Childcare apparatus

Abstract

 The present invention provides a childcare apparatus in which a movable portion 30 can reciprocate smoothly on a holding portion 20, and which enables the restriction occurrence of noise. Also the present invention provides a childcare apparatus which can prevent a carrying load from the movable portion 30 from being applied directly to the holding portion 20 during the stop of the movable portion, and in which the movable portion will not move inadvertently regardless of the operator's intention. The holding portion 20 is provided above legs 13 and the movable portion 30 is substantially horizontally mounted on the holding portion 20 such that it can reciprocate on the holding portion 20, and is provided below a childcare apparatus body 11, and has mating members 32 at its bottom portion. A locking portion 40 is provided on the holding portion 20 and includes engagement members 41 each adapted to engage with and lift each corresponding mating member 32, an operational lever 42, and link mechanisms 45 each arranged between each engagement member 41 and the operational lever 42. Horizontal movement of the operational lever 42 causes vertical movement of each engagement member 41 via each corresponding link mechanism 45.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a childcare apparatus to be used as a chair or bed for infants including newborn babies, babies and children.

Background Art

[0002] As a childcare apparatus, one which comprises a pair of right and left front legs and rear legs each provided with a caster at its lower end, a pair of right and left side plates coupled to each upper end of the front legs and rear legs, and a childcare apparatus body disposed between the pair of side plates and having a pair of armrests covering each side plate, and is used as a chairs or bed has been developed (e.g., see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-24189).

[0003] In the childcare apparatus disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-24189, the childcare apparatus body includes, other than the armrests, a seat, a step disposed in front of and coupled downwardly to the seat, and a back portion coupled to a rear end of the seat such that it extends vertically and upwardly from the seat, and a headrest coupled upwardly to the back portion. Each of these portions can be tilted relative to one another at its coupled points. Therefore, this type of the childcare apparatus functions as a chair for an infant as well as functioning as a bed for an infant by tilting its legs, seat and back portion such that they will be in a generally horizontal position.

[0004] The front legs and rear legs are rotatable about a mounting shaft relative to the side plates. Accordingly, the position of the childcare apparatus body can be elevated or lowered. In addition, the seat and the back portion of the childcare apparatus body are covered with a sheet of a synthetic resin or the like.

[0005] As such a childcare apparatus, one which further comprises a holding portion provided at upper portions of the legs and having downwardly convex curved rails, and a movable portion which is provided below the childcare apparatus body including the seat and the back portion and has rotatable rollers each configured to reciprocate on each corresponding rail of the holding portion, is also used.

[0006] In this childcare apparatus, the rollers provided below the movable portion reciprocate on the curved rails of the holding portion, and thus reciprocating the movable portion on the holding portion. In this way, the seat and back portion on which an infant will get into or lean on can be configured to sway relative to the legs, thereby providing a pleasant sway to the infant resting on the childcare apparatus.

[0007] However, in the childcare apparatus as described above, there is an issue that the rollers provided on the movable portion side make a noise when reciprocating on the rails mounted on the holding portion side. Also, in such childcare apparatus, when the movable portion is stopped, a carrying load from the movable portion is directly applied to the holding portion, which may lead to damages of the rollers or rails for example. In addition, during the stop of the movable portion, it may move inadvertently regardless of the operator's intention.

[0008] The present invention was made in light of the above, and it is an object thereof to provide a childcare apparatus in which the movable portion can reciprocate smoothly on the holding portion, and which enables to control occurrence of noise. Another object of the present invention is to provide a childcare apparatus in which when the movable portion is stopped it can be locked to the holding portion while providing a gap between the holding portion and the movable portion, thereby preventing a carrying load from the movable portion from being applied directly to the holding portion during the stop of the movable portion, and in which the movable portion will not move inadvertently regardless of the operator's intention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is a childcare apparatus, comprising: a childcare apparatus body having a seat and a back portion; a leg adapted to support the childcare apparatus body; a holding portion provided above the leg and having a rotatable roller thereon; and a movable portion mounted on the holding portion, having a curved rail adapted to contact with the roller of the holding portion, and provided below the childcare apparatus body; wherein the movable portion is configured to reciprocate on the holding portion. According to this aspect of the present invention, since the rail surface faces downwardly, no accumulation of dust or dirt occurs over the rail, which enables the movable portion to reciprocate smoothly on the holding portion, thereby restricting occurrence of noise.

[0010] In the childcare apparatus of the above first aspect, it is preferred that a top end and a bottom end of a cross section of the roller defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion are of a convex curved shape, while a cross section of the rail defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion has an upwardly convex curved shape. Alternatively, in the childcare apparatus of this invention, it is preferred that a top end and a bottom end of a cross section of the roller defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion are of a convex curved shape, while a cross section of the rail defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion has an upwardly convex V-like shape. Thus, when the movable potion reciprocates on the holding portion, the movable portion can restrict the movement in the axial direction of the roller, preventing collision of the movable portion to a part of the holding portion, thereby restricting occurrence of noise.

[0011] In the childcare apparatus of the first aspect, it is preferred that in the movable portion, a roller stop portion is provided at longitudinal one or both ends of the rail, each stop portion comprising a shock-absorbing member and configured to abut the roller to restrict movement of the rail relative to the roller. In this way, when the movable portion reciprocates on the holding member, an impact occurring upon the collision of the roller around a longitudinal end portion of each rail in the movable portion can be mitigated, thereby restricting occurrence of noise.

[0012] In the childcare apparatus of the first aspect, it is preferred that the roller comprises a plurality of rollers, and the rail comprises a plurality of rails such that each rail is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the rollers. Thus, the movable portion can reciprocate in a more stable manner on the holding portion.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention is a childcare apparatus, comprising: a childcare apparatus body having a seat and a back portion; a leg adapted to support the childcare apparatus body; a holding portion provided above the leg and having a curved rail; and a movable portion mounted on the holding portion, having a rotatable roller provided below the movable portion, the roller being adapted to reciprocate on the rail of the holding portion, and the movable portion being provided below the childcare apparatus body; wherein a top end and a bottom end of a cross section of the roller defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion are of a convex curved shape; and wherein a cross section of the rail defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion has an downwardly convex curved shape, and the movable portion is configured to reciprocate on the holding portion. According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the movable potion reciprocates on the holding portion, the movable portion can restrict movement in the axial direction of the roller, preventing collision of the movable portion to a part of the holding portion, thereby restricting occurrence of noise.

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention is a childcare apparatus, comprising: a childcare apparatus body having a seat and a back portion; a leg adapted to support the childcare apparatus body; a holding portion provided above the leg; a movable portion substantially horizontally mounted on the holding portion such that it can reciprocate on the holding portion, provided below the childcare apparatus body, and having a mating member at its bottom portion; and a locking portion which is provided on the holding portion and includes an engagement member adapted to engage with and lift the mating member, an operational lever, and a link mechanism arranged between the engagement member and the operational lever; wherein horizontal movement of the operational lever causes vertical movement of the engagement member via the link mechanism. According to the third aspect of the present invention, in a state where the movable portion is stopped, it can be locked to the holding portion while providing a gap between the holding portion and the movable portion, thereby preventing the carrying load from the movable portion from being directly applied to the holding portion during the stop of the movable portion. Additionally, it becomes possible to provide a childcare apparatus which enables prevention of the movable portion from moving inadvertently regardless of the operator's intention.

[0015] In the childcare apparatus according to the third aspect of this invention, it is preferred that the link mechanism includes a horizontal transfer member adapted to slide on the holding portion, and a link member rotatably coupled to the horizontal transfer member, and that the link member of each link mechanism is further rotatably coupled to the engagement member, and the horizontal transfer member is coupled to the operational lever. Thus, a horizontal direction force exerted from the operational lever can be converted into a vertical direction force to drive the engagement member via the horizontal transfer member and the link member.

[0016] In the childcare apparatus according to the third aspect of this invention, it is preferred that the mating member comprises a plurality of mating members in the movable portion, while the engagement member comprises a plurality of engagement members in the locking portion such that each engagement member is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the mating members. Thus, the locking portion can lift the movable portion vertically and upwardly and then lock it in a more stable manner.

[0017] In the childcare apparatus according to the third aspect of this invention, it is preferred that a engagement member guide rail, extending vertically for slidably guiding the engagement member in the vertical direction, is provided in the holding portion. Thus, the engagement member can be moved vertically and upwardly in a more stable fashion.

[0018] In the childcare apparatus according to the third aspect of this invention, it is preferred that the mating member of the movable portion is formed of a rod-like member, and the engagement member has a recess portion suitably fitting the shape of the mating member. Consequently, the engagement member can engage with the mating member in an easy and stable manner, and thus the locking portion lift the movable portion vertically and upwardly and then lock it in a further stable manner.

[0019] According to the childcare apparatus of the first and second aspects of this invention, the movable portion can reciprocate smoothly on the holding portion, thereby restricting occurrence of noise. In addition, according to the childcare apparatus of the third aspect of this invention, in a state where the movable portion is stopped, it can be locked to the holding portion while providing a gap between the holding portion and the movable portion, thereby preventing the carrying load from the movable portion from being directly applied to the holding portion during the stop of the movable portion, as well as preventing the movable portion from moving inadvertently regardless of the operator's intention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] 

Fig, 1 is a perspective view of a childcare apparatus of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a holding portion, and a movable portion and a locking portion mounted on the holding portion, of the childcare apparatus of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view separately showing the holding portion, movable portion and locking portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a top view, seen from above, of the holding portion, movable portion and locking portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a front view, seen along direction X, of the holding portion, movable portion and locking portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a right side view, seen along the direction Y, of the holding portion, movable portion and locking portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a vertical cross section, seen along the direction X, showing a positional relation between the holding portion and movable portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a vertical cross section, seen along direction X, showing a positional relation between the holding portion and movable portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a cross section taken along line P-P of the holding portion and movable portion of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a vertical cross section, seen along the direction X, showing a positional relation of the holding portion, movable portion and locking portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 11 is a vertical cross section, seen along the direction X, showing a positional relation of the holding portion, movable portion and locking portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 12 is a cross section showing a holding portion provided in the childcare apparatus of Fig. 1 with an alternative construction and a movable portion mounted on the holding portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 11 illustrate an embodiment of a childcare apparatus. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a childcare apparatus 10 of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a holding portion 20, a movable portion 30 and a locking portion 40 mounted on the holding portion 20, of the childcare apparatus 10 of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view separately showing the holding portion 20, movable portion 30 and locking portion 40 of Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a top view, seen from above, of the holding portion 20, movable portion 30 and locking portion 40 of Fig. 2, Fig. 5 is a front view, seen along the direction X, of the holding portion 20, movable portion 30 and locking portion 40 of Fig. 2, and Fig. 6 is a right side view, seen along the direction Y, of the holding portion 20, movable portion 30 and locking portion 40 of Fig. 2.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the childcare apparatus 10 comprises a childcare apparatus body 11, and legs 13 provided below the childcare apparatus body 11 and adapted to support this childcare apparatus body 11. The childcare apparatus body 11 has a seat 11a, a back portion 11b attached to and extending upwardly from a rear end of the seat 11a, and a pair of side plates 12, 12 provide on each side of the seat 11a.

[0023] Each of the side plate 12, 12 provided on each side of the seat 11a of the childcare apparatus body 11 is covered with one of a pair of armrests 11c, 11c, and a step 11d is provided in front of and extending downwardly from the seat 11a. A headrest 11e is provided at an upper portion of the back portion 11b. The back portion 11b can be flattened backward relative to the seat 11a.

[0024] The legs 13 are configured to support the childcare apparatus body 11, and comprise a pair of right and left front legs 13a, 13a and rear legs 13b, 13b. These front legs 13a and rear legs 13b are rotatably coupled to one another at their intermediate points, as shown in Fig. 1, and arranged in an X-like shape when viewing the childcare apparatus 10 from its one side. As will be described below, the legs 13 are configured to support the childcare apparatus body 11 via the holding portion 20 and the movable portion 30.

[0025] At lower ends of the front legs 13a, 13a and rear legs 13b, 13b, wheels 13c, 13d are provided, respectively. Each wheel 13c, 13d has a stopper 13e, and is immobilized by lowering the stopper 13e. Further, the whole configuration of the legs 13 is fixed relative to the floor F by immobilizing these wheels.

[0026] The childcare apparatus 10 as described above can be used as a chair for an infant as shown in Fig. 1, as well as a bed for an infant when flattening the back portion 11b backward. Since the front legs 13a and rear legs 13b constituting the legs 13 are rotatably coupled to one another at their intermediate points, the position of the childcare apparatus body 11 can be lowered by increasing the distance between the wheels 13c of the front legs 13a and the wheels 13d of the rear legs 13b, while the position elevated by decreasing the distance between the wheels 13c of the front legs 13a and the wheels 13d of the rear legs 13b.

[0027] The childcare apparatus body 11 of the childcare apparatus 10 is supported, as described above, by the legs 13 via the holding portion 20 and the movable portion 30, and between the holding portion 20 and the movable portion 30 is provided a locking portion 40 for locking the position of the movable portion 30 relative to the holding portion 20. In this case, as shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the holding portion 20 is attached to upper portions of the legs 13, and the movable portion 30 is attached at a bottom portion of the seat 11a of the childcare apparatus body 11. The movable portion 30 is configured to reciprocate along the direction Y of Fig. 2 on the holding portion 20, and is locked in position relative to the holding portion 20 by the locking portion 40. Hereinafter, the holding portion 20, movable portion 30 and locking portion 40 will be described in more detail.

[0028] Figs. 7 to 11 illustrate details of the holding portion 20, movable portion 30 and locking portion 40. Figs. 7 and 8 are vertical cross sections, viewed along the direction X, showing positional relations between the holding portion 20 and the movable portion 30 of Fig. 2, respectively. Fig. 9 is a cross section taken along line P-P of the holding portion 20 and the movable portion 30 of Fig. 7. Figs. 10 and 11 are vertical cross sections, viewed along the direction X, showing positional relations of the holding portion 20, movable portion 30 and locking portion 40 of Fig. 2, respectively.

[0029] The holding portion 20 provided on the side of legs 13 has a generally square or generally rectangular planar shape as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. A support member 22 is arranged above each of four corners of the holding portion 20, which support member comprising a pair of plate members 22a, 22a. Between the pair of plate members 22a, 22a of each support member 22 is rotatably attached a roller 21 around a shaft 21c with an axis defined to extend in the direction X of Fig. 2.

[0030] The movable portion 30 provided on the side of seat 11a of childcare apparatus body 11 has a generally square or generally rectangular planar shape substantially the same as that of the holding portion 20 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and a generally square or generally rectangular hollow portion 30a is formed at a central portion of the movable portion 30. In the movable portion 30, four rails 31 are formed at four corners corresponding to each roller 21 of the holding portion 20, each rail 31 having the same curved shape when viewed along the direction X of Fig. 2. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, each rail 31 is formed such that it extends inwardly from a side periphery of the movable portion 30. In addition, the movable portion 30 is mounted on the holding portion 20 such that each rail 31 of the four corners of movable portion 30 abuts each roller 21 of the four corners of holding portion 20. At that time, the movable portion 30 becomes in a generally parallel position relative to the holding portion 20.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 9, a top end 21a and a bottom end 21b of a cross section of each roller 21 defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction (the direction Y of Fig. 2) of the movable portion 30 are of an outwardly projecting convex curved shape. A cross section of each rail 31 defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 30 has an upwardly convex curved shape. A gap g is provided between the roller 21 and each of the pair of plate members 22a, 22a of the support member 22 on both sides of the roller 21. In Fig. 9, the radius of curvature R_B of the cross section of the rail 31 is larger than the radius of curvature R_A of the top end 21a and the bottom end 21b of the cross section of the roller 21. Thus, the roller 21 and the rail.31 contact with each other at a point P in the cross section shown in Fig. 9, thereby reducing frictional force to be exerted between the roller 21 and the rail 31. When the movable portion 30 moves in the axial direction of the shaft 21c (the right and left directions in Fig. 9) of the roller 21 relative to the holding portion 20, a downward force is applied to the rail 31 due to a carrying load to be exerted from the childcare apparatus body 11 to the movable portion 30, thus rotating the roller 21 and moving the movable portion 30 such that the roller 21 will contact with a central valley portion of the rail 31. As a result, in the cross section defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 30, the position of the roller 21 can be always maintained at a central valley portion of the rail 31 (see Fig. 9).

[0032] As shown in Fig. 5, in the movable portion 30, roller stop portions 33 are provided below longitudinal end portions 31a of the rails 31, respectively, which stop portions 33 being formed of a shock-absorbing member, e.g., a rubber. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, in the two rails 31, 31 arranged in a line along the reciprocation direction (in the right and left directions of Fig. 5) of the movable portion 30, one roller stop portion 33 provided for one rail 31 and the other roller stop portion 33 provided for the other rail 31 are located at positions near to the center of the movable portion 30 of the corresponding rails 31, respectively. Thus, when the roller 21 approaches an end portion 31a of one rail 31 due to right or left movement in Fig. 5 of the movable portion 30 relative to the holding portion 20, the corresponding roller stop portion 33 will abuts the roller 21 and restrict the movement of the movable portion 30 relative to the holding portion 20. Since each roller stop portion 33 is formed of a shock-absorbing member, e.g., a rubber, an impact occurring upon the collision of the roller stop portion 33 to the roller 21 can be significantly mitigated. While an example where each roller stop portion 33 formed of a shock-absorbing member is provided at one end of each rail 31 was illustrated, such roller stop portions 33 may be provided at both ends of each rail 31.

[0033] In the central hollow portion 30a of the movable portion 30 are provided two mating members 32 each formed of a rod-like member extending in the direction X of Fig. 2 and arranged in parallel to the other. Both ends of.each.mating member 32 are fixed to an inner surface of the central hollow portion 30a of the movable portion 30, respectively. Additionally, these mating members 32 are arranged symmetrically about a central vertical plane defined to extend in the direction X through the movable portion 30.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 2, 3, 10 and 11, the locking portion 40 for locking the movable portion 30 relative to the holding portion 20 includes, for example, four engagement members 41 each mounted on the holding portion 20, engaging with each corresponding mating member 32 of the movable portion 30 and lifting the mating member 32, an operational lever 42 for operating the engagement members 41, and, for example, two link mechanisms 45 each arranged between each engagement member 41 and the operational lever 42. Fig. 10 is a cross section, viewed along the direction X, showing a state prior to engagement between the engagement members 41 of the locking member 40 and the corresponding mating members 32 of the movable portion 30, and Fig. 11 is a cross section, viewed along the direction X, showing a state where the engagement members 41 of the locking portion 41 have engaged with and lifted the corresponding mating members 32 of the movable portion 30.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, each engagement member 41 is movable in a vertical direction along a groove 26a of an engagement member guide rail 26 provided in the holding portion 20, and disposed at a position corresponding to each of the mating members 32 provided in the central hollow portion 30a of the movable portion 30. Each of the engagement members 41, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, has a recess portion 41a comprising, for example, a curved surface corresponding to the rod-like shape of each mating member 32 so as to readily engage with the mating member 32.

[0036] Each link mechanism 45 for linking each engagement member 41 to the operational lever 42, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, includes a horizontal transfer member 47 which extends across a pair of engagement members 41 and slides on the holding portion 20, and two link members 48 each rotatably coupled at one end 48a to the horizontal transfer member 47. In this case, each link member 48 is provided correspondingly to each engagement member 41. Additionally, each link member 48 of the link mechanism 45 is rotatably coupled at the other end 48b to the corresponding engagement member 41 to be guided along the groove 26a of the engagement member guide rail 26. Also, the horizontal transfer member 47 of the link mechanism 45 is coupled at its one end to the operational lever 42. The operational lever 42 is shaped such that an operator can easily grasp and move it in the front and back directions (the left and right directions of Fig. 10).

[0037] In the state prior to engagement between the engagement members 41 of the locking portion 40 and the mating members 32 of the movable portion 30 as shown in Fig. 10, along the pressing direction (the left and right directions of Fig, 10) of the operational lever 42, the one end 48a of the link member 48 attached to the horizontal transfer member 47 is positioned nearer to an operator than (or on the right side in Fig. 10 of) the other end 48b. The line defined by connecting the one end 48a of the link member 48 to the other end 48b forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal base plane. In this state, the movement of the horizontal transfer member 47 is restricted by the holding portion 20 such that the horizontal transfer member 47 can no longer slide toward the operator (in the right direction of Fig. 10).

[0038] On the other hand, in a state where the engagement members 41 of the locking portion 40 have engaged with and lifted the mating members 32 of the movable portion 30 as shown in Fig. 11, along the pressing direction (the left and right directions of Fig. 10) of the operational lever 42, the horizontal transfer member 47 is urged by the operational lever 42 to move away from the operator (in the left direction of Fig. 11). As a result, the one end 48a of the link member 48 attached to the horizontal transfer member 47 is positioned farther from the operator than (or on the left side in Fig. 11 of) the other end 48b. The line defined by connecting the one end 48a of the link member 48 to the other end 48b forms an angle A slightly larger than 90 degrees, for example 100 degrees, relative to the horizontal base plane. In this state, the movement of the horizontal transfer member 47 is restricted by the holding portion 20 such that the horizontal transfer member 47 can no longer slide away from the operator (in the left direction of Fig. 11).

[0039] Next, operation of the embodiment having the construction as mentioned above will be described.

[0040] First, operation to reciprocate the movable portion 30 provided on the side of the seat 11a of the childcare apparatus body 11 on the holding portion 20 provided on the side of the legs 13 will be described below. In a state where the movable portion 30 rests relative to the holding portion 20, as shown in Fig. 7, a downward force is applied to each rail 31 due to a carrying load to be exerted from the childcare apparatus body 11 to the movable portion 30, thus lowering the entire movable portion 30, then causing each roller 21 of the holding portion 20 to contact with the central valley portion of each curved rail 31.

[0041] At that time, if an operator urges the childcare apparatus body 11 including the seat 11a and the back portion 11b of the childcare apparatus 10 to move in the front and back directions for example, the movable portion 30 moves in the direction Y of Fig. 2 relative to the holding portion 20, causing rotation of the rollers 21, resulting in slide movement of the rails 31 on the rollers 21, thereby to move each end 31a of the rail 31 toward each corresponding roller 21 as shown in Fig. 8. In this state, the movable portion 30 is slightly lifted relative to the holding portion 20.

[0042] In the state shown in Fig. 8, upon releasing the childcare apparatus body 11 including the seat 11a and the back portion 11b of the childcare apparatus 10, a downward force is applied to each rail 31 due to a carrying load to be exerted from the childcare apparatus body 11 to the movable portion 30, causing rotation of the rollers 21, thus transferring the rail 31 on the corresponding roller 21. At that time, while the movable portion 30 is lowered initially relative to the holding portion 20 due to the load imposed from the childcare apparatus body 11, the movable portion 30 then rises again due to its inertia against the holding portion 20. While repeating such lowering and rising relative to the holding portion 20, the movable portion 30 reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction on the holding portion 20.

[0043] Next, operation to immobilize the position of the movable portion 30 relative to the holding portion 20 will be described hereinafter, In a state where the movable portion 30 is not immobilized, and is slidable relative to the holding portion 20, as shown in Fig. 10, the engagement members 41 of the locking portion 40 are located separately downward away from the mating members 32 of the movable portion 30.

[0044] In the state shown in Fig. 10, when an operator presses the operational lever 42 to move away from him or her (in the left direction of Fig. 10), the horizontal transfer member 47 of each link mechanism 45 slides in the left direction of Fig. 10 on the holding member 20. In this state, one end 48a of the link member 48 of each link mechanism 45 is coupled to the horizontal transfer member 47 and can slide horizontally, while the other end 48b is coupled to each corresponding engagement member 41 and can slide vertically along the groove 26a of the engagement member guide rail 26. Accordingly, when each horizontal transfer member 47 slides on the holding member 20 in the left direction, the one end 48a of the link member 48 rotatably attached to the horizontal transfer member 47 moves correspondingly in the left direction. In this case, the other end 48b cannot be moved both in the left and right directions because it is coupled to the engagement member 41. As a result, the link member 48 tilts or tips such that the other end 48b rises up relative to the holding portion 20, as shown in Fig. 11, resulting in the upward movement of the other end 48b of the link member 48. Consequently, each engagement member 41 rotatably attached to the other end 48b of each corresponding link member 48 is moved vertically and upwardly along the groove 26a of the corresponding engagement member guide rail 26, and engages with the corresponding mating member 32 as shown in Fig. 11, and thus the mating member 32 is lifted together with the engagement member 41. At that time, each rail 31 of the movable portion 30 detaches from the corresponding roller 21 of the holding portion 20, and the movable portion 30 is locked in position by the engagement member 41 and the corresponding mating member 32.

[0045] Before and after each engagement member 41 of the locking portion 40 lifts the corresponding mating member 32 of the movable portion 30, the one end 48a of each link member 48 rotatably attached to the corresponding horizontal transfer member 47 is configured, along with the sliding movement of the horizontal transfer member 47 on the holding portion 20, to move between a position nearer to an operator than the other end 48b (see Fig. 10) along the pressing direction of the operational lever 42 and a position slightly farther from the operator than the other end 48b (see Fig. 11). Assume that the one end 48a of each link member 48 can move only to a position nearer to the operator than (or on the right side in Fig. 11 of) the other end 48b along the pressing direction of the operational lever 42 even when each engagement member 41 of the locking member 40 fully lifts the corresponding mating member 32 of the movable portion 30. In such a state, when the operational lever 42 is released from a hand of the operator after the engagement member 41 fully lifts the corresponding mating member 32, a downwardly pushing force is applied to the other end 48b of the link member 48 due to a carrying load to be exerted on the movable portion 30. As a result, it is considered that since the one end 48a of each link member 48 is positioned nearer to the operator than (or on the right side in Fig, 11 of) the other end 48b, the pushing force is applied to the one end 48a urging it to move toward the operator (or in the right direction of Fig. 11), forcing the horizontal transfer member 47 to slide toward the operator (or in the right direction of Fig. 11), thus returning the engagement member 41 and the mating member 32 into their original non-engaging positions.

[0046] However, in this embodiment, the one end 48a of each link member 48 is positioned slightly farther from the operator than (or on the left side in Fig. 11 of) the other end 48b along the pressing direction of the operational lever 42, as shown in Fig. 11, after each engagement member 41 fully lifts the corresponding mating member 32. Accordingly, when the operational lever 42 is released from a hand of the operator after each engagement member 41 fully lifts the corresponding mating member 32, the carrying load to be exerted on the movable portion 30 will change into a pushing force applied to the one end 48a urging it to move away from the operator (or in the left direction of Fig. 11). Therefore, each corresponding horizontal transfer member 47 will not be forced to slide toward the operator (or in the right direction of Fig. 11), thus maintaining a state where each engagement member 41 lifts the corresponding mating member 32.

[0047] As described above, according to the present invention, the holding portion 20 provided on the side of the legs 13 has the rotatable rollers 21, while the movable portion 30 provided on the side of the seat 11a of the childcare apparatus body 11 has the curved rails 31 each configured to contact with each corresponding roller 21 of the holding portion 20 and facing downwardly. The movable portion 30 is configured to reciprocate on the holding portion 20. As each of the rails 31 of the movable portion 30 has a surface facing downwardly, no accumulation of dust or dirt occurs over the..rails 31. Therefore, the movable portion 30 can reciprocate smoothly on the holding portion 20, thereby restricting occurrence of noise.

[0048] The top end 21a and bottom end 21b of a section of each roller 21 defined orthogonally relative to the transfer direction of the movable portion 30 have a convex curved shape, and a cross section of each rail 31 defined orthogonally relative to the transfer direction of the movable portion 30 has an upwardly convex curved shape. Thus, when the movable potion 30 reciprocates on the holding portion 20, this movable portion 30 can restrict the movement in the axial direction of each roller 21, preventing collision of the movable portion 30 to a part of the holding portion 20, thereby restricting occurrence of noise.

[0049] In the movable portion 30, a roller stop portion 33 is provided at longitudinal one or both ends of each rail 31, each stop portion 33 comprising a shock-absorbing member and configured to abut each corresponding roller 21 to restrict movement of the rail 31 relative to the roller 21. In this way, when the movable portion 30 reciprocates on the holding member 20, an impact occurring upon the collision of the roller 21 around the longitudinal end portion 31a of each rail 31 in the movable portion 30 can be mitigated, thereby to restricting occurrence of noise.

[0050] The multiple rollers 21 are provided in the apparatus, while each of the multiple rails 31 is arranged in a position corresponding to each of the rollers 21. Thus, the movable portion 30 can reciprocate in a more stable manner on the holding portion 20.

[0051] In the childcare apparatus 10, the movable portion 30 is mounted on the holding portion 20 such that the movable portion 30 can reciprocate in a generally horizontal direction on the holding portions 20, and has the mating portions 32 at its bottom. The locking portion 40 is provided on the holding portion 20 and includes the engagement members 41 configured to engage with and lift the mating portions 32, the operational lever 42, and the link mechanisms 45 each arranged between each engagement member 41 and the operational lever 42. In such a construction, movement of the operational lever 42 in the horizontal direction causes transfer of the respective engagement members 41 via the link mechanisms 45 in the vertical direction. Thus, in a state where the movable portion 30 is stopped, the movable portion 30 can be locked to the holding portion 20 while providing a gap between the holding portion 20 and the movable portion 30, thereby preventing the carrying load from the movable portion 30 from being directly applied to the holding portion 20 during the stop of the movable portion 30, as well as preventing the movable portion 30 from moving inadvertently regardless of the operator's intention.

[0052] Each of the link mechanisms 45 includes a horizontal transfer member 47 adapted to slide on the holding portion 20, and a link member 48 rotatably coupled to the horizontal transfer member 47. The link member 48 of this link mechanism 45 is further rotatably coupled to each corresponding engagement member 41, and the horizontal transfer member 47 is coupled to the operational lever 42. Thus, a horizontal pressing force applied to the operational lever 42 can be converted into a vertical driving force of each engagement member 41 via the corresponding horizontal transfer member 47 and link member 48.

[0053] The plurality of mating members 32 are provided in the movable portion 30, and the plurality of engagement members 41 are provided in the locking portion 40 such that each engagement member 41 is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the mating members 32. Thus, the locking portion 40 can lift the movable portion 30 vertically and upwardly and then lock it in a more stable manner.

[0054] The engagement member guide rails 26, each extending vertically for slidably guiding each corresponding engagement member 41 in the vertical direction, are provided in the holding portion 20. Thus, each engagement member 41 can be moved vertically and upwardly in a more stable fashion.

[0055] Each of the mating members 32 of the movable portion 30 is formed of a rod-like member, and each engagement member 41 has a recess portion 41a suitably fitting the shape of each corresponding mating member 32. Consequently, the engagement members 41 can engage with the mating members 32 respectively in an easy and stable manner, and thus the locking portion 40 can lift the movable portion 30 vertically and upwardly and then lock it in a further stable manner.

[0056] The childcare apparatus 10 according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but may be added with various modifications.

[0057] As one modified example of the present invention, a childcare apparatus 10 can be mentioned, in which the top end 21a and the bottom end 21b of a cross section of each roller 21 defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 30 are of a convex curved shape, while a cross section of each rail 31 defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 30 has an upwardly convex V-like shape (not shown). Operation of the modified example of the embodiment having such a construction will be described below.

[0058] When the movable portion 30 is mounted on the holding portion 20 such that the rails 31 are placed on the rollers 21 respectively, each roller 21 and each rail 31 will contact with one another at two points symmetrical about a center line running on the apex of the V-like shape of the rail 31 in its cross section defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 30, thereby to reduce frictional force to be exerted between the roller 21 and the rail 31. When the movable portion 30 moves in the axial direction of the shaft 21c of the roller 21, a downward force is applied to the rail 31 due to a canying load to be exerted from the childcare apparatus body 11 to the movable portion 30, thus moving the movable portion 30 such that the roller 21 is placed in the valley portion of the V-like shape of the rail 31. In such a manner, the position of the roller 21 in a cross section defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 30 can be maintained in the valley portion of the V-like shape of the rail 31.

[0059] As a result, when the movable portion 30 reciprocates on the holding portion 20, the movement of the movable portion in the axial direction of the roller 21 is restricted, similar to the case that the cross section of each rail 31 defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 30 is of the upwardly convex curved shape. Then collision of the movable portion 30 to a part of the holding portion 20 is prevented, thereby restricting occurrence of noise.

[0060] Another modification of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a cross section showing a holding portion 50 having an alternative construction in a childcare apparatus 10 and a movable portion 60 mounted on the holding portion 50. In this modified childcare apparatus 10, the holding portion 50 has rails 51 rather than having the rollers 21, and the movable portion 60 has rollers 61 rather than having the rails 31, but the other constructional elements are generally the same as those in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11. Specifically, the holding portion 50 provided on the side of the legs 13 has curved rails 51, and the movable portion 60 adapted to support the childcare apparatus body 11 including the seat 11a and the back portion 11b has rotatable rollers 61 each extending downwardly from the movable portion 60 and adapted to reciprocate on each corresponding rail 51 of the holding portion 50. In this case, a top end 61a and a bottom end 61b of a cross section of each roller 61 defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 60 are of a convex curved shape, while a cross section of each rail 51 defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 60 has an downwardly convex curved shape. Next, operation of this modified example of the embodiment having such a construction will be described.

[0061] When the movable portion 60 rests relative to the holding portion 50, a downward force is applied to the rollers 61 due to a carrying load exerted on the movable portion 60, thus urging the rollers 61 of the movable portion 60 to contact with the central valley portion of the curved rails 51 of the holding portion 50, respectively.

[0062] If an operator urges the childcare apparatus body 11 including the seat 11a and the back portion 11b of the childcare apparatus 10 to move in the front and back directions for example, each roller 61 of the movable portion 60 reciprocates on each corresponding rail 51. At that time, the roller 61 and the rail 51 contact with each other at only one point as shown in Fig. 11, thus reducing frictional force to be exerted between the roller 61 and the rail 51. When the movable portion 60 moves in the axial direction of the shaft 61c (the right and left directions in Fig. 12) of the roller 61, a downward force is applied to the roller 61 due to a carrying load to be exerted from the childcare apparatus body 11 to the movable portion 60, thus moving the movable portion 60 such that the roller 61 will contact with a central valley portion of the rail 51. In such a manner, the position of the roller 61 in a cross section defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion 60 can be maintained in the central valley portion of the rail 51.

[0063] As stated above, according to the aforementioned modification of the childcare apparatus 10, when the movable portion 60 reciprocates on the holding portion 50, the movable portion 60 restricts movement in the axial direction of the rollers 61, which prevents collision of the movable portion 60 to a part of the holding portion 50, thereby to reduce occurrence of noise.

Claims

1. A childcare apparatus comprising:

a childcare apparatus body (11) having a seat and a back portion;

leg (13) adapted to support the childcare apparatus body (11);

a holding portion (20;40) provided above the leg (13);

a movable portion (30;60) substantially horizontally mounted on the holding portion (20;50) such that it can reciprocate on the holding portion, provided below the childcare apparatus body, and having a mating member (32) at is bottom portion; and

a locking portion (40) which is provided on the holding portion (20;50) and includes an engagement member (41) adapted to engage with and lift the mating member (32), an operational lever (42), and a link mechanism (45) arranged between the engagement member and the operational lever;

wherein horizontal movement of the operational lever (42) causes vertical movement of the engagement member (41) via the link mechanism (45).

2. The childcare apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the link mechanism (45) includes a horizontal transfer member (47) adapted to slide on the holding portion, and a link member (48) rotatably coupled to the horizontal transfer member (47); and
wherein the link member (48) of the link mechanism (45) is further rotatably coupled to the engagement member (41), and the horizontal transfer member (47) is coupled to the operational lever (42).

3. The childcare apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the mating member (32) comprises a plurality of mating members in the movable portion;
wherein the engagement member (41) comprises a plurality of engagement members in the locking portion (40); and
wherein each engagement member is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the mating members (32).

4. The childcare apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3,
wherein an engagement member guide rail (26) extending vertically for slidably guiding the engagement member in the vertical direction is provided in the holding portion (20)

5. The childcare apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the mating member (32) of the movable portion (30) comprises a rod-like member; and
wherein the engagement member (41) has a recess portion (41a) suitably fitting the shape of the mating member.

6. A childcare apparatus, especially according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

a childcare apparatus body having a seat and a back portion;

a leg adapted to support the childcare apparatus body;

a holding portion (50) provided above the leg and having a curved rail (51); and

a movable portion (60) mounted on the holding portion (50) having a rotatable roller (61) provided below the movable portion, the roller (61) being adapted to reciprocate on the rail (51) of the holding portion (50), and the movable portion (60) being provided below the childcare apparatus body (11);

wherein a top end (61 a) and a bottom end (61b) of a cross section of the roller (61) defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion are of a convex curved shape;
wherein a cross section of the rail (51) defined orthogonally relative to the reciprocation direction of the movable portion has an upwardly concave shape; and
wherein the movable portion (60) is configured to reciprocate on the holding portion (50).

Drawing