U.S. patent application number 12/462548 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-07 for rocker device for infant seat.
Invention is credited to Aviezer Yehuda.
Application Number | 20100001566 12/462548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41463806 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100001566 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yehuda; Aviezer |
January 7, 2010 |
Rocker device for infant seat
Abstract
An automobile infant seat rocker device includes: (a) a rocker
device main housing; (b) a rocker drive mechanism for creation of
reciprocal motion of at least one push arm, the rocker drive
mechanism being located in the main housing; (c) at least one push
arm connected to the rocker drive mechanism and extending outwardly
from the main housing for contact with a floor area so as to
reciprocally push main housing in a reciprocal motion; (d) a power
source for powering the rocker drive mechanism; and, (e) removable
connection mechanism for removably connecting the main housing to a
lower portion of an infant seat. When the rocker device is
removably connected to the base or side of an infant seat and the
rocker drive mechanism is powered by the power means, reciprocal
movement of the al least one push arm reciprocally moves the main
housing and rocks the infant seat.
Inventors: |
Yehuda; Aviezer; (Cherry
Hill, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GlynnTech, Inc.
24 Mine Street
Flemington
NJ
08822
US
|
Family ID: |
41463806 |
Appl. No.: |
12/462548 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12069898 |
Feb 13, 2008 |
|
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12462548 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/271.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/26 20130101; B60N
2/2854 20130101; A47D 9/04 20130101; B60N 2/0232 20130101; B60N
2/2875 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/271.5 |
International
Class: |
A47C 3/02 20060101
A47C003/02 |
Claims
1. An automobile infant seat rocker device, which comprises: (a) a
rocker device main housing; (b) a rocker drive mechanism for
creation of reciprocal motion of at least one push arm, said rocker
drive mechanism being located in said main housing; (c) at least
one push arm connected to said rocker drive mechanism and extending
outwardly from said main housing for contact with a floor area so
as to reciprocally push main housing in a reciprocal motion; (d)
power means for powering said rocker drive mechanism; and, (e)
removable connection means for removably connecting said main
housing to a lower portion of an infant seat; wherein, when said
rocker device is removably connected to the base or side of an
infant seat and said rocker drive mechanism is powered by said
power means, reciprocal movement of said at least one push arm
reciprocally moves said main housing and rocks said infant
seat.
2. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said
removable attachment means is selected from the group consisting of
a quick release latch, a quick release lock, a hook and loop set of
complementary strips, a snap-in mechanism and a clamp.
3. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said
power means is a portable power means selected from the group
consisting of a solar power pack, a battery, a fuel cell and
combinations thereof.
4. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said
rocker drive mechanism includes a motor with an eccentric
connection to said at least one push arm.
5. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said
device further includes a holding case, said holding case adapted
to receive and hold said main housing and having means for
attachment to a wall of an infant seat.
6. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said
removable attachment means is selected from the group consisting of
a bolt and wing nut and a magnetic bolt.
7. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said
main housing is a plastic main housing.
8. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said
at least one push arm is at least one push rod.
9. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein said
at least one push arm is two push rods.
10. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein
said at least one push arm includes a bottom with a suction cup
thereon.
11. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 8 wherein
said at least one push rod includes a bottom with a suction cup
thereon.
12. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 9 wherein
each of said two push rods includes a bottom with a suction cup
thereon.
13. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 1 wherein
said at least one push arm includes a push arm storage means
selected from the group consisting of a folding mechanism and a
retraction mechanism.
14. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 8 wherein
said at least one push rod includes a push rod storage means
selected from the group consisting of a folding mechanism and a
retraction mechanism.
15. The automobile infant seat rocker device of claim 9 wherein
each of said two push rods includes a push rod storage means
selected from the group consisting of a folding mechanism and a
retraction mechanism.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of copending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/069,898 filed on Feb. 13, 2008 by
the same inventor herein and entitled "Infant Seat Rocker
Device".
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] a. Field of Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to a device for
automatically rocking an infant seat when it is resting on a flat
surface. The device is hand-held, portable and is attached to the
infant seat for stability, yet is easily removable therefrom, i.e.,
the attachment mechanisms are removably attachable attachment
mechanisms.
[0004] b. Description of Related Art
[0005] The following patents are representative of the field
pertaining to the present invention:
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,177 B 1 to Drevitson describes a rocking
machine which automatically imparts a continuous, rocking motion to
an occupant recumbent on a hammock. One end of the rocking machine
is attached to a fixed location. The other end of the rocking
machine is attached to a conventional hammock, which is attached to
a second fixed location. The rocking machine has a container that
houses a periodically reversing geared motor. Operation of the
motor is controlled by an electrical circuit having a shaft
attached to one end of the torsional spring. The other end of the
torsional spring is connected to the hammock. A pressure sensitive
switch becomes actuated and moves to a closed position, enabling
supply of power to the geared motor that initiates a continuous
rocking motion, when the hammock becomes occupied. The electrical
circuit provides periodically reversing oscillations while
monitoring current to the motor, and decreases the period between
oscillations until it matches the natural period of oscillation of
the spring-occupant weight system. Motor current is thereby
maintained at a decreased value, increasing the efficiency of
energy transfer from the motor to rocking motion for said
hammock.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,205 B1 to Bowman describes an improved
baby carrier device which has all integral swinging mechanism
capable of providing a pendulum-like rocking action thereto. In
addition to other known uses such as a containment mechanism for
infants or as a receptacle for mounting within a baby carriage, or
car seat, the present invention enhances the utility of a
conventional baby carrier system via the incorporation of an
integral baby swing, thereby abating the need for other extraneous
mechanisms or other related swing drive devices. The carrier device
has a pair of leg assemblies which are incorporated into the handle
assembly thereof and are selectively adjustable by a user from an
extended position wherein said carrier shell is suspended above a
support surface in a stable manner, to a retracted position wherein
the leg assemblies are confined within the housing of the handle
assembly. Self-propelled actuation means are also described which
drivingly couples the rotational force of a motor drive means to
the reciprocal pendulum-like action of the swing assembly.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,057 B2 to Sedlack describes an infant
car seat which includes a car seat, a car seat base, and a
mechanism for connecting the seat to the base. With the car seat
base secured to a vehicle seat, the car seat can be conveniently
connected to the base to safely transport an infant. The connection
and release mechanisms between the car seat and the base are
durable and easy to operate.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,696 B2 to Bargery et al. describes a
transporter which can be used as an infant seat or carrier, which
has a body shell with a curved lower surface for use as a rocker
and wheels which can be extended for use as a stroller. The wheels
are carried on legs which can be retracted into opposed side cheeks
by means of respective drive bells. A handle is secured to inner
members to slide within tubular arms which are pivotally secured to
the side cheeks. The inner members are connected by pivotal links
to the respective drive belts so that extending or retracting the
handle rotates the belts to extend or retract the wheels. Release
mechanisms at opposite ends of the handle lock the arms in the
retracted position so that the handle can be used to carry the
transporter with the wheels retracted. A release handle operates
spring-loaded pins to lock the arms in the carrying or pushing
positions.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,698 to Asenstorfer et al. describes a
device for generating a rocking motion in child recliners and the
like which includes a lift drive with a coupling element, wherein
the coupling element of the lift drive can be brought directly into
engagement with the recliner in a detachable manner without
intermediate elements and assembly operations.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,164 to Proulx describes a base unit for
supporting an infant carrier seat which is comprised of a housing
member which has a bottom curved surface for rocking on a generally
flat support surface, an upper central portion on which an infant
carrier seat is removably mountable, an endless pathway that
circumscribes said central portion, a weight and a motor to move
along the weight in a closed loop at a selected predetermined rate
of travel. The weight in the preferred form is a toy train unit
with open topped box cars that removably hold a supply of weights.
A sound generator on the train provides music and/or train whistle
simulation. An infant can be entertained by the train traveling
around the infant, by sounds generated by the train, and the infant
is rocked, all at the same time. The motion of the train traveling
around the infant can be used to check responses of the infant as
can also the movement of sound relative to the infant.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,949 to Jantz describes an improved
infant carrier seat rocker which is provided for a typical molded
plastic type infant carrier seat embodying a rounded bottom to
facilitate a fore and aft rocking motion. This type of seat is
currently in production. The rocker is comprised of a housing from
which a lifting member protrudes. A power unit is mounted within
the housing. This power unit provides rotational energy. A drive
means consisting of an eccentric mounted to the output of the drive
unit and slidably connected to the lifting member to convert
rotational energy to vertically reciprocating motion is employed to
impart the vertical motion to the lifting member. The lifting
member in turn imparts this motion to a suitable feature of the
carrier seat, typically the lower edge of the seat, and the seat
then rocks as the lifting member oscillates vertically.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,499 to Meeker describes an improved
rocker for an infant seat which comprises in combination a base
having upstanding lateral side walls defining an opening
therebetween; an intermediate platform positioned within the
opening and having an upper region adapted to receive an infant
seat thereon; a pair of generally U'-shaped links each having upper
portions supported by side walls, each having a lower horizontal
portion adapted to receive a lower region of the platform thereon,
and each having intermediate vertical portions coupling the upper
and lower portions; drive means coupling the platform and the base
for inducing a rocking motion to the platform; adjustment means to
longitudinally vary the center of the oscillation of the rocking
platform; and locking means to lock the platform with respect to
the base.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,680 to Wilson describes a device in
which a baby is oscillated to sleep by placing it in a carrier and
pivoting the carrier in oscillation about a horizontal axis
adjacent to the foot end of the carrier by means of a rotating earn
which provides a special predetermined motion that is effective to
induce the baby to sleep. The carrier is removably mounted on a
carrier support which is pivoted to an underlying base for
oscillation about the aforementioned axis to impart similar motion
to the carrier. The cam and its drive means is mounted on the base
and enclosed together with the base by the carrier support. In the
preferred embodiment, wheels are mounted to the base to allow the
apparatus to be moved back and forth over a ground surface.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,946 to Cone describes a rocking infant
seat which has an adjustable at-rest position which includes a seat
having an arcuate lower support surface resting on a planar base, a
slot in the seat, and a bolt extending through the slot to secure
the seat to the base.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,206 to Johnson, Jr. describes a rockable
infant seat/cradle which includes a rotatably positionable handle
secured to the opposed side walls of an integrally molded infant
supporting shell. The shell comprises a curved underbelly,
oppositely disposed side walls extending transverse to the
underbelly, and apertured rocker panel walls integral with and
spaced outwardly of the side walls. A mechanism, secured to
opposed, distal ends of the handle, extends through the apertures
in each rocker panel and is adapted to normally lock the handle in
anyone of the plurality of positions. The handle locking mechanism
includes a gear having a plurality of axially extending teeth, a
gear retaining ring having a plurality of apertures through which
the gear teeth normally extend, and a coil spring which normally
biases the gear teeth into a gear ring aperture-engaging condition.
The mechanism is responsive to selective axial pressure to space
the gear teeth axially of the gem ring apertures so that the handle
may be rotated to anyone of the plurality of positions.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,343 to Kinslow, Jr. describes a rocker
which is provided for an infant seat of the type embodying an
elongated inclined floor on which the infant is reclined, and
embodying side walls and an end wall at the lower end of the floor
with a framework beneath the floor holding the floor inclined
upwardly away from the end wall. The rocker has an elongated main
platform. A motor is mounted on the platform and has a shaft
extending transversely over the platform. A hollow cover having
side walls and end walls and a top encloses the motor and overlies
the platform. Pivot means on the platform within the cover mounts
the cover for rocking movement over the platform; Lifting arm means
beneath the cover near the other end thereof is carried by bell
crank means fixed on the shaft. The cover has an exterior seat
support on its end most remote from the cover pivot means which
support is operable to engage and lift the framework and thereby
rock the seat upward as the cover is raised by the lifting arm
means.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,080 to Asenstorfer et al. describes a
seat adapted for use by an infant which is automatically rocked
back and forth by a suitable linkage mechanism connected by a
reducing gear means to a motor.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 411,763 to Asenstorfer et al. describes a
rocker drive for child recliners.
[0020] Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is
neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0021] The present invention is an automobile infant seat rocker
device. It includes: (a) a rocker device main housing; (b) a rocker
drive mechanism for creation of reciprocal motion of at least one
push arm, said rocker drive mechanism being located in said main
housing; (c) at least one push arm connected to said rocker drive
mechanism and extending outwardly from said main housing for
contact with a floor area so as to reciprocally push main housing
in a reciprocal motion; (d) power means for powering said rocker
drive mechanism; and, (e) removable connection means for removably
connecting said main housing to a lower portion of an infant seat.
When said rocker device is removably connected to the base or side
of an infant seat and said rocker drive mechanism is powered by
said power means, reciprocal movement of said at least one push arm
reciprocally moves said main housing and rocks said in infant
seat.
[0022] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention
automobile infant seat rocker device, said removable attachment
means is selected from the group consisting of a quick release
latch, a quick release lock, a hook and loop set of complementary
strips, a snap-in mechanism and a clamp.
[0023] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention
automobile infant seat rocker, the power means is a portable power
means selected from the group consisting of a solar power pack, a
battery, a fuel cell and combinations thereof.
[0024] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention
automobile infant seat rocker, the rocker drive mechanism includes
a motor with an eccentric connection to said at least one push
arm.
[0025] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention
automobile infant seat rocker, the device further includes a
holding case, said holding case adapted to receive and hold said
main housing and having means for attachment to a wall of an infant
seat.
[0026] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention
automobile infant seat rocker, the removable attachment means is
selected from the group consisting of a bolt and wing nut and a
magnetic bolt.
[0027] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention
automobile infant seat rocker, the main housing is a plastic main
housing.
[0028] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention
automobile infant seat rocker, the at least one push arm is at
least one push rod. In some preferred embodiments of the present
invention automobile infant seat rocker, the at least one push arm
is two push rods.
[0029] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention
automobile infant seat rocker, the at least one push arm,
especially at least one push rod, includes a bottom with a suction
cup thereon.
[0030] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it
is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the
invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and
intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope
of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention and together with the detail
description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In
the drawings:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic presentation view of preferred
embodiments of present invention hand-held, portable infant rocker
devices with a cam push arm;
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a side cut view of a present invention device
with the cam push rods in an extended position to cause an infant
seat to which it might be attached to rock;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a side cut view of the preferred embodiment of a
hand-held, portable infant rocker device with push rods shown in
FIG. 2, but in its least extended position;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of
a hand-held, portable infant rocker device with a single push rod
as the push arm;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a partial side cut view of another preferred
embodiment of a hand-held, portable infant rocker device with
suction cups on the push rods;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a present invention device
wherein the push arm is a push bar;
[0038] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat with a
present invention device attached to its side and showing a
separately attached carrying case;
[0039] FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat with a
present invention device attached to its front and showing a
separately attached carrying case; and
[0040] FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat with a
present invention device attached to its back and showing a
separately attached carrying case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic presentation view of preferred
embodiments of present invention hand-held, portable infant rocker
devices with a cam push arm. The device 1 has a baby seat rocker
attachment, with a main housing 3 with a motor, such as a
battery-operated motor. The motor creates reciprocal motion 5 to
cause push arm 7 to reciprocate, so that when it is attached to a
baby seat or rocker, the device 1 rocks it in a reciprocal motion.
Push arm options 9 include push rod, push bar. suction cups,
retraction and folding. Thus, the push arm(s) may fold in so that
they are not exposed when the present invention device is stored.
Alternatively, the push arm(s) may be fully retractable for
storage, e.g., like a retractable writing pen or any other know
retraction mechanism.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a side cut view of a preferred embodiment of a
hand-held, portable infant rocker device 300 utilizing two push
rods as the push arms. It includes a plastic main housing 301, with
openings 303 and 309 for push rods 325 and 327, at its bottom, as
shown. The openings 303 and 309 and their upwardly extending
collars, allow the push rods 325 and 327 to extend and retract or
otherwise to create reciprocal movement of main housing 301 (and
any infant seat to which it may be attached). It has an on/off
switch 305 connected to a power source, here, fuel cell 311, and it
is connected to control the power to DC motor 307. When on, motor
307 drives shaft 319 which drives round plate 317 with an
eccentrically positioned peg 323. Peg 323 is movably nested is
receiver 321. As the plate 317 slowly runs its full circle, it
pushes down on receiver 321 then lifts it up, causing reciprocal
motion of rods 325 and 327 and device 300 relative to the floor
320, creating the rocking cycle. When attached to an infant seat by
its attachment means, e. g., by hook and loop (Velcro.RTM.)
attachment 313 to the bottom of an infant seat, or by magnetic
strip 335 to the front or back of an infant seat or otherwise
attached, such as is shown in the FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 below, it will
rock the infant seat when it is turned on.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a side cut view of the preferred embodiment of a
hand-held, portable infant rocker device 300 with push rods 325 and
327 shown in FIG. 2, but in its least extended position. Identical
components as shown in FIG. 2 above are identically numbered in
this Figure. This FIG. 3 therefore shows the top of the 360 degree
cycle of the receiver 321 with push rods least extended,
representing a bottom position of a rocker to which it may be
attached.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of
a hand-held, portable infant rocker device 308 with a single push
rod as the push arm. In this Figure, all of the components that are
identical to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 above are identically
numbered. However, in this case, the main housing has a single
opening 303, with a single push arm extending there through, in
this case, a push rod 425.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a partial side cut view of another preferred
embodiment of a hand-held, portable infant rocker device 400 with
suction cups 431 and 433, respectively, located at the bottoms of
push rods 421 and 423. These suctions cups 431 and 433 may be
optionally utilized to secure the device 400 to a flat surface such
a table top or hardwood floor or tile floor. This prevents possible
creeping.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a present invention device
450 wherein the push arm 451 is a push bar 453. This may add to
stabilization over one or two push rods and represents a viable
alternative for a present invention push arm.
[0047] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat 530 with a
present invention device 500 attached to infant seat side 531 and
showing a separately attached carrying case 540, attached with hook
and loop (Velcro.RTM. for example) male connector 535 and female
connector 545. Infant seat 530 may be any commercially available
infant seat, including stand-alones and those with nesting bases.
While present invention rocker device 500 is shown attached near
the front of infant seat 530 on its side 531, it could be attached
on any portion of infant seat 530 that would permit rocking. When
infant seat rocker device 500 is activated, its push rod 501 will
reciprocate against floor 520, thereby causing the rocking of
infant seat 530. In many instances, the infant seats are strapped
into an automobile seat such that if the present invention infant
seat rocker device were left in place it would interfere with
proper connection to the automobile seat, therefore a critical
feature of the present invention rocker device 500 is its
removability from the infant seat. It is easily attached and easily
removed by any quick-attach, quick-release fastener, including all
of those described above. With respect to FIG. 7, device 500 may
easily be removed and carried in a shirt pocket, a purse, a
pocketbook, a diaper bag, or any other tote bag. Alternatively,
device 500 may be stored in carrying case device 540. Carrying case
flap 541 easily lifts up, device 500 is inserted, and flap 541
sealed.
[0048] FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat 530 with a
present invention device 600 attached to its front and showing a
separately attached carrying case 540. The infant seat 530 and the
carrying case 540 as well as floor 520 are the same as shown in
FIG. 7 and detail reference numerals described above are repeated
for this Figure and need not be redescribed. In this Figure,
present invention device 600 and its push rod 601 are attached to
the front 537 of infant seat 530. Attachment means 603 is a clip
that may either snap fit or slide into receiver 539.
[0049] FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of an infant seat 530 with a
present invention device 700 attached to its back and showing a
separately attached carrying case 540. The infant seat 530 and the
carrying case 540 as well as floor 520 are the same as shown in
FIG. 7 and detail reference numerals described above are repeated
for this Figure and need not be redescribed. In this embodiment,
present invention infant seat rocker device 700 with push rod 701
and attachment means 703 is connected to back 533 of infant seat
530.
[0050] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and
modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as
defined in the appended claims. For example, in addition to the
embodiments described above, the present invention device may
include one or more sound features. These sound features could be
digital music players similar to MP-3s, radio receivers, including
satellite radio, or other music playing or music recording/playback
components. They could be connected to the same power source in the
rocker device that powers the drive mechanism or they may have
their own power supply. The sound features may preferably be
positioned within the main housing of the rocker device and may be
connected so as to automatically be turned on and off when the
drive mechanism is turned on and off. Alternatively, they may have
independent on/off controls. They would also have volume controls,
and, in the case of radios, have station selection controls.
Additionally, in some more sophisticated versions, backtrack,
rewind and/or selection capabilities could be included. These sound
features could include pre-recorded single songs such as a lullaby,
could have a selection of selected or customized music, or could
even include the recording of a parent singing or talking to the
child.
* * * * *