Patent Grant
7325872
This invention relates generally to a rocker, and in particular, to a rocker that produces audible and/or visual outputs.
Some conventional rocking devices include an output system that generates music. Other conventional rocking devices include activity centers that provide entertainment for an infant. Many conventional rocking devices do not provide for physical play by an infant and an output generating system that can be activated by an infant. Accordingly, infants quickly become disinterested in conventional rocking devices.
A need exists for a rocker that is easy to move and that generates outputs to stimulate a user. A need also exists for a rocker that provides for physical interaction with a user.
The present invention relates to a rocker that may be used to entertain an infant. In one embodiment, the rocker includes a seat portion, an activity portion and a connector. The connector is coupled to the seat portion and to the activity portion. In one embodiment, the seat portion and the activity portion are configured to rock on a support surface. In one embodiment, the seat portion and the activity portion can be rocked side-to-side.
The rocker includes an output generating system that can be activated by an infant. In one embodiment, the output generating system is connected to several input mechanisms that can be activated by an infant. In one embodiment, the rocker includes a motion sensing switch, which can be activated by the movement of the rocker. In another embodiment, the rocker includes several simulated piano keys that can be pressed and activated by an infant.
In one embodiment, the output generating system also includes several output mechanisms that generate various outputs in response to inputs. In one embodiment, the rocker includes several illumination devices or light sources that can be illuminated in response to an input. In another embodiment, the output generating system includes a sound generating system that generates audio outputs such as music and/or sound effects.
The present invention relates to a rocker that may be used to entertain an infant. In one embodiment, the rocker includes a seat portion, an activity portion and a connector. The connector is coupled to the seat portion and to the activity portion. In one embodiment, the seat portion and the activity portion are configured to rock on a support surface. In one embodiment, the seat portion and the activity portion can be rocked side-to-side.
The rocker includes an output generating system that can be activated by an infant. In one embodiment, the output generating system is connected to several input mechanisms that can be activated by an infant. In one embodiment, the rocker includes a motion sensing switch, which can be activated by the movement of the rocker. In another embodiment, the rocker includes several simulated piano keys that can be pressed and activated by an infant.
In one embodiment, the output generating system also includes several output mechanisms that generate various outputs in response to inputs. In one embodiment, the rocker includes several illumination devices or light sources that can be illuminated in response to an input. In another embodiment, the output generating system includes a sound generating system that generates audio outputs such as music and/or sound effects.
A schematic view of an embodiment of a rocker according to the present invention is illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the rocker 5 includes an entertainment device 200. The entertainment device 200 includes several actuators 216 that can be activated by a user. An infant can sit on the seat portion 20 or the connector 60 and activate the entertainment device 200 by pressing actuators 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the entertainment device 200 is fixedly coupled to the activity portion 40. In an alternative embodiment, the entertainment device 200 can be releasably coupled to the activity portion 40.
An exploded perspective view of the rocker of
In the illustrated embodiment, the seat portion 20 includes an upper or support surface 22, a rear surface 24, a front surface 26, and side surfaces 30 and 32. As illustrated in
Returning to
In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 22 of the seat portion 20 is substantially coextensive with the base surface 28 of the seat portion 20 in that the upper surface 22 covers approximately the same amount of area as the base surface 28. In alternative embodiments, the upper surface 22 may extend beyond the perimeter or profile of the base surface 28 or it may be smaller than the base surface 28.
The activity portion or component 40 includes an activity or upper surface 42, a front surface 44, a rear surface 46, and side surfaces 50 and 52. The rear surface 46 includes an opening 54 into which a portion of connector 60 can be inserted.
The activity portion 40 also includes a base or lower surface 48 that engages a support surface on which the activity portion 40 is placed. As illustrated, the base surface 48 is curved to facilitate the rocking of the activity portion 40 on a support surface. The curvature of base surface 28 and the curvature of the base surface 48 are substantially the same.
In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 42 of the activity portion 40 is substantially coextensive with the lower surface 48 of the activity portion 40 in that the upper surface 42 covers approximately the same amount of area as the lower surface 48. In alternative embodiments, the upper surface 42 may extend beyond the perimeter or profile of the lower surface 48 or it may be smaller than the base surface 48.
The connector or neck portion 60 includes a first end 62, a second end 64, and a longitudinal axis 66. As illustrated, the longitudinal axis 66 of the connector 60 extends substantially horizontally between the first end 62 and the second end 64 of the connector 60.
In one embodiment, the second end 64 of the connector 60 can be inserted into opening 54 on the activity portion 40. Similarly, the first end 62 of the connector 60 may be inserted into opening 34 on the seat portion 20. The connector ends 62 and 64 may be coupled to the seat portion 20 and the activity portion 40 via conventional connectors or fasteners, such as screws, rivets, bolts, etc. Alternatively, the ends 62 and 64 may be frictionally retained in the seat portion 20 and the activity portion 40, respectively.
A side view of the rocker of
The connector 60 includes a top surface 68 and a lower surface 70. As illustrated, the lower surface 70 has a non-linear configuration. In particular, the top surface 68 and the lower surface 70 each has a curved configuration (see
In the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface 70 of the connector 60 includes a first portion 72 and a second portion 74. The height of the connector 60 at its first portion 72 is greater than the height of the connector 60 at its second portion 74.
As illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, the entire lower surface 70 of connector 60 is substantially aligned with the lower surface 28 of seat portion 20 and the lower surface 48 of the activity portion 40. In such an embodiment, the lower surface 70 engages the support surface along the length of the exposed portion of the connector 60.
In another embodiment, the entire lower surface of the connector can be vertically offset from the lower surfaces of the seat portion and the activity portion. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the connector does not engage the support surface.
The rocker 5 can be moved into multiple orientations with respect to a support surface as illustrated in
The rocker 5 can be disposed in a first orientation 110 with respect to a support surface 10 (see
The rocker 5 can be disposed in multiple configurations as illustrated in
The rocker 5 is illustrated in a first configuration 104 in
The seat portion 20 can be coupled to the connector 60 in multiple positions. While two different seat portion positions are illustrated, in alternative embodiments, the seat portion 20 can be configured to be disposed in any number of positions along connector 60.
An embodiment of an output generating system of the present invention is illustrated in
The output generating system 201 includes a control unit 202 with a processor 204 and memory 206. An exemplary processor that can be used is a Sonix model SN66060. The memory 206 includes pre-recorded output programs, such as light sequences, and audio outputs, such as music and sound effects.
In the illustrated embodiment, the output generating system 201 includes several input mechanisms. Some exemplary input mechanisms include a motion sensing or motion-activated switch 208, a mode switch 210, a song book switch 218 and an instrument selector switch 220. The rocker 5 may also include several actuators 216 that can be activated by a user.
The motion switch 208 enables a user to activate the output generating system 201 by rocking the rocker 5 side-to-side. The motion switch 208 can be any conventional motion-activated switch that can be alternatively opened and closed based on the movement of the rocker 5.
An embodiment of a motion switch according to the present invention is illustrated in
Returning to
The instrument selector switch 220 enables a user to select musical outputs resembling different musical instruments. The instrument selector switch 220 may include a movable member, such as a rotatable knob, that can be disposed in multiple positions, each of which corresponds to a musical instrument. A switch may be engaged by the knob to allow a user to select music associated with a particular instrument. In one embodiment, the knob includes a grain-of-wheat (GOW) bulb that moves with the knob.
The output generating system 201 includes actuators 216 that can be activated or pressed by an infant. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuators 216 resemble piano keys and form a keyboard. Each actuator 216 is pivotally mounted to a portion of the entertainment device 200 and engages a corresponding switch when the actuator 216 is pressed. In one embodiment, each switch is a push button switch.
The mode switch 210 enables a user to select between multiple modes of operation of the output generating system 201. In one embodiment, the output generating system 201 includes three different modes of operations. For example, the output generating system 201 includes a rock-and-play mode in which music such as a song is played while the rocker 5 is rocked. The output generating system 201 also includes a song building mode in which consecutive portions of a song is played each time the rocker is rocked side-to-side. The output generating system 201 also includes a free play mode in which a user can press actuators on the output generating system 201 to activate the output generating system. The particular outputs generated depend on the mode of operation of the output generating system 201.
The output generating system 201 includes several output mechanisms. The output mechanisms are controlled by the control unit 202 based on particular inputs received by the output generating system 201.
One output mechanism is a speaker 214 through which audio outputs can be played. Another output mechanism is a light source. In one embodiment, the output generating system 201 includes several light sources, such as light bulbs, GOW bulbs, or LEDs. In one embodiment, each light source 212 is associated with and is disposed below one of the actuators 216. A light source 212 can illuminate an actuator 216 that is made from a transparent or semi-transparent material. In an alternative embodiment, the entertainment device 200 may include light sources at locations other than the actuators 216.
An alternative embodiment of a rocker according to the present invention is illustrated in
In this embodiment, the seat portion 320 includes a seat top 322 and a seat bottom 328. The seat top 322 and the seat bottom 328 can be coupled together using any conventional fastener, such as a screw, rivet, bolt, etc. Alternatively, the seat top 322 and the seat bottom 328 may be integrally formed.
The seat top 322 includes an upper surface 324 on which an infant can sit. The upper surface 324 is configured to support an infant. The seat top 322 also includes a seat back 326 that can be engaged by an infant on the upper surface 324.
The seat bottom 328 includes a cavity 330 and an opening 336 formed in the front surface 338 of the seat bottom 328. The seat bottom 328 includes an inner wall 331 that defines the cavity 330. The inner wall 331 includes multiple sets of recesses 332 and 334 formed along the cavity 330. The function of the recesses 332 and 334 will be explained in detail later. The seat bottom 328 also includes a lower surface 329 on which the seat portion 320 can be placed onto a support surface.
In this embodiment, the connector 340 has a first end 342, a second end 344, and a longitudinal axis 346. The connector 340 includes an upper surface 348 and a lower surface 350. Similar to connector 60, the connector lower surface 350 has a first portion 352 and a second portion 354 that may be spaced a different distance from the support surface than the first portion 352.
Connector 340 includes a coupler 356 proximate to end 342 of the connector 340. The coupler 356 is integrally formed with the remainder of connector 340. The coupler 356 includes radially extending flanges 358 and 359. In an alternative embodiment, the coupler 356 can be formed separate from and coupled to the remainder of the connector 340.
In this embodiment, the connector 340 is inserted into the cavity 330 of the seat portion 320. In particular, the coupler 356 is disposed so that flanges 358 and 359 are aligned with either recesses 332 or recesses 334. When the coupler 356 has been selectively located, the seat top 322 is coupled to the seat bottom 328. In one embodiment, the seat top 322 and the seat bottom 328 can be coupled together using conventional fasteners. In another embodiment, the seat top 322 and the seat bottom 328 can be coupled together via snap-fit arrangement, such as tabs and recesses.
In alternative embodiments, the seat bottom 328 may include any number of recesses formed in cavity 330. The number of recesses can vary based on the desired number of positions for the seat portion 320 relative to the activity portion 360.
In the illustrated embodiment, the activity portion 360 includes a rocker base 362, several couplers 364, and an entertainment component 366. Each of the couplers 364 is coupled to the rocker base 362 and to the entertainment component 366. In alternative embodiments, the number of couplers 364 can vary.
In this embodiment, the rocker base 362 includes a rocker bottom 370 and a rocker top 374. The rocker bottom 370 and the rocker top 374 are coupled together using conventional fasteners. The rocker bottom 370 includes a curved lower surface 372 that is configured to engage a support surface. The lower surface 372 of the rocker bottom 370 has substantially the same curvature as the lower surface 329 of the seat portion 320.
The rocker top 374 includes several receptacles 376 that are configured to engage the couplers 364. In one embodiment, each coupler 364 includes one or more resilient tabs (not shown) that engage a corresponding recess on the receptacle 376.
In this embodiment, the entertainment component 366 includes a lower housing 380 and an upper housing 384. The lower housing 380 and the upper housing 384 can be coupled via conventional fasteners.
The lower housing 380 includes a lower surface 382 that is configured to be coupled to the couplers 364. For example, the lower surface 382 can include recesses, each of which is configured to receive a portion of a coupler 364, such as a resilient tab on a coupler 364.
The upper housing 384 has a play portion 386 that includes several actuators 388. In this embodiment, the actuators 388 resemble piano keys and form a keyboard. Beneath each actuator 388 is a momentary switch that is closed when a user presses downwardly on an actuator 388. When the switch is closed, a signal is sent to the processor 204 as previously described.
The upper housing 384 also includes a song selection portion 390. A movable member that resembles a page 392 is pivotally mounted to the upper housing 384 proximate to the song selection portion 390. The page 392 includes a protrusion or extension (not shown) that engages a song selection switch when the page is flipped past a vertical position. The switch can be used to determine which side of the page 392 is displayed. This information is used to identify one or more outputs, such as songs, that are associated with the particular displayed portion of the page or pages.
The upper housing 384 also includes an instrument selection switch 394. In this embodiment, a rotating member, such as a knob, 396 is coupled to the upper housing 384. The rotating member 396 engages a switch that can be used by a user to select the music associated with a particular instrument.
In this embodiment, the entertainment component 366 includes a pair of handles 398 that are coupled to the upper housing 384. A user can grasp the handles 398 and rock the rocker 305. In one embodiment, the ends of the handles 398 are snap fit into openings 399 on the upper housing 384.
In this embodiment, the rocker 305 includes stops 400 and 410 coupled to the rocker base 362. In one embodiment, the stops 400 and 410 are pivotally coupled to the lower surface 372 of the rocker bottom 370. Each of the stops 400 and 410 is independently movable between a retracted position in which the rocker 305 can freely rock and an extended position in which the rocker 305 is prevented from rocking.
As illustrated in
Similarly, stop 410 includes a body 412 and an extension 418. The body 412 includes a first side 414 on which a mounting extension 416 is located. The opposite side of the body 412 includes another mounting extension (not shown). The stop 410 is coupled to the rocker bottom 370 via its mounting extensions.
Referring to
Turning to the operation of the rocker 305, the entertainment component 366 includes eight actuators or keys 388 as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the rocker 305 can include music associated with multiple musical instruments stored in memory 206. For example, the stored music can be associated with instruments such as a tuba, piano, flute, harp and violin. In one embodiment, the musical outputs may be stored in the form of .MLD files.
In one embodiment, the processor 204 includes a model song counter that keeps track of the current song being played. For each instrument, the processor 204 loops through the songs stored for that instrument.
The output generating system 201 of the rocker 5 can be activated by either rocking the rocker 5 or by pressing or activating one of the input mechanisms. For example, the output generating system 201 is activated when any of the actuators 216 or other switches is activated.
In one exemplary mode of operation, referred to as a rock-and-play mode, the rocker 305 plays a song in its entirety in response to the closing of the motion switch 208. While the song is played, the lights 212 under the piano keys 388 are illuminated simultaneously with the music that is generated. In this mode, when the user hits one or more of the keys 388, the lights 212 stop flashing and each light 212 under a pressed key 388 is illuminated.
In another exemplary mode of operation, referred to as a build a song mode, a section of a song is played in response to the activation of one of the input mechanisms. In this mode of operation, a song is separated into particular section based on pause points. If an input is received within the last one to two beats of music prior to a pause point, the next section of the song is played. Otherwise the song is paused at the pause point and a timer is started for a particular amount of time. In one embodiment, the timer may be set for a ten second period, during which the output generating system 201 monitors for another input during that time. If no input is received, the rocker 305 enters a power down mode.
In another exemplary mode of operation, referred to as a free play mode, each piano key 388 triggers a note. Also, when the left switch of the motion switch 208 is closed, the notes of a musical scale are played in ascending order and the corresponding lights are illuminated. When the right switch of the motion switch 208 is closed, the notes of a musical scale are played in descending order and the corresponding lights are illuminated.
In the illustrated embodiment, the components of the rocker are molded plastic. In alternative embodiments, any material that can support an infant can be used.
In alternative embodiments, any type of outputs in any pattern can be generated by the output generating system.
While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20040082396 A1 | Apr 2004 | US |
