INFANT ROCKER

Abstract

A rocker includes a frame with an upper portion positioned along a y-axis hinged to a base portion positioned along an x-axis. A middle portion top is pivotably attached to the upper portion. Recline mechanisms are arranged opposite each other on sides of the base portion, each recline mechanism includes detents to engage with a bottom of the middle bar. A locking mechanism locks the reclining mechanism in a detent, and a lock-out mechanism prevents the middle bottom portion from unlocking. A release device is operable relative to the reclining mechanism to disconnect the middle bottom portion from the reclining mechanism. Simultaneously operating both release devices, actuates the reclining mechanism adjustability. A motion mechanism is rotatably attached to the back end of the base portion to impart a rocking motion to the rocker.

Claims

1. An infant rocking seat comprising: a bottom rocker frame comprising a member having two arcuate legs; a seat comprising a seat frame member having lower legs pivotally attached to respective front ends of the arcuate legs; a recliner bar having ends that are pivotally attached to an under side of the seat frame; a plurality of detents on each of the arcuate legs, the detents configured for receiving the recliner bar; a motion mechanism attached to a rear portion of the bottom rocker frame, the motion mechanism having a actuator, the motion mechanism being configured to impart oscillating motion to the actuator, and wherein the motion mechanism is positioned such that the actuator may make contact with a support surface on which the arcuate legs may rest as a result of the oscillating motion, thereby imparting a rocking motion to the bottom rocker frame.

2. The infant rocking seat of claim 1, wherein the motion mechanism is pivotally attached to the bottom rocker frame.

3. The infant rocking seat of claim 1, wherein the motion mechanism comprises a controller responsive to a user interface.

4. The infant rocking seat of claim 3, wherein the controller is in wireless communication with a remote control device.

5. The infant rocking seat of claim 1, further comprising a latching mechanism disposed on each of the arcuate legs configured to securely retain the recliner bar in selected detents in which the recliner bar is received and configured to selectively release the recliner bar from the selected detents.

6. The infant rocking seat of claim 5, wherein the motion mechanism comprises a controller responsive to a user interface.

7. The infant rocking seat of claim 6, wherein the motion mechanism is pivotally attached to the bottom rocker frame.

8. The infant rocking seat of claim 1, further comprising a toy bar having a lower end attached to the seat frame member and an upper end extending over the seat from which an ornamental item may be suspended.

9. The infant rocking seat of claim 1, further comprising a securement system for securing an infant within the seat.

10. The infant rocking seat of claim 9, wherein the motion mechanism comprises a controller responsive to a user interface.

11. The infant rocking seat of claim 10, wherein the motion mechanism is pivotally attached to the bottom rocker frame.

12. The infant rocking seat of claim 11, further comprising a toy bar having a lower end attached to the seat frame member and an upper end extending over the seat from which an ornamental item may be suspended.

13. A rocker comprising: a frame having an upper portion with a bottom end and a top end positioned along a y-axis, and a base portion with a front end and a back end positioned along an x-axis, the bottom end of the upper portion hinges on the front end of the base portion, and a top proximal end of a middle portion is pivotably attached to the upper portion; a reclining mechanism positioned on the base portion, the reclining mechanism includes detents configured to engage with a bottom segment of the middle bar, a locking mechanism configured to lock the reclining mechanism in a detent of the detents, and a lock-out mechanism structured to prevent the middle portion from unlocking causing the middle portion to rotate away from the detent to transition with the frame from an expanded configuration into a collapsed configuration, such that a release device is operable relative to the reclining mechanism to disconnect the middle portion from the reclining mechanism; and wherein a motion mechanism is rotatable on the back end of the base portion to allow the impart a rocking motion to the rocker.

14. The rocker of claim 1, wherein the rocker is one of, an infant rocking seat, an infant apparatus, a child apparatus, a foldable apparatus, a foldable infant apparatus, a foldable device, a foldable baby device, a foldable child device, an infant supporting device, or a foldable infant rocking apparatus.

15. A foldable device comprising: a frame having an upper portion with a bottom end and a top end positioned along a y-axis, and a base portion with a front end and a back end positioned along an x-axis, the bottom end of the upper portion hinges on the front end of the base portion, and a top proximal end of a middle portion is pivotably attached to the upper portion; one or more reclining mechanisms are positioned on sides of the base portion, each reclining mechanism including detents configured to engage with a bottom segment of the middle bar, a locking mechanism configured to lock the reclining mechanism in a detent of the detents, and a lock-out mechanism structured to prevent the middle portion from unlocking causing the middle portion to rotate away from the detent to transition with the frame from an expanded configuration into a collapsed configuration, such that a release device is operable relative to the reclining mechanism to disconnect the middle portion from the reclining mechanism; and wherein the base portion is a dual-mode support, usable in a first mode of use mounted to support the upper portion, and a second mode of use independent of supporting the upper portion, that provides a rocking mode in the second mode of use independent of supporting the upper portion, the rocking mode is provided by a motion mechanism that is rotatably attached to the back end of the base portion to impart the rocking motion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The presently disclosed embodiments will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective right view of an embodiment of an infant rocking seat, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a perspective left view of FIG. 1 of the embodiment of an infant rocking seat, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective rear view of FIG. 1 of the embodiment of an infant rocking seat, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the auto-rock housing unit (i.e., motion mechanism), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D are schematic diagrams illustrating views of remote control, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the securing system to secure an infant to the seat or top portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of hot air balloon toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the infant rocking seat of FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] While the above-identified drawings set forth presently disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective right view of an embodiment of an infant rocking seat in an expanded configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The infant rocking seat of the present disclosure includes the base portion or a u-shaped bottom frame 26a. A middle portion or u-shaped recline bar 25a has arcuate legs extending to, and pivotally attached to, an underside 8 of the upper portion or a u-shaped seat frame 27a that is covered with a fabric 3. The upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a is maintained at an acute angle with respect to the base portion or u-shaped bottom frame 26a. The angle of the upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a is maintained by the middle portion or the u-shaped recline bar 25a that engages with detents defined and located on top of the recline mechanisms. Each recline mechanism is positioned opposite from the other, attached to the base portion or the u-shaped bottom frame 26a. The angle of the upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a may be adjusted by repositioning the middle portion or the u-shaped recline bar 25a in another detent. The middle portion or the u-shaped recline bar 25a may be rotated away from the detents in order to fold the upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a into a flat collapsible configuration.

[0040] The motion mechanism or an electronic mechanism 28a is mounted to the back end 26c of the base portion or the u-shaped bottom frame 26a. The motion mechanism or an electronic mechanism 28a includes a motorized plunger 28d configured to oscillate and cause the upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a to impart a rocking motion. The motion mechanism or an electronic mechanism 28a may have a control panel 28b with capacitive touch controls, wherein the motion mechanism or an electronic mechanism 28a may be rotated so that the plunger 28d does not contact the ground in case manual rocking is desired. The upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a may include a remote-control device in communication with the electronic mechanism.

[0041] The infant rocking seat or rocker 100 have components including a frame with an upper portion 27a (or a seat for an infant) with a bottom end 27b and a top end 27c positioned along a y-axis (see 40b in FIG. 3). A base portion 26a has a front end 26b and a back end 26c positioned along an x-axis (see 40a in FIG. 3). The bottom end 27b of the upper portion 27a hinges 19a, 19b (see FIG. 2) on the front end 26b of the base portion 26a. The infant rocking seat is configured to keep the infant comfortable, occupied with toys, and safe and secure. The infant has the option of bouncing along with being able to have the upper portion recline at multiple settings (or reclining angles), so the infant can sit, play, relax, etc.

[0042] An infant securing system to secure an infant or child to the upper portion (i.e., where the infant/child sits or sleeps), includes a T-strap binding 2a, a T-shaped cover 2b, a shoulder strap 2c (see FIG. 6), a crotch strap 2g, buckles 2d (see FIG. 6), and a five-point harness 2e. The infant securing system allows the infant or baby to have two modes in one: bouncing and rocking. The 5-point harness keeps the infant/baby securely in place and the removable hot air balloon toy provides a fun and play option.

[0043] Other features include the one or more recline mechanisms 24a, 24b (see FIG. 2) directly attached or fixed to the sides of the base portion 26a, and each recline mechanism 24a, 24b includes a release device 35a, 35b (see FIG. 2). The release devices 35a, 35b positioned on the outer surface of the recline mechanisms 24a, 24b are operable to disconnect the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 from the reclining mechanism.

[0044] The upper portion 27a is coverable with fabric 3 and includes a seat pad 1, where the fabric has channel stitching 4. The upper portion 27a has a toy bar 7a, a toy bar connector 7b, a toy strap 7c connected to a hot air balloon toy 7d configured on the left side of the infant rocking seat.

[0045] A remote-control device 33a to the motion mechanism (i.e., auto-rock housing unit) 28a (see FIG. 3) can be detachable to the frame, including the upper portion 27a on the right or the left side. It is contemplated that the remote-control device 33a can be located on the back 8 (see FIG. 3) of the upper portion 27a, if so desired by the user. The remote-control device 33a is in communication with the motion mechanism 28a located on the back end 26c of the base portion 26a to allow for a remote operation of one or more controls of the motion mechanism 28a. The base portion includes feet 21a, 21b (see FIG. 2) that can provide an additional stabilizing effect to the frame.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a perspective left view of FIG. 1 of the infant rocking seat in an expanded configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the bottom end 27b of the upper portion 27a hinges 19a in FIG. 1, 19b in FIG. 2 on the front end 26b of the base portion 26a, as noted above. A top proximal end 25c (see FIG. 3) of a middle portion (i.e., a reclining bar) 25a is pivotably attached to the upper portion 27a (see FIG. 3). The reclining mechanisms 24a in FIG. 1, 24b in FIG. 2 are positioned opposite to each other on sides of the base portion 26a, each recline mechanism 24a, 24b is configured with detents to engage with a bottom segment 25d (see FIG. 3) of the middle portion or bar 25a. A locking mechanism configured within each recline mechanism 24a, 24b locks the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 in a detent. A lock-out mechanism configured in each recline mechanism 24a, 24b is structured to prevent the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 from unlocking which could cause the middle portion 25a to rotate away from the detent to transition with the frame from an expanded configuration as viewed in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 into a collapsed configuration as viewed in FIG. 8.

[0048] The release devices 35a in FIG. 1, 35b in FIG. 2 positioned on the outer surface of the recline mechanisms 24a, 24b are operable relative to the reclining mechanism (see 27a of FIG. 3) to disconnect the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 from the reclining mechanism located within each recline mechanism. Operating a release device 35a of FIG. 1, 35b of FIG. 2 on the recline mechanism(s) 24a, 24b, actuates the reclining mechanism adjustability. Specifically, activating the reclining mechanism allows the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 to release from a detent, and be readjusted to another detent allowing for a different reclining angle for the upper portion 27a (where the infant/child is playing, resting or sleeping) that is within the reclinable range of 90 degrees to 0 degrees (or in a horizontal position along the x-axis).

[0049] Alternatively, the upper portion 27a can have a toy bar 12a, a toy bar connector 12b, a toy strap 12c connected to a hot air balloon toy 12d configured on the right side of the infant rocking seat 100.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective rear view of FIG. 1 of the embodiment of an infant rocking seat in an expanded configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, each release device 35a in FIG. 1, 35b in FIG. 2 is positioned on an outer surface of the reclining mechanisms 24a, 24b in a location accessible to a user or parents. The design and development of structuring and arranging the release devices 35a, 35b location and operability was based on extensive engineering, testing, retesting, and more retesting, to ensure maximum safety and durability in operating the reclining mechanism to prevent any sudden or unexpected collapses of the infant holding apparatus. Other engineering and best practices incorporated into the release devices 35a, 35b were the ease of use and accessibility for parents to operate both devices. Specifically, simultaneously operating both release devices resulted in additional safety for the parents and children.

[0052] Other features include the reclining mechanisms 24a, 24b directly attached or fixed to the base portion 26a, allowing additional structural integrity to the infant rocking seat. Another feature is the upper portion 27a is coverable with a fabric 3 with a seat pad 1.

[0053] The infant rocking seat can be referred to as one or more terms or phrases including a Keep in Motion Auto Rocker an infant apparatus, a child apparatus, a foldable apparatus, a foldable device, a foldable infant device, a foldable baby device, a foldable child device, an infant supporting device, or a foldable infant rocking apparatus.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the auto-rock housing Unit (motion mechanism), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The auto-rock housing unit 28a is rotatably attached to the back end 26 of the base portion 26a. In particular, the auto-rock housing unit 28a houses a motorized plunger 28d configured to oscillate and cause a rocking motion to the upper portion 27a in a direction from the bottom end 27b to the top end 27c (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) along the x-axis (see 40a in FIG. 3). Specifically, the motion mechanism provides a rocking motion to the upper portion where the infant rests or sleeps to experience the rocking motion.

[0055] A feature of the motion mechanism 28a is its ability to rotate by the user, where the importance of the adjustability was discovered during testing, leading to the later realization of expanding the operational use to allow parents to position the infant rocking seat on many different ground surfaces with effecting its operation. For example, if the motion mechanism were positioned on the ground that resulted in contacting the ground surface, it is possible the motion mechanism may not operate correctly preventing or disturbing the intended rocking motion, and it is possible issues may result. However, the ability to rotate and adjust the motion mechanism expands its use allowing it to operate on varying ground surfaces including linear and non-linear incline and decline ground surfaces.

[0056] Another feature of the motion mechanism is the motorized plunger that provides an oscillating effect resulting in the upper portion (where the infant rests or sleeps) simulating a rocking motion from the front end to the back end along the x-axis in a linear direction of motion.

[0057] Because the motion mechanism is rotatable in the vertical plane such that the user may move the motion mechanism upward to allow the human or parent to provide a manual rocking motion to the infant rocking seat of the present disclosure.

[0058] The motion mechanism includes a control panel with capacitive touch controls on the outer surface of an auto-rock housing unit to operate the motion mechanism simulating the rocking motion to the upper portion. Contemplated is that one or more controls can include one or a combination of, capacitive touch controls, mechanical controls, or both.

[0059] A capacitive touch control panel 28b is located on an auto-rock faceplate 28c on the motion mechanism 28a and controls the operation of the motion mechanism (auto-rock housing unit) in response to user touches. The capacitive touch control panel can include a transparent overlay layer, a sensor layer, and a display layer. It is possible the overlay layer can include glass, plastic, or other transparent (or partially transparent) materials, which may have a rigidity sufficient to protect the underlying sensor layer and display layer from damage due to repeated use cycles. Optionally, the capacitive touch control panel can include one or more components manufactured from a flexible substrate.

[0060] The capacitive touch control panel 28b can include a control circuit that has a processor and memory. The processor may be implemented as a specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and computer code for completing and facilitating the various user or client processes, layers, and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The memory is communicably connected to the processor and includes computer code or instruction modules for executing one or more processes described herein. The memory includes various circuits, software engines, and/or modules that cause the processor to execute the systems and methods described herein, including controlling operation of the display layer and a device motion.

[0061] FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D are schematic diagrams illustrating views of remote control, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The remote control 33a includes buttons to control one or more controls of the motion mechanism 28a. Further, the remote control can include a clip as shown in FIG. 5c and FIG. 5d position on the back of the remote control to attach to the frame including the upper portion 27a, and possibly to the base portion 26a, including the back 8 of the base portion. It is contemplated that any attaching materials or other similar devices can be used.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the securing system to secure an infant to the seat or top portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The harness mechanism or system includes a five-point harness 2e, a T-strap binding 2a, a T-strap exterior 2b, a shoulder strap 2c, a crotch strap 2g, and buckles 2d for ensuring the infant/child is secure while in the seating device.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of a hot air balloon toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The hot air balloon toy 63 is shown in FIG. 7. The hot air balloon toy 63 can be utilized as shown in FIG. 1 with the upper portion 27a that has a toy bar 7a, a toy bar connector 7b, a toy strap 7c connected to a hot air balloon toy 7d configured on the left side of the infant rocking seat.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the infant rocking seat of FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Other Aspects of the Present Disclosure

[0065] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable device includes a frame having an upper portion with a bottom end and a top end positioned along a y-axis, and a base portion with a front end and a back end positioned along an x-axis. The bottom end of the upper portion hinges on the front end of the base portion, and a top proximal end of a middle portion is pivotably attached to the upper portion. Reclining mechanisms are positioned opposite to each other on sides of the base portion, each reclining mechanism includes (a) detents configured to engage with a bottom segment of the middle bar; (b) a locking mechanism configured to lock the reclining mechanism in a detent of the detents; and (c) a lock-out mechanism structured to prevent the middle portion from unlocking causing the middle portion to rotate away from the detent to transition with the frame from an expanded configuration into a collapsed configuration. Such that a release device is operable relative to the reclining mechanism to disconnect the middle portion from the reclining mechanism. Wherein, upon simultaneously operating both release devices on the reclining mechanisms, actuates the reclining mechanism adjustability. Wherein the base portion is a dual-mode support, usable in a first mode of use mounted to support the upper portion, and a second mode of use independent of supporting the upper portion, that provides a rocking mode in the second mode of use independent of supporting the upper portion, the rocking mode is provided by a motion mechanism that is rotatably attached on the back end of the base portion.

[0066] According to an aspect of the above embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable device is one of, an infant apparatus, a child apparatus, a foldable apparatus, a foldable infant apparatus, a foldable device, a foldable baby device, a foldable child device, an infant supporting device, or a foldable infant rocking apparatus.

[0067] According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the upper portion, the base portion, and the recline bar are u-shaped.

[0068] According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the foldable device includes at least one toy bar connector with one or more devices, that is detachable if so desired. The one or more devices include one or a combination of a hot air balloon toy, or a toy strap, and a harness mechanism includes a five-point harness, a T-strap binding, a T-strap exterior, buckles, and a T-strap interior, for securing an infant or a child to the upper portion.

[0069] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable infant device including a frame having an upper portion and a base portion, the upper portion is coverable with a fabric, and has a bottom end hinged to a front end of the base portion. The base portion is positioned along an x-axis from the front end to a back end, and the upper portion is along a y-axis from the bottom end to a top end, so the upper portion is adjustable to reclinable angles in a range from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. A recline bar includes a horizontal portion with at least one support extending to, and pivotably attachable to the upper portion. The horizontal position is engageable with detents located on reclining mechanisms attached to the base portion, wherein release devices adjust the horizontal portion from one set of detents to another sets of detents resulting in adjusting a recline angle of the upper portion within the adjustable reclinable angle range. Wherein the base frame portion is a dual-mode support, usable in a first mode of use mounted to support the upper frame portion, and a second mode of use independent of supporting the upper frame portion, that provides a rocking mode in the second mode of use independent of supporting the upper frame portion. Wherein the rocking mode is provided by a motion mechanism having an autorock housing unit for housing a motorized plunger configured to oscillate and cause the upper portion to rock along the x-axis, and the motion mechanism is rotatably attached so that the plunger may be moved away from contacting a surface the base portion is resting on, to allow for a manual operation by a human to provide the rocking motion. Wherein the frame is selectively reconfigurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.

[0070] According to an aspect of the above embodiment, the foldable infant device is one of, an infant rocking seat, a child rocker seat, an adjustable rocker seat, a foldable infant seat, a foldable rocking chair, an adjustable foldable baby chair, a foldable child rocker device, an infant supporting device, or a foldable infant rocking apparatus.

[0071] Different embodiments of the infant rocking seat and their advantages can also be understood by referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6 of the figures. The elements of the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the novel features and principles of operation. Throughout the figures, like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various figures.

[0072] Furthermore, reference in the description section to an embodiment, one embodiment, various embodiments, or any variant thereof means that a particular feature or aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases in one embodiment, in another embodiment, or variations thereof in various places throughout the specification can also refer to one or more embodiments.

[0073] Also, as used in the description section 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.

Definitions

[0074] According to aspects of the present disclosure, and based on experimentation, the following definitions have been established and certainly are not the complete definition of each phrase or term. Wherein the provided definitions are merely provided as an example, based upon learnings from experimentation, wherein other interpretations, definitions, and other aspects may pertain. However, for at least a mere basic preview of the phrase or term presented, such definitions have been provided. Further, the definitions below cannot be viewed as prior art since the knowledge gained is from experimentation only.

[0075] User means the person who can operate the control panel, and manually provide a rocking motion to the rocker.

[0076] The description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. Contemplated are various changes that may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed as set forth in the appended claims.