The present invention relates generally to infant and toddler support devices, and in particular, an auto-rocking rocker that converts from an infant sleeper to a toddler seat.
Infant support devices such as sleepers and bassinets provide a safe, comfortable, and sanitary place for infants to rest. A rocker is a type of infant support device that is designed to rock back and forth and produce a rocking motion that soothes and pacifies a resting infant. Rockers with auto-rocking mechanisms have further been developed to eliminate the need for a parent to manually rock the rocker.
However, infants quickly become toddlers and outgrow conventional infant rockers in a short amount of time. Thus, there is a need for a rocker that can be modified to “grow” with the child and still be serviceable when the child is no longer an infant. There is also a need for rockers with auto-rocking mechanisms to be able to be modified in a way that provides for continued use after the child becomes too heavy for the auto-rocking mechanism.
The present invention provides an auto-rocking rocker that can convert between an infant sleeper and a toddler seat. Compared to conventional rockers, the ability to convert into different configurations suitable for both infants and toddlers gives the rocker an extended useable lifespan and consequently greater value. Preferably, the auto-rocking rocker is configured such that the auto-rocking mechanism is deactivated, disengaged, or uncoupled from the rocker when the rocker is converted from a baby sleeper configuration to a toddler seat configuration. This prevents the auto-rocking mechanism from being accidentally activated when an older and heavier child (e.g., toddler) is seated in the rocker, which may damage the auto-rocking mechanism and/or the rocker itself.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a rocker that converts from a sleeper configuration to a seat configuration is provided. The convertible rocker comprises a support section that has a concave portion for receiving a child, a frame assembly coupled to the support section, and an auto-rocking mechanism. The frame assembly includes a pair of parallel side frames, each having a front leg portion that telescopes into a connection assembly. Each side frame also has a curved bottom portion connected to the connection assembly that allows for a rocking action to the convertible rocker. A rear leg portion further extends from the curved bottom portion. The support section is pivotably connected to the front and rear leg portions.
The convertible rocker is in the sleeper configuration when the front leg portions are extended from the connection assembly and in the seat configuration when the front leg portions are retracted into the connection assembly. An auto-rocking mechanism is removably coupled to the connection assembly while the convertible rocker is in the sleeper configuration and removed from the connection assembly while the convertible rocker is in the seat configuration. Furthermore, while the convertible rocker is in the sleeper configuration, the auto-rocking mechanism provides a rocking action to the convertible rocker and prevents the convertible rocker from being converted to the seat configuration.
In one or more embodiments, the connection assembly comprises one or more leg adjustment buttons that allow the front leg portions to extend from or retract into the connection assembly. The auto-rocking mechanism prevents access to at least one of the leg adjustment buttons while the auto-rocking mechanism is coupled to the connection assembly. The connection assembly further includes a release that allows the auto-rocking mechanism to be uncoupled from the connection assembly and provide access to the at least one of the leg adjustment buttons.
In further embodiments, the support section releasably engages with the connection assembly and blocks the auto-rocking mechanism from coupling with the connection assembly while the convertible rocker is in the seat configuration. In one instance, operating a leg adjustment button simultaneously allows the support section to be released from the connection assembly and the front leg portions to be extended from the connection assembly.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a rocker is provided. The rocker includes a support section that has an outer perimeter and a concave portion for receiving a child. A frame assembly is coupled to the support section. The frame assembly allows the rocker to convert between a sleeper configuration where the outer perimeter of the support section is positioned substantially horizontal to a surface supporting the rocker and a seat configuration where the outer perimeter of the support section is positioned at an angle to the surface. The rocker further includes a removable auto-rocking mechanism. The removable auto-rocking mechanism is coupled to the frame assembly while the rocker is in the sleeper configuration and removed from the frame assembly while the rocker is in the seat configuration. In one or more embodiments, the auto-rocking mechanism must be removed from the frame assembly before the rocker can be converted from the sleeper configuration to the seat configuration.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a rocker convertible from a sleeper configuration to a seat configuration is provided. The rocker includes a support section that has a concave portion for receiving a child. A frame assembly is coupled to the support section and includes a connection assembly. The frame assembly includes a pair of parallel side frames, each having a front leg portion that telescopes into the connection assembly. Each side frame also has a curved bottom portion connected to the connection assembly that allows for a rocking action to the rocker. The frame assembly further includes a rear leg portion that extends from the curved bottom portion.
The rocker also includes an auto-rocking mechanism permanently coupled to the frame assembly. The auto-rocking mechanism is configured to be operable while the rocker is in the sleeper configuration and inoperable while the rocker is in the seat configuration. The front leg portions and curved bottom portions form a first angle while the rocker is in the sleeper configuration. The front leg portions and curved bottoms portion form a second angle while the rocker is in the seat configuration, wherein the second angle is smaller than the first angle. In one or more embodiments, the connection assembly comprises a leg adjustment button that allows the front leg portions to extend from or retract into the connection assembly. Retracting the front leg portions into the connection assembly causes the auto-rocking mechanism to be deactivated and become inoperable.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes all such modifications.
Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:
A rocker according to the present invention converts from a rocking infant sleeper to a rocking toddler seat. In a general embodiment, the convertible rocker comprises a support section, a frame assembly coupled to the support section, and an auto-rocking mechanism coupled to the frame assembly. The auto-rocking mechanism is operable while the convertible rocker is in the sleeper configuration and inoperable while the convertible rocker is in the seat configuration. This ensures that the auto-rocking feature is not accidentally activated while the rocker is in the seat configuration, where the heavier weight of a toddler or older child sitting in the rocker may damage the rocker and/or auto-rocking mechanism.
In one or more embodiments, the auto-rocking mechanism is removably coupled to the frame assembly while the convertible rocker is in the sleeper configuration and removed from the frame assembly while the convertible rocker is in the seat configuration. In other embodiments, the auto-rocking mechanism is permanently coupled to the frame assembly. The auto-rocking mechanism is configured to be operable only when the rocker is in the sleeper configuration. Converting the rocker to the seat configuration causes the auto-rocking mechanism to become inoperable.
Referring now to
The upper support portion 104 and the lower support portion 106 may be integrally formed or removably coupled. In one or more embodiments, the support section 102 is manufactured from fabric or a similar material (see, e.g.,
In one or more embodiments, the rocker 100 includes a removable toy bar 108 or baby mobile that suspends one or more toys or accessories 110 above the support section 102. The toy bar 108 may be removed when the rocker 100 is used as a rocking toddler seat (i.e., seat configuration B). In other embodiments, a child restraint device such as a belt is coupled to the support section 102 to secure a child in the support section 102. In certain instances, the child restraint device is removable from the support section 102 when the rocker 100 is in the seat configuration B.
As shown in
To be utilized as a rocker, the bottom portions 120 of the side frames 114 have a curvature that allows for smooth rocking motions. The extent of the curvature of the bottom portions 120 determines the particular rocking motion imparted to the rocker 100. In one or more embodiments, the side frames include front stops and rear stops (see, e.g.,
Referring back to
By retracting the front leg portions 116 into the connection assembly 118 in the direction of arrows C, the rocker 100 converts from the sleeper configuration A (see
Furthermore, the support section 102 is movably connected to the frame assembly 112. In one or more embodiments, both the front leg portions 116 and rear leg portions 122 are pivotably connected to the support section 102 (see, e.g.,
The rocker 100 converts from the seat configuration B back to the sleeper configuration A by extending/telescoping the front leg portions 116 from the connection assembly 118 in the direction of arrows D (see
In one or more embodiments, the front leg portions 116 include multiple detents or holes 126 that engage with the connection assembly 118 to maintain the rocker 100 in the sleeper or seat configurations (see, e.g.,
In the illustrative embodiment shown in
In other embodiments, the front leg portions 116 are moved mechanically rather than manually by a user. Actuators and motors within the connection assembly 118 mechanically extend or retract the front leg portions 116 when a user presses a corresponding leg adjustment button. For example, the leg adjustment buttons may cause the rocker to transform to the sleeper configuration, transform to the seat configuration, continuously or incrementally move the support section upwards, and/or continuously or incrementally move the support section downwards.
Continuing with reference to
The auto-rocking mechanism may include various controls and/or additional functions.
In one or more embodiments, the auto-rocking mechanism is further configured to generate vibrations. The vibrations generated by the auto-rocking mechanism are imparted to the frame assembly and the support section to soothe an infant in the rocker. Different vibration strengths and/or vibration patterns may be adjusted or selected. In other embodiments, the auto-rocking mechanism includes a timer. The rocker may be set to rock for a desired amount of time and then automatically stop rocking after the set time has elapsed. Preferably, the auto-rocking mechanism is powered by a rechargeable or disposable battery. In other embodiments, the auto-rocking mechanism is powered by connecting a plug and cable to an electrical outlet.
Referring back to
In one or more embodiments, removal of the auto-rocking mechanism 132 prior to converting the rocker 100 configuration is ensured by positioning the auto-rocking mechanism 132 such that it obstructs or impedes access to at least one of the leg adjustment buttons 128. As a result, the auto-rocking mechanism 132 must be removed in order to access the leg adjustment button 128 and convert the rocker 100 from the sleeper configuration A to the seat configuration B. As shown in
In one or more embodiments, the auto-rocking mechanism 132 is coupled to the connection assembly 118 using interlocking latches. The auto-rocking mechanism 132 may also be coupled to the connection assembly 118 using other methods such as magnets. As shown in
Additionally, one or more embodiments of the rocker are configured such that a removed auto-rocking mechanism cannot be coupled to the rocker while the rocker is in the seat configuration. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, the support section releasably engages with the connection assembly to help maintain the rocker in the seat configuration. In
In other embodiments, the rocker is configured such that the auto-rocking mechanism does not need to be physically removed from the rocker. In such instances, the auto-rocking mechanism deactivates the auto-rocking feature while the rocker is in the seat configuration. This is accomplished, for example by using mechanical/electrical switches or sensors that are triggered when the front leg is retracted into the connection assembly. The auto-rocking feature is re-activated when the rocker is converted back into the sleeper configuration and the front leg is extended from the connection assembly.
Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
Moreover, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” may be used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.
Finally, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.