Child support with multiple electrical modes

Abstract

A child receiving device is disclosed herein. The device includes a seat pivotally connected to a frame. The device may further include a power transmission line that connects to a remote power source such as an electrical outlet. The transmission line may be hidden within the frame, and may separate when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the line. The child receiving device further includes an electrical device, an alternating current (AC) power supply connection, a direct current (DC) power supply connection, and a switch that selectively engages either the AC or DC power supply connections. The electrical device may operate in either a first operational mode, in which the power source is an AC power source, or a second operational mode, in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source. The electrical device may be a motor that drives the motion of the seat.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a child receiving device according an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 2 is a close-up, rear view of the child receiving device of FIG. 1, showing the orientation of a power transmission line.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate schematic diagrams of an electronics assembly of the child receiving device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective, close-up front view of the second hub of the child receiving device of FIG. 1, showing a switch panel.

Claims

1. A child receiving device comprising: a frame;a child-receiving portion coupled to the frame;an alternating current (AC) power source receiving portion;a direct current (DC) power source receiving portion; andan electrical device driven by a power source, wherein the electrical device is adapted to selectively operate in a first electrical mode in which the power source is an alternating current (AC) power source and a second electrical mode in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source.

2. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the operational modes are controlled by a switch.

3. The child-receiving device of claim 2, wherein the switch is one of an automatic switch and a manual, user-actuated switch.

4. The child-receiving device of claim 2 wherein the switch is a manual, user-actuated switch.

5. The child-receiving device of claim 4, wherein the manual, user-actuated switch comprises a switch selected from the group consisting of a slide switch, a rotary switch, and a push switch.

6. The child-receiving device of claim 2, wherein: the alternating current power source is located remote from the child receiving device; andthe child receiving device further comprises a power transmission line operable to connect the electrical device to the remote power source.

7. The child-receiving device of claim 6, wherein the transmission line comprises a transformer operable to convert alternating current to a direct current.

8. The child-receiving device of claim 6, wherein the transmission line is at least partially disposed within the frame.

9. The child-receiving device of claim 6, wherein the transmission line comprises a first segment and a second segment releasably connected to the first segment.

10. The child-receiving device of claim 9, wherein the first segment of the transmission line is at least partially disposed within the frame and the second segment disposed entirely outside the frame.

11. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the electrical device is includes at least one of a motor, a speaker, and a light source.

12. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the electrical device is a motor capable of moving the child receiving portion from a first position to a second position.

13. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the direct current (DC) power source is a battery source removeably coupled to the frame.

14. A child receiving device comprising: a frame including a supporting surface engaging portion, wherein at least one section of the frame is hollow;a child receiving portion coupled to the frame above the supporting surface engaging portion;an electrical device attached to the frame proximate the child receiving portion; anda power cord comprising: a first portion coupled to the electrical device and being housed within the hollow section of the frame and exiting the frame proximate the supporting surface engaging portion,

15. The child receiving device of claim 14, wherein the frame further comprises exit point proximate the supporting surface engaging portion, and wherein the first portion of the power cord terminates proximate the exit point.

16. The child receiving device of claim 14, wherein the first portion of the power cord is releasably connected to the second portion of the power cord.

17. A method of selecting the electrical mode of a child support device comprising: (a) providing a child support device including an electrically powered component,(b) operating the electrically powered component in a first operational mode in which the power source is an alternating current (AC) power source; and(c) alternately operating the electrically powered component in a second operational mode in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the child support device includes a switch configured to select the first and second operational modes;step (b) comprises (b.1) engaging the switch to select the first operational mode; andstep (c) comprises (c.1) engaging the switch to alternately select the second operational mode.