CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to juvenile products and, more particularly, to an infant rocker configured to entertain and/or soothe an infant held therein by providing an entertaining rocking motion alone or in combination with a bouncing motion. The infant rocker of the present invention is specifically adapted to selectively accommodate an infant support structure such as a car seat, and is uniquely configured to be movable between deployed and collapsed states with a minimal amount of time and effort.
2. Description of the Related Art
Infant rockers are well known by parents and persons involved in child care as being effective devices for the entertainment of infants. Various different types of infant rockers exist, with the rockers in general including a seat for receiving an infant and a frame. The seat is connected to the frame which is configured to impart a soothing rocking or swaying motion to the seat in response to movement of the infant, or in response to a light push by a parent or other child caregiver. In some prior art rockers, the frame is also configured to vibrate or bounce in response to the movement of the infant.
However, one deficiency of existing rockers is that they are not well suited structurally to being quickly and easily moved between a collapsed state for storage or transport, and a deployed state for use with the infant. Another deficiency with existing infant rockers having frames outfitted with bouncing capability is that the degree or level of bounce which the frame may undergo is not selectively adjustable based on the size and weight of the infant within the seat of the rocker. In this regard, an infant of greater size and weight may cause an excessive level of bounce or vibration within the frame arising from even subtle movements, whereas an infant of comparatively reduced size and weight may not be able to impart virtually any bounce or vibration within the frame even with more drastic movements.
Another deficiency of existing rockers is that they are incapable of accommodating a support structure such as a car seat in which the infant may already be positioned. In this regard, the configuration of existing rockers typically requires that a sleeping infant be removed from a car seat in which the infant may already be positioned, and placed into the seat of the rockers. As will be recognized, this transfer process may disturb the infant to a point at which he or she is awakened. Additionally, if the infant is to be returned to the car seat in a relatively short period of time, the transfer process must be repeated.
Based on the foregoing, there exists a need in the art for an infant rocker which is specifically adapted to accommodate an infant support structure, and more particularly, a car seat, thus addressing the drawbacks highlighted above in relation to the transfer of an infant back and forth between a car seat and a bouncer. There further exists a need in the prior art for an infant rocker which is uniquely configured to be movable between deployed and collapsed states with a minimal amount of time and effort, and may be outfitted with a mechanism adapted to allow the level of bounce or vibration within the frame of the rocker to be selectively adjustable based on the size and weight of the infant within the seat thereof. The present invention addresses these particular needs, as will be discussed in more detail below.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided various embodiments of an infant rocker which is adapted for optional use with a conventional infant/child car seat. In each embodiment, the infant rocker includes a frame which is placeable onto an underlying support surface, and includes a support assembly connected thereto. The support assembly itself includes a cradle which defines a cradle cavity. In addition to the cradle, the support assembly includes a liner which is selectively placeable into the cradle cavity and engageable to the cradle, the liner itself being sized and configured to accommodate an infant. Advantageously, the infant rocker is selectively convertible between a liner configuration and a car seat configuration. In the liner configuration, the liner is cooperatively engaged to the cradle, with a portion of the liner being received within the cradle cavity. In the car seat configuration, the liner is disengaged and removed from the cradle, thus allowing for the cradle to accommodate a conventional infant car seat in which the infant may be positioned. In this regard, the cradle cavity is sized and configured to receive and accommodate at least a portion of the car seat when the car seat is cooperatively engaged to the cradle.
In certain embodiments of the rocker, an adjustment mechanism may be integrated into the frame and operative to allow for the selective adjustment of the bounce or vibration of one portion of the frame (and hence the cradle) relative to another portion thereof. More particularly, the infant rocker may be adapted to allow for the adjustment of the level of bounce or vibration which the frame may undergo, such adjustment being based on the size and weight of the infant placed into either the liner or car seat within the cradle. As indicated above, the rocker of the present invention may be selectively “converted” as may be needed to avoid disturbing the infant by allowing the infant to remain in a car seat which is placeable into the cradle of the rocker subsequent to the removal of the existing liner from therein. Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the frame of the infant rocker may be configured so as to be selectively moveable between a deployed or extended position, and a collapsed or storage position.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of an infant rocker constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 1A is a partial cross-sectional view of the rocker shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 1A-1A thereof;
FIG. 2 is a partial side-elevational view of the frame of the rocker shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the rocker shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rocker shown in FIG. 1, but depicting a car seat in phantom which may be substituted for a liner component of the bouncer;
FIG. 5 is a top, front perspective view of an infant rocker constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top, front perspective view of the rocker shown in FIG. 5, but depicting a car seat which may be substituted for a liner component of the rocker;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the rocker shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a top, front perspective view of an infant rocker constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the rocker shown in FIG. 8, but depicting a front section of the frame as articulated to a stationary position;
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the rocker shown in FIGS. 8 and 9;
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the rocker shown in FIG. 8, the front section of the frame being depicted as articulated to a carrying position; and
FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the rocker shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, but depicting the front section of the frame as articulated to a rocking position.
Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating various embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-4 depict a convertible infant rocker 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As will be discussed in more detail below, the rocker 10 includes a bounce adjustment mechanism which may be selectively adjusted to alter or vary the magnitude of bounce or vibration within the frame of the rocker 10 which may be achieved by an infant or child disposed therein. As a result, the bounce adjustment mechanism may be adjusted to accommodate children of varying weight. As will also be described in more detail below, it is contemplated that the rocker 10 may be converted into a mode which allows the same to be used in conjunction with a conventional infant/child car seat 62.
Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the rocker 10 comprises a frame 12 which is selectively placeable on an underlying support surface 14. In addition to the frame 12, the rocker 10 includes the cradle 46 which is operatively coupled to the frame 12, and a pair of adjustment mechanisms 58 which are integrated into the frame 12 and operative to allow for the selective adjustment in the amount of bounce or vibration which the frame 12 may undergo during use of the rocker 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 12 substantially circumscribes the cradle 46, and provides support thereto. In this regard, it is contemplated that the frame 12 will be fabricated from a combination of metal and plastic materials of suitable strength and durability.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the frame 12 preferably comprises a front section 16. The front section 16 is preferably formed from a single segment of a resilient, wire-like material which is bent to assume the shape or configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. In this regard, when bent, the front section 16 defines a first end portion 17 and a second end portion 19 which are disposed in spaced relation to each other, and each elevated above portions of the remainder of the front section 16. Attached to respective ones of the first and second end portions 17, 19 is an identically configured pair of first connector hubs 21. Additionally, attached to the front section 16 in a location generally below or underneath the first connector hubs 21 is an identically configured pair of second connector hubs 23. Further, attached to the front section 16 at respective ones of those locations wherein the front section 16 is bent upwardly toward the first and second end portions 17, 19 is an identically configured pair of third connector hubs 25. Still further, attached to the arcuately contoured portion of the front section 16 extending between the second connector hubs 23 is a non-slip member or pad 22. Though the front section 16 of the frame 12 is preferably fabricated from a single segment of wire-like material having the connector hubs 21, 23, 25 operatively coupled thereto in the aforementioned manner, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the front section 16 may alternatively be formed from separate segments of a resilient, wire-like material, with such segments being extended between and attached to respective pairs of the connector hubs 21, 23, 25 as needed to cause the front section 16 to assume the shape shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4.
In addition to the front section 16, the frame 12 includes an arcuately shaped back section 18 which is pivotally connected to the third connector hubs 25 by a corresponding pair of pivot members 20. As seen in FIG. 2, by virtue of its pivotal connection to the third connector hubs 25 by the pivot members 20, the back section 18 is selectively pivotally moveable between a rocking position and a non-rocking or stationary position relative to the front section 16. When the back section 18 is in its rocking position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 2), the front section 16 of the frame 12 is capable of moving in a rocking motion upon the support surface 14 which is attributable to the arcuate contour or profile of those portions of the front section 16 extending between respective pairs of the second and third connector hubs 23, 25. When the back section 18 is moved to its non-rocking position (as shown in phantom in FIG. 2), the frame 12 is effectively prevented from undergoing any rocking motion. In this regard, the back section 18, like the front section 16, also preferably includes a non-slip pad 22 attached thereto.
In the frame 12, each of the aforementioned adjustment mechanisms 58 is preferably disposed between a corresponding pair of the first and second connector hubs 21, 23 in the manner shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. As best seen in FIG. 1A, each adjustment mechanism 58 comprises a tubular outer sleeve 59 which is attached to a first frame segment 61. The first frame segment 61 of each adjustment mechanism 58 is attached to and extends downwardly from one of the first connector hubs 21. In addition to the outer sleeve 59, each adjustment mechanism 58 includes a tubular inner sleeve 60 which is threadably engaged to the outer sleeve 59. The inner sleeve 60 is attached to a second segment 63 of the adjustment mechanism 58 which is attached to and extends upwardly from a respective one of the second connector hubs 23. As further shown in FIG. 1A, the first and second segments 61, 63 of each adjustment mechanism 58 include distal sleeve portions, with each adjustment mechanism 58 further comprising a biasing member 65 (e.g., a spring) which is partially captured by the sleeve portions of the first and second segment 61, 63, and extends therebetween. In each adjustment mechanism 58, the outer and inner sleeves 59, 60 are rotatably mounted to respective ones of the first and second segments 61, 63. Additionally, by virtue of the threadable engagement therebetween, the position of the inner sleeve 60 relative to the outer sleeve 59, and hence the position of the first and second segments 61, 63 relative to each other, may be selectively increased or decreased. More particularly, the rotation of the inner sleeve 60 in a first, clockwise direction effectively draws the distal sleeve portion of the second segment 63 toward the distal sleeve portion of the first segment 61. Conversely, the rotation of the inner sleeve 60 in a second, counter-clockwise direction effectively increases the distance separating the distal sleeve portions of the first and second segments 61, 63 from each other. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the movement of the distal sleeve portions of the first and second segments 61, 63 toward each other effectively compresses the biasing member 65 therebetween, with the movement of the distal sleeve portions away from each other allowing the intervening biasing member 65 to move back toward a relaxed, uncompressed state. The functionality of the adjustment mechanisms 58 within the frame 12 will be described in more detail below.
In addition to the foregoing components, the frame 12 comprises a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) upper section 48 which is operatively connected to the front section 16. More particularly, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, attached to the front section 16 is a first pair of hangers 66, each of the hangers 66 of the first pair being attached to the front section 16 between a corresponding pair of the first and third connector hubs 21, 25. In addition to being attached to the front section 16, each of the hangers 66 of the first pair is attached to a respective one of the opposed longitudinal sides of the upper section 48. In addition to the first pair of hangers 66, the frame 12 also includes a second pair of hangers 67 which are attached to respective ones of the first connector hubs 21. The hangers 67 of the second pair are, like the hangers 66 of the first pair, each attached to respective ones of the opposed longitudinal sides of the upper section 48. Thus, the upper section 48 is effectively suspended below a portion of the front section 16 by the hangers 66, 67.
In the rocker 10, the aforementioned cradle 46 is operatively connected to the frame 12, and in particular to the upper section 48 thereof. The cradle 46 includes a cradle basket 50 which defines a bottom wall 56 and side walls 54 collectively defining a cavity 57. The cradle basket 50 itself preferably has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration. The attachment of the cradle basket 50 to the upper section 48 is preferably facilitated by a pair of straps 52 which are attached to and extend along respective ones of the opposed longitudinally extending side walls 54 of the cradle basket 50. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the opposed end portions of each of the straps 52 are attached to respective ones of the opposes lateral sides or segments of the upper section 48 of the frame 12. As will be recognized, the attachment of the straps 52 to the upper section 48 effectively suspends the cradle basket 50 within the frame 12. In the rocker 10, a combination vibration/sound producing device 70 is preferably integrated into the front lateral side of the upper section 48, i.e., that lateral side of the upper section 48 disposed closest to the hangers 67. The use of the device 70 will be described in more detail below. It is also contemplated that the cradle basket 50 may be formed of any one of a variety of materials known by those skilled in the art of requisite durability. The cradle basket 50 is preferably sized and configured to accommodate a portion of a car seat 62 as will be discussed in more detail below in relation to FIG. 4.
The rocker 10 of the present invention further comprises a liner 26 which is cooperatively engageable to the cradle 46. The liner 26 comprises a liner shell 28 including a bottom wall 36 and side walls 34 which collectively define a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) liner cavity 38. The bottom wall 36 and side walls 34 each transition to a peripheral rim 30 which includes a plurality (e.g., four) integral support portions 32 protruding outwardly from respective ones of the opposed longitudinal sides thereof.
In addition to the outer shell 28, the liner 26 includes a padded cover 40 which is selectively placeable over a portion of the outer shell 28. More particularly, as seen in FIG. 1, the cover 40 may be mated to the outer shell 28 such that the inner surfaces of the walls 34, 36 and the top surface of the rim 30 are effectively covered or shielded by the cover 40. It is contemplated that the cover 40 may be provided with three-point harness 42 to maintain an infant within the liner 26, and hence the rocker 10.
In the rocker 10, the cooperative engagement of the liner 26 to the cradle 46 is facilitated by advancing the outer shell 28 into the cradle cavity 57 and resting the support portions 32 of each adjacent pair upon a respective one of the longitudinally extending side walls 54 of the cradle basket 50. Once the liner 26 is cooperatively engaged to the cradle 46 in the aforementioned manner, the liner 26 may be effectively secured to the cradle 46 through the use of a fastening strap 74, segments of which are attached to respective ones of the opposed longitudinal sides of the upper section 48 of the frame 12 in the manner shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4.
In FIG. 1, the rocker 10 is shown in its liner mode. In the liner mode shown in FIG. 1, the liner 26 is cooperatively engaged to the cradle 46 (and hence the frame 12) in the aforementioned manner, the liner 26 and the cradle 46 collectively defining a support assembly 24 of the rocker 10. An infant placed within the liner 26 may be secured therein via the aforementioned three-point harness 42. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the rocker 10 includes a toy bar 64 which may be attached to and extended between the hangers 66 for purposes of entertaining the infant within the liner 26. As is apparent from FIGS. 1 and 3, each of the hangers 66 defines a tubular sleeve portion which is adapted to receive a respective end portion of the toy bar 64. The toy bar 64 may be detached from the frame 12 of the rocker 10 as desired.
When an infant is placed within the liner 26 of the rocker 10 in the liner mode, and the back section 18 of the frame 12 is moved to its rocking position, the rocker 10 is able to undergo a gentle rocking or swaying motion attributable to the upward and downward or rocking movement of the frame 12 relative to the support surface 14. As indicated above, such rocking movement can be prevented by simply moving the back section 18 of the frame 12 to its non-rocking position as shown in phantom in FIG. 2. Irrespective of whether the back section 18 is in its rocking or non-rocking position, the infant within the liner 26 of the rocker 10 is also capable of experiencing an upward and downward or bouncing motion. Such bouncing motion occurs as a result of the resiliency of the front section 16 of the frame 12 and, in particular, the flexion of those portions of the front section 16 extending between the first and third connector hubs 21, 25 relative to the remainder of the front section 16. As will be recognized, the bouncing movement of the aforementioned portions of the front section 16 is imparted to the liner 26 and hence the infant by the hangers 66, 67, the upper section 48 of the frame 12, and the cradle 46 (including the cradle basket 50 and straps 52).
In the rocker 10, the degree or amount of flexion which those portions of the front section 16 extending between corresponding pairs of the first and third connectors 21, 25 may undergo may be selectively adjusted or regulated by the above-described adjustment mechanisms 58. In this regard, as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the greater the distance separating the distal sleeve portions of the first and second segments 61, 63 from each other, and hence the less compression of the biasing members 65, the greater the amount of flexion that the front section 16 of the frame may undergo. Conversely, the greater the compression of the biasing members 56 attributable to the movement of the distal sleeve portions of the first and second segments 61, 63 toward each other, the less flexion the front section 16 may undergo. Thus, as indicated above, the adjustment mechanisms 58 may adjusted by the rotation of the inner sleeves 60 thereof based on the size and weight of the infant within the bouncer 10, and in particular the liner 26 thereof. As previously explained, an infant of greater size and weight, which may otherwise cause an excessive level of bounce or vibration within the frame 12 even with subtle movements, may be accommodated by “tightening” the adjustment mechanisms 58 and compressing the biasing members 65 so as to reduce the flexion level of the front section 16 of the frame 12. On the other hand, an infant of comparatively reduced size and weight who may find difficulty in imparting any bounce or vibration within the frame 12 even with more drastic movements can be accommodated by “loosening” the adjustment mechanisms 58 and reducing the compression of the biasing members 65. Thus, the rocker 10 finds utility for use in relation to infants of varying size and weight.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that each adjustment mechanism 58 may have a configuration varying from that show in relation to the FIG. 1A without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the biasing members 65 need not necessarily comprise a coil spring, but rather may comprise an alternative form of spring such as a selectively compressible elastomeric member. As indicated above, the rocker 10 is preferably provided with the vibration/sound producing device 70 which is integrated into the upper section 48 of the frame 12 thereof. In this regard, the device 70 may be selectively activated to impart a subtle vibration to the upper section 48 of the frame 12, and hence the liner 26 cooperatively engaged thereto. The level of vibration imparted to the frame 12 may be regulated by control buttons 72 included on the device 70. The control buttons 72 may also be used to play music or other soothing sounds from the device 70 at a desired sound level.
As indicated above, the rocker 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention may be selectively converted from the liner mode shown in FIG. 1 to a car seat mode as shown in FIG. 4. The transition from the liner mode to the car seat mode simply involves removing the liner 26 from within the cradle 46. Upon such removal, the cradle 46, and in particular the cradle basket 50 thereof, may be used to accommodate a portion of a conventional infant car seat 62. Once the car seat 62 is partially advanced into the cavity 57 of the cradle basket 50, the car seat 62 may be effectively secured to the cradle 46 through the use of the above-described retention belt 74. Thus, the car seat 62 simply replaces the aforementioned liner 26, with the functionality of the bouncer 10 having the car seat 62 substituted for the liner 26 being the same as that described above in relation to the liner mode of the rocker 10. With the use of the rocker 10 in the car seat mode, a sleeping infant need not be removed from the car seat 62 in which the infant may already be positioned (and thus disturbed or awakened) in order to be placed into the rocker 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, there is shown a convertible infant rocker 110 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The infant rocker 110 is similar to the first embodiment of the infant rocker 10 discussed above. The rocker 110 comprises a frame 112 which is selectively placeable on an underlying support surface. In addition to the frame 112, the rocker 110 includes the cradle 146 which is operatively coupled to the frame 112, and a pair of adjustment mechanisms 158 which are integrated into the frame 112 and operative to allow for the selective adjustment in the amount of bounce or vibration which the frame 112 may undergo during use of the rocker 110. As shown in FIG. 7, the frame 112 substantially circumscribes the cradle 146, and provides support thereto. In this regard, it is contemplated that the frame 112 will be fabricated from a combination of metal and plastic materials of suitable strength and durability.
The frame 112 comprises a front section 115. The front section 115 comprises a front segment 116 which is preferably formed from a single segment of a resilient, wire-like material which is bent to assume the arcuate shape or configuration shown in FIGS. 5-7. In the frame 112, the opposed ends of the front segment 116 are attached to respective ones of an identically configured pair of first connector hubs 121. In addition to the front segment 116, the front section 115 of the frame 112 includes an identically configured pair of arcuate side segments 117, each of which has one end attached to a respective one of the first connector hubs 121. Those ends of the side segments 117 opposite those attached to the first connector hubs 121 are connected to respective ones of an identically configured pair of second connector hubs 123.
In addition to the front segment 116 and side segment 117, the front section 115 of the frame 112 also includes an identically configured pair of arcuate, resilient top segments 119, each of which also has one end attached to a respective one of the first connector hubs 121. Those ends of the top segments 119 opposite those attached to the first connector hubs 121 are connected to respective ones of identically configured pair of third connector hubs 125. The third connector hubs 125 and the ends of the top segments 119 attached thereto collectively define a spaced pair of end portions of the upper section 115 of the frame 112. As seen in FIGS. 5-7, the second connector hubs 123 are disposed generally below the third connector hubs 125, i.e., the third connector hubs 125 are elevated above the second segments 117 of the frame 112. Attached to the front segment 116 extending between the first connector hubs 121 is a non-slip member or pad 122. The front segment 116, side segments 117 and top segments 119 of the frame 112 are each preferably fabricated from separate segments of a resilient, wire-like material, with such segments being extended between and attached to respective pairs of the first, second and third connector hubs 121, 123, 125 in the aforementioned manner to assume the overall profile shown in FIGS. 5-7.
The frame 112 further includes an arcuately shaped back section 118 which is pivotally connected to the second connector hubs 123 by a corresponding pair of pivot members 120. by virtue of its pivotal connection to the second connector hubs 123 by the pivot members 120, the back section 118 is selectively pivotally moveable between rocking and non-rocking positions relative to the front section 115 in the same manner described above in relation to the back section 18 of the frame 12 of the infant rocker 10. In this regard, when the back section 118 is in its rocking position (shown in FIGS. 5-7), the arcuately shaped side segments 117 of the front section 115 of the frame 112 are capable of moving in a rocking motion upon an underlying support surface. When the back section 118 is moved to it non-rocking position, the frame 112 is effectively prevented from undergoing any rocking motion. In this regard, the back section 118, like the front segment 116, preferably includes a non-slip pad attached thereto.
In the frame 112, each of the aforementioned adjustment mechanisms 158 is preferably disposed between a corresponding pair of the second and third connector hubs 123, 125 in the manner shown in FIGS. 5-7. In the rocker 110, the adjustment mechanisms 158 are sized and configured to impart the same functionality to the rocker 110 as described above in relation to the adjustment mechanisms 58 of the rocker 10. In this regard, it is contemplated that the adjustment mechanisms 158 may be structurally similar or identical to the aforementioned adjustment mechanisms 58, or may have alternative configurations which are capable of selectively regulating or adjusting the amount of flexion which the top segments 119 and third connector hubs 125 of the frame 112 may undergo relative to the remainder of the frame 112.
In addition to the foregoing components, the frame 112 comprises a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) upper section 148 which is attached to and suspended from the third connector hubs 125 by an identically configured pair of hangers 166. As best seen in FIG. 7, each of the hangers 166 is operatively connected to a respective one of the opposed longitudinal sides of the upper section 148. Thus, the upper section 148 is effectively suspended below the third connector hubs 125 and portions of the top segments 119 by the hangers 166. In the bouncer 110, a combination vibration/sound producing device 170 is preferably integrated into the front lateral side of the upper section 148, i.e., that lateral side of the upper section 148 disposed closest to the first connector hubs 121. The use of the device 170 will be described in more detail below.
In the rocker 110, the aforementioned cradle 146 is operatively connected to the frame 112, and in particular to the upper section 148 thereof. The cradle 146 includes a cradle basket 150 which defines a bottom wall 156 and side walls 154 collectively defining a cavity 157. The cradle basket 150 itself preferably has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration. It is contemplated that the cradle basket 150 may be formed of any one of a variety of materials known by those skilled in the art of requisite durability. The cradle basket 150 is preferably sized and configured to accommodate a portion of a car seat 162 as will be discussed in more detail below.
As seen in FIG. 5, the rocker 110 further comprises a liner 126 which is cooperatively engageable to the cradle 146, and possesses structural attributes similar those described above in relation to the liner 26 of the rocker 10. In this regard, it is contemplated that the liner 126 will comprise a liner shell (not shown) having a padded cover 140 which is mated thereto, such cover 140 optionally being provided with a three-point harness to maintain an infant therein. In the rocker 110, the cooperative engagement of the liner 126 to the cradle 146 is facilitated by advancing a portion of the liner 126 into the cradle cavity 157. Once the liner 126 is cooperatively engaged to the cradle 146, the liner 126 may be effectively secured to the cradle 146 through the use of a fastening strap 174 which is attached to the frame 122 and depicted in FIG. 6.
In FIG. 5, the rocker 110 is shown in its liner mode. In the liner mode, the liner 126 is cooperatively engaged to the cradle 146 (and hence the frame 112) in the aforementioned manner. An infant placed within the liner 126 may be secured therein via the aforementioned three-point harness if the same is included with the cover 140. As seen in FIG. 5, the rocker 110 includes a toy bar 164 which may be attached to and extended between the third connector hubs 125 for purposes of entertaining the infant within the liner 126. The toy bar 164 may be selectively detached from the frame 112, and in particular the third connector hubs 125, as desired.
When an infant is placed within the liner 126 of the rocker 110 in the liner mode, and the back section 118 of the frame 112 is moved to its rocking position, the rocker 110 is able to undergo a gentle rocking or swaying motion attributable to the upward and downward or rocking movement of the frame 112 relative to the support surface. As indicated above, such rocking movement can be prevented by simply moving the back section 118 of the frame 112 to its non-rocking or stationary position. Irrespective of whether the back section 118 is in its rocking or non-rocking position, the infant within the liner 126 of the rocker 110 is also capable of experiencing an upward and downward or bouncing motion. Such bouncing motion occurs as a result of the resiliency of the frame 112 and, in particular, the flexion of top segments 119 of the frame 112 extending between the first and third connector hubs 121, 125 relative to the remainder of the frame 112. As will be recognized, the bouncing movement of the top segments 119 is imparted to the liner 126 and hence the infant by the hangers 166, the upper section 148 of the frame 112, and the cradle 146 (including the cradle basket 150).
In the rocker 110, the degree or amount of flexion which the top segments 119 extending between corresponding pairs of the first and third connectors 121, 125 may undergo may be selectively adjusted or regulated by the above-described adjustment mechanisms 158. In this regard, an infant of greater size and weight, which may otherwise cause an excessive level of bounce or vibration within the frame 112 even with subtle movements, may be accommodated by “tightening” the adjustment mechanisms 158 so as to reduce the flexion level of the top segments 119 of the frame 112. On the other hand, an infant of comparatively reduced size and weight who may find difficulty in imparting any bounce or vibration within the frame 112 even with more drastic movements can be accommodated by “loosening” the adjustment mechanisms 158 so as to increase the flexion level of the top segments 119 of the frame 112. Thus, the rocker 110 finds utility for use in relation to infants of varying size and weight.
As indicated above, the rocker 110 is preferably provided with the vibration/sound producing device 170 which is integrated into the upper section 148 of the frame 112 thereof. In this regard, the device 170 may be selectively activated to impart a subtle vibration to the upper section 148 of the frame 112, and hence the liner 126 cooperatively engaged thereto. The level of vibration imparted to the frame 112 may be regulated by control buttons 172 included on the device 170. The control buttons 172 may also be used to play music or other soothing sounds from the device 170 at a desired sound level.
Like the rocker 10 described above, the rocker 110 constructed in accordance with the present invention may be selectively converted from the liner mode shown in FIG. 5 to a car seat mode as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The transition from the liner mode to the car seat mode simply involves removing the liner 126 from within the cradle 146. Upon such removal, the cradle 146, and in particular the cradle basket 150 thereof, may be used to accommodate a portion of a conventional infant car seat 162. Once the car seat 162 is partially advanced into the cavity 157 of the cradle basket 150, the car seat 162 may be effectively secured to the cradle 146 through the use of a retention belt 174, segments of which are attached to the frame 112. Thus, the car seat 162 simply replaces the aforementioned liner 126, with the functionality of the rocker 110 having the car seat 162 substituted for the liner 126 being the same as that described above in relation to the liner mode of the rocker 10. With the use of the rocker 110 in the car seat mode, a sleeping infant need not be removed from the car seat 162 in which the infant may already be positioned (and thus disturbed or awakened) in order to be placed into the rocker 110.
Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, there is shown a convertible infant rocker 210 constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. As will be discussed in more detail below, the infant rocker 210, in addition to being convertible between the liner and car seat modes as described above in relation to the rockers 10, 110, is further configured to be quickly and easily collapsible for storing the infant rocker 210 during periods of nonuse.
The infant rocker 210 comprises a frame 212 which is selectively placeable on an underlying support surface. The frame 212 includes a generally U-shaped lower section 216 which is bent to assume a generally arcuate profile as most easily seen in FIG. 9. Attached to respective ones of the opposed end portions of the lower section 216 is an identically configured pair of end connectors 218. As best seen in FIG. 8, each of the end connectors 218 is outfitted with a non-slip pad 219 which is preferably fabricated from rubber and, when viewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 8, defines the bottom surface of the corresponding end connector 218.
In addition to the lower section 216, the frame 212 includes an upper section 220. The upper section 220 includes a generally U-shaped first segment 222 and a generally U-shaped second segment 224 which are pivotally connected to each other and to the lower section 216 of the frame 212. The first segment 222 of the upper section 220 includes an identically configured pair of end connectors 223 attached to respective ones of the opposed end portions thereof. In the frame 212, the end connectors 223 of the first segment 222 of the upper section 220 are pivotally connected to respective ones of the end connectors 218 of the lower section 216. As a result, the first segment 222 of the upper section 220 is selectively pivotally moveable relative to the lower section 216.
Similar to the first segment 222, the second segment 224 of the upper section 220 of the frame 212 includes an identically configured pair of end connectors 225 attached to respective ones of the opposed end portions thereof. The end connectors 225 of the second segment 224 of the upper section 220 are each pivotally connected to an actuation mechanism 226 of the rocker 210. In the rocker 210, the actuation mechanism 226 is operatively connected to both the lower and upper sections 216, 220 of the frame 212, with the connection to the upper section 220 being facilitated via the second segment 224 thereof. As will be described in more detail below, the actuation mechanism 226 is operative to facilitate the selective movement of the frame 212 between an extended or deployed position (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) and a storage or collapsed position.
In the rocker 210, the actuation mechanism 226 comprises an elongate cross member 227, the opposed ends of which are defined by respective ones of an identically configured pair of tubular sleeve portions 228. The sleeve portions 228 of the cross member 227 are slidably advanced over respective ones of the spaced, generally parallel pair of prong portions defined by the lower section 216 in the manner most easily seen in FIG. 9. Extending within the cross member 227 is an identically configured pair of retention pins (not shown), each of which is operatively coupled to an actuation handle 232 of the cross member 227 which is located in the approximate center thereof. In the rocker 210, the actuation handle 232 is selectively moveable between a locking position (shown in FIG. 10) and a release position. The retention pins are cooperatively engaged to the actuation handle 232 in a manner wherein the retention pins protrude into the interiors of respective ones of the sleeve portions 228 when the actuation handle 232 is in its locking position. Conversely, the movement of the actuation handle 232 to its release position effectively draws the retention pins inwardly in a manner wherein they are removed from within the interiors of respective ones of the sleeve portions 228. The cross member 227 further includes identically configured ear portions 229 which, from the perspective shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, protrude upwardly from the top surface of the cross member 227 in relative close proximity to respective ones of the sleeve portions 228. In the frame 212 of the rocker 210, the end connectors 225 attached to the opposed end portions of the second segment 224 of the frame 212 are pivotally connected to respective ones of the ear portions 229.
In the frame 212 of the rocker 210, each of the prong portions of the lower section 216 includes an aperture disposed therein. The aperture within one prong portion is further arranged so as to be disposed in opposed relation to the aperture included in the other prong portion. The apertures of such opposed pair are further sized and configured to accommodate the distal end portions of respective ones of the retention pins when such retention pins are aligned therewith and the actuation handle 232 disposed in the locking position to which it is normally biased.
Further, in the frame 212, the pivotal connection of the first segment 222 of the upper section 220 to the second segment 224 thereof occurs at approximately the mid-sections thereof. More particularly, as is best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the approximate mid-sections of each of the two prong portions of the first segment 222 are pivotally connected to the approximate mid-sections of corresponding ones of the prong sections of the second segment 224. As explained above, the end connectors 223 outfitted on the ends of the prong portions of the first segment 222 of the upper section are pivotally connected to respective ones of the end connectors 218 of the lower section 216, thus facilitating the pivotal connection of the first segment 222 to the lower section 216 in addition to its pivotal connection to the second segment 224. Along these lines, as also explained above, the end connectors 225 outfitted on the prong portions of the second segment 224 are pivotally connected to the actuation mechanism 226 which is in turn slidably mounted to the lower section 216 in the aforementioned manner. Thus, the second segment 224, in addition to being pivotally connected to the first segment 222, is also moveably mounted to the lower section 216 by virtue of its pivotal connection to the actuation mechanism 226, and in particular the ear portions 229 of the cross member 227 thereof.
As also indicated above, in the rocker 210, the frame 212 may be selectively articulated between the deployed position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the stowed or collapsed position which is well suited for the storage or transportation of the rocker 210. The movement of the frame 212 from its deployed position to its collapsed position is facilitated by compressing the actuation handle 232 of the cross member 227 to remove the retention pins from within the corresponding opposed pair of the apertures within the prong portions of the lower section 216, and thereafter sliding the cross member 227 along the lower section 216 toward the end connectors 218. As will be recognized, the movement of the frame 212 from its collapsed position to its deployed position is facilitated by moving the cross member 227 in the opposite direction, i.e., away from the end connectors 218 of the lower section 216. The receipt of the retention pins (which are coaxially aligned with each other) into respective ones of the opposed pair of apertures disposed within the prong portions of the lower section 216 maintains the cross member 227 of the actuation mechanism 226 in a prescribed position between the prong portions of the lower section 216, such prescribed position being that which effectively maintains the frame 212 in its deployed position.
From the deployed position, the movement of the cross member 227 along the prong portions of the lower section 216 toward the end connectors 218 effectively places the frame 212 into its stowed or collapsed position. When the frame 212 is moved to its collapsed position, the movement of the cross member 227 along the prong portions of the lower section 216 toward the end connectors 218 in turn causes the first and second segments 222, 224 of the upper section 220 to pivotally move relative to each other in a scissor-like fashion, the first and second segments 222, 224 eventually extending in side-by-side relation to each other when the frame 212 is fully collapsed. The lower section 216 is itself pivoted to extend in generally side-by-side relation to the first and second segments 222, 224 when the frame 212 is fully collapsed. As previously explained, the compression of the actuation handle 232 (i.e., the movement of the actuation handle 232 to its release position) effectively removes the retention pins from within the opposed apertures of the lower section 216, thus allowing the cross member 227 to be slidably advanced along the prong portions of the lower section 216 toward the end connectors 218 which in turn facilitates the movement of the frame 212 from its deployed position to its collapsed position. Conversely, the sliding movement of the cross member 227 away from the end connectors 218 and return of the actuation handle 232 to its locking position as occurs upon the advancement of the retention pins into respective ones of the opposed pair of apertures within the prong portions of the lower section 216 results in the frame 212 reassuming its deployed position.
In the rocker 210, the cross member 227 of the actuation mechanism 226 may be outfitted with a locking switch 240 which is normally biased to a locked position, and selectively moveable to an unlocked position. When the locking switch 240 is in its locked position, the actuation handle 232 of the actuation mechanism 226 is incapable of being compressed (i.e., moved from its locking position to it release position) as is needed to effectively remove the retention pins from with the apertures of the corresponding opposed pair thereof. However, the movement of the locking switch 240 to its unlocked position allows for the compression of the actuation handle 232, thus in turn allowing for the movement of the cross member 227 along the prong portions of the lower section 216 as is needed to facilitate the movement of the frame 212 between its collapsed and deployed positions. As seen in FIG. 10, the locking switch 240 is located on a side of the cross member 227 opposite the side along which the actuation handle 232 is positioned. Due to this arrangement, it is contemplated that the locking switch 240 may be manipulated by the thumb on one hand of a user while the actuation handle 232 is simultaneously manipulated by the remaining four fingers on the same hand of the user.
As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the movement of the frame 212 of the rocker 210 to its deployed position by virtue of the receipt of the retention pins of the actuation mechanism 226 into respective ones of the apertures within the prong portions of the lower section 216 is assisted by a pair of stopper members 237 which are attached to respective ones of the prong portions of the lower section 216. More particularly, the stopper members 237 are positioned such that the abutment of respective ones of the sleeve portions 228 of the actuation mechanism 226 thereagainst will facilitate the general coaxial alignment of retention pins of the actuation mechanism 226 with respective ones of the apertures of the opposed pair within the lower section 216. The stopper members 237 also work in concert with the pads 219 of the end connectors 218 to facilitate the stable support of the rocker 210 upon an underlying support surface.
As seen in FIGS. 8, 9, 11 and 12, the frame 212 of the rocker 210 further comprises a front section 240 which is pivotally connected to the end connectors 218 by a corresponding pair of pivot members 242. By virtue of its pivotal connection to the lower section 216 by the pivot members 240, the front section 240 is selectively pivotally moveable between a rocking position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 12), a non-rocking or stationary position (shown in FIG. 9) and a carrying position (shown in FIG. 8). When the front section 240 is in its rocking position, the lower section 216 of the frame 212 is capable of moving in a rocking motion on an underlying support surface, which is attributable to the arcuately contoured profile of the prong portions of the lower section 216. When the front section 240 is moved to its non-rocking position, the lower section 216 is effectively prevented from undergoing any rocking motion upon the support surface. The movement of the front section 240 to the carrying position shown in FIG. 8 is, in a sense, also a rocking position since it still allows for the rocking movement of the lower section 216 upon an underlying support surface. The movement of the front section 240 between its rocking, non-rocking and carrying positions is facilitated by the concurrent application of compressive pressure to an outwardly facing pair of actuation buttons included on respective ones of the pivot members 242. It is contemplated that the movement of the front section 240 to its carrying position will occur when the remainder of the frame 212 is actuated to its collapsed position, the front section 240 providing an easily graspable handle for carrying the collapsed frame 212 and hence the rocker 210.
The rocker 210 of the present invention further comprises a cradle 246 comprising a cradle basket 248 which is operatively connected to the frame 212, and in particular to the first and second segments 222, 224 of the upper section 220 thereof. The cradle basket 248 may be formed of any one of a variety of materials of requisite durability as known to those skilled in the art. The cradle basket 248 defines a cradle cavity which is preferably sized and configured to accommodate a portion of a car seat as will be discussed in more detail below.
The rocker 210 further comprises a liner 250 which is cooperatively engageable to the cradle 246, and in particular the cradle basket 248 thereof. The liner 250 is preferably provided in the form of a padded cover. In the rocker 210, the cooperative engagement of the liner 250 to the cradle 246 is facilitated by advancing a portion of the liner 250 into the cradle cavity defined by the cradle basket 248. Once advanced into the cradle basket 248, the liner 250 may be effectively secured to the cradle 246 and/or the upper section 220 of the frame 212 through the use of suitable fastening straps. The liner 250 may further optionally be provided with a two point or three point harness to maintain an infant therein.
In FIGS. 8 and 9, the rocker 210 is shown in a liner mode. In the liner mode, the liner 250 is cooperatively engaged to the cradle 246 (and hence the frame 212) in the aforementioned manner. An infant placed within the liner 250 may be secured therein via the aforementioned harness, if the same is included. Though not shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, the rocker 210 may optionally include a toy bar which may be attached to and extended between portions of the upper section 220 of the frame 212 for purposes of entertaining an infant within the liner 250.
When an infant is placed within the liner 250 of the rocker 210 in the liner mode, and the front section 240 of the frame 212 is moved to its rocking position, the rocker 210 is able to undergo a gentle rocking or swaying motion attributable to the upward and downward or rocking movement of the frame 212 relative to the underlying support surface. As indicated above, such rocking movement can be prevented by simply moving the front section 240 of the frame 212 to its non-rocking or stationary position. In the rocker 210, it is contemplated that a combination vibration/sound producing device 270 will be integrated into the frame 212, and more particularly into the second segment 224 of the upper section 220 thereof. In this regard, the device 270 may be selectively activated to impart a subtle vibration to the upper section 220 of the frame 212, and hence the liner 250 cooperatively engaged thereto. The level of vibration imparted to the frame 212 may be regulated by control buttons 272 included on the device 270. The control buttons 272 may also be used to play music or other soothing sounds from the device 270 at the desired sound level.
The rocker 210 may also be selectively converted from the liner mode shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 to a car seat mode. The transition from the liner mode to the car seat mode simply involves removing the liner 250 from within the cradle basket 248 of the cradle 246. Upon such removal, the cradle basket 248 may be used to accommodate a portion of a conventional infant car seat, such as the infant car seat 162 shown and described above. Once the car seat is partially advanced into the cavity of the cradle basket 248, the car seat may be effectively secured to the cradle 246 through the use of a retention belt 252 shown in FIG. 9. The retention belt 252 includes segments which are attached to the frame 212, and in particular the upper section 220 thereof. Thus, the car seat simply replaces the aforementioned liner 250, with the functionality of the rocker 210 having the car seat substituted for the liner 250 being the same as that described above in relation to the liner mode of the rocker 210. With the use of the rocker 210 in the car seat mode, a sleeping infant need not be removed from the car seat in which the infant may already by positioned (and thus disturbed or awakened) in order to be placed into the rocker 210. Since both the cradle basket 248 and liner 250 are preferably fabricated from pliable, cloth like materials, they need not be removed or detached from the frame 212 as a precursor to the movement of the frame 212 to the collapsed position.
Though not shown in FIGS. 8-12, the frame 212 of the rocker 210 may further optionally be configured to allow for the selective adjustment in the amount of “bounce” which the upper section 220 may undergo relative the lower section 216. In this regard, the rocker 210 may include an identically configured pair of shock absorbers which are interposed between respective, corresponding pairs of the end connectors 225 and ear portions 229, and/or between corresponding pairs of the end connectors 218, 223. If included, the shock absorbers would allow the upper section 220 to vibrate or “bounce” relative to the lower section 216. It is contemplated that each of the shock absorbers, if included, may be outfitted with structures that allow them to be selectively tightened or loosened as needed to selectively adjust or regulate the amount of bounce that the upper section 220 of the frame 212 may undergo relative to the lower section 216 thereof when the rocker 210 is in its operative, deployed position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
Patent Application
20110260507
