to claim 3, wherein the removable soft seat is attached to two of the legs by the child-resistant end caps and wherein the removable soft seat is attached to a remaining two legs by a buckle assembly.

6. The portable folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the safety latch has a safety position, wherein when the safety latch is in the safety position, the collapsible frame is locked into a partially open position.

7. The portable folding chair according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible canopy removably coupled to the soft seat or the frame.

8. The portable folding chair according to claim 2, wherein two or more of the legs comprise the safety latch.

9. The portable folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the removable soft seat comprises a crotch restraint, wherein the crotch restraint and the removable soft seat are angled in accordance with infant safety seat standards.

10. The portable folding chair according to claim 1, further comprising one of a safety harness or a safety belt.

11. The portable folding chair according to claim 1, further comprising a removable canopy removably connected to the collapsible frame.

12. A portable folding chair, comprising: a collapsible frame, the frame comprising four legs and four fastened x-braces, wherein each leg is pivotably coupled to two of the fastened x-braces; a safety latch positioned on a foot portion of one of the legs, wherein the double safety latch is connected to a sliding lock inside the legs, wherein when the safety latch is in a first engaged position, the collapsible frame is locked into a partially open safety position, and when the safety latch is in a released position, the collapsible frame can be collapsed into a folded position; and a removable soft seat comprising a crotch restraint.

13. The portable folding chair according to claim 2, wherein the double safety latch comprises a release button on a foot connector.

14. The portable folding chair according to claim 12, wherein the removable soft seat is attached to the collapsible frame by a pair of child-resistant end caps, wherein the end caps are each removably coupled to a top end of a leg to hold the soft seat portion in place.

15. The portable folding chair according to claim 12, wherein the safety latch is a double safety latch comprising a second engaged position, wherein when the double safety latch is in the second engaged position the collapsible frame is locked into a fully open position.

16. The portable folding chair according to claim 12, wherein the removable soft seat is attached to two of the legs by the child-resistant end caps, and wherein a remaining two legs include an extension to insert into corresponding pocket sleeves in the removable soft seat.

17. The portable folding chair according to claim 12, further comprising a flexible canopy removably connected to the soft seat or the collapsible frame.

18. The portable folding chair according to claim 12, wherein two or more of the legs contains a safety latch.

19. The portable folding chair according to claim 12, wherein the removable soft seat and the crotch restraint are angled in accordance with infant safety seat standards.

20. The portable folding chair according to claim 12, further comprising one of a safety harness or a safety belt.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0006] FIGS. 1-3 show an embodiment of the portable folding chair in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, where the chair is shown from the rear in folded, partially folded and locked, and fully locked positions, respectively.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a fold lock in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 5 and 6A show views of the portable folding chair in a locked position with a removable canopy attached in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B provide a detail view of an embodiment of the soft seat.

[0009] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are views of the portable folding chair demonstrating the portability and packability of the portable folding chair and canopy in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 10 shows the portable folding chair frame including another embodiment of the latch in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 11A shows a detailed image of the safety latch in FIG. 10; FIG. 11B shows an exploded view of the safety latch.

[0012] FIG. 12A shows an embodiment of the collapsible frame that includes a bounce feature. FIG. 12B is a detail view of the bounce cap. FIG. 12C is a detail view of the spring. FIG. 12D is a detail view of an embodiment of a spring foot. FIG. 12E is a detail view of the spring foot.

[0013] FIGS. 13A and 13B are views of the underside or bottom of the soft seat, illustrating another embodiment of a bounce feature. FIG. 13C is yet another embodiment of the bounce feature.

[0014] 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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. FIG. 1 shows a portable folding chair 1000 in a folded position. Portable folding chair 1000 comprises a collapsible frame 100, shown in a collapsed position. Safety latch 200 is in a released position, allowing collapsible frame 100 and soft seat 300 to fold down for portability or storage. Safety latch 200 is depicted in a released position, allowing the frame to collapse. As can be seen, collapsible frame 100 includes telescoping legs 110, 120 that have an internal leg 160. Legs 110,120 slide upward along internal leg 160 when the portable folding chair 1000 is in the folded position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the portable folding chair 1000 can have dimensions of about twenty inches by about 25 inches by about eighteen inches when in an unfolded position, not including any canopy attachment. Advantageously, the portable folding chair 1000 can hold an infant up to twenty pounds, e.g. from about zero to about six months. In other embodiments, the portable folding chair 1000 can 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).

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the portable folding chair 1000 in a partially open position. In this position, safety latch 200 is 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 frame 100 is not fully open and locked, providing additional safety. The double safety latch 200 locks in the first engaged position when arms 210 are open to about 150, preventing the rear fastened x-brace 130 from 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 latch 200 having one engaged position to lock the portable folding chair 1000 in the fully open position or a foot latch as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0023] Each of the four x-braces 130 is formed from two struts 132 fastened together at their midpoints to form an x-shape. The fastener allows for the two struts 132 to rotate relative to one another to allow the collapsible frame 100 to fold in an open or a collapsed position. The top end of each strut 132 is coupled with a slide connector 140 and the bottom end is coupled with a foot 150. The strut 132, 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 struts 132 are connected to the slide connector 140, foot 150, and at to each other at the center via rivets. However fastened x-braces 130 can 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-braces 130 can couple to either or both of the slide connector 140 and foot 150 via bolts and nuts, ball and socket joints, or other suitable fasteners that allow for the struts 132 of the x-brace to pivot relative to the slide connector 140 and foot 150 to facilitate the frame collapse. Each leg 110, 120 is also coupled to the slide connector 140 and foot 150 at its top and bottom ends, respectively. In other embodiments (not shown), the x-brace 130 can be connected to the legs near their bottoms via another slide connector 140 above the foot 150 rather than coupling directly with the foot.

[0024] At the bottom surface, the foot 150 has 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 foot 150 can also be provided in different shapes or widths. When the collapsible frame 100 is in the folded position, the legs 110, 120 are brought close to one another and each pair of struts 132 in the fastened x-braces 130 are rotated so that they are nearly parallel or parallel to one another. In the open and partially open positions, the legs 110, 120 are pulled apart from one another and each pair of struts 132 in the fastened x-braces 130 are rotated so that form an x-shape. In the fully open and locked position, the struts 132 form an angle of about 40-90 relative to one another, and at about 40-90 relative to a leg. The slide connector 140 slides downward along its respective leg during opening.

[0025] In the depicted embodiment, soft seat 300 includes a crotch restraint 310. In this embodiment, the soft seat 300 includes two sleeve pockets that slide over extensions on rear legs 110. The soft seat 300 can be made of washable material and can be removed for laundering.

[0026] 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 110,120 do not telescope, and slide connector 140 slides upward along its respective leg during folding.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the portable folding chair 1000 from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a fully open and locked position. In this position, double safety latch 200 is in a second engaged position. This fully open position locks the collapsible frame 100 into the fully open and locked position for use. The double safety latch 200 locks in the second engaged position when arms 210 are open to about 180, preventing the rear fastened x-brace 130 from folding closed. Release button 230 can be pressed to disengage double safety latch 200 to allow for folding or opening. In this figure, the safety latch 200 is located on the rear of collapsible frame 100. However, as can be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the safety latch 200 can 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 100, in an upper or lower position relative to the x-brace 130 center fastening.

[0028] FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of the internal locking mechanism of double safety latch 200. As can be seen, interlocking teeth 220 engage inside of double safety latch 200, where there is at least a first and a second set of interlocking teeth 220 corresponding to a first engaged position and a second engaged position. When arms 210 rotate to about 150, the first set of interlocking teeth 220 interlock to form the first engaged position. When arms 210 rotate to about 180, the first set of interlocking teeth 220 interlock to form the second engaged position. There can be an optional third position to lock the double safety latch 200 into the folded position, preventing the collapsible frame from opening during transportation and storage. Release button 230 (shown as transparent in FIG. 4) can be pressed to disengage double safety latch 200 to allow for folding or opening. When release button 230 is pushed, the interlocking teeth 220 disengage. 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.

[0029] FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B show a front perspective and side view, respectively, of another embodiment of the portable folding chair 2000. Removable soft seat 300 includes two sleeve pockets 320 that slide over extensions 112 on rear legs 110. Soft seat 300 is attached to the collapsible frame 100 at the front legs 120 by two end caps 400. The soft seat 300 includes reinforced holes that receive front legs 120. End caps 400 snap onto front legs 120 over the soft seat 300 to secure the seat in place. End caps 400 are removable to facilitate easy removal of soft seat 300 for laundering or changing to a different pattern or size. End caps 400 can 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 cap 400 and legs 120 could include complementary threads so that the end cap 400 screws to the legs 120. In yet other embodiments, the end cap 400 can 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 caps 400 can be tethered to the legs 120 to prevent loss. In FIG. 6B, the end caps 400 are integral to the soft seat 300. As depicted, the end caps 400 are sewn to the underside of the soft seat 300 and include features that mate with holes on a plate atop legs 120 or integral to slide connector 140, described below. The end cap 400 can include features such as press studs, clips, or other child-resistant connections for removably interlocking with the collapsible frame 100.

[0030] As can be appreciated from FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, the soft seat 300 and crotch restraint 310 are angled in accordance with infant safety seat standards, e.g. ASTMF3084 and European standards EN12790 and 12790-1. In some embodiments, the front legs 120 can be shorter than rear legs 110 to change the angle and position in which the soft seat 300 is anchored to frame. The angle can also be changed by using the chair in the safety position, which allows soft seat 300 to sag.

[0031] The portable folding chair 2000 can also include a removable canopy 500. The canopy 500 can be removably attached to the soft seat 300 using 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 canopy 500 can be attached by other means such as hooks, snaps, buttons, plugs, or the like. In yet other embodiments, the canopy 500 can attach to the collapsible frame 100 using such as legs, knuckles, extensions, or the like. Canopy 500 can be made from such as a mesh fabric. It can include UPF sun protective fabrics. Canopy 500 can be edged with a flexible material such as 8 mm wire so that the canopy 500 bends to form an arch shape when attached to the soft seat 300 but returns to a flat shape when removed. The soft seat 300 can 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.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows a carrying bag 600, the portable folding chair 2000 in a folded position, and the canopy 500 in a flat state. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, portable folding chair 2000 can be inserted into the carrying bag 600 for easy storage and transportation. Canopy 500 can twist-fold into a smaller round that can also fit inside the carrying bag 600. The canopy 500 can twist fold into a smaller round that is such as a half, a third, or a quarter of its original length.

[0033] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the collapsible frame 100. In this embodiment, double safety latch 1200 is incorporated into at least one of legs 110 or 120. In the depicted embodiment, a rear leg 110 and a front leg 120 each have a double safety latch 1200. However, as can be envisioned by one having ordinary skill in the art, the collapsible frame can have a double safety latch 1200 on one, two, three, or four legs. The double safety latch 1200 is preferably located at a foot portion of the leg, or on a foot connector. When the double safety latch 1200 is in a released position the collapsible frame 100 can be collapsed into a folded position. The release button 1230, depicted in this embodiment as a switch, releases the double safety latch 1200 and can be operated via a user's foot or hand, making single-handed operation easier.

[0034] Slide connectors 140 provide pivoting connection points for the attachment of the fastened x-braces 130 to leg 120, as described above. In the depicted embodiment, slide connector 140 further functions as a seat for attaching end cap 400, as described above. In the depicted embodiment, collapsible frame 100 is arranged with slide connectors to receive end caps 400 on front legs 120 and with extensions 112 to receive sleeve pockets 320 of a soft seat 300. The seat portion of the slide connector 140 includes a plate or top surface having a hole or holes to receive the end cap 400, which can be integral to the soft seat 300 as described above with reference to FIG. 6A. 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 300.

[0035] FIG. 11A provides a close-up view of the safety latch 1200 and release button 1230 shown in FIG. 10. In this example, the collapsible frame 100 is in an open and locked position. FIG. 11B provides an exploded view of the safety latch 1200. A leg 110 or 120 fitted with a safety latch 1200 contains an internal leg 160 mounted inside the foot 150. The leg 110 or 120 raises along internal leg 160 when the fastened x-braces 130 are folded and lowers when they are extended, locking into place via a tooth 1211 that engages with slot 1221 on the leg 110 or leg 120. When the safety latch 1200 is in an engaged position and the tooth 1232 is engaged in slot 1221, the collapsible frame 100 is locked into a fully open position for use as a seat. When the release button 230 is pressed, safety latch 1200 is in an engaged position and the tooth 1232 is disengaged from slot 1221, the collapsible frame 100 can be collapsed into the folded position. In another embodiment (not shown), a second slot 1222 can be present. The second slot 1222 provides 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 latch 1200 is in a second engaged position such that the tooth 1232 is engaged in the second slot 1222, the collapsible frame 100 is locked in the partially open safety position. The release button 1230 must be pressed to either allow the collapsible frame 100 to collapse or to open the collapsible frame 100 into the fully open and locked position.

[0036] In some embodiments, the soft seat 300 or the collapsible frame 100 can 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 100.

[0037] In some embodiments, the soft seat 300 or the collapsible frame 100 can 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 seat 300 can include removable or affixed features such as a head contour pillow or mesh panels to provide ventilation.

[0038] In some embodiments, the fastened x-braces 130 can 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.

[0039] FIGS. 12A-12E show another embodiment of the portable folding chair 3000 that includes a bounce feature. As can be seen, front legs 120 include a bounce cap 420 and rear legs 110 include a spring foot 410. Bounce cap 420 is spring loaded and allows the soft seat 300 to bounce up and down. Rear legs 110 include a spring foot 410, allowing the rear legs 110 to 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 cap 420 and or spring foot 410 can be placed in various combinations to provide for different motions. For example, all four legs could be provided with a bounce cap 420 where the extensions 112 are mounted to a bounce cap 420 or in embodiments without the extensions 112. In other embodiments, a front leg 120 and a diagonally-opposed rear leg 110 can include a spring foot 410 to provide a side-to-side rocking motion. One or both of the bounce cap 420 or the spring foot 410 can be used in conjunction with the foot switch safety latch 1200 or the safety latch 200.

[0040] FIGS. 12B and 12C provide a detail view of the bounce cap 420 with end cap 400 attached. Bounce cap 420 forms a sleeve over end-fitting 430 on the top end of the leg and slide connector 140. Bounce cap 420 also mates with end cap 400 to attach the soft seat 300 to the collapsible frame 100. In a particular embodiment, bounce cap 420 includes a receiving cavity for spring 425. In other embodiments, the end of spring 425 may be permanently affixed to an interior of bounce cap 420. Spring 425 seats into receiving holes in end-fitting 430. Spring 425 is of an appropriate length and coil tension to allow the bounce cap 420 to 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-fitting 430 when the spring is in the uncoiled position. In some embodiments, bounce cap 420 is coupled to end-fitting 430 to prevent bounce cap 420 from detaching from end-fitting 430 during bouncing or decoupling from end cap 400. The coupling can be achieved using such as a perimeter latch where perimeter flex snap fingers on bounce cap 420 engage with an upper return wall of end-fitting 430, such that once bounce cap 420 has been snapped onto end-fitting 430, it cannot be removed. In another embodiment, bounce cap 420 includes screw bosses through holes on top of end-fitting 430; washer screws loaded from the bottom of end-fitting 430 prevent bounce cap 420 from detaching when sliding up. The boss length determines the total slide travel.

[0041] FIGS. 12D and 12E provide a detail view of the spring foot 410. Spring foot 410 forms a rocker base at the bottom of foot 150 and is rotatably coupled to foot 150 at one end to form a lever action. Spring foot 410 and foot 150 each include a recess to receive a spring 415. When downward force is applied to the portable folding chair, the spring 415 compresses and spring foot 410 swings into the inside of foot 150, 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 foot 410 can be a similar shape to the foot 150 and the spring 415 can 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.

[0042] FIGS. 13A and 13B provide another embodiment of the portable folding chair that includes a soft seat 300 with a bouncing feature 700. Bouncing feature 700 is installed under the head region of the underside of the soft seat 300, 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 300. In the depicted embodiment, straps 702 and 702 are affixed to extensions 112, such as by a screw. The sleeve pockets 320 that receive the extensions 112 can include a cutout through which straps 702, 702 can pass. Straps 702, 702 can be fitted with a ring or end in a loop. Central strap 708 can be permanently attached to the underside of soft seat 300, such as by sewing, or removably attached such as by hook and loop fastening. Central strap 708 can have a loop or a ring at either end. Spring 705 can be attached on either end to straps 706, 706. Spring 705 can be removably or permanently coupled to one of straps 702, 702 at one end and removably coupled to central strap 708 at the other end. Because the spring is detachable from the soft seat 300, the soft seat 300 can be removed for washing. In the depicted embodiment, two springs 705 are attached to central strap 708. In various embodiments, fewer or more springs 705 can be included. In other embodiments, the springs 705 or all or part of the bouncing feature 700 can be wrapped in a soft goods sleeve. The sleeve or straps may be removably coupled with the soft seat 300 at intervals to prevent an infant or child from inadvertently entrapping her head in the bouncing feature 700.

[0043] FIG. 13C provides another embodiment of the bouncing feature 700 in which the springs are substituted with a bungee cord 710 or elastic strap. Like the previous embodiment, the bungee cord 710 can be removably coupled with the straps 702 and 702 to allow the soft seat 300 to 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 cord 710 can be held at the center in a sleeve attached to the soft seat 300. 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 strap 708 as described above. The bungee cord 710 can have a flattened shape to provide extra comfort against the infant's back.

[0044] 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.