U.S. patent application number 10/364465 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for swing.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graco Children's Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Berkey, Cindy, Campbell, Christopher William, Dillner, James M., Dubell, Sheila, Kaplun, Gregory, Stauffer, Dennis, Wood, Steve.
Application Number | 20040259647 10/364465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22431436 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040259647 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wood, Steve ; et
al. |
December 23, 2004 |
Swing
Abstract
A child swing is described. The swing may have an object hanger
for use with the child swing. The object hanger includes a support
bar coupled to the seat; and a decorative object coupled to the
support bar such that the decorative object is positionable above a
child seating area of the seat, wherein motion is imparted to the
decorative object by the motion of the swing. The swing may have a
display supported by a support member and facing toward a front of
the child swing; and function activators supported by the forward
facing support member and facing toward the front of the child
swing, each function activator activating a function of the swing
upon a user activating the activator.
Inventors: |
Wood, Steve; (Kutztown,
PA) ; Campbell, Christopher William; (Oxford, PA)
; Dubell, Sheila; (Leesport, PA) ; Kaplun,
Gregory; (Allentown, PA) ; Berkey, Cindy;
(Honey Brook, PA) ; Stauffer, Dennis; (Birdsboro,
PA) ; Dillner, James M.; (Leola, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER
SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
Graco Children's Products
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22431436 |
Appl. No.: |
10/364465 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10364465 |
Feb 12, 2003 |
|
|
|
10127692 |
Apr 23, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
472/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/105
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/119 |
International
Class: |
A63G 009/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An object hanger for use with a child swing having a seat hanger
tube supported from a support frame and a seat coupled to the seat
hanger tube, the object hanger comprising: a support bar coupled to
one of the seat hanger tube and seat; a connector coupled to the
support bar and positionable above a child seating area of the
seat; and, a decorative object coupled to the connector, wherein
motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the
swing.
2. An object hanger for use with a child swing having a seat, the
object hanger comprising: a support bar coupled to the seat at
opposite sides of the seat; a connector coupled to the support bar
and positionable above a child seating area of the seat; and, a
decorative object coupled to the connector, wherein motion is
imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing.
3. The object hanger of claim 2, wherein the support bar has a
generally arched shape.
4. An object hanger for use with a child swing having a seat, the
object hanger comprising: a support bar coupled to the seat; a
connector coupled to the support bar and positionable above a child
seating area of the seat; and, a decorative object coupled to the
connector, wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by
the motion of the swing.
5. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the decorative object is
releasably attached to one of the support bar and the
connector.
6. The object hanger of claim 4, comprising at least a second
connector coupled to the support bar and positionable above the
seating area; and, at least a second decorative object coupled to
the at least a second connector.
7. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the support bar is
positionable above the seating area such that a child seated in the
seat can interact with the decorative object.
8. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the support bar is
positionable above the seating area such that the view of a child
seated in the seat and looking forward is not obstructed by the
support bar or decorative object and the child has access to a tray
of the swing.
9. The object hanger of claim 4, further comprising: one of at
least fabric and cushioning material covering at least a portion of
the support bar.
10. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the support bar includes
a coupling mechanism for coupling the support bar to the seat.
11. The object hanger of claim 10, wherein the coupling mechanism
releasably couples the support bar to the seat.
12. The object hanger of claim 11, wherein the coupling mechanism
comprises at least one fastening member, the fastening member
arranged at an end of the support bar.
13. The object hanger of claim 12, wherein the coupling mechanism
comprises two fastening members, the fastening members arranged at
opposing ends of the support bar
14. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the support bar includes
a rotating mechanism that allows the support bar to be rotated
between at least two positions relative to the seating area.
15. The object hanger of claim 14, wherein the seat comprises a
seat back, and the rotating mechanism allows the support bar to be
rotated to a first position towards the seat back to allow easy
access to a child seated in the seat.
16. The object hanger of claim 14, wherein the rotating mechanism
comprises a ratcheting mechanism.
17. The object hanger of claim 4, further comprising: a canopy
covering supported at least in part by the support bar.
18. The object hanger of claim 17, wherein the canopy covering
comprises at least one of fabric and cushioning material.
19. The object hanger of claim 17, wherein the seat has a seat
back, and the canopy covering is supported at least in part by the
seat back.
20. The object hanger of claim 17, further comprising: a second
support bar, the canopy covering supported at least in part by the
second support bar.
21. The object hanger of claim 20, wherein the support bar includes
a rotating mechanism that allows the support bar to be rotated
between at least two positions relative to the seating area, and
wherein the second support bar comprises a second rotating
mechanism that allows the second support bar to be rotated between
at least two positions relative to the seating area.
22. The object hanger of claim 21, wherein the seat comprises a
seat back, and the second rotating mechanism allows the second
support bar to be rotated to a first position towards the seat back
to allow easy access to a child seated in the seat.
23. The object hanger of claim 21, wherein the second rotating
mechanism comprises a second ratcheting mechanism.
24. An object hanger for use with a child swing having a seat, the
object hanger comprising: a support bar coupled to the seat; and a
decorative object coupled to the support bar such that the
decorative object is positionable above a child seating area of the
seat, wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the
motion of the swing.
25. A user interface module for a child swing, the child swing
having a support frame, a seat coupled to the support frame, and a
forward facing support member on the support frame, the user
interface comprising: a display supported by the support member and
facing toward a front of the child swing at a viewing angle; and
function activators supported by the forward facing support member
and facing toward the front of the child swing, each function
activator activating a function of the swing upon a user activating
the activator.
26. The user interface module of claim 25, wherein the function
activators comprise one of push buttons, switches and touch screen
positions.
27. The user interface module of claim 25, wherein the display
comprises: function icons associated with the functions of
respective of the function activators.
28. The user interface module of claim 27, wherein each function
icon is located adjacent its respective function activator.
29. The user interface module of claim 27, wherein the functions of
the swing include at least one of providing music, adjusting the
volume of music, adjusting swing amplitude, and providing swing run
time.
30. The user interface module of claim 27, further comprising: an
on/off switch to activate and deactivate a swing motor of the
swing.
31. The user interface module of claim 27, wherein each of the
function activators include text on the activator identifying the
function associated with the activator.
32. The user interface module of claim 27, wherein the display is
pixilated liquid crystal diode (LCD) display provides at least one
of animation, child information, help screens and different
languages.
33. The user interface module of claim 33, wherein the display is
one of a fixed-segmented liquid crystal diode (LCD) display, a
pixilated LCD display and a touch screen display.
34. The user interface module of claim 25, further comprising: a
microcontroller to control the display, and activate a function of
the swing upon a respective function activator being activated.
35. The user interface module of claim 34, wherein the electronics
unit includes a printed circuit board.
36. The user interface module of claim 34, wherein the electronics
unit includes a processor.
37. The user interface module of claim 25, further comprising a
user replaceable bezel cover surrounding the display and function
activators.
38. The user inter interface module face of claim 34, wherein the
electronics unit controls at least one of a swing drive mechanism
and a music generator.
39. The user interface module of claim 38, wherein the electronics
unit controls a swing drive mechanism mounted within the support
member.
40. The user interface module of claim 25, wherein the user
interface module includes a keypad for the function activators.
41. A user interface module for a child swing, the child swing
having a support frame, a seat coupled to the support frame, and a
support member on the support frame, the user interface comprising:
function activators supported by the support member, each function
activator activating a function of the swing upon a user activating
the activator; and a display supported by the support member, the
display including function icons associated with the functions of
respective of the function activators.
42. The user interface module of claim 41, wherein the function
activators comprise push buttons.
43. The user interface module of claim 41, wherein each function
icon is located adjacent its respective function activator.
44. The user interface module of claim 41, wherein the functions of
the swing include at least one of providing music, adjusting the
volume of music, adjusting swing amplitude, and providing swing run
time.
45. The user interface module of claim 41, further comprising: an
on/off switch to activate and deactivate a swing motor of the
swing.
46. The user interface module of claim 41, wherein the display is
pixilated liquid crystal diode (LCD) display provides at least one
of animation, child information, help screens and different
languages.
47. The user interface modul of claim 46, wherein the display is
one of a fixed-segmented liquid crystal diode (LCD) display, a
pixilated LCD display and a touch screen display.
48. The user interface module of claim 41, further comprising: an
electronics unit to control the display and activate a function of
the swing upon a respective function activator being activated.
49. The user interface module of claim 48, wherein the electronics
unit controls at least one of a swing drive mechanism and a music
generator.
50. The user interface module of claim 49, wherein the electronics
unit controls a swing drive mechanism mounted within the support
member.
51. A child swing comprising: a support frame having a user
interface support member; a seat; a seat hanger tube supported from
the support frame and coupled to and supporting the seat; and an
object hanger, the object hanger comprising: a support bar coupled
to the seat; and a decorative object coupled to the support bar
such that the decorative object is positionable above a child
seating area of the seat, wherein motion is imparted to the
decorative object by the motion of the swing.
52. A child swing comprising: a support frame having a forward
facing user interface support member; a seat; a seat hanger tube
supported from the support frame and coupled to and supporting the
seat; and a user interface module mounted on the user interface
support member, the user interface module comprising: a display
supported by the support member and facing toward a front of the
child swing; and function activators supported by the forward
facing support member and facing toward the front of the child
swing, each function activator activating a function of the swing
upon a user activating the activator.
53. A child swing comprising: a support frame having a forward
facing user interface support member; a seat; a seat hanger tube
supported from the support frame and coupled to and supporting the
seat; and a user interface module mounted on the user interface
support member, the user interface module comprising: function
activators supported by the support member, each function activator
activating a function of the swing upon a user activating the
activator; and a display supported by the support member, the
display including function icons associated with the functions of
respective of the function activators.
54. The object hanger of claim 1, wherein the support bar includes
a coupling mechanism for coupling the support bar to the seat
hanger tube.
55. The object hanger of claim 54, wherein the coupling mechanism
releasably couples the support bar to the seat hanger tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a child or infant swing, and more
particularly to a swing that can include certain accessories, such
as a user interface module, object hanger, or canopy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Infant or child swings have been contemplated in the past.
For example, open top swings are known that include a user
interface which allows a user to control the swing motion by
controlling a swing drive mechanism. Swing user interfaces are also
known that allow a user to activate a music generator to provide
soothing music for an infant in the swing. The user interface
includes a number of buttons which may be pressed by a user to
activate functions of the swing, such as the speed or amplitude of
the swing motion or music.
[0003] These user interfaces are mounted on the housing of the
swing drive mechanism. Specifically, the user interface is mounted
on the side of the housing facing a direction to the side of the
swing. The buttons face a direction perpendicular to the direction
of the motion of the swing seat and do not face the swing
front.
[0004] The user interface for these swings use numbered buttons
and/or light emitting diode (LED) lights to indicate swing
functions, such as the amplitude motion or swing timer. For
example, when a function button has been activated by a user, an
LED above the function button is lit.
[0005] Child or infant swings are also known to be provided with
decorative objects, such as toys, for a child to interact with
while the child is seated in the swing. For example, the toys are
on a support attached to a tray, where the tray is attached to the
child seat. The toys are in front of the child when the child is
seated.
[0006] There is a need for a swing with an improved user interface
that allows a user easier access to the interface upon placing a
child or infant in the swing. There is also need for a user
interface that allows a user to more intuitively interact with the
interface and provides more information to the user. Finally, there
is a need for a toy support or bar where a child can interact with
the toys above the child while sitting back in a swing seat, or
where the support could support other structures of the swing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An aspect of the present invention relates to an object
hanger for use with a child swing. The child swing has a seat
hanger tube supported from a support frame and a seat coupled to
the seat hanger tube. The object hanger comprises a support bar
coupled to one of the seat hanger tube and seat; a connector
coupled to the support bar and positionable above a child seating
area of the seat; and a decorative object coupled to the connector,
wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion
of the swing.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an object
hanger for use with a child swing. The swing has a seat. The object
hanger comprises a support bar coupled to the seat; a connector
coupled to the support bar and positionable above a child seating
area of the seat; and a decorative object coupled to the connector,
wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion
of the swing.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an object
hanger for use with a child swing having a seat. The object hanger
comprises a support bar coupled to the seat; and a decorative
object coupled to the support bar such that the decorative object
is positionable above a child seating area of the seat, wherein
motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the
swing.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a user
interface module for a child swing. The child swing has a support
frame, a seat coupled to the support frame, and a forward facing
support member on the support frame. The user interface comprises a
display supported by the support member and facing toward a front
of the child swing; and function activators supported by the
forward facing support member and facing toward the front of the
child swing at a viewing angle, each function activator activating
a function of the swing upon a user activating the activator.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a user
interface module for a child swing. The child swing has a support
frame, a seat coupled to the support frame, and a support member on
the support frame. The user interface comprises function activators
supported by the support member, each function activator activating
a function of the swing upon a user activating the activator; and a
display supported by the support member, the display including
function icons associated with the functions of respective of the
function activators
[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a child or infant swing including a user
interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates the seat of the swing of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a view of a user interface module according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate, in break-out fashion, components
of an embodiment of the interface module of FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary swing
control in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a child swing including an object hanger
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a view of the support bar of the object hanger of
FIG. 6.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded and enlarged view of the rotating
mechanism and coupling mechanism of the support bar of FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a child or infant swing including a
support for a canopy covering according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded and enlarged view of the combined
rotating mechanisms and coupling mechanism for an object hanger and
the canopy support bar of FIG. 9.
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a seat of the swing including a canopy
covering according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment according to the
invention of a rotating mechanism and a coupling mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. An effort has been made to use the same
reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or
like parts.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a child or infant swing that includes a
user interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The swing in FIG. 1, other than the user interface, has
features similar to the swings described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,525,113, 6,193,224 and 6,339,304, which are incorporated by
reference in their entirety. The swing includes a support frame 10
which holds a user interface support member 212, such as part of
the housing for a swing drive mechanism, and a user interface
module 200 supported by the user interface support member 212. The
swing also includes a pair of seat support hangers 40 supporting a
seat 50. The seat 50 comprises a seat back 52 and a seat bottom 54.
A tray 60 can be attached to the seat.
[0028] An exemplary seat 50 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. A
hinge 56 allows the seat back 52 to be folded between an upright
position and several recline positions relative to the seat bottom
54. An actuator apparatus, such as described in more detail in
copending U.S. application No. ______ entitled "RECLINING CHILD
SEAT," filed on Apr. 23, 2002, which is incorporated by reference
in its entirety, facilitates movement of the seat back 52 towards
or away from the seat bottom 54, and allows the angle between the
seat back 52 and seat bottom 54 to be adjusted as desired.
[0029] The user interface module 200 is shown in more detail in
FIG. 3. The user interface module 200 is mounted on a support
member 212. The interface module 200 includes a display 202 and a
number of swing function activators 204a-204d. In addition to the
function activators 204a-204d, the interface module 200 may include
an on/off switch 206 that allows the swing power to be turned on
and off. The on/off switch 206 turns on or off the power for the
swing motor (not shown). If desired the on/off switch 206 may turn
on or off the power for the interface module 200 also. The on/off
switch 206 may be, for example, a two position toggle.
[0030] Advantageously, the user interface module 200 with display
202 and function activators 204a-204d faces in the direction of the
front of the swing. Positioning the display 202 on the front face
of the support member 212 at a proper viewing angle makes it easier
for the user to see the display 202 just after the child has been
placed in the seat by the user, and the user is ready to select
desired functions of the swing.
[0031] The function activators 204a-204d allow a user to activate
corresponding functions of the swing. Swing functions may include,
for example, providing music, adjusting the volume of the music,
adjusting swing amplitude, and providing swing run time. These
swing functions are exemplary. Other functions may include, for
example, providing a user menu to allow a user to select further
swing functions.
[0032] The function activators 204a-204d may be push buttons, for
example. Alternatively, the function activators 204a may be
switches, such as toggle switches, or may be positions on a touch
screen if the user interface module 200 includes a touch screen
display. The function actuators may also be voice activated.
[0033] If the function activators 204a-204d are push buttons, the
buttons can be activated or deactivated by the user by pressing the
buttons. For example, if the user wishes to provide music or sound,
and the music function is not currently activated, a user would
press the music function activator 204c to activate it. The music
function activator 204c may allow a user to select among a number
of different types of music or sound. For example, if the music
function activator 204c allows three types of music/sound, such as
in sequence, lullaby music, classical music and nature sounds, the
user may select the desired music or sound by pressing and quickly
releasing the music activator 204c until the desired music or sound
is activated. For example, if the nature sound is desired, and the
music function is currently deactivated, the user would press and
release the music activator 204c three times. In one embodiment,
upon pressing and releasing the activator 204c a fourth time, the
lullaby music would be activated. In another embodiment, upon
pressing and releasing the activator 204c a fourth time, the music
function is deactivated. The user may also select the desired
music/sound or deactivation (in the another embodiment) by pressing
and holding the music function activator 204c to progressively
cycle through the different music/sounds and deactivation.
[0034] In a similar fashion, if the function activators 204a-204d
are push buttons, the user may select a desired volume of music or
sound by sequentially pressing and quickly releasing the volume
function activator 204d or pressing and holding the volume function
activator 204d to cycle through the different volume levels. For
example, in an embodiment with three volume levels (low, medium and
high) and deactivation of volume in sequence, if the current volume
level is low, the user may select high volume by pushing the volume
function activator 204d twice. Pushing the activator once more will
deactivate (turn off) the volume.
[0035] The amplitude or speed function activator 204a allows a user
to select the amplitude of the swing motion. The amplitude levels
may be cycled in sequence from one, i.e., the lowest swing motion,
up to a highest speed level and then to one again. The number of
speed levels may be nine, for example, with one being the lowest
swing motion, and nine being the highest speed or amplitude level.
The number of speed levels may be more or less than nine. In a
similar fashion to the music function and the volume function, if
the function activators 204a-204d are push buttons, a user can
select a desired swing amplitude by repeatedly pushing and quickly
releasing the amplitude function activator 204a, or by pressing and
holding down the amplitude function activator 204a and cycling
through the amplitude levels until the desired level is
reached.
[0036] The timer function activator 204b allows a user to select an
amount of time that the swing will remain turned on. Once a desired
time is selected, and the swing has operated for that amount of
time, the swing automatically shuts off. The time levels may be
cycled in sequence from continually on, and then in increments up
to a highest time level and then to continually on again. If the
continually on time level is selected, the swing does not
automatically shut off, but remains on indefinitely. The increment
between each time level (except of course between the continually
on and adjacent time levels) may be a constant increment, such as
ten minutes, for example. Alternately the increment between time
levels need not be constant. The lowest time level may be ten
minutes, for example. The highest time level can be forty minutes,
for example. In a similar fashion to the music, volume, and
amplitude functions, if the function activators 204a-204d are push
buttons, a user can select a desired time duration by repeatedly
pushing and quickly releasing the timer function activator 204b, or
by pressing and holding down the timer function activator 204b and
cycling through the time levels until the desired level is
reached.
[0037] The display 202 includes a number of icons 208a-208d that
correspond to the function activators 204a-204d, respectively.
Preferably, each icon is adjacent to its respective function
activator. The icons 208a-208d provide a visual indication of the
current level or status of the functions corresponding to their
respective function activators 204a-204d.
[0038] For example, if the music/sound types are classical music,
lullaby music and nature sounds, as described above, the
corresponding icon 208c may be a violin, cradle, and bird,
respectively, as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates all three
icons (violin, cradle, and bird) simultaneously, for the purpose of
illustration. Of course, in operation only the icon corresponding
to the currently selected music or sound will be displayed at any
one time. If no music or sound is activated, then the music/sound
icon 208c may simply be blank or may say "OFF." Additionally the
icon 208d corresponding to the music volume may provide an
indication that the music or sound is off, i.e., that there is no
volume.
[0039] The icon 208d corresponding to the music volume may be a
speaker with arcs emanating from the speaker, for example. The icon
for the no, low, medium and high volumes, respectively, may have
no, one, two and three arcs, respectively, with the additional arcs
being of increasing size and increasing distance from the speaker
as shown in FIG. 3.
[0040] The icon 208b corresponding to the time levels may be, for
example, a clock surrounding a symbol, such as digits, designating
the time level. If the time level is continually on, the symbol may
be "- -," for example, for the current time of day with AM or PM
designated as appropriate. If the time level is on from the lowest
to highest time level, the symbol may be a number of digits
indicating the number of minutes or hours and minutes remaining
until the swing is shut off. In this case the clock symbol may be
divided into six segments around a circular clock body, and the
segments may be successively blanked and turned on one at a time to
provide a rotating clockwise motion indicative of time passing.
Once the timer counts down to zero, the swing is turned off.
[0041] The icon 208a corresponding to the amplitude or speed
function may be, for example, a child on a swing with a number of
dots behind the child indicating the amplitude level. The number of
dots will correspond to the amplitude. If there are N levels of
swing motion, then the number of dots displayed in the icon will be
from one dot, for the lowest amplitude level, up progressively to N
dots for the highest amplitude level. As the swing amplitude is
progressively increased by the user, the number of dots
progressively increases behind the child on th swing on the display
accordingly.
[0042] Alternatively, the icon 208a may be a standard digital
symbol, such as one or two digits, representing the amplitude. For
example, the icon 208a may be from "1" to "9" to represent the
amplitude levels 1 to 9, respectively. The icon 208a may also be a
combination of a standard digital symbol and a number of dots
representing the amplitude.
[0043] The function activators 204a-204d and/or the on/off switch
206 may also include text on the activators or switch to indicate
the specific functions of the activators. For example, the function
activators may have the text "MUSIC," "VOLUME," "SPEED," and
"TIMER," respectively for the functions of providing music,
adjusting the volume of the music, adjusting swing amplitude, and
providing swing run time.
[0044] The function activators 204a-204d providing the respective
functions of adjusting swing amplitude, providing swing run time,
providing music or sound, and adjusting the volume of the music or
sound, and the corresponding function icons 208a-208d are
illustrated in FIG. 3 as being positioned from top to bottom on the
user interface module 200. The function activators 204a-204d and
the corresponding function icons 208a-208d may, however, be
positioned in any order desired. The on/off switch 206 may also be
positioned as desired on the user interface module 200. For
example, the on/off switch 206 may be positioned above, below, or
to the side of the function activators 204a-204d.
[0045] In addition to icons corresponding to the swing function
activators 204a-204d and the on/off switch 206, the display 202 may
include one or more icons 210 not corresponding to any of the
function activators. For example, the display may include an icon
210 corresponding to the battery power level of the swing.
[0046] The display 202 with icons 208a-208d makes it simple for a
user to control the swing. The user can tell "at-a-glance" which
functions have been activated. The visual nature of the icons make
it easier for a user to operate the swing without necessarily
reading a manual. The icons can provide graphical and textual
instruction to the user with intuitive symbols that a user can
readily understand in using the swing.
[0047] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate, in break-out fashion, components
of an embodiment of the user interface module 200. The support
member 212 can be part of the housing of a swing drive mechanism
(not shown). The swing drive mechanism may be a swing drive
mechanism as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,525,113, 6,193,224 or
6,339,304, for example. A second section 214 of the housing can be
part of the support frame 10 shown in FIG. 1. The support member
212 can be attached to the second section 214 by any conventional
attachment method to complete the housing. The second section 214
includes battery holder sections 216 that hold batteries for
powering the swing drive mechanism and the user interface module
200.
[0048] The support member 212 includes an opening 218 adapted for
receiving the user interface module 200. The opening 218 includes
edges 220. The user interface module 200 can have a slot (not
shown) around its periphery so that the user interface module 200
may slide over the edges 220 and be fitted into the opening 218.
The support member 21.2 is then brought together with and secured
to the second section 214, capturing the interface module 200. The
second section 214 may include wires (not shown) for connecting to
the motor (not shown).
[0049] FIG. 4B illustrates a break-out of the user interface module
200. The user interface module 200 may be of a stacked construction
and can include a bezel cover 230, a display 202 including a clear
lens 232 and a liquid crystal diode (LCD) glass 234, a flexible
conductor 236, a keypad 238, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 240.
The flexible conductor 236 provides an electrical connection
between the LCD 234 and the PCB 240 which acts to control and drive
the LCD 234.
[0050] The bezel cover 230 may be removable and customizable by the
user, thus providing flexibility. The bezel cover 230 is thus a
user replaceable bezel cover. The user may choose a bezel cover 230
having a color or design as desired, or having informative text on
the bezel cover 230 as desired.
[0051] The keypad 238 includes function activators 204a-204d, such
as push buttons, and the on/off switch 206. The function activators
204a-204d and the on/off switch 206 are electronically connected to
the PCB 240, which acts to control the swing to provide the
functions associated with the function activators 204a-204d, and to
turn the swing motor on and off.
[0052] The LCD 234 can be any appropriate commercially available
LCD. The LCD 234 could be a fixed-segmented display and/or a
pixilated display. Both types of display are known in the art. A
pixilated display allows for the use of animation of the icons,
help screens, customizable graphics, or different languages, for
example. The pixilated display could also supply information,
stored in the interface module 200, concerning a specific child.
The display 202 could also be a touch screen display.
[0053] The interface module 200, such as one including an LCD 234,
may advantageously provide its own lighting, and thus may be used
in a variety of lighting conditions. The interface module 200 may
be in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, as desired.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary swing
control system in accordance with the present invention. The
control is accomplished via a microcontroller 250 of the user
interface module 200. The user interface module 200 includes the
function activators 204a-204d, display 202 with icons 208a-208d and
on/off switch 206, as described earlier with reference to FIG. 3.
Controlling swing functions, such as the swing amplitude and music
volume, via a microcontroller is known and generally described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,339,304 and/or 5,525,113, for example. For
example, FIG. 3 and the accompanying text of U.S. Pat. No.
6,339,304 illustrates swing amplitude control and music volume
control.
[0055] The microcontroller 250 includes a microprocessor 252 for
processing signals received from the user interface associated with
the function activators 204a-204d. The microcontroller 250 controls
a music system 260 to adjust the volume and to select music or
sound according to user input to the music and volume function
activators. The music system 260 can include a music generator 262,
an amplifier 264, and a speaker 266 for providing music. The
microcontroller 250 also controls the swing amplitude by
controlling the swing motor 270 to adjust the amplitude of the
swing (not shown in FIG. 5). An amplitude detector 271 provides
feedback to the microcontroller 250. In the physical implementation
of the control system, the microprocessor 252 and music generator
262 may be mounted on the PCB of FIG. 4B. The microprocessor 252
and music generator 262 may be implemented on a single chip. For
example, the microprocessor 252 and music generator 262 may be
implemented on a Holtech HT84036 or Winbond W562 chip. The
microcontroller 250 (and other swing components) may be powered by
a power supply 272, such as batteries, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates a child swing including an object hanger
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The
child swing may be the same as that illustrated in FIG. 1, for
example, with the addition of the object hanger 300. The object
hanger 300 includes a support bar 302, connectors 304, and
decorative objects 306. The support bar 302 is shown as partially
covered by soft goods 308, such as fabric or cushioning material.
The support bar 302 may or may not be covered by soft goods
308.
[0057] When the swing moves, the swing imparts motion to the
decorative objects 306. Thus, the motion of the swing "activates"
the motion of the decorative objects 306. Advantageously, the
decorative objects 306 do not require driving motion independent of
the swing motion. The decorative objects 306 may be toys or other
objects activated by electronics in the objects 306 or in the
support bar 302.
[0058] The support bar 302 may be coupled to either the seat hanger
tube 40 or the seat 50. The support bar 302 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9
is coupled to the seat 50.
[0059] The support bar 302 may be of any appropriate material such
as metal or plastic, for example.
[0060] The support bar 302 includes a rotating mechanism 310 that
allows the support bar 302 to be rotated back and forth towards and
away from the seat back 52 about pivots 311. The rotating mechanism
310 allows the support bar 302 to be rotated between positions
above the seating area of the child in the swing, that is, above
the region where the child sits in the seat 50. Preferably, the
rotating mechanism 310 allows the support bar 302 to be rotated
between at least two positions relative to the seating area.
[0061] Also preferably, the rotating mechanism 310 allows the
support bar 302 to be rotated to a position towards the seat back
to allow easy access to a child seated in the seat. This rotation
facilitates placing a child in and removing a child from the seat.
A user can rotate the support bar 302 to a position nearer the seat
back 52, place the child in the seat 50, and then rotate the
support bar 302 forward to allow the child better access to the
decorative objects 306. When removing the child from the seat 50,
the support bar 302 can be rotated back towards the seat back 52.
Of course, it may be possible to remove a child from, or place a
child in, the seat 50 without rotating the support bar 302, but
rotating the support bar 302 back toward the seat back 52 generally
facilitates the process. The support bar 302 may also easily be
removed, if desired.
[0062] The support bar 302 is rotatable and positionable above the
seating area such that a view of a child seated in the seat and
looking forward is not obstructed by the support bar 302 or
decorative objects 306 and the child has access to a tray 60 of the
swing 50.
[0063] Connectors 304 and decorative objects 306 are positionable
above the child seating area. In this regard, it is preferable that
the support bar include a rotating mechanism 310, as described
above, so that a user can position the support bar 302 at an
appropriate position for any sized child. The connectors 304 may be
positionable directly above the child seating area, or simply above
the area.
[0064] The connectors 304 can be positionable such that the
decorative objects 306 are at a height above the child seating area
such that the child may readily interact with the decorative
objects 306. In this application, interact means that the child can
at least touch the decorative objects 306 when seated back in the
seat 50 to rest on the seat back 52. In other words, the child need
not sit forward from the seat back 52 in order to touch the
decorative objects 306.
[0065] The child may also choose not to interact with the
decorative objects 306. Because the decorative objects 306 will
tend to swing back and forth in the same fashion as the child, the
child can easily follow the motion of the decorative objects 306 as
they swing with the child.
[0066] Alternatively the object hanger 300 may not include
connectors 304 and the decorative objects 306 may by coupled
directly to the support bar 302. For example, the decorative
objects 306 may include means to couple directly to the support bar
302. The decorative objects 306 may include, for example, a string
or clip where the decorative objects 306 can be tied or clipped to
the support bar 302.
[0067] Providing interactivity with the decorative objects even
when the child is seated back in the seat is especially helpful if
the child is an infant. Infants may not be strong enough to readily
sit forward in the seat 50, or they may be able to sit forward in
the seat 50 only for a short time. By being able to position the
decorative objects 306 such that the child can interact with the
decorative objects 306, the child simply can lay back in the seat
50 while swinging and enjoy the decorative objects 306 at the same
time.
[0068] It should be noted that when the support bar 302 is coupled
to the seat bottom 54, the seat back 52 may be reclined without
changing the position of the support bar 302 relative to the seat
bottom 54. Thus, the position of the support bar 302 with respect
to the child reclining in the seat 50 may be changed simply by
changing the recline of the seat 50 if the child is laying back on
the seat back 52.
[0069] The decorative objects 306 may be toys with which the child
may be interested in playing. The decorative objects 306 are
coupled to the connectors 304. The connectors 304 may be clips, for
example, and the decorative objects 306 may be releasably attached
to the support bar 302 via the connectors 304. The decorative
objects 306 may be releasably attached to the connectors 304. FIG.
6 illustrates the connectors 304 to be C-clips where the decorative
objects 306 may be slid off the C-clips. Thus, if the decorative
objects 306 are removed from the support bar 302, the child may
hold and play with them in the swing or bring the objects out of
the swing area, such as to bed with the child. The decorative
objects 306 may also be replaced with other decorative objects
designed to couple to the support bar 302. If the decorative
objects 306 remain on the support bar 302, the child may interact
with the decorative objects 306 or simply follow the motion of the
decorative objects 306, as desired.
[0070] The number of connectors 304 and decorative objects 306 may
be one, or may be more than one; that is, there may be at least a
second connector 304 and second decorative object 306.
[0071] The connector 304 may be coupled to the support bar 302 by a
loop 313 around the support bar 302 and soft goods 308 as shown for
one of the connectors 304 in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the soft goods
308 may include a loop 315 for coupling the connector 304 to the
soft goods covered support bar 302 as shown for the other connector
304 in FIG. 6.
[0072] The support bar 302 may have a generally arched shape.
Alternatively, the support bar 302 may have other than a generally
arched shape and adjoining portions of the support bar 302 may be
at angles relative to one another, for example.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a view of the support bar 302 removed from the
seat 50. The support bar 302 can include through holes 312. The
through holes 312 allow certain types of connectors 304, such as
C-clips, to be attached to the support bar 302 as shown. Other
possible connectors 304 to the support bar 302 include webbing that
can be coupled to a slot (not shown) on the support bar 302,
webbing that can be passed through and fixed to the support bar
302, ribbons, string, and plastic lanyard.
[0074] The support bar 302 can include a coupling mechanism 314
that allows the support bar 302 to be coupled to the seat 50 of
FIG. 6. Preferably the coupling mechanism 314 allows the support
bar 302 to be releasably coupled to the seat 50 of FIG. 6. The
coupling mechanism 312 may comprise, for example, two fastening
members, such as C-clamps as shown in FIG. 6. The C-clamps are
arranged at opposing ends of the support bar 302.
[0075] Alternatively, the support bar 302 may be connected to only
one side of the child seat 50. For example, the support bar 302 may
be L-shaped and connected to only one side of the seat 50. In this
case, the coupling mechanism 314 may include only one fastening
member, for example, that couples to one side of the seat 50. If
the coupling mechanism 314 is to couple to both sides of the seat
50, the coupling mechanism 314 may include two fastening members,
for example.
[0076] FIG. 8 is an exploded and enlarged view of the rotating
mechanism 310 and coupling mechanism 314 of the support bar 302 of
FIG. 7. The rotating mechanism 310 shown in FIG. 8 is a ratcheting
mechanism. The rotating mechanism 310 includes an internal ring
gear 330, engagement member 332, and outer housing 334. The
internal ring gear 330 is integral to the coupling mechanism 314.
The engagement member 332 includes teeth 336 that engage with gear
positions 338 circumferentially positioned around the internal ring
gear 330.
[0077] The engagement member is rotatably fixed to the outer
housing by means of outer pins (not shown) which engage with outer
through holes 340 of the engagement member 332. An inner pin (not
shown) passes through an inner through hole 342 along the central
axis of the engagement member 332 and to inner pin 344 of the
internal ring gear 330 to allow rotation of the engagement member
332 and outer housing 334 relative to the internal ring gear 330. A
user can rotate the outer housing 334 and engagement member 332 by
pushing or pulling the support bar 302 in the desired rotation
direction. As the engagement member 332 is rotated, the teeth 336
successively engage with the gear positions 338 in a ratcheting
manner. Thus, the support bar 302 is positionable in a number of
positions corresponding to the gear positions 338.
[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates a child swing including support for a
canopy covering (not shown in FIG. 9) according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Advantageously, the canopy can
prevent the child from viewing the child's parent when the child is
"fussy," and thus the child may be prevented from desiring to be
with the parent while in the swing. The canopy also will block
direct sunlight when the swing is in the sunlight. Thus, the swing
may be readily used either indoors or outdoors.
[0079] The child swing may be the same as that illustrated in FIG.
1, for example, with the addition of the object hanger 300 that
provides support for at least a portion of a canopy covering, for
example, the front edge of a canopy covering. The object hanger 300
may be the same as that described with respect to FIGS. 6-8. The
canopy covering is supported at least in part by the support bar
302 of the object hanger 300. More specifically, canopy covering
can also be supported in part by the seat back 52. The object
hanger 300 may include, in addition to the support bar 302, a
second support bar 380.
[0080] The second support bar 380 is similar to the first support
bar 302. However, the second support bar 380 is generally intended
to function as further support for the canopy covering, and not as
support for decorative objects. In a similar fashion to the support
bar 302, the second support bar 380 includes a second rotating
mechanism 382. The second rotating mechanism 382 may be a
ratcheting mechanism in a similar fashion to the rotating mechanism
310. Like support bar 302, the second support bar 380 may be
rotated via the second rotating mechanism 382 towards the seat back
52 to allow easy access to a child seated in the seat 50. The
second rotating mechanism 382 allows the second support bar 380 to
be rotated between at least two positions relative to the seating
area.
[0081] FIG. 10 is an exploded and enlarged view of the combined
rotating mechanisms and coupling mechanism for the support bar 302
and second support bar 380. In FIG. 10, the ring gear member 400
comprises two back-to-back internal ring gears 330, 430, and the
ring gear member 400 is integral to the coupling mechanism 314. The
rotating mechanism 310 for the support bar 302 is essentially the
same as the rotating mechanism illustrated in FIG. 8 with the same
reference numerals referring to the same components.
[0082] The second rotating mechanism 382 is opposite the rotating
mechanism 310 and has similar components with a similar function.
The second rotating mechanism 382 includes, in addition to the
second ring gear 430, a second engagement member 432 and second
outer housing 434. The second engagement member 432 includes teeth
436 that engage with gear positions 438 circumferentially
positioned around the second internal ring gear 430. The second
engagement member 432 is rotatably fixed to the second outer
housing 434 by means of outer pins 450 which engage with outer
through holes 440 of the second engagement member 432. An inner pin
452 passes through an inner through hole 442 along the central axis
of the second engagement member 432 and to inner pin (not shown) of
the second internal ring gear 430 to allow rotation of the second
engagement member 432 and second outer housing 434 relative to the
second internal ring gear 430. As the second engagement member 432
is rotated, the teeth 436 successively engage with the gear
positions 438 in a ratcheting manner. Thus, the second support bar
380 is positionable in a number of positions corresponding to the
gear positions 438.
[0083] FIG. 11 illustrates the seat 50 of the swing with canopy
covering 390 on the support bars 302 and 380. The canopy covering
390 may be any suitable material. The canopy covering 390 may
comprise, for example, fabric or cushioning material. The canopy
covering 390 may include mesh, plastic or nylon, for example, or
may include heat resistant fabric for outdoor use.
[0084] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the
rotating mechanism 310 and coupling mechanism 314 of the support
bar 302. FIG. 12 illustrates the portion of the rotating mechanism
310 and coupling mechanism 314 as slightly enlarged relative to the
seat 50 for the purpose of illustration. In this embodiment the
coupling mechanism 314 includes a coupling member 360 that slides
into a receiving member 362 on the side of the seat 50. The
coupling member 360 includes a tooth 364 that couples to a slot 366
of the receiving member 362, and allows the coupling to be
snug.
[0085] The preferred embodiments have been set forth herein for the
purpose of illustration. This description, however, should not be
deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the invention. Various
modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one
skilled in the art without departing from the claimed inventive
concept. The true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated
by the following claims.
* * * * *