U.S. patent application number 11/487583 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for child support with multiple electrical modes.
Invention is credited to Michael Armbruster, James R. Engler.
Application Number | 20070207870 11/487583 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38445871 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070207870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armbruster; Michael ; et
al. |
September 6, 2007 |
Child support with multiple electrical modes
Abstract
A child receiving device is disclosed herein. The device
includes a seat pivotally connected to a frame. The device may
further include a power transmission line that connects to a remote
power source such as an electrical outlet. The transmission line
may be hidden within the frame, and may separate when a
predetermined amount of force is applied to the line. The child
receiving device further includes an electrical device, an
alternating current (AC) power supply connection, a direct current
(DC) power supply connection, and a switch that selectively engages
either the AC or DC power supply connections. The electrical device
may operate in either a first operational mode, in which the power
source is an AC power source, or a second operational mode, in
which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source. The
electrical device may be a motor that drives the motion of the
seat.
Inventors: |
Armbruster; Michael; (Grand
Island, NY) ; Engler; James R.; (Depew, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDELL, SHAPIRO & FINNAN, LLC
1901 RESEARCH BOULEVARD, SUITE 400
ROCKVILLE
MD
20850
US
|
Family ID: |
38445871 |
Appl. No.: |
11/487583 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60777548 |
Mar 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
472/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20130101;
A63H 33/006 20130101; A47D 13/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/119 |
International
Class: |
A63G 9/16 20060101
A63G009/16 |
Claims
1. A child receiving device comprising: a frame; a child-receiving
portion coupled to the frame; an alternating current (AC) power
source receiving portion; a direct current (DC) power source
receiving portion; and an electrical device driven by a power
source, wherein the electrical device is adapted to selectively
operate in a first electrical mode in which the power source is an
alternating current (AC) power source and a second electrical mode
in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power
source.
2. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the operational
modes are controlled by a switch.
3. The child-receiving device of claim 2, wherein the switch is one
of an automatic switch and a manual, user-actuated switch.
4. The child-receiving device of claim 2 wherein the switch is a
manual, user-actuated switch.
5. The child-receiving device of claim 4, wherein the manual,
user-actuated switch comprises a switch selected from the group
consisting of a slide switch, a rotary switch, and a push
switch.
6. The child-receiving device of claim 2, wherein: the alternating
current power source is located remote from the child receiving
device; and the child receiving device further comprises a power
transmission line operable to connect the electrical device to the
remote power source.
7. The child-receiving device of claim 6, wherein the transmission
line comprises a transformer operable to convert alternating
current to a direct current.
8. The child-receiving device of claim 6, wherein the transmission
line is at least partially disposed within the frame.
9. The child-receiving device of claim 6, wherein the transmission
line comprises a first segment and a second segment releasably
connected to the first segment.
10. The child-receiving device of claim 9, wherein the first
segment of the transmission line is at least partially disposed
within the frame and the second segment disposed entirely outside
the frame.
11. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the electrical
device is includes at least one of a motor, a speaker, and a light
source.
12. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the electrical
device is a motor capable of moving the child receiving portion
from a first position to a second position.
13. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the direct
current (DC) power source is a battery source removeably coupled to
the frame.
14. A child receiving device comprising: a frame including a
supporting surface engaging portion, wherein at least one section
of the frame is hollow; a child receiving portion coupled to the
frame above the supporting surface engaging portion; an electrical
device attached to the frame proximate the child receiving portion;
and a power cord comprising: a first portion coupled to the
electrical device and being housed within the hollow section of the
frame and exiting the frame proximate the supporting surface
engaging portion, a second portion located outside the frame and
being configured to connect to a power source remote from the child
receiving device, wherein the power cord is configured to supply
power to the electrical device from a the remote power source.
15. The child receiving device of claim 14, wherein the frame
further comprises exit point proximate the supporting surface
engaging portion, and wherein the first portion of the power cord
terminates proximate the exit point.
16. The child receiving device of claim 14, wherein the first
portion of the power cord is releasably connected to the second
portion of the power cord.
17. A method of selecting the electrical mode of a child support
device comprising: (a) providing a child support device including
an electrically powered component, (b) operating the electrically
powered component in a first operational mode in which the power
source is an alternating current (AC) power source; and (c)
alternately operating the electrically powered component in a
second operational mode in which the power source is a direct
current (DC) power source.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the child support device
includes a switch configured to select the first and second
operational modes; step (b) comprises (b.1) engaging the switch to
select the first operational mode; and step (c) comprises (c.1)
engaging the switch to alternately select the second operational
mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/777,548, filed
Mar. 1, 2006, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a child support structure
selectively operable in multiple electrical modes and, more
particularly, to a motorized swing configured to selectively
operate on either alternating current or direct current power
sources.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Child support structures (also called child receiving
devices) may be used to pacify and relax children and, in
particular, infants. These structures typically include a frame
supporting a seat that receives an infant. Many include a motor
adapted to drive the seat or other movable component connected to
the frame (a vibration mechanism, etc.). Other child receiving
devices further include electronic activity components that provide
entertainment to an infant supported by the device. Conventional
activity components include some form of sensory output (e.g.,
flashing lights and/or sound) to attract and retain the attention
of the infant.
[0004] The motor and electronic components in such child receiving
devices are often powered using an electric power source. The power
source is typically an alternating current (AC) source (e.g., from
a standard electrical outlet) or a direct current (DC) source
(e.g., batteries or a rechargeable battery pack). Devices to date
have only been able to provide a single option for a power source
(AC or DC), limiting either the time the device could be operated
(in the case of batteries), or limiting the location of the
operation (in the case of an electrical outlet needed for AC
power). Consequently, a need within the field of child receiving
devices exists for a device adapted to selectively run on direct
current and alternating current power. A need within this field
also exists for an electrical assembly that permits a user to
select the desired power source for powering the features of the
child receiving device.
[0005] The present invention is generally directed to a child
support structure capable of being powered in multiple electrical
modes and, in particular, to an infant swing including an
electronics assembly including an electrical device, an alternating
current power supply connection, a direct current power supply
connection, and a switching mechanism that selectively engages
either the AC or DC power supply connection. The present invention
is adapted to operate in either a first electrical mode in which
the power source is an alternating current (AC) power source or a
second electrical mode in which the power source is a direct
current (DC) power source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Generally, embodiments in accordance with the present
invention provide a child support structure including a seat. More
specifically, the seat may be pivotally connected to a supporting
frame. The structure may further include a power transmission line
operable to connect to a remote power source such as an alternating
current source. The power transmission line may be at least
partially hidden within the supporting frame, and may be adapted to
separate from the frame when a predetermined amount of force is
applied to the line. Embodiments in accordance with the present
invention may further include an electronics assembly configured to
operate in either a first electrical mode in which the power source
is an alternating current (AC) power source or a second electrical
mode in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power
source. An electronics assembly in accordance with the present
invention may include at least one electrical device such as a
motor that drives the motion of the seat. In operation, a switching
mechanism is utilized to select the electrical input mode of the
device by completing the connection to the desired power source.
Once selected by the switching mechanism, the electronics assembly
directs power to the electrical device, driving the motion of the
seat. A device in accordance with the present invention may also
include additional electrical components such as a mobile, lights,
a sound production unit, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a child receiving
device according an embodiment of the present invention
[0008] FIG. 2 is a close-up, rear view of the child receiving
device of FIG. 1, showing the orientation of a power transmission
line.
[0009] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate schematic diagrams of an
electronics assembly of the child receiving device of FIG. 1
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective, close-up front view of the
second hub of the child receiving device of FIG. 1, showing a
switch panel.
[0011] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like
elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a child receiving
device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
device 10 may include a frame or support 100 and a child-receiving
or seat portion 20 coupled to the frame 100. The frame 100
comprises a structure operable to support the seat 20 above a
supporting surface 105. The frame 100 may include a first or front
section 110 and a second or rear section 120. The front section 110
may comprise a generally U-shaped bar including a first leg 112, an
intermediate portion or base 114, and a second leg 116. Similarly,
the rear section 120 may comprise a generally U-shaped bar
including a first leg 122, an intermediate portion or base 124, and
a second leg 126. The base 114, 124 of each frame section 110, 120
may further include a pair of stabilizing feet 130 to provide
additional support to the device 10. The frame 100 may be formed
from material including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, and
metal. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 100 comprises hollow
metal tubes.
[0013] The front section 110 of the frame 100 and the rear 120
section of the frame 100 may be coupled to one or more housings. In
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the first legs 112, 122 of
each section 110, 120 are coupled to a first housing 140, and the
second legs 116, 126 of each section 110, 120 are coupled to a
second housing 150. The manner of coupling is not limited to that
shown herein, and may include both fixed and pivoting connections
(to enable folding of the frame 100 for storage). One or more of
the housings 140, 150 may contain mechanical, electrical, or
electronic components used in the operation of the device 10. By
way of example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the second housing 150
may include a switch panel 152 including one or more switches that
control the output of the device 10 (discussed in greater detail
below). By way of further example, the second housing 150 may
contain a drive mechanism operable to drive the seat 20 from a
first seat position to a second seat position, generating a
swinging motion (also discussed in greater detail below).
[0014] Each housing 140, 150 may further include a hub connected to
a support arm, which, in turn, is connected to the seat 20.
Specifically, the first housing 140 includes a first hub 145
connected to a first hanger arm 160. Similarly, the second housing
150 includes a second hub 155 connected a second hanger arm 165.
The hanger arms 160, 165 support the seat 20 over the supporting
surface 105. Each hub 145, 155 is adapted to pivot with respect to
the housing 140, 150. A motorized drive mechanism within the second
housing 150 (not illustrated in FIG. 1, although the motor is shown
schematically in FIG. 3) is adapted to pivot the second hub 155 in
an oscillating motion with respect to the second housing 150. The
movement of the second hub 155 is transferred to the support arms
160, 165, as well as the seat 20. As a result, the seat 20
oscillates (swings) with respect to the frame 100.
[0015] The seat 20 may comprise a single molded structure.
Alternatively, it may comprise a two piece structure including a
separable seat back a seat bottom. The seat back may be adapted to
recline with respect to the seat bottom. The seat 20 may also
connect to a retaining member (not shown) such as a tray.
Alternatively, or in addition to the tray, the seat bottom may
include a crotch post 170.
[0016] The child support device 10 may also include an
entertainment device 175. For example, the entertainment device 175
may include, but is not limited to a toy bar or a mobile. The
entertainment device 175 may be coupled to one or more of the first
hanger arm 160 (as illustrated in FIG. 1), the second hanger arm
165, the frame 100, the hubs 145, 155, and the retaining member
(not shown). It is important to note that when the entertainment
device 175 is connected to a moving segment of the child support
device 10 (e.g., the seat 20 or hanger arms 160, 165), any motion
imparted to that segment may be may be transferred to the
entertainment device, e.g., thus imparting motion to items
suspended from the entertainment device.
[0017] The child receiving device 10 may further be adapted to be
connected to a power source located remote from the device.
Specifically, a power transmission line 400 enables the connection
of the electronics assembly within device 10 to a remote power
source 500 such as an alternating current (AC) power source. FIG. 2
is a rear perspective view of the child receiving device 10 of FIG.
1. As illustrated, the power transmission line 400 may extend from
an electrically powered device located in the second housing 150
(not illustrated) of the device 10, travel down the second leg 126
of the rear frame section 120, and exit via an aperture or exit
point 205 positioned proximate the base 124, near the supporting
surface 105. The remote power source 500 may include, but is not
limited to, an alternating current power source (120/240V) such as
a household outlet.
[0018] The power transmission line 400 may comprise any conduit
capable of transmitting electrical energy from a power source 500
to the device 10. By way of example, the power transmission line
400 may comprise a power cord, an electrical wire, etc. Optionally,
the power transmission line 400 may also include a transformer 410
operable to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current
(DC). This is desirable if an electrical device within the support
structure is designed to run only on a DC power source (e.g., if
the motor is configured to run only on direct current). By way of
specific example, the transformer 410 may comprise an AC/DC adapter
(e.g., a 6.0V transformer available from Protronics Industrial Co.,
Ltd www.protronicshk.com).
[0019] The power transmission line 400, furthermore, may be
configured to separate from the frame 100 of the device 10 when a
predetermined amount of force is applied to the line 400. Still
referring to FIG. 2, the power transmission line 400 comprises a
first segment 420 releasably connected to a second segment 430 via
a jack 440. The first segment 420, extending from the frame 100,
includes a receptacle 450 that mates with a plug 460 disposed on
the second segment 430. The second segment 430 extends from the
plug 460 and to the remote power source 500 (via the transformer
410). The plug 460 may be releasably secured to the receptacle 450
(for example by a magnetic connection, or a friction fit).
Consequently, when a predetermined amount of force is applied to
the power transmission line 400 and/or the jack 440, the plug 460
detaches from the receptacle 450. With this configuration, should a
user trip on the power transmission line 400, the segments 420, 430
will come apart, preventing entanglement of the user with the power
transmission line 400. When connected, electricity flows from the
remote power source 500, through the first 420 and second segments
430, and to the device 10. When the first segment 420 is separated
from the second segment 430, power flow from the remote power
source 500 to the device 10 is interrupted.
[0020] The child receiving device 10 may further include an
electronics assembly 600 selectively powered by multiple power
sources. FIGS. 3 and 4 collectively illustrate a schematic for an
electronics assembly 600 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The electronics assembly 600 may include one or more
electrical devices or components operatively connected to a control
unit in communication with one or more switches. In the embodiment
illustrated, the electrical devices include a motor 610, a speaker
620, and a light source 630. The motor 610 is operable to drive the
motion of the seat 20 (as described above). The motor 610 may
include any motor suitable for its intended purpose. By way of
example, the motor may comprise a DC-powered magnet motor (RF-500TB
motor, available from Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd, Troy, Mich.
(www.mabuchi-motor.co.jp)). The speaker 620 may comprise, but is
not limited to, a 250 mW, 50 mm, 16 ohm speaker. Similarly, the
light source 630 may comprise, but is not limited to, a grain of
wheat (GOW) bulb and/or a light emitting diode (LED).
[0021] The switches included in the electronics assembly 600 of
device 10 may correspond to the various interactive features of the
device 10. Each switch may comprise, but is not limited to, a
mechanical switch (pressure sensitive, contact, push, pivot, and
slide), an electrical switch, a magnetic switch, an optical switch,
etc. The number of switches included, moreover, is not limited to
that illustrated herein. By way of example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and
4, the electronics assembly 600 may include a first switch 640
(SW1A/B), a second switch 645 (SW2A/B), and a third switch 650
(SW3A/B). The first switch 640 (comprising switch poles SW1A and
SW1B), may be configured to control the parameters of the motor 610
(e.g., set the speed at which the motor 610 pivots the second hub
155 and, as such, the speed and/or amplitude of motion of the seat
20). As illustrated, the first switch 640 may comprise a
seven-position switch that alters the output of a potentiometer,
providing six different motor speeds. Alternatively, the speed
control unit can be any suitable control circuit capable of varying
the current to the motor 610, such as a pulse width modulator, a
rheostat, etc. The second switch 645 (comprising switch poles SW2A
and SW2B) may be configured to alter the sensory output of the
device 10, e.g., by adjusting the output volume of the speaker 620
(hi/lo). The third switch 650 (comprising switch poles SW3A and
SW3B) may be adapted to control the electrical mode of the
electronics assembly 600 (explained in greater detail below).
[0022] The electronics assembly 600 in accordance with the present
invention may further be operatively connected to either a direct
current (DC) power source and/or an alternating current (AC) power
source. Referring to FIG. 4, the assembly 600 comprises a local
power source 660 operable to supply energy to the components of the
assembly (e.g., the motor 610, speaker 620, etc.). The local power
source 660 may typically comprise a direct current (DC) power
source such as batteries. By way of specific example, four "D-cell"
batteries may be used. In addition to the direct current (DC) power
source, the electronics assembly 600 is adapted to be operatively
connected to an alternating current (AC) power source located
remote from the device 10. As discussed above and as illustrated in
FIG. 4, the electronics assembly 600 includes a power transmission
line 400 operable to transmit electricity from a remote power
source 500 such as an electrical outlet.
[0023] The motor 610, the speaker 620, the lights 630, each of the
switches 640, 645, 650, the local power source 660, and the
transmission line 400 are each operatively connected to a control
unit 670, which is capable of producing switch-specific output. The
type of control unit 670 is not limited that that illustrated
herein, and includes microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other
integrated circuits. By way of specific example, the control unit
670 may comprise a speech and melody processor (e.g., the W567S060
processor, available from Winbond Electronics Corporation of
America, San Jose, Calif. (www.winbond-usa.com)). The control unit
670 recognizes and controls signals generated by the various
switches 640, 645, 650, as well as generates and controls
operational output directed through various sensory generating
devices (the motor 610, the speaker 620, and the lights 630). The
control unit 670 continually monitors the electronic status of the
various switches, generating and altering the sensory output (e.g.,
movement, sounds, and/or lights) accordingly.
[0024] With this configuration, the electronics assembly 600 of the
device 10 may selectively operate in either a first electrical
mode, in which the power source is an alternating current (AC)
power source, or a second electrical mode, in which the power
source is a direct current (DC) power source. As discussed above,
the third switch 650 is configured to designate the power source
(AC or DC) supplying electricity to the electronics assembly 600.
Specifically, setting the third switch 650 to a first position may
complete the circuit receiving power from the local (battery/DC)
power source 660, while setting the switch 650 to a second position
may complete the circuit receiving power through the power
transmission line 400 from the remote power source 500. Once the
circuit is complete, the power is directed from the source 660,
500, energizing the electrical components of the electronics
assembly 600 of the device 10.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective close-up view of the second housing
150 (see FIG. 1 for reference), showing the switch panel 152. As
shown, each switch on the panel 152 may correspond to each switch
from the electronics assembly 600. As illustrated, one switch
corresponds to the first switch 640 controlling the motor
speed/swing amplitude, one switch corresponds to the second switch
645 controlling the audible sensory output, and one switch
corresponds to the third switch 650, enabling the user to select
the electrical mode of the device 10 to choose either a direct
current 660 power source or an alternating current 500 power
source.
[0026] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. For example, while a full-sized swing is disclosed as the
preferred embodiment, the support structure 100 may comprise other
child receiving devices, including but not limited to bouncers,
rockers, cribs, and portable swings. The material comprising the
frame 100 is not limited, and may include metal tubes (e.g.,
aluminum or steel). The number of hanger arms supporting the seat
20 is not limited. For example, the swing may include a single
hanger arm configured to support the seat 20 and oscillate it about
a pivot point. The power transmission wire 400, in addition to
comprising an AC power cord, may further comprise other power
transmitting conduits such as USB wires, etc.. Additionally, the
device 10 could include an internal AC/DC converter, thus
eliminating the need for the external transformer 410. Also, the
internal power source 660 could comprise a rechargeable batter pack
(where the recharging could be achieved via the remote power source
500). Furthermore, the electrical made switch 650 could be replace
with circuitry that automatically detects the presence of an AC
power source--thus, when the device 10 is plugged into an external
power source 500 (via line 400), the electronics assembly 600 would
be automatically disconnected from internal DC power source 660.
Finally, in theory, the motor 610 could be an AC motor and the
electronics assembly 600 could include a DC to AC converter for the
internal power source 660.
[0027] The electronics assembly 600 may include any combination of
sensors, switches, lights, speakers, animated members, motors, and
sensory output generating devices. The control unit 670 may produce
any combination of audio and visual effects including, but not
limited to, animation, lights, and sound (music, speech, and sound
effects). The output pattern is not limited and includes any
pattern of music, lights, and/or sound effects. The electronics
assembly 600 may also include additional switches or sensors to
provide additional sensory output activation. The assembly may
further include additional rectifiers such as a high current/low
current regulator (e.g., a 3.0 volt regulator HT75530 available
from Holmate Semiconductor, Inc., Fremont, Calif.
(www.holmate.com)).
[0028] Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the
modifications and variations of this invention that come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *
References