Patent Application
20080238163
1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure is generally directed to child motion and soothing devices, and more particularly to a support structure for coupling and supporting a seat to such a device.
2. Description of Related Art
Child motion devices such as conventional pendulum swings and bouncers are known in the art. These types of devices are often used to entertain and, sometimes more importantly, to sooth or calm children, and particularly infants. A child is typically placed in a seat of the device and then the device is used to swing the child in a reciprocating pendulum motion or bounce the child in a generally vertical motion. Standard pendulum swings often include a seat suspended by an A-frame support stand. In operation, the seat swings forward and backward between the sides of the A-frame in the pendulum motion.
Most types of child motion devices do not typically enable multiple different optional seating positions and arrangements for the child or permit optional motion characteristics. A typical child motion device has only a single seating orientation and a single motion characteristic that can be provided for a child placed in the seat. A number of these types of devices are motorized to impart automatic and continuous movement to the child seat. These devices typically mount the motor above the head of a child within the device. The motor can be a noisy nuisance for the child as it is positioned near their head. Additionally, the drive takes up space above the seat, which can make it difficult for an adult to position a child in the device.
Some swing products are configured with a support that can accept an infant car seat carrier. For example, the SnugGlider® swing commercially available from Graco Children's Products Inc., the assignee of the present disclosure, has a frame to which an infant car seat carrier may be coupled to serve as the swing seat. The seat frame of the swing is connected to A-frame supports and enables the above-described pendulum motion.
Other manufacturers have produced child motion devices with seats that can be moved between two different seat facing orientations and/or that can be removed and utilized as a car seat or an infant carrier. For example, Fisher-Price manufactures a pendulum swing with a motor above the child's head. The seat of the swing can be oriented in one of two optional seat facing directions by rotating the suspended pendulum-type swing arm through a 90 degree angle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,902 discloses a complex apparatus in a pendulum-type swing. The seat moves in a manner such that a component of its travel path includes a side-to-side arcuate path in a somewhat horizontal plane (see FIG. 9 of the patent). The seat can be rotated between two different seat facing directions on the seat support.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,994 discloses another child swing wherein the base is formed having a first stationary part and a second part that can be turned or rotated by a parent within the first part. The seat swings in a conventional pendulum-like manner and a parent can rotate the device within the stationary base part to change the view of the child seated in the seat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,548 discloses a pendulum type swing with a seat support and a removable seat. This patent discloses that the seat can be configured to attach to and detach from the support and can be configured to be used as an infant carrier or car seat when not attached to the swing. The '548 patent also teaches that the support can have a base that can pivot or rotate about a vertical axis between a forward facing seat position and a side facing seat position. The seat can thus be supported by the swing and swing with a child facing forward or sideways.
Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
Research has shown that many infants and children are not adequately soothed or calmed by use of currently known motion devices, such as vertical bounce motion or a pendulum swinging motion. Research has also shown that these same children may be more readily calmed or soothed by motion imparted by a parent or adult holding the child. Parents often hold their children in their arms and in front of their torso and move in a manner that is calming and/or soothing to the child. Such movements can include side-to-side rocking, light bouncing up and down, or light rotational swinging as the parent either swings their arms back and forth, rotates their torso from side-to-side, or moves in a manner combining these motions. Whether this soothing effect results from the child being in close contact with the caregiver or from the motion characteristics imparted by the caregiver has not before been clearly determined.
A child motion device is disclosed herein that more effectively soothes, calms, and/or entertains infants and children. The disclosed child motion device solves or improves upon one or more of the problems or difficulties noted above with respect to known motion devices. The disclosed alternative motion device has a frame assembly that employs a generally horizontally supported, oscillating arm. In one example, a child seat or other child carrying or supporting device can be coupled to and carried by the support arm and can be moved through an orbit segment or travel arc that lies in a plane that can be parallel to a reference plane defined by a floor surface or tilted or angled slightly relative to the reference plane. In the disclosed example, the support arm has a driven end coupled to a drive system that reciprocally moves the support arm through its travel path.
In one example, the distal or free end of the support arm is configured to accept and support the child seat or other device above the ground surface. In one example, the support arm can include a child seat holder that permits setting the child seat on the alternative motion device in more than one optional seat orientation. In this way, a child seated in the seat can experience a variety of different motions. In another example, the seat holder can be specifically configured to accept and support a seat or other child carrying device from another product, such as a car seat or an infant carrier. Thus, the scat support structure can be configured to be compatible with car seats and other carriers and can impart motion to the child occupant that has more complex motion characteristics than a simple pendulum motion. To this end, the seat support structure can be configured to accept a car seat carrier, an infant carrier, and/or a seat specifically designed for use with the disclosed child motion device. Compatibility with a car seat or infant carrier may be useful when a child falls asleep while in the car seat or carrier but prior to the seat being coupled to the child motion device. The child motion device disclosed herein thus can accommodate moving the child from a car, stroller, floor, or the like to the child motion device with minimal risk of waking the sleeping child.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a child motion device has a support structure to engage a car seat, infant carrier, or other seat in a manner that is secure while imparting motion to the child. For example, the child motion device may include a drive mechanism to move the seated child from side to side in a non-simple pendulum path. The seat can be secured to the child motion device. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the seat can be coupled to the child motion device in a selected one of multiple optional seat facing orientations.
The terms generally, substantially, and the like as applied herein with respect to vertical or horizontal orientations of the various product components are intended to mean that the components have a primarily vertical or horizontal orientation, but need not be precisely vertical or horizontal in orientation. The components can be angled to vertical or horizontal, but not to a degree where they are more than 45 degrees away from the reference mentioned. In many instances, the terms “generally” and “substantially” are intended to permit some permissible offset, or even to imply some intended offset, from the reference to which these types of modifiers are herein applied.
Turning now to the drawings,
The child motion device 20 shown in
In this example, a support arm 30 depicted in
The various components of the child motion device 20 shown in
Similarly, at least part of the support arm 30 as shown in
The structure and configuration of the seat holder 36 can vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In this example, the seat holder 36 is a square or rectangular ring surrounding a center opening 56. Other configurations and constructions of the seat holder 36 are also possible, and one example is described in greater detail below. In this example, the spine 28 includes the external housing 29 that can be configured to provide a pleasing or desired aesthetic appearance. The housing 29 can also act as a protective cover for the internal components, such as the drive system, of the device 20.
The motion characteristics for the child motion device 20 disclosed herein can be achieved in a variety of ways with a variety of component geometries.
The support arm 30 is described herein as being substantially horizontal and the rotation axis R as being substantially vertical, even though they are angularly offset from these specific references. The support arm 30 can rotate about the axis of rotation R of a driven shaft 60, which could be aligned with the vertical axis or reference V. However, in the example shown the axis of rotation R of the shaft 60 is oriented at an angle θ toward the seat and support arm relative to the horizontal reference H and is perpendicular to its axis of rotation R. In one example, the angle θ can be about 13 degrees, but the angle θ can be less than 13 degrees, 0 degrees, or greater than 13 degrees, and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. The axis of rotation R can even be tilted away from the seat 38 and support arm 30 if desired.
In this example, a top facing surface 62 on the housing 29 and a bottom facing surface 64 on the driven part 54 are oriented perpendicular to the axis R. A drive mechanism 66 can be employed to drive the shaft 60, which in turn will rotate the driven part 54 and the arm 30 about the axis R relative to the stationary surface 62 on the housing 29. In one example, the support arm 30 can be parallel to these surfaces 62 and 64 and thus be tilted downward at the angle θ, or 13 degrees in this example. However, the support arm 30 as shown has a bend that places the support arm inclined upward about 4 degrees relative to the horizontal reference plane H. The support arm is oriented at an angle Φ relative to the axis R, and in this example the angle Φ is 73 degrees.
In motion, the support arm 30 will sweep through its arc and travel in a cone-like path that is tilted 13 degrees to the horizontal reference H. Any given point on the child seat 38 and holder 36 will travel within a plane that is also titled to horizontal. The actual motion of the seat holder 36 will thus have an orbit component about its axis R, a vertical height component, and a rotational component about a lengthwise axis of the support arm 30. The holder 36 will vary in positional height between a low elevation point and a high elevation point as it moves along the path between the positional extremes E. These elevations can be set to occur anywhere along the travel arc, depending upon where the mid-point M of the travel arc of the seat holder 36 is designed to occur. If the mid-point M of the travel arc is set at the lowest elevation of the travel arc, equal high points will occur at the opposite travel extremes E of the arc. This configuration may best simulate the motion that a child might experience when held in a caregiver's arms.
Though not depicted herein, other component geometries are certainly possible. In one example, the axis of rotation R can be precisely vertical and co-linear with the vertical reference axis V (as well as the spine axis in this example). In such an example, the support arm could be tilted at an angle upward or downward from the horizontal reference H or be parallel to the reference H. The seat holder position would not vary in height and would travel in a horizontal plane through a partial circular arc. The support arm 30, depending on its angle to the reference H, could move through an arc of a cone segment and not in a plane. The seat holder 36 could be oriented parallel to the horizontal reference H and/or the support arm 30 or be inclined or declined at an angle relative to either or both, if desired. The support arm 30 or holder 36 can be bent such that, at least at the low elevation point, or the mid-point, of the travel arc, the seat 38 is oriented level with the floor surface 26 or horizontal reference H. Alternately, the arm 30 or holder 36 can be oriented to tilt toward or away from the spine 28. In one example, the seat holder angle relative to the support arm can even be user adjustable to provide additional motion alternatives to be imparted upon the seat occupant. In another example, the support arm length can also be user adjustable to provide further motion alternatives to be imparted upon the seat occupant.
Cam or non-planar surfaces at or near the driven end 32 of the support arm 30 can be employed, or other mechanical means can be devised, to impart optional vertical movement of the support arm as it sweeps through its travel arc. In one example, a four-bar or other mechanical linkage arrangement (not shown) can be employed in the drive system or even in the support arm and/or the holder construction to impart some vertical movement to the seat 38 during operation of the device 20. Such linkage arrangements could be employed to create optional motions in different directions including pivoting vertical movement of the arm, linear vertical movement of the arm, lengthwise longitudinal movement of the arm, lengthwise longitudinal rotation of the arm, or the like.
In addition, a vertical bouncing or oscillating motion can be imparted using a spring (not shown) in the drive components or in the support arm as well. Such a bouncing motion feature can optionally be designed as a separate motion option for the device, such that the child seat can be bounced even while the support arm does not reciprocate through the partial orbit about the axis R, or as an additional motion that can only occur along with the orbit movement of the support arm. The vertical motion can again be angular, such as by pivoting the support arm 30, or can be linear, such as by raising or lowering the entire support arm.
The type and complexity of the motion characteristics imparted to the support arm 30 disclosed herein can vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. A user interface 68 can be provided on a surface of the spine 28 or housing 29. The user interface 68 can be configured to permit a caregiver to select, adjust, and operate characteristics of the drive mechanism and other functional aspects of the device 20. In one example, the device can be configured so that a user can select one of several operational modes for the drive mechanism. One variable that may be adjustable or selectable by the user from a plurality of different modes is the arc or angle β of support arm travel.
If desired, the support arm 30 can, for example, also be designed to travel through 360 degrees or more before changing directions during a reciprocating cycle. The seat holder 36 and/or the support arm 30 can also be angularly adjustable if desired, to further alter the motion experienced by a seat occupant. As mentioned above, the support arm can be length adjustable, if desired, to create even more motion versatility in the device 20. Alternatively, the seat position can be slidably adjustable or location-specific adjustable along the length of the support arm 30 from the distal or free end 34 inward toward the driven end 32.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, the seat holder 36 is configured to permit the child seat 38 to be mounted on the support arm 30 in a number of optional seat facing orientations. In the example shown, the child seat 38 can have a contoured bottom 70 with features configured to engage with portions of the seat holder 36. The features can be configured so that when the seat is positioned over and lowered onto the seat holder 36 as in
FIGS. 1 and 6-8 illustrate an array of optional child seat orientations that are rendered permissible by the square symmetrical shape of the seat holder 36 in this example. As shown in
Referring to
Gravity alone can be relied upon to retain the seat 38 in position on the holder 36. In the disclosed configuration, the seat 28 could be placed in the holder 36 in any one of the four optional seat orientations and rely on gravity to retain the seat. However, one or more positive manual or automatic latching mechanisms can be employed to positively secure the seat when installed on the holder. In the disclosed example, components or elements of a latching mechanism are provided on the bottom 70 of the seat 38 and other components or elements of the mechanism are provided on each of the segments 72 of the holder 36. As shown in
As shown in
In this example, the inside wall 90 of the cover 82 on each segment 72 is molded to include multiple ones of the holder latch elements or components. A first latch element is molded on the wall and is configured to engage one element on the seat 38 and a second latch element of the wall is configured to engage another element on the seat, depending on the seat orientation when installed on the holder 36. As depicted generally in
Complementary third and fourth latch elements are provided in this example on the bottom 70 of the seat 38. The third latch element is positioned near the front end of the seat, which includes an actuator 96, and the fourth latch element is positioned near the rear end of the seat. The third latch element is configured to receive and engage the first latch element, the catch 92, and the fourth latch element is configured to engage the second latch element, the inner bottom edge 84 of the cover wall 90, in this example. As shown in
The catch 92 in this example has a latch opening 102 positioned beneath a catching lip 104. The opening 102 and lip 104 are integrally molded in the cover 82 on each segment 72 in this example. The latch opening 102 of each holder segment 72 faces the open center 56 of the holder 36 and thus the opposite holder segment 72. The latch opening 102 opens into the corresponding segment 72. The catch lip 104 is positioned at the top of the corresponding latch opening 102 on each of the holder segments. In this example, the lip is an integrally molded element of the cover under the top surface 86. When the seat 38 is installed on the holder 36, the latch 100 is biased into the opening 102 and has a finger 106 that hooks under the lip 104. In this example, a surface 98 above the catch 92 on the cover 82 can act as a latch bearing surface as described below.
As shown in
When a caregiver wishes to install the seat 38 on the device 20, the caregiver need only place the seat above the holder 36 in a desired one of the four seat orientations in FIGS. 1 and 6-8 noted above. The seat 38 can then be tipped, rear end down, so that the notches 78 seat on the selected holder segment 72. The spacing and positioning of the legs 74 will correctly aligned the feet 110 with the bottom edge 84 of the cover on the adjacent holder segment 72 with the nearby hooks 94 inboard between the feet. The caregiver can then rotate the front end of the seat 38 down, which will in turn rotate the projecting parts 113 of the feet 110 under the edge 84 of the cover 82. The front end of the seat 38 can then be lowered into position on the holder 36 with the ledge 76 resting on the opposite segment 72. In one example, an exposed, curved cam face 114 on the latch 100 can be configured to ride against the corresponding cover surface 98 above the catch 92. The cam face 114 can act to push or rotate the latch 100 out of the way for automatic installation. Once the seat 38 drops into position, the spring bias can then automatically pop or snap the latch 100 into the latch opening 102. In another example, the latch 100 can be configured so that the user must use the actuator 96 to manually move the latch 100 out of the way before dropping the seat 38 into position on the holder 36.
Whether manual or automatic, once the latch 100 clears the surface 98 on the segment 72, the latch will rotate to the latched position and be held in the latched position by the spring bias and the geometry of the latch and actuator components. The seat 38 can be positioned with its front and rear ends adjacent any one of the holder segments 72. Each of the holder segments 72 has both a catch 92 and an exposed bottom edge 84 on the cover 82. Thus, each of the holder segments can accept and engage either of the seat latch components.
To release the seat 38 from the holder 36, a user need only push the actuator button 96 into the seat in this example. Pushing the actuator button 96 causes the latch 100 to withdraw or retract from the catch opening 102 and clear the lip 104. The user can then raise the front end of the seat 38. Tipping the front end of the seat upward will pivot the projecting parts 113 of the feet 110 out from under the edge 84 on the cover 82, allowing the caregiver to lift the seat off of the holder 36.
As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the specific configuration and construction of the first, second (as well as the alternate second), third, and fourth latching elements can vary from the examples shown. In one example, the various hooks, loops, catches, and latch can be swapped with one another and/or replaced by other suitable mechanisms. Alternatively, the elements on the front end of the seat can be of the same type as the back end of the seat, with one of the elements being movable for installation and/or release of the seat. Additionally, the latch elements can be on the opposed sides of the seat, not on the front and back, or can be directly under a mid-point of the seat. In one example, the second latch element can be the hooks 94 on each of the segments 72 and the fourth latch elements on the seat 38 can be loops (see description below for the alternate carrier 222)
In the disclosed example, the seat 38 is configured as a dedicated seat specifically for use with the child motion device 20. The seat has a handle 120 that can pivot up to a position extending over the seating area of the seat, thus allowing the seat to be used as an infant carrier when removed from the device 20. In one example, the seat 38 can also be configured to attach to one or more other child supporting, soothing, motion, or entertainment devices such as a car seat base, a stroller frame, a bouncer frame, a pendulum swing frame, an entertainer, or the like. Thus, the seat 38 could be a multi-purpose seat that has separate utility other than use on the device 20. Such other devices could be designed with latch elements configured to mate with the third and fourth latch elements of the seat 38. In one example, such other devices could include a catch for the latch 100 and hooks or other exposed surfaces for the feet 110.
In another example, the holder 36 can be configured to accept and engage one or more seats removed from other child supporting, soothing, motion, or entertainment devices such as car seats, stroller seats, infant carriers, bouncer seats, pendulum swing seats, entertainer seats, or the like.
As shown in
As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the specific configuration and construction of the fifth and sixth latching elements can vary from the example shown. In one example, the various hooks, loops, catches, and latch can be swapped with one another and/or replaced by other suitable mechanisms. Alternatively, the elements on the front end of the seat can be the same as the back end of the seat, with one of the elements being movable for installation and/or release of the seat. In the disclosed example, the carrier also has a handle 250 that can pivot up to a position extending over the seating area of the carrier, thus allowing the infant carrier to be carried when removed from the devices.
The loops 236 are positioned near the front end of the carrier 222 on the bottom 230 and the latch 234 is positioned nearer the rear end of the carrier bottom. An actuator 238 is exposed on the back side of the carrier behind the seat. When the carrier 222 is mounted on the stroller 220 in this example, the latch 234 can catch on an underside of the stroller tray 240 as shown in
If a caregiver wishes to remove the carrier 222 from the stroller frame 220 or the car seat base 224, they need only pull or push the actuator 238 to release the latch 234. The caregiver can then tip the carrier 222 up, rear end first, to unhook the loops 236 from the hooks (244 on the base 224), and then lift the carrier off the device. The caregiver can then install the carrier 222 in any one of the desired orientations in FIGS. 1 and 6-8 on the seat holder 36 of the child motion device 20 as shown in
In the disclosed example, both the seat 38 and the carrier 222 can be mounted or installed on the child motion device in any one of four selectable positions. In another example, the holder 36 and/or the seats 38, 222 can be cooperatively designed to permit the seat or other child supporting device to be installed on the holder 36, or rotated once installed, between fewer than four, more than four, or even an infinite number of seat facing orientations when placed on the holder. Cooperating discs on the two parts could be employed to achieve infinite orientation adjustment. Alternatively, a round holder could be employed in conjunction with a seat bottom that is configured to attach to the holder at any location and seat facing orientation to achieve the same result.
The child motion device 20 depicted and describe herein is constructed according to the invention to simulate or mimic various movements that might be employed by a mother or father as they hold a child in their arms. An adult holding a child will often alternate raising and lowering their shoulders or pivoting their torso from side-to-side to simulate a rocking movement. Other times, an adult may hold the child in their arms and twist their torso from side-to-side creating a motion for the child through a segment of an arc. Other times, the adult may simply sway the child back and forth by laterally moving their elbows from side to side while holding the child. Sometimes an adult may employ a combination of such movements and/or may lean forward and tilt their spine at an angle toward the child when doing these motions.
In any instance, an adult can easily alter the position of the child held in their arms. Sometimes an adult may hold a child in a somewhat seated position with the child facing away from their chest. In another example, the child may be held in a position looking directly at the adult. In another example, the child may be held with their legs to one side and head to another side and rocked by the adult. The disclosed child motion devices can simulate any or all of these various proven, natural, calming and soothing movements. Parents usually hold their child and move them in a slow, even rhythm to help calm or soothe the child. The disclosed device 20 can be constructed to operate in a manner that also mimics the degree and frequency of motion that a child might experience when held in an adult's arms.
The drive mechanism 66 can be configured to reciprocally rotate the shaft 60, and thus the support arm 30, through a predetermined travel angle, such as 120 degrees as mentioned above. The motor or drive mechanism 66 can be configured for manipulation by a user to adjust the angular travel, the speed of rotation, and the like. The user interface 68 in the form of an operator panel, touch pad device, a remote control unit, or other interface can be provided on a portion of the housing 29 (see
Other details of the child motion device disclosed herein can also vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The construction and materials used to form the frame assembly parts, the spine parts, and the added features can vary from plastics, to steel tubing, to other suitable materials and part structures. The drive system 66 components can also vary, as can the features employed in the drive system to create desired motions and functions for the disclosed devices. The housing 29 can have a top cap that rotates with and/or is integrally a part of the swing arm instead of the driven part 54 as shown. Alternatively, the housing 29 can provide a platform as shown on the top or on a side of the spine such that the driven end of the support arm is supported by the platform and rotates relative to it the platform.
The child seat bottom or base can be configured so that it engages with the seat holder in alternative manners from that shown and described herein. Gravity and the weight of a child can be enough to retain the seat in the holder. However, positive latching structures can be employed and are disclosed in the example herein. The seat 38 can also be configured to include common features such as a harness system, carrying handles, a pivotable tray, and a hard plastic shell. The bottom of the seat 38 can have a rocking, bouncing, or stationary support structure configuration and the seat can employ a pad, cover, or other suitable soft goods. As noted above, the seat holder can be configured to hold other devices such as a bassinet or other child supporting device.
The seat can also be configured to mate within a platform or system of related products. In other words, the seat could be removable from one of the disclosed motion devices and readily placed in a different product that is configured to accept the seat. Such related products can be, for example, a cradle swing frame, a standard pendulum-type swing frame, a bouncer frame, a stroller, a car seat base, or an entertainment platform. In this way, the product system can be useful as a soothing or calming device when a child is young then be transformed for use as an entertainment device. In another example, the child seat could be fixed to the support arm and not removable.
Although certain child motion devices have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.
This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/908,174 filed on Mar. 26, 2007 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/385,260 filed on Mar. 20, 2006, which claimed priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/732,640 filed on Nov. 3, 2005.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60908174 | Mar 2007 | US | |
| 60732640 | Nov 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11385260 | Mar 2006 | US |
| Child | 12055899 | US |
