U.S. patent application number 12/628490 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-02 for collapsible infant bouncer.
Invention is credited to Paul C. Gilles, Wicky Lee, Michael A. Parness.
Application Number | 20110127810 12/628490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44068299 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110127810 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Wicky ; et al. |
June 2, 2011 |
COLLAPSIBLE INFANT BOUNCER
Abstract
An infant bouncer comprising a lower frame which is placeable
upon an underlying surface, and an upper frame which is pivotally
connected to the lower frame and selectively moveable relative
thereto between a deployed or extended position, and a collapsed or
storage position. An adjustment mechanism may be integrated into
the frame and operative to allow for the selective adjustment of
the bounce or vibration of the upper frame relative to the lower
frame when the upper frame is in its deployed position. An infant
seat is connected to the upper frame. If outfitted with the
adjustment mechanism, the infant bouncer allows for the adjustment
of the level of bounce or vibration which the frame may undergo,
such adjustment being based on the size and weight of the infant
placed into the bouncer.
Inventors: |
Lee; Wicky; (Irvine, CA)
; Parness; Michael A.; (Solana Beach, CA) ;
Gilles; Paul C.; (Amherst, OH) |
Family ID: |
44068299 |
Appl. No.: |
12/628490 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/16.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/105 20130101;
A47D 13/107 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/16.1 |
International
Class: |
A47D 1/02 20060101
A47D001/02; A47C 7/62 20060101 A47C007/62 |
Claims
1. An infant bouncer, comprising: a frame having an actuation
mechanism integrated therein, the actuation mechanism being
configured to facilitate the movement of the frame between
collapsed and deployed positions, and to allow for the bouncing
movement at least one portion of the frame relative to another
portion thereof; and an infant seat cooperatively engaged to the
frame.
2. The bouncer of claim 1 wherein: the frame comprises a lower
section and an upper section which are pivotally movable relative
to each other between the deployed and collapsed positions; and the
infant seat is connected to the upper section of the frame.
3. The bouncer of claim 2 wherein the actuation mechanism is
further configured to allow for a selective adjustment in an angle
of inclination of the upper section relative to the lower
section.
4. The bouncer of claim 2 wherein the upper section of the frame
includes a vibration device integrated therein.
5. The bouncer of claim 2 wherein: the lower section of the frame
includes a pair of prong portions which extend in spaced relation
to each other; and the actuation mechanism is slidably mounted to
the prong portions of the lower section and operatively coupled to
the upper section such that the movement of the actuation mechanism
along the prong portions in a first direction facilitates the
movement of the frame to the deployed position, and the movement of
the actuation mechanism along the prong portions in a second
direction opposite the first direction facilitates the movement of
the frame to the collapsed position.
6. The bouncer of claim 5 wherein the actuation mechanism
comprises: a cross member slidably attached to the prong portions
of the lower section; an actuation handle mounted to the cross
member and selectively movable between locking and release
positions relative thereto; and a pair of retention pins movably
mounted to cross member and operatively coupled to the actuation
handle such that the movement of the actuation handle from the
locking position to the release position facilitates the concurrent
inward movement of the retention pins relative to the prong
portions of the lower section of the frame.
7. The bouncer of claim 6 wherein: each of the prong portions
includes at least two apertures disposed therein in spaced relation
to each other, with the apertures of one of the prong portions
being arranged so as to be disposed in opposed relation to
respective ones of the apertures included in the other one of the
prong portions; and the retentions pins are aligned with and
partially advanced into respective ones of the apertures of a
corresponding opposed pair thereof when the actuation handle is in
the locking position.
8. The bouncer of claim 7 wherein the apertures within each prong
portion are interconnected by an elongate groove extending
therebetween.
9. The bouncer of claim 7 further comprising a pair of stopper
members attached to respective ones of the prong portions and
positioned thereon such that the abutment of the cross member
against the stopper members facilities the alignment of the
retention pins with an opposed pair of the apertures.
10. The bouncer of claim 9 wherein the cross member includes a pair
of tubular sleeve portions which are slidably mounted to respective
ones of the prong portions and selectively positionable against
respective ones of the stopper members.
11. The bouncer of claim 6 wherein the cross member further
includes a locking switch movably mounted thereto and operatively
coupled to the actuation handle such that the movement of the
locking switch from a locked position to an unlocked positions
allows the actuation handle to be moved from the locking position
to the release position.
12. The bouncer of claim 6 wherein the actuation mechanism further
comprises a pair of shock absorbers pivotally connected to and
extending between the cross member and the upper section of the
frame.
13. The bouncer of claim 2 further comprising a seat support member
pivotally connected to the upper section of the frame, the infant
seat being connected to the upper frame and the seat support member
which is pivotally movable relative to the upper section between an
extended position and a retracted position.
14. The bouncer of claim 13 wherein: the upper section of the frame
includes a pair of prong portions which extend in spaced relation
to each other; a pair of support bosses are attached to and
protrude outwardly from respective ones of the prong portions of
the upper section; a pair of spring biased retention pins are
moveably attached to and protrude outwardly from respective ones of
the prong portions of the upper section in close proximity to
respective ones of the support bosses; and the upper section is
operatively captured between the support bosses and the retention
pins when in the extended position.
15. An infant bouncer, comprising: a frame having at least one
adjustment mechanism integrated therein, the adjustment mechanism
being configured to allow for a selective adjustment in the level
of bouncing movement at least one portion of the frame may undergo
relative to another portion thereof; and an infant seat
cooperatively engaged to the frame.
16. The bouncer of claim 15 wherein: the frame comprises a lower
section and an upper section which are pivotally movable relative
to each other between deployed and collapsed positions; the infant
seat is connected to the upper section of the frame.
17. The bouncer of claim 16 wherein a spaced pair of the adjustment
mechanisms are integrated between the upper and lower sections of
the frame.
18. The bouncer of claim 17 wherein each of the adjustment
mechanisms comprises: a biasing member; and an adjustment member
which is cooperatively engaged to the biasing member and operative
to selectively increase or decrease a preload applied thereto.
19. The bouncer of claim 18 wherein the biasing member is an
elastomeric spring.
20. The bouncer of claim 15 wherein the infant seat comprises a
seat frame which includes a lower frame section pivotally connected
to an upper frame section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to juvenile products
and, more particularly, to an infant bouncer configured to
entertain and/or soothe an infant held therein by providing an
entertaining bouncing motion. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the infant bouncer may include a biasing mechanism
configured to allow for the selective adjustment or regulation of
the amount of bounce that can be experienced by the infant
therein.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Infant bouncers are well known by parents and persons
involved in child care as being effective devices for the
entertainment of infants. Various different types of infant
bouncers exist, with the bouncers in general including a seat for
receiving an infant and a frame which includes an integrated
bouncing mechanism, such as a spring. The seat is connected to the
frame which is configured to vibrate or bounce in response to
movement of the infant, or in response to a light push by a parent
or other child caretaker, thereby generating a reciprocating motion
that is enjoyable and even soothing to the infant. In certain prior
art bouncers, the bounce or vibration is initiated by a vibration
device which is operatively coupled to the frame.
[0007] However, one deficiency of existing bouncers is that they
are not well suited structurally to being quickly and easily moved
between a collapsed state for storage or transport, and a deployed
state for use with the infant. Another deficiency with existing
infant bouncers is that the degree or level of bounce which the
frame may undergo is not selectively adjustable based on the size
and weight of the infant within the seat of the bouncer. In this
regard, an infant of greater size and weight may cause an excessive
level of bounce or vibration within the frame arising from even
subtle movements, whereas an infant of comparatively reduced size
and weight may not be able to impart virtually any bounce or
vibration within the frame even with more drastic movements. Along
these lines, though the bouncer may be suitable for a child of a
certain size and weight, the suitability may be decreased as the
child grows in size and weight, despite the child's still being of
a size and weight where use of the bouncer as an entertainment tool
is appropriate.
[0008] Based on the foregoing, there exists a need in the prior art
for an infant bouncer which is uniquely configured to be movable
between deployed and collapsed states with a minimal amount of time
and effort, and is optionally outfitted with a mechanism adapted to
allow the level of bounce or vibration within the frame of the
bouncer to be selectively adjustable based on the size and weight
of the infant within the seat thereof. The present invention
addresses these particular needs, as will be discussed in more
detail below.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
an infant bouncer comprising a lower frame which is placeable upon
an underlying surface, and an upper frame which is pivotally
connected to the lower frame and selectively moveable relative
thereto between a deployed or extended position, and a collapsed or
storage position. An adjustment mechanism may be integrated into
the frame and operative to allow for the selective adjustment of
the bounce or vibration of the upper frame relative to the lower
frame when the upper frame is in its deployed position. An infant
seat is connected to the upper frame. If outfitted with the
adjustment mechanism, the infant bouncer allows for the adjustment
of the level of bounce or vibration which the frame may undergo,
such adjustment being based on the size and weight of the infant
placed into the bouncer.
[0010] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These as well as other features of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an infant bouncer
constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention, the bouncer being depicted in a deployed or extended
state;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a partial top perspective view of the frame of the
bouncer shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the bouncer shown in
FIG. 1 as articulated to a collapsed or storage state;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial side-elevational view of the bouncer
shown in FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial side-elevational view of the bouncer of
the first embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but depicting
the seat support member of the frame in an operative position;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an infant bouncer
constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, the bouncer being depicted in a deployed or extended
state;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side-elevational view of the bouncer shown in
FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side-elevational view of the bouncer shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 as articulated to a collapsed or storage state;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a front-elevational view of the bouncer shown in
FIG. 8 in its collapsed state, the seat cover thereof only being
partially shown for purposes of clarity; and
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side-elevational view of the bouncer of the
second embodiment in its collapsed state as shown in FIG. 10, as
grasped by a user.
[0022] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating various embodiments of the present
invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS.
1-5 depict a collapsible infant bouncer 110 constructed in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As
will be discussed in more detail below, the bouncer 110 may
optionally include a bounce adjustment mechanism which may be
selectively adjusted to alter or vary the magnitude of bounce or
vibration within the frame of the bouncer which may be achieved by
an infant or child disposed therein. As a result, the bounce
adjustment mechanism may be adjusted to accommodate children of
varying weight. As will also be discussed in more detail below, the
infant bouncer 110 is configured to be collapsible for storing the
infant bouncer 110 during periods of non-use of for transport.
[0024] The infant bouncer 110 comprises a frame 112 which is
selectively placeable on an underlying support surface. The frame
112 includes a generally U-shaped lower section 116. Attached to
each of the opposed end portions of the lower section 116 is a
front cross bar 117 which includes an identically configured pair
of end connector portions 118. As best seen in FIG. 2, each of the
end connector portions 118 is outfitted with a non-slip pad 119
which is preferably fabricated from rubber and, when viewed from
the perspective shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, defined the bottom surface
thereof.
[0025] In addition to the lower section 116, the frame 112 includes
a generally U-shaped upper section 120. The upper section 120
includes an identically configured pair of end connectors 122
attached to respective ones of the opposed end portions thereof. In
addition, pivotally connected to the upper section 120 is a seat
support member 121, the use of which will be discussed in more
detail below. In the frame 112, the end connectors 122 of the upper
section 120 are pivotally connected to respective ones of the end
connector portions 118 of the front cross bar 117 attached to the
lower section 116. As a result, the upper section 120 is
selectively pivotally moveable relative to the lower section 116
between an extended or deployed position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2)
and a stowed or collapsed position (shown in FIGS. 3-5) which is
well suited for the storage or transportation of the of the bouncer
110.
[0026] In the bouncer 110, the movement of the frame 112 thereof
between the deployed and collapsed positions is facilitated by an
actuation mechanism 124 of the bouncer 110 which is operatively
connected to both the lower and upper sections 116, 120 of the
frame 112. As will be described in more detail below, it is
contemplated that the actuation mechanism 124 may optionally be
configured such that when the lower section 116 of the frame 112 is
positioned upon a generally planar underlying support surface, the
angle of inclination of the upper section 120 relative to the lower
section 116 may be variable, and selectively adjustable through the
use of the actuation mechanism 124. As will also be described in
more detail below, the actuation mechanism 124 may further
optionally be configured to allow for the selective adjustment in
the amount of "bounce" which the upper section 120 may undergo
relative the lower section 116.
[0027] In the bouncer 110, the actuation mechanism 124 comprises an
elongate cross member 126, the opposed ends of which are defined by
respective ones of an identically configured pair of tubular sleeve
portions 128. The sleeve portions 128 of the cross member 126 are
slidably advanced over respective ones of the spaced, generally
parallel pair of prong portions defined by the lower section 116,
in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Extending within the cross
member 126 is an identically configured pair of retention pins (not
shown), each of which is operatively coupled to an actuation handle
132 of the cross member 126 which is located in the approximate
center thereof. In the bouncer 110, the actuation handle 132 is
selectively moveable between a locking position (shown in FIGS.
1-3) and a release position. The retention pins are cooperatively
engaged to the actuation handle 132 in a manner wherein the
retention pins protrude into the interiors of respective ones of
the sleeve portions 128 when the actuation handle 132 is in its
locking position. Conversely, the movement of the actuation handle
132 to its release position effectively draws the retention pins
inwardly in a manner wherein they are removed from within the
interiors of respective ones of the sleeve portions 128.
[0028] As is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the prong
portions of the lower section 116 of the frame 112 includes a
spaced pair of apertures 134 disposed therein. The apertures 134
within one prong portion are further arranged so as to be disposed
in opposed relation to respective ones of the apertures 134
included in the other prong portion. Additionally, the pair of
apertures 134 within each prong portion are interconnected by an
elongate groove 135 which is formed in such prong portion and
extends in spaced, generally parallel relation the axis defined
thereby. The apertures 134 of each opposed pair are further sized
and configured to accommodate the distal end portion of respective
ones of the retention pins when such retention pins are aligned
therewith and the actuation handle 132 disposed in the locking
position to which it is normally biased.
[0029] As indicated above, in the bouncer 110, the frame 112 may be
selectively articulated between the deployed position shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 and the stowed or collapsed position shown in FIGS.
3-5. The movement of the frame 112 from its deployed position to
its collapsed position is facilitated by compressing the actuation
handle 132 of the cross member 126 to remove the retention pins
from within a corresponding opposed pair of the apertures 134, and
thereafter sliding the cross member 126 along the lower frame 116
toward the front cross bar 117. As will be recognized, the movement
of the frame 112 from its collapsed position to its deployed
position is facilitated by moving the cross member 126 in the
opposite direction, i.e., away from the front cross bar 117.
[0030] More particularly, the receipt of the retention pins (which
are coaxially aligned with each other) into respective ones of the
apertures 134 of a corresponding opposed pair thereof effectively
maintains the cross member 126 of the actuation mechanism 124 in a
prescribed position between the prong portions of the lower section
116. In this regard, as apparent from FIG. 3, the receipt of the
retention pins into the apertures 134 of the opposed pair disposed
closest to the front cross bar 117 effectively places the frame 112
of the bouncer 110 into its stowed or collapsed position. From such
collapsed position, the slidable movement of the cross member 126
along the prong portions of the lower section 116 away from the
front cross bar 117 to a location whereat the retention pins are
received into respective ones of the apertures 134 of the opposed
pair thereof disposed furthest from the front cross bar 117
effectively places the frame 112 into its operative, deployed
position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As previously explained, the
compression of the actuation handle 132 (i.e., the movement of the
actuation handle 132 to its release position) effectively removes
the retention pins from within the apertures 134 of a corresponding
opposed pair thereof, thus allowing the cross member 126 to be
slidably advanced along the prong portions of the lower section 116
to an alternate location, i.e., between the other opposed pair of
the apertures 134. As will be recognized, when the cross member 126
is slidably moved from between one opposed pair of the apertures
134 to a location between the other opposed pair of the apertures
134 (i.e., the frame 112 is moved between the collapsed and
deployed positions), the return of the actuation handle 132 to its
locking position from its release position will facilitate the
advancement of the retention pins into respective ones of those
apertures 134 of the opposed pair between which the cross member
126 is positioned, thus once again effectively locking the cross
member 126 to the lower section 116 of the frame 112.
[0031] In the bouncer 110, the movement of the cross member 126,
and in particular the retention pins, between the apertures 134 of
each opposed pair thereof is assisted by the inclusion of the
grooves 135 within respective ones of the prong portions of the
lower section 116 of the frame 112. In this regard, even if the
compressive pressure applied to the actuation handle 132 is relaxed
to a point wherein the retention pins protrude even slightly into
respective ones of the sleeves portions 128, those portions of the
retention pins slightly protruding into the sleeve portions 128 are
accommodated by the grooves 135. Further, as is best seen in FIG.
2, the movement of the frame 112 of the bouncer 110 to its deployed
position by virtue of the receipt of the retention pins of the
actuation mechanism 124 into respective ones of the apertures 134
of the opposed pair disposed furthest from the front cross member
117 is assisted by a pair of stopper members 137 which are attached
to the approximate mid-sections of respective ones of the prong
portions of the lower section 116. More particularly, the stopper
members 137 are positioned such that the abutment of respective
ones of the sleeve portions 128 of the actuation mechanism 124
thereagainst will facilitate the general coaxial alignment of the
retention pins of the actuation mechanism 124 with respective ones
of the apertures 134 of the opposed pair disposed furthest from the
front cross bar 117. The stopper members 137, which are each
preferably fabricated from rubber, also work in concert with the
pads 119 of the end connector portions 118 to facilitate the stable
support of the bouncer 110 upon an underlying support surface. Such
stable support is further assisted by a pair of support pads 139
which are also each preferably fabricated from rubber and attached
to that portion of the lower section 116 interconnecting the prong
portions thereof.
[0032] In the bouncer 110, the cross member 126 of the actuation
mechanism 124 is further preferably outfitted with a locking switch
140 which is normally biased to a locked position, and selectively
moveable to an unlocked position. When the locking switch 140 is in
its locked position, the actuation handle 132 of the actuation
mechanism 124 is incapable of being compressed (i.e., moved from
its locking position to it release position) as is needed to
effectively remove the retention pins from with the apertures 134
of a corresponding opposed pair thereof. However, the movement of
the locking switch 142 to its unlocked position allows for the
compression of the actuation handle 132, thus in turn allowing for
the movement of the cross member 126 along the prong portions of
the lower section 116 as is needed to facilitate the movement of
the frame 112 between its collapsed and deployed positions. As seen
in FIGS. 1-3, the locking switch 140 is located on a side of the
cross member 126 opposite the side along which the actuation handle
132 is positioned. Due to this arrangement, it is contemplated that
the locking switch 140 may be manipulated by the thumb on one hand
of a user while the actuation handle 132 is simultaneously
manipulated by the remaining four fingers on the same hand of the
user.
[0033] Though not shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, it is contemplated that
each of the prong portions of the lower section 116 of the frame
112 may include one or more additional opposed pairs of the
apertures 134 which are located between the two opposed pairs shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill
in the art, the receipt of the retention pins into respective ones
of the apertures 134 of any such additional pair thereof would
effectively maintain the cross member 126 of the actuation
mechanism 124 in a prescribed position between the prong portions
as would result in the bouncer 110 assuming a position between the
collapsed position shown in FIGS. 3-5 and the fully deployed
position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this regard, if such extra
pairs of opposed apertures 134 are included in the prong portions
of the lower section 116, the selective receipt of the retention
pins into any one of these additional opposed pairs of the
apertures 134 may be used to facilitate the placement of the infant
bouncer 110 into one or more orientations which provide an
increased level of recline in comparison to that shown in FIG. 1.
Stated another way, the angle of inclination of the upper section
120 of the frame 112 relative to the lower section 116 may be
selectively adjusted or varied through the use of the actuation
mechanism 124 if the additional aperture pairs 134 are included in
the prong portions of the lower section 116, such angle of
inclination being governed by the location of the cross member 126
of the actuation mechanism 124 relative to the lower section 116,
and more particularly the location of that opposed pair of
apertures 134 into which the retention pins of the actuation
mechanism 124 are slidably advanced.
[0034] In addition to the cross member 126, the actuation mechanism
124 includes an identically configured pair of shock absorbers 136.
Each of the shock absorbers 136 comprises a tubular, cylindrically
configured sleeve 138, one end of which is pivotally connected to a
respective one of the spaced, generally parallel pair of prong
portions defined by the upper section 120 of the frame 112. In
addition to the sleeve 138, each shock absorber 136 comprises a
biasing member (e.g., a coil spring) which is disposed within the
interior of the sleeve 138. One end of the biasing member is
abutted against a piston which is also disposed within the interior
of the sleeve 138 and axially moveable therein. Attached to the
piston is a piston rod 144 which protrudes from the sleeve 138, and
includes a distal end portion which is pivotally connected to a
respective one of the sleeve portions 128 of the cross member 126
in the manner best shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the shock absorbers 138
are pivotally interposed between the upper section 120 of the frame
112 and the cross member 126.
[0035] In the bouncer 110, the shock absorbers 136 of the actuation
mechanism 124 allow the upper section 120 to vibrate or "bounce"
relative to the lower section 116. It is contemplated that each of
the shock absorbers 136 may be outfitted with structures that allow
them to be selectively tightened or loosened as needed to
selectively adjust or regulate the amount of bounce that the upper
section 120 of the frame 112 may undergo relative to the lower
section 116 thereof when the bouncer 110 is in its operative,
deployed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As seen in FIGS. 3-5,
when the frame 112 is in its collapsed position, the shock
absorbers 136 of the adjustment mechanism 124 extend between and in
generally parallel relation to the lower and upper frame sections
116, 120.
[0036] In addition to the frame 112, the bouncer 110 comprises an
infant seat 146 which is attached to the upper section 120 and to
the seat support member 121 pivotally connected to the upper
section 120. The infant seat 146 is sized and configured to provide
a suitable support surface for an infant. In the bouncer 110, the
seat support member 121 is itself moveable between an extended
position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a retracted position (shown
in FIGS. 3-5). When the frame 112 is moved to its deployed
position, the seat support member 121 is pivoted to its extended
position. When the seat support member 121 is in its extended
position, the same is supported on a pair of generally cylindrical
support bosses 150 attached to and protruding outwardly from
respective ones of the prong portions of the upper section 120 of
the frame 112. Additionally, the seat support member 121, when
abutted against the support bosses 150, is normally maintained in
such extended position by a pair of spring biased retention pins
152 which are moveably attached to and also protrude outwardly from
respective ones of the prong portions of the upper section 120 in
close proximity to respective ones of the support bosses 150.
[0037] When the frame 112 is moved to its collapsed position, the
seat support member 121 may be pivoted from its extended position
to its retracted position. When the seat support member 121 is
pivoted to its retracted position, the same extends in
substantially side-by-side relation to the upper section 120 of the
frame 112 in the manner shown in FIG. 3. As will be recognized, the
movement of the seat support member 121 from its extended position
to its retracted position necessitates that the same be removed
from its abutting contact with the support bosses 150 and advanced
over the retention pins 152. In this regard, the application of a
moderate amount of force to the seat support member 121 is
sufficient to overcome the outward spring biasing force of the
retention pins 152, thus causing the seat support member 121 to
force the retention pin 152 inwardly into the interiors of the
prong portions of the upper section 120 as allows the seat support
member 121 to be passed over the retention pins 152 and into its
retracted position. As is apparent from FIG. 3, the pivoting of the
seat support member 121 in this manner will result in the folding
of the seat 146. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat support member
121 may optionally include a vibration/sound generating device 123
coupled thereto. When in the vibration mode and activated, the
device 123 is operative to gently vibrate the upper section 120 and
the seat support member 121, and hence the infant seat 146 attached
thereto.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, there is shown an infant
bouncer 210 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of
the present invention. As will be discussed in more detail below,
the infant bouncer 210 is also configured to be collapsible for
storing the infant bouncer 210 during periods of nonuse. The infant
bouncer 210 also includes a bounce adjustment mechanism as
described below.
[0039] The infant bouncer 210 comprises a frame 212 which includes
a generally U-shaped lower section 216. Attached to each of the
opposed end portions of the lower section 216 is an identically
configured pair of end connectors 213 of the frame 212. Each of the
end connectors 213 includes a connector portion 214 which is
attached to a respective one of the opposed end portions of the
lower section 216. In addition to the connector portion 214, each
of the end connectors 213 includes a front support portion 218. The
front support portions 218 of the end connectors 213 may be each be
provided with non-skid pads on those surfaces thereof which
normally contact an underlying support surface. In the bouncer 210,
the connector portions 214 are pivotally connected to respective
ones of the front support portions 218 for reasons which will be
described in more detail below. In addition to the connector
portions 214 of the end connectors 213, also attached to the lower
section 216 of the frame 212 is an identically configured pair of
rear supports 222. As seen in FIG. 6, the rear supports 222 are
attached to those portions of the lower section 216 which extend in
spaced, generally parallel relation to each other.
[0040] In addition to the lower section 216, the frame 212 of the
bouncer 210 comprises an upper section 220 Like the lower section
216, the upper section 220 of the frame 212 preferably has a
generally U-shaped configuration. In the bouncer 210, a pair of
adjustment mechanisms 223 are preferably interposed between and
attached to respective ones of the opposed end portions of the
upper section 220, and corresponding ones of the front support
portions 218 of the end connectors 220. Each adjustment mechanism
223 preferably comprises a biasing member 224 (e.g., an elastomeric
or urethane spring) and an adjustment member 226 which is
cooperatively engaged to the biasing member 224 and operative to
selectively increase or decrease the preload applied thereto. The
adjustment mechanisms 223, which each comprise part of the frame
212, provide functionality which will be discussed in more detail
below.
[0041] In the bouncer 210, the frame 212 may be selectively
articulated between a deployed position (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7)
and a stowed or collapsed position (shown in FIGS. 8-10). The
movement of the frame 212 between its deployed and collapsed
positions is attributable to the configuration of the end
connectors 213, and in particular the pivotal connection of the
connector portions 214 thereof to respective ones of front support
portions 218. When the frame 212 is in its deployed position, the
upper section 220 extends at an angle of approximately 60.degree.
relative to the lower section 216. When the frame 212 is in its
collapsed position, the lower and upper sections 216, 220 extend in
generally side-by-side relation to each other. To facilitate the
movement of the frame 212 from its deployed position to its
collapsed position, or from its collapsed position to its deployed
position, either the lower frame 216 or the upper frame 220 is
rotated approximately 300.degree. relative to the other. It is
contemplated that the end connectors 213 may each be provided with
a suitable locking mechanism which prevents any undesired rotation
of the lower and upper sections 216, 220 relative to each other
when the frame 212 is in its deployed position.
[0042] As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the frame 212 is in its
collapsed position, the end portion of the upper section 220 is
elevated above the end portion of the lower section 216. This
elevational difference allows a grip pad 244 attached to the end
portion of the upper section 220 to be easily grasped by a user as
shown in FIG. 10. In the frame 212, the rear supports 222 are each
configured to releasably receive and retain respective ones of
those portions of the upper section 220 which extend in spaced,
generally parallel relation to each other. Such receipt occurs upon
the movement of the frame 212 to its collapsed position, with the
cooperative engagement of the rear supports 222 to the upper
section 220 assisting in maintaining the frame 212 in its collapsed
state.
[0043] In addition to the frame 212, the bouncer 210 comprises an
infant seat 228 which is pivotally connected to the frame 212, and
in particular to the upper section 220 thereof. The seat 228
comprises a seat frame 235 which itself includes a lower frame
section 236 and an upper frame section 238. The lower and upper
frame sections 236, 238 are pivotally connected to each other and
to the upper section 220 of the frame 212 at a pair of pivot points
225. Like the frame 212, the seat frame 235 is moveable between
deployed and collapsed positions. In this regard, the seat frame
235 is depicted in the deployed position in FIGS. 6 and 7, and in
the collapsed position in FIGS. 8-10. As will be recognized, the
seat frame 235 is capable of being articulated to its deployed
position when the frame 212 is in its deployed position. Similarly,
the seat frame 235 is moved to its collapsed position concurrently
with the movement of the frame 212 to its collapsed position. When
the seat frame 235 is in its collapsed position, the lower and
upper frame sections 236, 238 thereof extend in generally
side-by-side relation to each other as shown in FIG. 8. Conversely,
when the seat frame 235 is moved to the deployed position, the
lower and upper frame sections 236, 238 thereof are separated from
each other by an angle of approximately 120.degree.. Attached to
the lower frame section 236 is a grip pad 246 which may be used to
assist in the movement of the seat frame 235 between its deployed
and collapsed positions.
[0044] In addition to the seat frame 235, the seat 228 includes a
cover 240 which is cooperatively engaged to the seat frame 235. The
cover 240 is preferably made from a pliable fabric material, and is
configured to effectively define a seat portion 230 and a back
portion 232 when the seat frame 235 is articulated to its deployed
position. The cover 240 may also include a shroud portion 242 which
may be extended outwardly relative to the back portion 232 in the
manner shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 when the seat frame 235 is moved to
its deployed position. The cover 240 is also preferably provided
with a retention strap arrangement 248. It is contemplated that the
cover 240 may be formed of a UV protective material.
[0045] In the bouncer 210, the adjustment mechanisms 223 can each
be selectively tightened or loosened via the manipulation of the
adjustment members 226 thereof as needed to selectively adjust or
regulate the amount of bounce or flexion the upper section 220 of
the frame 212 may undergo relative to the lower section 216 thereof
when the bouncer 210 is in its operative, deployed position as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In addition to the bouncing movement that
the upper section 220 may undergo relative to the lower section
216, the seat frame 235, in its deployed position, is also capable
of undergoing a slight rocking or pivoting motion relative to the
upper section 220 by virtue of its pivotal connection thereto at
the pivot points 225. Alternatively, the seat 228 may be locked in
place relative to the upper section 220 of the frame 212 when the
seat frame 235 is in its deployed position.
[0046] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the
embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying
combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to
the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the
claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *