PORTABLE REBOUNDING DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE AND COLLAPSIBLE FEATURES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to a portable rebounding apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a rebounding device to be used against a stationary surface for generating a rebounding motion that includes various adjustable and/or collapsible features.

Rocking is a familiar part of everyday human life. Numerous proven benefits of rocking have been established for centuries, while modern medicine has discovered new motivations and added reasons for rocking. One of the most well-known uses for rocking is to calm a baby. The gentle bouncing motion mimics the movement the baby felt inside the mother's womb and can soothe infants, aid in lulling children to sleep or while nursing, and reduce crying in colic episodes. Rhythmic motions also help build a better attachment bond between the parent and child, and aids in the growth of the newborn by stimulating both motor and sensory development.

Rocking for personal benefit is a safe activity and option for those that live an otherwise sedentary lifestyle or for people with limited physical motion, including many aging adults, individuals suffering with injuries or chronic ailments, or those seated for long periods of time. The act of rocking has proven benefits such as the easing of arthritis and back pain, improved muscle tone, improved balance, and increased circulation. Studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease that rock regularly demonstrate a significant improvement in depression, anxiety, balance, and a decrease in pain medication usage.

Studies have revealed that rocking causes an increase in psychological well-being for those suffering from dementia, anxiety, and depression due to released endorphins that elevate the mood. Additional studies suggest benefits of rocking can provide comfort and add to the positive treatment of anxiety, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism. For example, studies of patients with ADHD show that rocking movement with particular intensities and frequencies is correlated with increased accuracy on cognitively demanding tasks requiring sufficient attention. Studies have also shown that vestibular rehabilitation therapy such as rocking can help patients with vestibular dysfunction, such as vertigo and episodes of dizziness. Rocking may also be a low-energy movement to increase blood flow for those experiencing physical restrictions, such as elderly and those with limited mobility or physical disabilities. Health experts recommend some form of motion to increase circulation and muscle movement when sitting or laying for extended periods. Rocking has also been shown to help people fall asleep faster and improve memory consolidation with more time spent in non-REM sleep.

Rocking can also improve pain management by calming the parasympathetic nervous system. It also improves cognitive processing by soothing the brain and facilitating concentration with the ability to think logically.

However, prolonged rocking in a seated position cannot be performed comfortably without an external device such as a rocking chair to assist in repeating the motion for even a short period of time, let alone hours on end. A continuous rocking motion for long durations without assistance also creates significant strain on muscles and joints. Existing solutions are extremely limited in their embodiments, versatility, and flexibility of use. The operating conditions and other utility requirements often prohibit users from being able to use existing apparatuses when and where rocking assistance is needed most.

Further, conventional rocking solutions require a large amount of floor space and are therefore not suitable for use in small rooms and can be difficult to store when not in use. While some hospitals and nurseries equip parents, staff, and caregivers with rockers or gliders, providing a rocker or glider in each room is expensive, which becomes problematic for facilities operating with a limited budget. Smaller options for rocking infants include bassinets, bouncers, or cradles, but in these options the infant is separated from the caregiver, limiting the ability to simultaneously hold, nurse, or easily feed the infant while rocking.

Still further, conventional rocking solutions cannot be combined with other existing furniture such as a sofa or bed, thus preventing users from utilizing such furniture when needing to hold and nurse or calm an infant with rocking. Many mothers prefer to nurse while sitting in an upright position in bed, especially at night, but must choose between the comfort of a bed and the functionality of rocking furniture because nothing exists to allow both simultaneously.

Conventional rocking solutions also present the problem in lacking adaptability to the user of the furniture. For example, a rocking chair may be perfectly comfortable for adult use but may be too strenuous for an elderly person, a person recovering from surgery, a person with limited mobility, a person with physical challenges, etc. The force needed to generate full backwards and forward cycle on a rocker or glider may be easily provided by the leaning back of a larger, heavier body, whereas smaller framed persons, those with pre-existing conditions, and/or aging individuals may need to repeatedly push off the ground using their legs in order to generate motion. With conventional rocking chairs and gliders it can be difficult to achieve partial rock cycles or more subtle motion when the user or child may prefer gentle rebounding rhythm. The size, shape, and condition of the user's body and the personal preference of the user impacts the amount or size of the force needed when utilizing rocking furniture, and a conventional piece of rocking furniture fails to accommodate the variety of needs of multiple users.

Additionally, the use of conventional rocking furniture is limiting in that it cannot easily be moved from room to room or accompany the user during travel. For example, rocking chairs and gliders are not movable for travel. Portability of a rocking solution is desirable for parents who want to take the rocking solution to the park, to the nanny's house, or on vacation, medical staff who want to move the rocking solution between hospital rooms, and even video game players who want to use the rocking solution while at a friends' house for video game night. As such, a need for an ergonomic rocking solution that moves into a collapsed travel position and includes adjustable positions exists. An ideal ergonomic rocking device, such as the solution disclosed herein, has adjustable parts that support a healthy sitting posture and features that promote movement while sitting.

Accordingly, there is a need for a portable, compressible rebounding device for generating a rocking motion while in a seated position that is adjustable and/or collapsible to accommodate the needs of different users, as described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides a rebounding device that includes components that move between a collapsed position for transport and at least one operable position for use. In some embodiments, the rebounding device moves between the collapsed position and a plurality of operable positions. The rebounding device includes a front member, a rear member, and at least two hinge assemblies. The front member includes at least two spring arms, each spring arm coupled to the front member. The rebounding device also includes a rear member and at least two hinge assemblies. Each hinge assembly includes a housing configured to couple to an end of rear member. and an end of a spring arm which helps enable a biasing force as described below. Each hinge assembly also includes a position lock mechanism contained at least in part within the housing which couples to an end of a spring arm so that, in response to an input to the position lock mechanism, the front member and the rear member are moveable between a collapsed position and at least one operable position, wherein the front member is movable relative to the rear member during a rocking motion.

The front member via the spring arms and their connection to a hinge assembly helps to accommodate the needs of users having different sizes, shapes, and needs. With the rebounding device in an operable position, the user positions the at least two position change assemblies on a solid surface, such as the floor or ground, and the rear member against a stationary object such as a wall or the back of a chair or sofa. The user rests his back against the front member and applies pressure and/or a backward force to generate a gentle rocking motion. The rebounding device exerts a biasing force when compressed that gently propels the user's upper body forward while maintaining a seated position.

In second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the position lock mechanism includes a first internal gear, for example, a circular gear having a plurality of teeth on the interior of the gear which protrude towards the center of the circular gear. The position lock mechanism also includes a second internal gear and an external gear, for example, a circular gear having a plurality of teeth on the exterior of the gear which protrude away from the center of the circular gear. The teeth of the external gear are configured to lock with the teeth of the internal gears so that the position lock mechanism provides resistance to movement of the front member towards the rear member, and vice versa. When the device is in an operable position with the rear member placed against a solid surface, the position lock mechanism prevents the front member from rotating towards the rear member at the hinge assembly. The user rests his back against the front member and applies pressure and/or a backward force to generate a gentle rocking motion due in part to the resistance provided by the locking internal gear and external gear of the position lock mechanism. Additionally, the connection of the spring arm to the hinge assembly provides resistance to the movement of the front member toward the rear member. In this way, the spring arms may function similar to a spring blade, and the rebounding device exerts a biasing force when compressed that gently propels the user's upper body forward while maintaining a seated position.

In a third aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the position lock mechanism includes a button configured to unlock the external gear from the internal gear in response to a depression of the button so that the front member and rear member are freely moveable relative to one another. The depression of the button relative to the housing may be the input to the position lock mechanism to unlock the external gear from the internal gear in response to an input so that the front member and rear member are freely moveable relative to one another.

In a fourth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the hinge assembly further comprises a coil spring disposed between the first internal gear and the external gear, which coil spring biases the external gear into engagement with the second internal gear.

In a fifth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the position lock mechanism includes a switch configured to unlock the external gear from the internal gear in response to an actuation of the switch so that the front member and rear member are freely moveable relative to one another. The actuation of the switch be the input to the position lock mechanism to unlock the external gear from the internal gear in response to an input so that the front member and rear member are freely moveable relative to one another.

In a sixth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the at least one operable position includes a first operable position and a second operable position. In other embodiments,

In a seventh aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the front member and the rear member in the first operable position form an angle that is more acute than an angle between the front member and the rear member in the second operable position. Adjustment of the rebounding device position may provided via an input to the position lock mechanism that allows the front member and rear member to be freely moveable relative to one another. The user may then move the front member toward the rear member to adjust the distance between the front member and rear member, which is the available space and distance for a user to push the front member as part of a rocking motion.

In an eighth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect or embodiment listed herein unless specified otherwise, the spring arms each have a curved end terminating in a lip so that the hinge assembly couples to the curved end to provide a biasing force against the front member in response to a rocking motion at the front member.

In a ninth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the position lock mechanism includes a channel configured to receive the curved end of a spring arm and a ridge configured to lock with the lip of the received spring arm. For example, the position lock mechanism may be cylindrical in shape so that the curved end partially wraps around the mechanism into the channel, with the lip of the spring arm locking onto the ridge of the position lock mechanism. This connection involves the curved end curving up off the ground. This curvature and wrapping connection may provide in part the biasing force against the front member in response to a rocking motion at the front member.

In a tenth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the housing couples to a curved end of the spring arm so that the spring arm provides a biasing force against the front member in response to a rocking motion at the front member.

In an eleventh aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, each hinge assembly includes a support pad coupled to the housing, configured to stabilize the device during a rocking motion.

In a twelfth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, each support pad includes a grip portion spaced from the hinge assembly so that the hinge mechanism can move during a rocking motion and the grip portion remains stationary.

In a thirteenth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the rear member comprises a rear stability pad coupled to the rear member configured to stabilize the device during a rocking motion.

In a fourteenth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the front member further comprises openings.

In a fifteenth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the front member further comprises a front support pad affixed to the front member.

In a sixteenth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the front support pad includes a plurality of raised members.

In a seventeenth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, each spring arm is coupled to the front member by a top fastener and a bottom fastener. Each top fastener and each bottom fastener is configured to slidably engage the spring arm such that the spring arm is able to move along a plane substantially parallel to the front member.

In an eighteenth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, each spring arm comprises a front member lip configured to interact with at least one rib of the front member to provide a stoppage point.

In a nineteenth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, each bottom fastener is configured to act as a fulcrum for the spring arm during a rocking motion at the front member.

In a twentieth aspect, which may be combined with the first aspect in combination with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, each bottom fastener is configured to be placed at a plurality of locations on the front member. Adjusting the location of each bottom fastener on the front member adjusts an amount of spring force applied by the spring arm during the rocking motion at the front member.

An object of the invention is to provide a solution for a collapsible rebounding device, wherein the modular components are easily moved between a collapsed position for traveling and an expanded position for use, and/or are easily assembled and disassembled.

Another object of the invention is to provide a solution for adjusting the strength of a bouncing motion provided by a rebounding device while maintaining a smooth bouncing motion throughout the range of strength available.

Another object of the invention is to provide a solution to render a single rebounding device usable for a number of people having different shapes, sizes, and rebounding motion needs.

A further advantage of the invention is that it enables a single rebounding device available for use in a wide variety of settings, from childcare to elder care, etc.

An advantage of the invention is that it provides a portable rebounding device that is easily carried from one location to another, takes up little space, and can be easily dismantled and stored away when not in use.

Another advantage of the invention is that it can be utilized with almost any existing furniture or supporting surface; thereby allowing the user to rock continuously while playing games while sitting wherever they have a supporting surface deemed comfortable.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a front and back perspective view of a rebounding device of the present disclosure shown in an operable position.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and back perspective views, of the rebounding device of FIG. 1 shown in a collapsed position.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a back perspective view and a back exploded perspective view from the left of a spring arm of a rebounding device, such as the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are back perspective views from the left and right, respectively, of a hinge assembly of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6C is a right perspective view of the hinge assembly with a portion of the housing removed.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are back perspective views from the left and the right, respectively, of the hinge assembly coupled to the spring arm of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7C and 7D are side elevational views of the hinge assembly, in full and with a portion of the housing removed, respectively, coupled to the spring arm and a rear member of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are back perspective, exploded views from the left and right, respectively, of the hinge assembly of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8C and 8D are cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly of the rebounding device taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7A with the button in an undepressed configuration and a depressed configuration, respectively.

FIG. 9 is a back perspective view from the left of a position lock mechanism of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view from the right of a rear member of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 11A to 11C are side elevational views of the rebounding device of FIG. 1. shown in a collapsed position, a first operable position, and a second operable position, respectively.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are front and back perspective views of the rebounding device of FIG. 1 shown in an operable position with a standing support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example embodiment of a rebounding device 100 that includes a front member 102, a rear member 112, and first and second hinge assemblies 110a and 110b. During use, the rear member 112 is configured to rest against a solid, supporting surface, such as the headboard of a bed, the back of a sofa or chair, an airplane seat, or a wall, for example. The hinge assemblies 110a and 110b are configured to rest against a solid, supporting surface, such as the floor or ground, the seat of a sofa or chair, or an airplane seat, for example, and allow the front and rear members to move between a collapsed position and an operable position. A user can rest their back against the front member 102 and apply pressure and/or a backward force to generate a gentle rocking motion when the rebounding device 100 is in the operable position. The rebounding device 100 exerts a biasing force when pushed back that gently propels the user's upper body forward while maintaining a seated position. The combination of the biasing force of the rebounding device 100 against the weight of the user generates a momentum that allows continued bouncing while rocking an infant or oneself for gaming, personal relaxation, activity, or comfort, while requiring little effort for hours on end.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example embodiment of a rebounding device 100 in a collapsed position. The front member 102 includes at least two spring arms 105a, 105b, each spring arm 105 affixed to the right and left sides of the front member 102. In some embodiments, each right and left side of the front member 102 includes a spring arm 105 comprising a first spring 131 and a second spring 132 stacked atop one another as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 7C. In some embodiments, the stacked springs 131, 132 are provided immediately adjacent to one another, while in other embodiments, an intermediate member such as a piece of plastic or other suitable material may be provided to reduce friction between the springs 131,132. In still further embodiments, each of the right and left side of the front member may include more than two stacked springs 131, 132. Further, all spring arms 105 may be affixed to the same surface of the front member 102. Each spring arm 105 may be affixed to the rear surface of the front member 102. For example, spring arm 105a is affixed to the rear surface of front member 102 via fastener 107, with the fastener 107 being a mounting bracket that is screwed into the front member 102. In some embodiments, the rear surface of the front member 102 includes a plurality of ribs 109 to provide structure and rigidity to the front member 102 as well as provide positions for the spring arms 105 and fasteners 107 to be coupled to the front member 102. Multiple fasteners 107 may be used to affix each spring arm 105 to the front member 102. Additionally, different fastening mechanisms may be used to affix the spring arms 105a, 105b to the front member 102. Each spring arm 105a, 105b may take the form of any suitable springing mechanism such as a plurality of leaf springs.

The front member 102 may include a plurality of openings 104 through the front member 102. These openings 104 operate to provide airflow through the openings in the front member 102 improving the thermal comfort of a user of the rebounding device 100. The front member 102 may also include one or more padded support pads, e.g. front pad 103. The front pad 103 may comprise a foam pad or a rubber material, such natural latex, or other thick, cushioning material secured to the front member 102 to provide increased support to improve the comfort of the user of the rebounding device 100. The front pad 103, as well as the front member 102, may be of a variety of shapes to accommodate different users and different applications. For example, the support pad may include raised portions in specific areas to that correspond with an acupuncture/acupressure therapy.

In the collapsed position, the front member 102 and the rear member 112 are not moveable relative to one another. This allows for a user to easily and conveniently handle the rebounding device 100, and it makes the rebounding device 100 easier to store and transport.

FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a spring arm 105 of a rebounding device of the present disclosure. Each spring arm 105 may be in the shape a blade, each end of the blade ending in lip 106. One end of the spring arm 105 may be curved, such that it curves up off the surface upon which the hinge assemblies 110a, 110b are rested (as described in further detail below). The curved end may end in a lip 106 configured to couple the spring arm to a hinge assembly 110 of the rebounding device 100 as shown in FIG. 7b. The opposite end of the spring arm 105 may also end in a lip 108 to improve the retention of the spring arm 105 to the front member 102 and to prevent a user from injuring themselves on the spring arm 105. The lip 108 (also referred to as a front member lip 108) is preferably oriented toward the front member 102 so that it does not pinch a user touching the rear surface of the front member 102. The lip 108 may also act to limit motion of the spring arm 105 in one or more directions during use of the rebounding device. This may be accomplished by the lip 108 abutting one or more ribs 109 at a minimum and maximum position of the lip 108 relative to the front member 102. In some embodiments, the lip 108 is oriented away from the front member 102 and a top fastener 107a (as described further below) acts as a limiting surface for sliding of the spring arm 105. Referring to FIG. 5B and as described above, in some embodiments, each spring arm 105 may be comprised of a plurality of springs, for example a first spring 131 and a second spring 132. These springs may be held together by the one or more fasteners, e.g. 107a, 107b. Each of the first spring 131 and the second spring 132 may have a curved end, each terminating in a lip, e.g. lip 106 (also referred to as hinge lip 106). The springs 131, 132 of the spring arm 105 may both exert a biasing force against the front member 102 in response to a user pushing gently back/exerting a force on the front member 102.

Each spring arm may be composed of a rigid material that flexes in response to an object, such as a user, exerting a force against it, resulting in the spring arm exerting a biasing force back against the object. Each spring arm, e.g. 105a, may be configured to couple to a hinge assembly, e.g. 110a., in a manner that provides the biasing force, as described in greater detail below. This biasing force gently propels the user's upper body forward in response to a rocking motion at the front member 102.

In some embodiments, the spring arm 105 may be adjusted to provide a varying amount of force. For example, the spring arm 105 may include fasteners 107a, 107b that may be moveable along a length of the spring arm 105 to increase or decrease the force. This may be accomplished in some embodiments by allowing the fasteners 107a, 107b to move along a length of the spring arm 105. The lower or second fastener 107b (also referred to as a bottom fastener 107b) provides a fulcrum for the spring arm 105. The second fastener 107b may be adjustable, for example able to slide, on the front member 102 such that the location of the fulcrum for the spring arm 105 is adjusted, and thereby adjusting the amount of spring force exerted when a rocking motion is applied to the rebounding device. In other embodiments, the front member 102 may include a plurality of optional mounting points along the length of the spring arm 105 for the second fastener 107b to be moved between as desired by the user. In some embodiments, the size of the bottom fastener 107b is as small as possible to improve the cycling life of the spring arm 105, while maintaining enough material to resist the force of the spring arm 105. Further, additional reinforcing spring elements may be positioned between the spring arm 105 and the respective hinge assembly 110. For example, reinforcing spring elements may snap onto the spring arms 105. The ability to optionally add and/or adjust reinforcing spring elements and fastener 107b positions also enables the rebounding device to be purchased for a single home and used for people of various sizes.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective views of an example embodiment of a hinge assembly of the present disclosure. The rebounding device 100 includes at least two hinge assemblies 110a, 110b which couple the front member 102 and rear member 112 and allows for a change of position of the device in response to an input (as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 11A-11C). Each hinge assembly, e.g. 110a, may include a housing 114 which couples to an end of a spring arm.

The housing 114 may include a first housing body 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing body 115 is generally cylindrical member about a central axis, and extends away from the central axis to form a port 116. The port 116 may be an opening configured to receive an end of the rear member 112 in order to couple the rear member 112 to the housing 114 and to the hinge assembly 110. The housing 114 may also include a second housing body 123 configured to contain a position lock mechanism 118, at least in part, within the housing 114. The housing 114 and its pieces may be composed of one or a number of molded plastic components.

The hinge assembly 110 may also include a position lock mechanism 118 contained at least in part within the housing 114, for example within the first housing body 115. The position lock mechanism 118 may be configured to receive an end of a spring arm 105, affixed to the front member 102, to couple the front member 102 to the hinge assembly 110. The position lock mechanism 118 may also allow for a user to change a position of the rebounding device 100 in response to an input.

Each hinge assembly, e.g. 110, may be configured to rest on a flat surface, such as the floor or a seat of a chair, to support the rebounding device 100. Each hinge assembly 110 may include a support pad 130 coupled to the housing configured to help stabilize the device during use. For example the support pad 130 may have a ridged texture to help prevent the rebounding device 100 from slipping during use. In other embodiments, the support pad 130 may include additional features such as spacers or bearing assemblies that allow the hinge assembly 110 to rotate relative to the support pad 130. For example, the support pad 130 may include a grip portion configured to grip the surface on which the hinge assembly is placed. The grip portion may be spaced from the hinge mechanism so that the hinge mechanism can move with the rocking motion while the grip portion remains stationary on the ground surface.

FIG. 6C illustrates a side perspective of a hinge assembly of a rebounding device of the present disclosure, showing the position lock mechanism 118. Each hinge assembly 110 may be configured to couple with an end of a spring arm 105 of the front member 102. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second housing body 123 is removed to show the position lock mechanism 118 having a channel 126 terminating in a ridge 127. The channel 126 may be configured to receive a curved end or lip 106 of a spring arm 105. The ridge 127 may be configured to lock with the lip 106 of the spring arm 105 coupling the front member 102 to the hinge assembly 110 and locking the curved lip 106 of the spring arm 105. The channel 126 and ridge 127 may be formed of molded plastic on a first body 119 of the position switch mechanism 118.

FIG. 7A to 7D are back perspective views from the left and right of the rebounding device, respectively, and side views of a hinge assembly 110 coupled to a spring arm 105 of a rebounding device 100 of the present disclosure. Each hinge assembly 110 may be coupled to a spring arm 105 by inserting the curved end of the spring arm 105 into the channel 126 so that the lip 106 of the spring arm 105 is held in place in the channel 126 via the ridge 127. The second housing body 123 may then cover the channel to assist in locking the spring arm 105 into the channel 126. Locking the spring arm 105 into the channel of the hinge assembly via the ridge 127 and lip 106 holds the end of the spring arm 105 in place which helps to produce the biasing force against the user in response to a rocking motion at the front member 102.

FIG. 8A and 8B are back perspective views from the left and right of the rebounding device, respectively, of a hinge assembly of a rebounding device of the present disclosure, shown in an exploded view.

Each hinge assembly 110 may include a housing 114 and a position lock mechanism 118 contained at least in part within the housing 114. The housing 114 may comprise a first housing body 115 configured to couple to an end of the rear member 112 and a second housing body 123 configured to couple the position lock mechanism 118 to the housing 114 at least in part. The first housing body 115 may contain indentions 117 (see FIG. 18B) in order to couple with a first mechanism body 119 of the position lock mechanism 118.

The position lock mechanism 118 is configured to allow a user to change the position of the rear member 112 of the device 100 between a collapsed position (for storage or travel, see FIG. 11A) to an operable position (for rocking, see FIGS. 11B and 11C). The position lock mechanism 118 is manipulated by a user between a disengaged configuration, which allows the front member 102 and rear member 112 to be freely moveable between a collapsed position and at least one operable position, and an engaged configuration, which locks the front and rear members 102, 112 in either the collapsed position or an operable position. When in an operable position, the position lock mechanism 118 is engaged and the front member 102 is moveable relative to the rear member 112 during a rocking motion, for example a rocking motion strong enough to overcome the biasing force provided at the front member 102. In some embodiments, the position lock mechanisms 118a, 118b of both hinge assemblies 110a, 110b receive input or are manipulated simultaneously in order to move the front member and rear member between the collapsed and operable positions. In other embodiments, a single user input may actuate both position lock mechanisms 118a, 118b of both hinge assemblies 110a, 110b. In still further embodiments, the rebounding device 100 may include a single hinge assembly 110 that determines the positioning of the spring elements 105 relative thereto.

Each position lock mechanism 118 may include a first mechanism body 119. The first mechanism body 119 may be generally cylindrical about the central axis. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first mechanism body 119 may be flat on one surface with the opposite side being hollowed out to form a first internal gear 120, having a plurality of teeth protruding toward the central axis. A spool 122 may extend along the central axis of ther first mechanism body. The position lock mechanism 118 may also include an external gear 121 having a plurality of teeth protruding away from the central axis. The external gear 121 may be configured to fit into the first mechanism body 119 around the spool 122 and to lock with the teeth of the first internal gear 120 so that the position lock mechanism 118 provides resistance to movement of the front member 102 and the rear member 112. Additionally, the first housing body 115 may include a second internal gear 128 identical to the first internal gear 120 of the first mechanism housing 119 to which the external gear 121 locks into.

The interlocking connection between the first internal gear 120 and external gear 121 simultaneously with the interlocking connection between the external gear 121 and the second internal gear 128 holds the rebounding device 100 in a position so that the front member 102 and the rear member 112, are locked into position during use and do not move relative to one another during use except for deflection of the spring arms 105a, 105b as part of the rebounding force. A coil spring 125 biases the exernal gear 121 into engagement with the first internal gear 120 and the second internal gear 128. This spring 125 holds the device in a selected position of a plurality of operable positions. The position lock mechanism 118 may also include a plurality of flanges 124 in the first mechanism body 119 configured to interlock with the indentions 117 of the first housing body 115 to couple the position lock mechanism 118 to the housing 115. In some embodiments, the indentations 117 limit the amount of rotation between the first housing body 115 and the first mechanism body 119 such that only a certain amount of positions are available to a user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the position lock mechanism includes a button 129, accessible to a user of the rebounding device 100. In response to an input or manipulation (e.g. depressing the button 129 and holding it), the button 129 unlocks of the connection between the second internal gear 128 and the external gear 121, for example by compressing the coil spring 125 and moving the external gear 121 so that it is no longer locked into the teeth of the second internal gear 128. The external gear 121 is then only engaged with and fully enclosed by the first internal gear 120, and the first internal gear 120 is free to rotate relative to the second internal gear 128. In other words, the position of the rear member 112 relative to the front member 102 (or vice versa) may be adjusted when the button 129 is sufficiently depressed, as described in further detail in the below description of FIGS. 8c to 8d.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the coil spring 125 is disposed between a surface of the external gear 121 which faces the first internal gear 120 and a surface of the first internal gear 120 which faces the external gear 121. The coil spring 125 thereby forces the external gear 121 away from the first internal gear 120 and into engagement with the second internal gear 128 when the button 129 is in an undepressed configuration of FIG. 8C. The second internal gear 128 is dimensioned such that the external gear 121 does not fit fully within the second internal gear 128, but rather such that at least part of the external gear 121 is still in engagement with the first internal gear 120 when the button 129 is in the undepressed configuration. In other words, the external gear 121 traverses an interface of the first internal gear 120 and the second internal gear 128 when in the undepressed configuration. In the undepressed configuration, the external gear 121 prevents the relative rotation of the first internal gear 120 to the second internal gear 128 about the spool 122. FIG. 9 illustrates the part of the external gear 121 protruding from the first internal gear 120 which engages with the second internal gear 128 in such a configuration. In this way the external gear 121 holds the first internal gear 120 and the second internal gear 128 in a position so that they may not rotate relative to each other. Although the first internal gear 120 and the second internal gear 128 are shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D with a direct interface, alternative embodiments include an offset or gap between the two features and the external gear 121 configured to traverse this offset in the undepressed configuration.

When the button 129 is depressed as shown in FIG. 8D, for example by a user, the button 129 moves toward a depressed configuration which compresses the coil spring 125 and the external gear 121 is only engaged with the first internal gear 120 and not with the second internal gear 128. In the depressed configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 8D, the external gear 121 does not interfere with rotation of the first internal gear 120 relative to the second internal gear 128 (i.e. no ratcheting is performed by the external gear 121). Instead, the first internal gear 120 and the second internal gear 128 may freely rotate relative to each other about the spool 122.

As the rebounding device 100 contains at least two hinge assemblies, e.g. 110a, 110b, the button 129 or other input device of each hinge assembly must be depressed in order to allow a user to freely move the front member 102 and rear member 112 relative to one another. When each button 129 of each hinge assembly 110 is depressed, the external gears 121 and gear of the first housing bodies 115 of the hinge assemblies 110a, 110b unlock, allowing for the movement of the front member 102 or the rear member 112 in order to change a position of the rebounding device 100.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear member 112 of a rebounding device of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear member 112 has a rectangular shape with a curvature along an outer surface thereof to accommodate the rebounding device 100 being placed against a flat surface such as a wall or floor. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear member 112 has a curvature to allow some side-to-side movement of the rebounding device 100 during use. In other embodiments, the rear member 112 may have different or no curvature.

For example, the rear member 112, may have a U-shape and may be comprised of a plastic and/or metal material to provide sufficient structure and shape to the rear member 112. For example the rear member 112 may be a metal U-shape with ends configured to couple to a hinge assembly. The rear member 112 configured to rest against a solid surface and to support the front member 102 and a user. A foam or rubber pad 113 may be affixed to the rear member 112, configured to provide extra grip and support against the surface upon the rear member 112 is placed. This pad 113 may improve device stability as well as protect the surface on which the rear member 112 is placed from damage.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the rear member 112 may include a standing structural support 150 which allows the rebounding device 100 to be used with the rear member 112 resting on a solid ground surface in lieu of a wall or other vertical or nearly vertical surface as shown in FIGS. 11B or 11C. Instead, a top portion of the standing structural support 150 forms an acute angle with the rear member 112 and a bottom portion thereof rests on the ground. The force between the ground and the standing structural support 150 is translated to the rear member 112 by the coupling of the standing structural support and the rear member 112. In some embodiments, outer ends of the standing structural support 150 are telescopic, moving between a retracted position and an extended position in order to accommodate the size and position of the user.

Further, the standing structural support 150 may be coupled to the rear member 112 by a removable snap-fit connection, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. In such embodiments, the ribbed surface of the front member 102 may include cavities for storing the standing structural support 150 when not in use. In alternative embodiments, the standing structural support 150 may be formed integrally with the rear member 112, coupled thereto by an affixed hinging connection such that any angle between the rear member 112 and the structural support member 150 can be achieved. The standing structural support 150 may conform to an inner surface of the rear member such that it can be nested into and stored along the sides 112 of the rear member when not in use. In still further embodiments, the standing structural support 150 may include more than two legs and/or additional features as needed or desired.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11C the rebounding device 100 is capable of operating in a number of positions. For example, FIG. 11A illustrates a rebounding device 100 in a collapsed position, which is convenient for transporting and for storing the device. FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the same rebounding device 100 in first and second operable positions. In other embodiments, the rebounding device 100 may move between a plurality of operable positions, including three or more positions. The plurality of operable positions enables the user to choose different depths for personal preference and based on conditions of different seating or rocking scenarios.

Referring to FIG. 11B, the user may move the front member 102 and rear member 112 apart from one another in response to a user pushing the buttons 129 and until releasing the buttons 129 to lock the device into an operable position. FIG. 11b illustrates the device in a first operable position, in which a first angle of approximately 30 degrees is defined a between the front member 102 and the rear member 112 providing a distance between outer ends of the front and rear members of approximately four inches, allowing the user to rock against the front member 102. In other embodiments, the first angle and the corresponding distance may vary. For example, the first angle may be 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, or any other desired dimension.

A user may determine that more space is required in order to experience a deeper rocking motion in contrast to the more shallow rocking motion provided by the first operable position. Accordingly, the user may change the position of the device 100 via the position lock mechanisms 118a, 118b of the hinge assembly 110 into a second operable position. FIG. 11c illustrates the device in the second operable position, in which an angle of about 45 degrees is defined between the front member 102 and the rear member 112, providing a distance of about seven inches between outer ends of the front and rear members, allowing the user to rock against the front member 102. In other embodiments, the second angle and the corresponding distance may vary. Similar to the first angle, the second angle, or even third or more angles, may be 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, or any other desired dimension, including 80, 85, or 90 degrees in order to allow the rear member to rest on the ground while the front member maintains an upright position for rocking.

In some embodiments, the front member 102 or the rear member 112 may have an aperture to accommodate the shape of a user's hand, to allow a user to lift and carry the rebounding device 100.

The rebounding device 100 may also include accessories such as arm rests, pockets, straps for attaching pillows or other cushions, straps for holding the front 102 and rear members 112 in the collapsed position, and hooks for hooking the device onto a chair or other structure may be included as well. In other embodiments, the rebounding device 100 may include accessories which are couplable to the rear surface of the front member 102 and/or the plurality of ribs 109. For example, a vibrating device may be snapped into or affixed to at least a portion of the plurality of ribs and cause vibration in the front member 102 when activated to soothe or massage a user during use. Other accessories such as portable speakers, phone holders, containers, food and/or drink holders, and others may be included in a similar manner in some embodiments. The plurality of ribs 109 may include slots which allow a snap fit with the accessories, or the accessories may be coupled by a press-fit connection between consecutive ribs 109 in some embodiments. In other embodiments the accessories include spring-loaded connections to provide friction with the ribs 109 and hold the accessory in place. A single accessory may be configured to span several rows of ribs 109 in some embodiments. The rebounding device 100 may also include a fabric slip which is configured to cover the front member 102 and provide further comfort for a user (i.e. by providing further cushioning). The fabric slip may also be configured to cover the accessories which are coupled to the plurality of ribs 109 in some embodiments, in order to protect the accessories and/or prevent interference thereupon.

Additionally, in other embodiments, the rebounding device may allow for a user to adjust the biasing force supplied by the rebounding device in order to experience the optimal rocking for a given individual. For example, additional components may snap on to the front member 102 or one of the hinge assemblies that increases the resistance provided by the spiring arms in response to an input such as a rocking motion.

It should be appreciated that the coupling mechanisms identified in the application are exemplary and other coupling mechanisms may be added or omitted in other embodiments of the rebounding device 100.

The dimensions of the rebounding device(s) 100 disclosed herein may be modified in order to tailor the device to a specific use and/or for an individual user. For example, the width of the rebounding device and/or size of the junction members may be larger than illustrated herein in order to accommodate for usage with a wheelchair or a hospital bed.

As described above, the rebounding device 100 can be used in a variety of applications, from comfortable seating for gamers, to rocking an infant to sleep, to the comfort and benefit for those with conditions such as dementia, anxiety, and autism. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

PORTABLE REBOUNDING DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE AND COLLAPSIBLE FEATURES

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