FOLDING ELEVATED SLEEPER

Abstract

A child support device including a collapsible frame and removable seat. The collapsible frame includes a lower frame for rocking atop a support surface and an upper frame for supporting the removable seat. Lower and upper frame ends are connected to a folding mechanism such that manipulation of one of the lower or upper frames causes a generally synchronized movement of the other of the lower or upper frames. In example embodiments, movement of the lower frame from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration similarly causes the upper frame to move from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

Claims

1. A folding elevated sleeper comprising: a child receiving receptacle; and a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle, the collapsible frame assembly comprising a lower frame portion movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, the collapsible frame assembly further comprising an upper frame portion movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein the lower and upper frame portions are linked together to provide synchronous movement of the lower and upper portions between the extended and collapsed configurations such that expansion of one of the frame portions from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration causes a substantially synchronized movement of the other of the frame portions from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration.

2. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 1, wherein collapsing of one of the frame portions from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration causes a substantially synchronized movement of the other of the frame portions from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration.

3. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 1, wherein the lower frame comprises a first lower frame support portion and a second lower frame support portion, the first and second frame support portions each comprising base portions and upright leg members, each of the upright leg members comprising a connection end.

4. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 1, wherein the upper frame portion comprises first and second upper frame support portions, wherein each of the first and second upper frame support portions comprise an intermediate member and arm extensions, each of the arm extensions comprising connection ends.

5. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 1, further comprising a connection hub for linking each end of the lower and upper frame portions together.

6. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 5, wherein the arm extensions couple with end couplings of the connection hub, each end coupling comprising a connection portion for coupling to the connection end and having a pivot conduit generally formed transverse to the connection portion for receiving a fastener to pivot thereabout.

7. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 6, wherein each end coupling further comprises a driving receiver offset from the pivot conduit.

8. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 7, further comprising a hub member comprising a first conduit extending along a first axis, the first conduit provided for receiving a fastener to provide pivotally coupling a pair of the end couplings thereto, wherein the pivot conduits of each end coupling axially align and pivot about the first conduit.

9. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 8, wherein the hub member comprises a pair of curved slots formed therethrough and generally symmetrically spaced a distance from the first conduit, wherein the curved slots align respectively with the guidance conduit of each end coupling.

10. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 9, further comprising a guidance pin extending through each respective driving receiver and curved slot such that the first and second upper frame support portions are constrained to pivot within a boundary defined by each of the curved slots.

11. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 10, wherein the boundary is such that each of the end couplings can pivot about 45 degrees.

12. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 10, wherein the hub member further comprises a second and third pivot axis extending generally parallel and laterally offset from the first pivot axis, the second and third pivot axes aligned with conduits and projections for pivotal mounting of the connection ends of the first and second lower frame support portions thereto.

13. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 12, further comprising a first arm assembly engaged with the connection ends of the first lower frame support portion and a second arm assembly engaged with the connection ends of the second lower frame support portion, the first and second arm each comprising an opening for pivotal engagement with respective projections of the hub member.

14. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 13, wherein the first and second arm assembly each comprise a guide arm and a drive arm, the guide and drive arm configured for engagement together and for engagement to the connection ends, wherein the first and second arm assemblies extend from their respective connection ends.

15. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 14, wherein the first and second arm assemblies each comprise an opening for pivotally mounting with respective projections of the hub member, a central conduit for pivotally coupling the arm assemblies together, an intermediate driving conduit defining a cam surface, and an elongate guidance slot.

16. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 15, wherein the guidance pin of each of the end couplings extend through their respective driving receiver and curved slot, through their respective intermediate driving conduit, and through the elongate guidance slot corresponding to the opposite arm assembly.

17. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 16, further comprising a locking mechanism for selective locking of the lower and upper frame portions in the extended configuration.

18. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 17, further comprising a lock pin pivotally coupling the first and second arm assemblies together, the lock pin extending through the central conduit of each of the assemblies to provide for pivotal coupling therebetween.

19. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pair of spaced apart channels for movably mounting to the projections of the hub member, the locking mechanism further comprising a slot formed therein for providing engagement with the lock pin.

20. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 19, further comprising an actuating member provided on the connection hub and linked with the locking mechanism for providing selective unlocking of the locking mechanism.

21. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 20, wherein depressing the actuating member moves the locking mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position such that the lock pin is permitted to move along the slot of the locking mechanism to permit the lower and upper frame supports to pivot from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

22. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 21, wherein in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism permits the lock pin to move along the slot such that the first and second lower frame members can pivot about the second and third pivot axes, and wherein with the arm assemblies connected together by the lock pin and linked through the guidance pins extending through the guidance slots and driving conduits of the arm assemblies, curved slots of the hub and driving receivers of the end couplings, the upper and lower frames are configured to provide synchronous movement between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

23. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 19, wherein in the locked position, the locking mechanism is biased by a biasing member to prevent upward movement of the lock pin within the slot thereof and thereby preventing pivotal movement of the first and second lower frame support portions, wherein by extension of the guidance pins through the guidance slots and driving conduits of the arm assemblies and curved slots of the hub, pivotal movement of the first and second upper frame support portions is prevented.

24. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 1, further comprising a partially removable cross bar for supporting the lower frame portions in the extended configuration.

25. The folding elevated sleeper of claim 1, further comprising a partially removable cross bar for supporting a drive system for rocking the collapsible frame assembly.

26. A child support device comprising: a child receiving receptacle; and a frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle, the frame assembly comprising a lower frame portion and an upper frame portion, the lower frame portion comprising a first lower frame support portion and a second lower frame support portion, the first and second lower frame support portions each comprising base portions and upright leg members, the upper frame portion comprising a first upper frame support portion and a second upper frame support portion, the first and second upper frame support portions each comprising an intermediate member and arm extensions, wherein the frame assembly is linked together to provide synchronous movement of the lower and upper frame portions between the expanded and collapsed configurations such that collapsing of one of the frame portions from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration causes a substantially synchronized movement of the other of the frame portions from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

27. A method of using a folding elevated sleeper comprising: providing a lower frame support comprising a first lower frame support portion and a second lower frame support portion, the first and second lower frame support portions each comprising base portions and upright leg members, each of the upright leg members comprising a connection end; providing an upper frame support comprising first and second upper frame support portions, wherein each of the first and second upper frame support portions comprise an intermediate member and arm extensions, each of the arm extensions comprising connection ends; providing a pair of coupling hubs; coupling connection ends of the upright leg members and arm extensions to the coupling hubs such that both the lower and upper frame supports are in an expanded configuration; and folding either of the lower or upper frame supports together from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, wherein a synchronous linkage assembly of the coupling hubs cause a similar synchronous fold of the other of the lower and upper frame supports between from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding elevated sleeper according to an example embodiment of the present invention, shown in an expanded configuration.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding elevated sleeper of FIG. 1, shown in a collapsed configuration.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the folding elevated sleeper of FIG. 3, showing an infant receiving receptacle or seat removed from a frame of the sleeper.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an assembly view of a folding mechanism of the frame of the sleeper of FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the folding mechanism of the frame of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 6 is the bottom plan view of the folding mechanism of the frame of FIG. 5, showing a release button actuated to unlock the folding mechanism.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the folding mechanism of FIG. 5, showing a locking member positioned in the locked position.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the folding mechanism of FIG. 6, showing the lock member positioned in the unlocked position.

[0017] FIG. 9 shows the front plan view of the folding mechanism of FIG. 8, wherein the lock member is removed to show hidden portions thereof.

[0018] FIG. 10 shows the front plan view of the folding mechanism of FIG. 9, showing the frame in a collapsed configuration.

[0019] FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the folding mechanism of FIG. 9, wherein portions are removed to show hidden portions thereof.

[0020] FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of the folding mechanism of FIG. 10, wherein portions are removed to shown hidden portions thereof.

[0021] FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view of the folding mechanism of FIG. 12.

[0022] FIG. 14 shows an end view of the folding elevated sleeper of FIG. 3, showing a rocking mechanism having an actuating foot fully extending therefrom.

[0023] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the folding elevated sleeper of FIG. 14, showing a front end of the sleeper elevated at its maximum rocking height.

[0024] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the folding elevated sleeper of FIG. 15, showing the front end of the sleeper elevated at its minimum height wherein the foot of the rocking mechanism is fully retracted therein.

[0025] FIG. 17 shows a rear perspective view of the rocking mechanism of FIG. 14.

[0026] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a pivotal connection provided between a support of the rocking mechanism and a portion of the support frame of FIG. 17.

[0027] FIG. 19 shows a detailed perspective view of the rocking mechanism of FIG. 17, showing a receiver formed on a portion of the support frame for providing removable engagement with a support of the rocking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

[0029] Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

[0030] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-2 show a child support device or folding elevated sleeper 10 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the sleeper 10 comprises a support frame 12 configured to rest on a support surface S and an infant receiving receptacle 14 coupled to the support frame 12 and adapted for receiving an infant. In example embodiments, the infant receiving receptacle 14 is supported a distance above the support surface by the support frame 12. In example embodiments, the support frame is constructed of a suitably resilient material (e.g., plastic, metal, combinations thereof, or other available material(s)) that is capable of supporting the weight of the infant receiving receptacle and a child occupying the infant receiving receptacle.

[0031] According to example embodiments, the support frame 12 comprises a lower support frame assembly 16 and an upper support frame assembly 40. In example embodiments, the lower and upper support assemblies 16, 40 can be generally U-shaped, for example wherein the lower frame assembly 16 comprises a first lower frame support portion 20 comprising a base portion 22 and upright leg members 24, 25, and second lower frame support portion 30 comprising a base portion 32 and upright leg members 34, 35. The upper support frame assembly 40 comprises a first upper frame support portion 42 comprising an intermediate member 44 and arm extensions 46, 47, and a second upper frame support portion 50 comprising an intermediate member 52 and arm extensions 54, 55. In example embodiments, the base portions 22, 32 are configured to rest on a support surface and the upright leg portions 24, 25, 34, 35 couple to and extend generally upwardly from the base portions 22, 32. In example embodiments, the base portions 22, 32 can be curved to allow the sleeper 10 to rock on the support surface S. The sleeper 10 can be configured for front-to-back rocking, side-to-side rocking, an alternative rocking motion (such as a circular rocking), or any combination thereof. In example embodiments, the child support device can be automatically rocked by a drive system 200 (see FIG. 1) and/or manually rocked by a caregiver. Moreover, a power supply can be provided that powers the drive system. Example embodiments of the sleeper can further include various accessories, such as an audio unit, a vibration unit, a toy bar, a projector, toys, a mobile, a canopy, and the like. According to one example embodiment, feet 36 can be provided at the ends of the base portions 22, 32 to limit the extent of the front-to-back rocking motion. In one example embodiment, a retractable member can be incorporated within one or more of the feet 36 to prevent substantially all rocking motion. Optionally, one or more of the feet 36 can comprise a wheel attached thereto, for example, to provide assistance for transporting or rolling the sleeper 10 along a support surface.

[0032] In example embodiments, the infant receiving receptacle 14 is coupled to the upper support assembly 40 of the support frame assembly 12 and is adapted to receive and support a child therein. In example embodiments, the seat can be constructed of a pliant material (e.g., fabric or foam) that is comfortable for a child to rest on. Alternatively, the seat can be formed from a less pliable material and can include a cushioning element positioned thereon for comfort. Optionally, the seat is at least partially formed from a breathable material, such as a mesh. Also optionally, the seat is removable from the seat frame for washing or cleaning. Some example embodiments of the seat include a harness or belt for restraining a child occupying the infant receiving receptacle.

[0033] In example embodiments, a connection hub 60 is provided at each end of the sleeper 10 for pivotally coupling respective ends of the upright leg portions 24, 25, 34, 35 and arm extensions 46, 47, 54, 55 together. For example a coupling 60 is provided for pivotally coupling the upright leg members 25, 35 and arm extensions 47, 55 together, and a coupling 60 is provided for pivotally coupling upright leg members 24, 34 and arm extensions 46, 54 together. As will be described in detail below, the connection hub 60 comprises a synchronous folding mechanism that is configured for synchronous pivotal movement such that expansion or collapsing of either of the lower or upper support assemblies causes a similar synchronous expansion or collapsing of the other of the lower or upper support assemblies. For example, the support frame assembly 12 is movable between an expanded configuration (see FIG. 1) and a collapsed configuration (see FIG. 2). For example, in the expanded configuration the base portions 22, 32 are spaced a distance apart and are configured for rocking atop a support surface S and the upper support frame assembly 40 is expanded to receive and support the infant receiving receptacle 14. In the collapsed configuration the upper and lower support frame assemblies 16, 40 are generally compacted and positioned close together such that the support frame assembly 12 can be easily stored or transported. In example embodiments, the infant receiving receptacle being removably mounted to the upper support frame assembly 12 does not affect the operation of the support assemblies pivoting in a synchronized manner between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

[0034] FIGS. 4-13 show the connection hub 60 in greater detail. As depicted in FIG. 4, the connection hub 60 generally comprises first and second arm assemblies comprising guide arms 62, 102 and drive arms 74, 114, a hub member 82, first and second end couplings 92, 124, a locking assembly 132, a pair of guidance pins 156, and a lock pin 164. In example embodiments, the first lock assembly (e.g., guide arm 62 and drive arm 74) couples to the end of the upright leg portion 25, and the second lock assembly (e.g., guide arm 102 and drive arm 114) couples to an end of the upright leg portion 35. In example embodiments, the first and second lock assemblies (and being coupled to respective upright leg portions 25, 35) pivotally mount to spaced apart pivots 83, 84 provided on the hub 82 and central conduits 64, 104 of the arm assemblies axially align to receive the lock pin 164. In example embodiments, the connection hub 60 at an opposite end of the sleeper 10 preferably provides a similar connection, for example, such that the upright leg portions 24, 34 couple to the arm assemblies of the connection hub 60. Accordingly, the first and second lower frame support portions are pivotally linked together wherein each of the arm assemblies pivotally mounts to the hub (e.g., pivotal about projections 83, 84 of the hub 82) and wherein the arm assemblies are pivotally coupled together with the lock pin 164 extending through their respective conduit 64, 104.

[0035] In example embodiments, first and second end couplings 92, 124 are provided for coupling engagement with the arm extensions 47, 55 of the upper support frame 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second end couplings 92, 124 comprise a pivot conduit 93, 125, a driving receiver 95, 127 and an end receiver 96, 129 for receiving ends of the arm extensions. In example embodiments, the pivot conduits 93, 125 axially align with each other and further align with a central conduit 85 formed through the hub 82. The driving receivers 95, 127 are generally spaced a distance from their respective pivot conduit 93, 125 and align with a pair of radial or curved slots 86, 87 formed through the hub 82. Thus, pivotal motion of the end couplings 92, 124 is such that the driving receivers 95, 127 follow along the path of their respective curved slot 86, 87. Accordingly, with the end couplings 92, 124 pivotally coupled to the central conduit 85 of the hub 82, the guidance pins 156 extend through each respective driving receiver 95, 127 and curved slot 86, 87, and further extend through intermediate driving conduits 65, 76, 105, 116 of the pivotally coupled arm assemblies. As such, the arm assemblies pivotally link the first and second lower support frame portions 20, 30 together, which are further linked to the end couplings 92, 124 by extension of the guidance pins 156 through the driving receivers 95, 127, through the curved slots 86, 87, and through the intermediate driving conduits 65, 76, 105, 116 of the arm assemblies, for example, such that pivotal movement of either of the lower or upper frame supports 16, 40 causes a substantially synchronous pivotal movement of the other of the lower of upper frame supports 16, 40.

[0036] In example embodiments, the locking assembly 132 comprises a lock member 133 comprising spaced-apart channels 134, 135 for movably mounting to the arm assemblies, for example generally proximal the pivots thereof, and a central slot 137 is formed through the locking assembly 132 for receiving a portion of the lock pin 164 to constrain the movement of lock pin 164 to a defined path. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 7-8, a pin 180 extends through each slot 134, 135, and further extends through each arm assembly to engage with the projections 83, 84. In example embodiments, the pins 180 fasten the locking mechanism 132 and arm assemblies 61, 101 to the hub 82 but provide at least some clearance such that the lock member 133 can move between a locked and unlocked position (see FIGS. 7-8). Generally adjacent the locking assembly 132 is an actuating member or press button 144 that is movable or actuatable such that the movement or actuation thereof effects the position of the lock assembly 132 (e.g., from a locked position to an unlocked position). In example embodiments, the connection hub 60 is unlocked by actuation of the button 144 to permit pivotal movement of the lower and upper frame supports 16, 40 from an expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. According to one example embodiment, each coupling hub 60 comprises a press button 144 for unlocking the locking assembly and allowing pivotal movement of the lower and upper frame support assemblies 16, 40 between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

[0037] In example embodiments, a block or follower finger 150 extends from a bottom end of the locking member 133 for providing sliding engagement along a cam surface 147 formed with the button 144, for example such that actuation of the button 144 drives the follower finger 150 to move along the cam surface 147 and cause movement of the locking member 133. As depicted in FIGS. 5-8, translational movement of the button 144 in a first direction causes translational movement of the locking member 133 in a second direction, for example with the second direction being generally transverse the first direction. As depicted in FIGS. 5-6, the button 144 is pressed to move in a first direction within the connection hub 60 such that the cam surface 147 drives the follower finger 150 to cause movement of the locking member 133 in the second direction, for example, wherein the second direction as depicted in FIGS. 7-8 shows the locking member 133 moving from right to left. In example embodiments, the follower finger moves a distance D1 in the second direction when the button 144 is pressed to move in the first direction. In example embodiments, the distance D1 is between about 8-18 millimeters, for example between about 12-14 millimeters according to one example embodiment. In example embodiments, the button 144 comprises a finger latch 148 extending therefrom for providing removable engagement with a lower receiver 90 of the hub 82. Thus, according to example embodiments, actuation of the button 144 causes removable engagement of the finger latch 148 and the lower receiver 90 so that the locking member 133 remains in an unlocked position.

[0038] In example embodiments, the central slot 137 of the locking member 133 is generally L-shaped, for example, such that the position of the locking member 133 effects the allowable movement of the lock pin 164, and thus ultimately effects the allowable pivotal movement of the lower and upper frame support assemblies 16, 40. As depicted in FIG. 7 with the lock assembly 132 locked with the locking member 133 in a locked position, the lock pin 164 is positioned within a first portion of the L-shaped slot 137 wherein the lock pin 164 is constrained to move along a generally horizontal path and is prevented from moving in a vertical direction. In example embodiments, a biasing spring 139 is provided for engagement between the hub 82 and locking member 133 to bias the locking member 133 in the locked position (see FIG. 7).

[0039] According to example embodiments, the finger latch 148 remains removably engaged with the lower receiver 90 when the locking member 133 is in the unlocked position and with the lower and upper support assemblies being in an expanded configuration. However, as one of the lower or upper support assemblies 16, 40 is collapsed, the lock pin 164 begins to move up the slot 137 and the locking member 133 is forced to move back at least partially in a direction generally opposite the second direction (e.g., left to right). Accordingly, movement of the locking member 133 in a direction opposite the second direction causes movement of the follower finger 150 along the cam surface 147, thereby causing extension of the button 144 outwardly such that the finger latch 148 disengages with the lower receiver 90 and extends back to a neutral position.

[0040] According to one example embodiment, a portion of the slot 137 can be supported by one or more supports, for example a plate or backing 136 shaped and sized to follow the contour of a portion of the slot 137. In example embodiments, the plate 136 is positioned to provide support to the slot 137 when the locking mechanism is in the locked position. For example, as a user may attempt to collapse the frame 12 with the locking members 133 in the locked position, the plate 136 provides additional support and structural integrity to the slot 137, for example such that attempting to collapse the frame 12 with the locking members 133 in the locked position does not damage the slot 137.

[0041] For example, as depicted in FIGS. 9-13, the synchronous folding mechanism comprises a linkage assembly wherein the arm assemblies 61, 101 pivotally couple to the hub 82 and to each other, and wherein the end couplings 92, 124 pivotally couple to the hub 82 at the central conduit 85 and connect to the arm assemblies 61, 101 by the guidance pins 156 extending therebetween. According to one example embodiment, the end couplings 92, 124 pivot about a first axis X.sub.1, the first arm assembly 61 pivots about a second axis X.sub.2 and the second arm assembly 124 pivots about a third axis X.sub.3 (see FIG. 12). In example embodiments, the axes X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3 are parallel with respect to each other with the first axis X.sub.1 being generally central and above the second and third axes X.sub.2, X.sub.3. The lock pin 164 coupling the arm assemblies 61, 101 together is generally positioned to be substantially aligned and offset from the first axis X.sub.1. In example embodiments, the lock pin 164 is generally capable of moving a distance D.sub.2 in a substantially vertical direction. According to one example embodiment, the distance D.sub.2 is between about 14-24 millimeters, for example between about 18-20 millimeters according to one example embodiment. For example, according to example embodiments, the conduits 64, 104 of the guidance arms 62, 102 preferably are at least partially oversized and oval or generally shaped irregularly to allow at least some pivotal movement of the arm assemblies 61, 101 and thus the end couplings 92, 124.

[0042] In the expanded configuration, the upright legs 25, 35 define an angle α1 with respect to a horizontal surface and the end couplings generally define an angle 131 with respect to a vertical axis. Similarly, in the collapsed configuration, the upright legs 25, 35 define an angle α2 with respect to a horizontal surface and the end couplings generally define an angle β2 with respect to a vertical axis. According to example embodiments, the angle α1 is between about 124-126 degrees, the angle β1 is between about 89-91 degrees, the angle α2 is between about 98-100 degrees, and the angle β2 is between about 28-30 degrees. Optionally the angles α1, α2, β1, and β2 are configured as desired.

[0043] In example embodiments, the synchronous folding mechanism of each connection hub 40 preferably provides for the synchronous or simultaneous movement of the lower and upper frame supports 16, 40 for example such that collapsing or expansion of one of the lower or upper supports 16, 40 causes a similar collapsing or expansion of the other of the lower or upper supports 16, 40. As depicted in FIGS. 9-12, one of the guidance pins 156 extends from the driving receiver 95 of the end coupling 92, through the curved slot 86, through the intermediate driving conduit 76 of the first arm assembly 61 and through the elongate guidance slot 106 of the second arm assembly 101. Similarly, the other of the guidance pins 156 extends from the driving receiver 127 of the end coupling 124, through the curved slot 87, through the intermediate driving conduit 116 of the second arm assembly 101 and through the elongate guidance slot 66 of the first arm assembly 61. Accordingly, each guidance pin 156 extends through portions of each of the arm assemblies 61, 101 such that independent movement of one of the arm assemblies 61, 101 or end couplings 92, 124 is prevented, but wherein pivotal movement of either of the lower or upper frame supports 16, 40 causes a synchronous pivotal movement of the other of the lower of upper frame supports 16, 40.

[0044] As depicted in FIGS. 11-12, the guide arm 62 of the first arm assembly 61 comprises an elongate groove or projection 68 for extension within a channel or guide 79 formed in a portion of the driving arm 74. In example embodiments, the interengagement of the projection 68 and the guide 79 preferably couple the two arms of the assembly 61 together such that movement or rotation of one or the arms 62, 74 is relative to the other of the arms 62, 74 is prevented. As shown in FIG. 13, the upright leg members 25, 35 can comprise an opening or conduit for receiving a fastener, for example, to coupled the leg members 25, 35 to the arm assemblies 61, 101. The arm extensions 47, 55 comprise Valco snap buttons or other projections extending from end portions thereof for fitting engagement with the end receivers 96, 129 of the end couplings 92, 124. According to example embodiments, a release button 98, 130 is formed on a portion of the end couplings 92, 124 such that actuation thereof provides for disengagement of the projections such that the arm extensions 47, 55 can be removed from the end couplings 92, 124.

[0045] FIGS. 14-19 show the drive system 200 for automatically rocking the sleeper 10 in a front-to-back rocking direction. In example embodiments, the drive system 200 comprises a drive mechanism 210 comprising a housing 212, a first link 214 comprising a first slot 216 and a second slot 218 and pivotable about a pin 220, a drive link 222 comprising a driving pin 224, and a connecting link 226 comprising a first portion mounted to the driving pin 224 and a second pin 230 connected to the first slot 216 of the first link 214. In example embodiments, rotary movement of the drive link 222 causes the connecting link 226 to pivotally move the first link 214 such that a drive finger or projection 240 translates in and out of the drive mechanism 210 to permit an end 242 thereof to contact the support surface S and rock the sleeper 10 in a front-to-back rocking motion. In some example embodiments, a wheel or other member projects from the end of the projection 240 to limit the amount of friction when contacting the support surface S. IN example embodiments, a push button or switch 213 is formed or a portion of the drive mechanism 210 for starting or stopping the drive mechanism 210.

[0046] As depicted in FIG. 15, the projection 240 fully extends from the drive mechanism 210 such that an angle θ.sub.1 is defined between the support surface S and an axis extending substantially parallel to the frame 12. In example embodiments, the maximum rearward rocking position of the frame 12 occurs when the projection 240 is fully extended. And, as depicted in FIG. 16, the projection 240 is fully retracted within the drive mechanism 210 such than an angle θ.sub.2 is defined between the support surface S and an axis extending substantially parallel to the frame 12. In example embodiments, the angle θ.sub.1 is between about 85-90 degrees and the angle θ.sub.2 is between about 90-95 degrees. According to other example embodiments, the change between the angles θ.sub.1 and θ.sub.2 can range from between about 5-20 degrees, for example between about 10 degrees according to one example embodiment. According to example embodiments, the infant receiving receptacle 14 defines an angle φ between the back and seat portion thereof. In example embodiments, the angle φ is configured such that a child or infant seated therein is positioned generally at the center of gravity such that the sleeper 10 is less likely to unintentionally tip over or malfunction. In example embodiments, the sleeper 10 can also include a recline adjustment mechanism and/or a height adjustment mechanism. For example, the seat may include a first seat position, wherein the seat supports a child occupant in a relatively horizontal orientation, and a second seat position, wherein the seat supports the child occupant at an incline relative to horizontal (e.g., 15°). The support device can further one or more rock restricting mechanisms for limiting the range of rocking motion and/or a stopping mechanism that allows for selectively prohibiting the support device from rocking. Certain example embodiments of the support device can include wheels, or other sliding or rolling means, that allow the support device to be rolled across the support surface, for example, which can be coupled to one or more of the feed 36. A handle can also be provided to facilitate a caregiver pushing or pulling the support device across the support surface.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 17-19, the drive system 200 is generally mounted to the upright leg members 25, 35 of the lower support 16. In example embodiments, the drive mechanism 210 is generally suspended between the upright leg portions 25, 35 wherein a support system 260 generally extends from the drive mechanism 210 (or housing 212 thereof) for coupling to the upright leg portions 25, 35. In example embodiments, a first support 262 extends from a side of the drive mechanism 210 to the upright leg member 35 and a second support 264 extends from an opposite side of the drive mechanism 210 to the upright leg member 25. In example embodiments, the upright leg member 25 comprises a coupling 266 comprising a coupler portion 268 for engagement with the upright leg member 25, and receiver 269 extends therefrom and defines an elongate conduit 270 extending therethrough such that the second support 264 can pivotally mount thereto. According to example embodiments, the coupling. 266 facilitates the pivotal coupling of the second support 264 thereto, for example to move or swing based on the drive system 200 being coupled with the lower frame support in the expanded configuration, or for example to become partially removed such that the lower frame support can move to the collapsed configuration. The upright leg member 35 comprises a coupling 280 having a coupler portion 282 for engagement with the upright leg member 35 and a receiver portion 284 for removably mounting the first support 262 thereto. In example embodiments, a resilient tab or clip 286 is provided near the end of the first support 262 for providing removable engagement with the receiver portion 284. For example, when coupled thereto, actuation or manipulation of the clip 286 allows for disengagement of the first support 262 with the coupling 280. Thus, when it is desired to collapse the sleeper 10 after use, the drive system 200 is partially removed (e.g., first support 262 is removed from engagement with the coupling 280) from engagement with the frame 12 such that the frame 12 can be collapsed (see FIG. 2). Accordingly, in example embodiments, the present invention provides a partially removable cross bar such that the drive system 200 acts as a structural feature for maintaining rigidity and sturdiness to the frame and as a support for supporting the drive mechanism 210.

[0048] According to another example embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using a folding elevated sleeper. In example embodiments, the method comprises providing a lower frame support comprising a first lower frame support portion and a second lower frame support portion, the first and second lower frame support portions each comprising base portions and upright leg members, each of the upright leg members comprising a connection end; providing an upper frame support comprising first and second upper frame support portions, wherein each of the first and second upper frame support portions comprise an intermediate member and arm extensions, each of the arm extensions comprising connection ends; providing a pair of coupling hubs; coupling connection ends of the upright leg members and arm extensions to the coupling hubs such that both the lower and upper frame supports are in an expanded configuration; and folding either of the lower or upper frame supports together from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, wherein a synchronous linkage assembly of the coupling hubs cause a similar synchronous fold of the other of the lower and upper frame supports between from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

[0049] While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.