U.S. patent application number 14/731125 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-03 for infant-supporting devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Thorley Industries, LLC. Invention is credited to Justin Adleff, Robert D. Daley, Gabriel Goldman, Daniel Kanitz, Aaron S. Pavkov.
Application Number | 20160058201 14/731125 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53433303 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160058201 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pavkov; Aaron S. ; et
al. |
March 3, 2016 |
INFANT-SUPPORTING DEVICES
Abstract
An infant-supporting device is disclosed. The infant-supporting
device can include a base assembly having a pair of arms and a
support base, a seat assembly, and a mobile assembly. The base
assembly can be collapsible. The seat assembly can be releasably
coupled to the base assembly, and the mobile assembly can be
releasably coupled to the seat assembly. A spring member can be
positioned in the base assembly. When the infant-supporting device
is assembled, the seat assembly can bounce relative to the support
base. The infant-supporting device can also include a
vibration-generating system.
Inventors: |
Pavkov; Aaron S.;
(Pittsburgh, PA) ; Daley; Robert D.; (Pittsburgh,
PA) ; Kanitz; Daniel; (Pittsburgh, PA) ;
Goldman; Gabriel; (Pittsburgh, PA) ; Adleff;
Justin; (Gibsonia, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Thorley Industries, LLC |
Pittsburgh |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53433303 |
Appl. No.: |
14/731125 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62043816 |
Aug 29, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/440.22 ;
297/452.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/107 20130101;
A47D 1/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 13/10 20060101
A47D013/10; A47D 1/00 20060101 A47D001/00 |
Claims
1. An infant-supporting device, comprising: a seat assembly; and a
support assembly, comprising: a base; at least one arm movable
between an extended orientation and a collapsed orientation
relative to said base, wherein said at least one arm comprises: a
first arm end rotatably coupled to said base at a joint; and a
second arm end, wherein said seat assembly is releasably mountable
to said second arm end, and wherein said second arm end is
configured to rotate inward and downward toward said base when said
at least one arm moves toward the collapsed orientation; and a
spring, comprising: a first spring end mounted to said base; and a
second spring end mounted to said at least one arm, wherein said
spring is configured to facilitate oscillation of said seat
assembly relative to said base when said seat assembly is mounted
to said second arm end.
2. The infant-supporting device of claim 1, wherein said spring
extends through the joint.
3. The infant-supporting device of claim 1, wherein said seat
assembly comprises a seat frame and an infant-supporting sling
releasably attached to said seat frame.
4. The infant-supporting device of claim 3, wherein said seat
assembly further comprises a vibration-generating system secured to
said seat frame.
5. The infant-supporting device of claim 1, wherein said base
further comprises a rotational stop, and wherein said at least one
arm further comprises a stop surface configured to abut said
rotational stop when said at least one arm is in the extended
orientation.
6. The infant-supporting device of claim 1, wherein said at least
one arm further comprises a camming surface configured to bias said
at least one arm toward the extended orientation.
7. The infant-supporting device of claim 1, wherein said base
further comprises a spring-loaded detent, and wherein said at least
one arm further comprises a groove configured to engage said
spring-loaded detent when said at least one arm is in the extended
orientation.
8. An infant-supporting device, comprising: a seat assembly; and a
support assembly, comprising: a base, wherein a centerline is
defined through said base; an arm, comprising: a first end portion
rotatably coupled to said base at a joint; and a second end
portion, wherein said seat assembly is mountable to said second end
portion, wherein said arm is configured to rotate between a first
orientation and a second orientation relative to said base, and
wherein said second end portion is configured to rotate toward the
centerline as said arm rotates between the first orientation and
the second orientation.
9. The infant-supporting device of claim 8, further comprising a
spring mounted to said base and said arm, wherein said second end
portion of said arm is deflectable relative to said base.
10. The infant-supporting device of claim 9, wherein said spring is
enclosed in said support assembly.
11. The infant-supporting device of claim 9, wherein said second
end portion comprises a joint body supported for rotation relative
to said base, and wherein said spring extends through said joint
body.
12. The infant-supporting device of claim 8, further comprising a
second arm, comprising: a first end portion rotatably coupled to
said base at a second joint; and a second end portion, wherein said
seat assembly is mountable to said second end portion, wherein said
second arm is configured to rotate between a first orientation and
a second orientation relative to said base, and wherein said second
end portion is configured to rotate toward the centerline as said
second arm rotates between the first orientation and the second
orientation.
13. The infant-supporting device of claim 8, wherein said seat
assembly further comprises a quick-release button configured to
release said seat assembly from said second end portion.
14. The infant-supporting device of claim 8, wherein said seat
assembly further comprises a vibration-generating system.
15. An infant-supporting device, comprising: a seat assembly; and a
collapsible support assembly, comprising: a base; a pivot joint
coupled to said base; and a spring member extending through said
pivot joint, wherein said spring member comprises: a first end
portion secured to said base; and a second end portion configured
to deflect relative to said first end portion.
16. The infant-supporting device of claim 15, wherein said spring
member is enclosed in said collapsible support assembly.
17. The infant-supporting device of claim 16, wherein said
collapsible support assembly further comprises an arm, and wherein
said second end portion is secured to said arm.
18. The infant-supporting device of claim 17, further comprising a
locking mechanism configured to hold said arm in an extended
position relative to said base when said locking mechanism is
engaged.
19. The infant-supporting device of claim 18, wherein said locking
mechanism comprises a spring-loaded detent, and wherein said arm
further comprises a groove configured to engage said spring-loaded
detent when said arm is in the extended position.
20. The infant-supporting device of claim 19, wherein said
spring-loaded detent further comprises a camming surface configured
to bias said arm toward the extended position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/043,816, entitled BOUNCER SEAT, filed Aug. 29, 2014, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to infant-supporting devices
and, in various embodiments, to bouncer seats, collapsible seats,
and/or collapsible bouncer seats for infants and children.
[0003] Infant-supporting devices may comprise a variety of shapes,
sizes and features. For example, infant-supporting devices may
provide a safe and comfortable place for infants and young children
to sit, lounge, recline, or lie. Infant-supporting devices may
include features for securing, entertaining and soothing an infant
or young child. Certain infant-supporting devices may be configured
to move the infant or young child. For example, an
infant-supporting device may bounce, rock, sway, oscillate and/or
vibrate. An infant-supporting device can include a motor, such as
an electric motor, for example, for driving at least one motion
and/or can be manually-driven.
[0004] The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate
various aspects of the related art in the field of the invention at
the time, and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim
scope.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Various features of the embodiments described herein,
together with the advantages thereof, may be understood in
accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bouncer seat having a seat
ring attached to pivoting arms according to at least one embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bouncer seat of FIG. 1
depicting a wire form positioned within the bouncer seat.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pair of wire forms
utilized with the bouncer seat of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bouncer seat of FIG. 1
with the seat ring removed and the pivoting arms placed in a
collapsed position.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bottom of the bouncer
seat of FIG. 1 with the pivoting arms in the collapsed
position.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the bottom of
the bouncer seat of FIG. 1 with the pivoting arms in an open
position.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the bouncer
seat of FIG. 1 with a top cover removed and the pivoting arms in
the open position.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the bottom of
the bouncer seat of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a free end of one of the
pivoting arms of the bouncer seat of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the free end of one of the
pivoting arms of the bouncer seat of FIG. 1 with the seat ring
attached thereto.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an intelligent vibration
module of the bouncer seat of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bouncer seat with a seat
ring removed from a pair of pivoting arms according to at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a bottom portion of the bouncer
seat of FIG. 12 with the pivoting arms in a collapsed position.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the bottom portion of the bouncer
seat of FIG. 12 with the pivoting arms in an open position.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a vibration module for use
with the bouncer seat of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an infant-supporting device
including a base assembly having a pair of arms and a support base,
a seat assembly, and a mobile assembly, depicting the
infant-supporting device in an assembled configuration in which the
arms of the base assembly are in an extended orientation relative
to the support base, the seat assembly is mounted to the arms of
the base assembly, and the mobile assembly is attached to the seat
assembly, according to at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the infant-supporting
device of FIG. 16, wherein an infant-supporting sling is attached
to the seat assembly.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the infant-supporting
device of FIG. 16, with various parts of the base assembly removed
to expose portions of a spring member disposed within the base
assembly.
[0024] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the
infant-supporting device of FIG. 16.
[0025] FIG. 19A is a detail view of a sleeve on a frame of the seat
assembly of FIG. 19.
[0026] FIG. 19B is another detail view of the sleeve of FIG. 19
with a portion of the sleeve removed to expose a leaf spring
positioned within the sleeve.
[0027] FIG. 20 is an exploded side elevation view of the
infant-supporting device of FIG. 16.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the base assembly of FIG.
16, depicting the base assembly in a collapsed configuration in
which the arms of the base assembly are rotated inward and downward
from the extended orientation depicted in FIG. 16.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the spring member of FIG.
18 depicting a fixed end portion, a free end portion, and a cradled
portion therebetween.
[0030] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the spring member of
FIG. 22.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a rear elevation view of the spring member of
FIG. 22.
[0032] FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the spring member of
FIG. 22 further depicting an end portion of the corresponding arm
of FIG. 16 secured to the free end portion of the spring
member.
[0033] FIG. 26 is another side elevation view of the spring member
of FIG. 22 further depicting a lower portion of a pivot joint body
of the base assembly of FIG. 16 supporting the cradled portion of
the spring member.
[0034] FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the base assembly of FIG. 16
with an upper portion of the support base housing removed to expose
the spring member of FIG. 18 supported by a lower portion of the
support base housing and a lower portion of the pivot joint body of
FIG. 26.
[0035] FIG. 27A is a detail view of a portion of the base assembly
of FIG. 27.
[0036] FIG. 27B is another detail view of another portion of the
base assembly of FIG. 27.
[0037] FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the base
assembly of FIG. 16 with a lower portion of the support base
housing removed to expose the spring member of FIG. 18 positioned
in the upper portion of the support base housing and an upper
portion of the pivot joint body.
[0038] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of one of the arms of the base
assembly of FIG. 16.
[0039] FIG. 30 is a rear elevation view of the arm of FIG. 29.
[0040] FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of the base assembly of
FIG. 16 with the arms thereof in the extended orientation and with
the upper portion of the support base housing removed to expose the
pivot joint body of the arms.
[0041] FIG. 32 is another top perspective view of the base assembly
of FIG. 31 depicting the arms of the base assembly in the collapsed
orientation of FIG. 21.
[0042] FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the base assembly of FIG. 31
depicting the arms of the base assembly in the extended
orientation.
[0043] FIG. 34 is another top plan view of the base assembly of
FIG. 31 depicting the arms of the base assembly in the collapsed
orientation of FIG. 21.
[0044] FIG. 35 is a front elevation view of the base assembly of
FIG. 31 depicting the arms of the base assembly in the extended
orientation.
[0045] FIG. 36 is another front elevation view of the base assembly
of FIG. 31 depicting the arms of the base assembly in the collapsed
orientation of FIG. 21.
[0046] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of one of the pivot joint
bodies of FIG. 31 and a detent arrangement of the base assembly of
FIG. 16 depicting the detent arrangement in an engaged position,
which corresponds to the extended orientation of the base
assembly.
[0047] FIG. 38 is another perspective view of the pivot joint body
and the detent arrangement of FIG. 37 depicting the detent
arrangement in a disengaged position, which corresponds to the
collapsed orientation of the base assembly in FIG. 21.
[0048] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of
the base assembly of FIG. 16 depicting stop surfaces of a hub of
the pivot joint body in abutting engagement with rotational stops
in the support base, wherein the orientation of the stop surfaces
and the rotational stops corresponds to the extended orientation of
the base assembly.
[0049] FIG. 40 is another cross-sectional elevation view of a
portion of the base assembly of FIG. 16 depicting the stop surfaces
of the hub of the pivot joint body of FIG. 39 rotationally offset
from the rotational stops in the support base, wherein the
orientation of the stop surfaces and the rotational stops
corresponds to the collapsed orientation of the base assembly in
FIG. 21.
[0050] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a vibration-generating
system of the seat assembly of FIG. 16.
[0051] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the vibration-generating
system of FIG. 41 with a battery cover and an upper portion of an
enclosure removed to expose various internal components of the
system.
[0052] FIG. 43 is a bottom plan view of the vibration-generating
system of FIG. 41 with a lower portion of the enclosure removed to
expose various internal components of the system.
[0053] FIGS. 44-51 depict exemplary control sequence flowcharts for
implementation by a controller of the vibration-generating system
of FIG. 41.
[0054] FIG. 52 is an electrical diagram of a control system for the
vibration-generating system of FIG. 41.
[0055] FIG. 53 is a front perspective view of the bouncer seat of
FIG. 1.
[0056] FIG. 54 is a front elevation view of the bouncer seat of
FIG. 1.
[0057] FIG. 55 is a rear elevation view of the bouncer seat of FIG.
1.
[0058] FIG. 56 is a right side elevational view of the bouncer seat
of FIG. 1.
[0059] FIG. 57 is a left side elevation view of the bouncer seat of
FIG. 1.
[0060] FIG. 58 is a top plan view of the bouncer seat of FIG.
1.
[0061] FIG. 59 is a bottom plan view of the bouncer seat of FIG.
1.
[0062] The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various
embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0063] Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a
thorough understanding of the overall structure, function,
manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the
specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been
described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described
in the specification. The reader will understand that the
embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting
examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein may be
representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may
be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0064] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as
"comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such
as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as
"includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain,
such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs.
As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises,"
"has," "includes" or "contains" one or more elements possesses
those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only
those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system,
device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes" or
"contains" one or more features possesses those one or more
features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more
features.
[0065] For convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as
"vertical", "horizontal", "up", and "down", for example, may be
used herein with respect to the drawings. However, various devices
disclosed herein can be used in different orientations and
positions, and these spatial terms are not intended to be limiting
and/or absolute.
[0066] "Bouncer" seats for soothing and comforting an infant are
known in the art. Such seats generally comprise a wire frame having
a base frame including a main portion which is adapted for
receiving and supporting the seat on a supporting surface, and a
pair of angular members which extend angularly upwardly and
rearwardly from the front end of the main portion. Bouncer seats of
this type generally further comprise leg and back frame portions
which are supported on the angular frame members thereof, and a
fabric covering which extends over the leg and back frame members
for supporting an infant thereon. The angular members of the base
frames of seats of this type are normally resiliently deflectable
downwardly slightly toward the main portions of the base frames
thereof. Accordingly, when an infant is supported on the fabric
covering on the leg and back frame members of a seat of this type
the infant can be gently rocked in the seat by moving the back and
leg frame members up and down slightly so that the angular members
are slightly resiliently bent downwardly, and then resiliently
moved upwardly to gently rock the infant in the seat. Such an
infant seat is described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,786
to Lockett, Ill et al., entitled INFANT SEATING AND LOUNGE UNIT,
which issued on Nov. 19, 1985, which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
[0067] While the previously available bouncer seats have generally
been found to be effective and desirable from the standpoint of
providing effective seats which are operative for gently rocking
infants, they have generally not been readily collapsible without
disassembling the components thereof, and hence, it has not been
practical to transport or store many of these previously available
devices. In addition, such previously available bouncer seats are
generally manufactured having an unappealing aesthetic
appearance.
[0068] An object of the invention may be to provide a bouncer seat
that is easily collapsible for storage and shipment. In accordance
with at least one embodiment, there is provided a bouncer seat that
includes: a base; a pair of arms connected on opposite sides of the
base; a seat ring removably coupled to an end of each of the arms
and configured to hold a child therein; and a pair of biasing
elements configured to provide motion to the seat ring. Each of the
arms is connected to the base by an interface that allows the arms
to move from a first position in which the arms extend from the
base and a second position in which the arms are folded onto the
base. A first biasing element of the pair of biasing elements
extends through the base, through the interface, and into a first
arm of the pair of arms and a second biasing element extends
through the base, through the interface, and into a second arm of
the pair of arms.
[0069] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bouncer seat, generally
denoted as reference numeral 1, comprises a generally ring-shaped
base 3, a first pivoting arm 5 and a second pivoting arm 7
extending from a front portion of the base 3 on opposite sides of
the base, a seat ring 9 having a generally elliptical shape, and an
intelligent vibration module 11 connected to the seat ring 9.
[0070] The seat ring 9 is designed to receive a fabric or other
type of comfortable seat (not shown in FIG. 1) for an infant.
Desirably, a plastic panel (manufactured from high-density
polyethylene (HDPE), for instance) may be integrated into the
bottom of the seat positioned on the seat ring 9 to help transmit
vibration into the seat and to the child. The plastic panel is
configured to come into contact with or in close proximity to the
vibration module 11.
[0071] The base 3 includes a bottom portion 13 configured to
contact a surface, such as the floor of a room, to support the
bouncer seat 1 and a top cover 15 configured to mate with the
bottom portion 13 to form a housing.
[0072] With reference to FIG. 3 and continued reference to FIGS. 1
and 2, a pair of biasing elements, such as substantially L-shaped
wire forms 17 (one of which is shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2),
are provided in the bouncer seat 1 to provide motion to a child
seated in the seat ring 9. The wire forms 17 are covered along
their length by plastic or elastomer parts to provide the bouncer
seat with a more aesthetically appealing appearance. The first wire
form 17 is positioned on a first side of the base 3 and passes
through the first pivoting arm 5 and the second wire form 17 is
positioned on a second side of the base 3 and passes through the
second pivoting arm 7.
[0073] More specifically, each of the wire forms 17 includes a
first portion 19 that is positioned within the housing formed by
the base 3. A first end 21 of the first portion 19 of the wire form
17 is fixedly connected to the base 3. Each wire form 17 further
includes a second portion 23 extending from the first portion 19 at
about a 90.degree. angle. The second portion 23 passes out of the
housing formed by the base 3 and into a ball joint interface 25
provided between the base 3 and one of the pivoting arms 5, 7.
Accordingly, the wire form 17 is configured to flex within the
housing formed by the base 3 since it is supported at points at the
front and the rear of the base 3. Each wire form 17 also includes a
third portion 27 extending from the second portion 23 at about a
45.degree. angle. The third portion 27 extends into the respective
pivoting arm 5, 7. A second end 29 of the third portion 27 is
fixedly connected within the respective pivoting arm 5, 7, thereby
allowing the wire form 17 to flex within the respective pivoting
arm 5, 7. Each of the pivoting arms 5, 7 includes a first half and
a second half that are assembled using a fastener, such as a
double-barbed fastener, with the third portion 27 of the wire form
17 positioned there between. In the example of a double-barbed
fastener, barbs on one side of the fastener affix to the first half
of the pivoting arm 5, 7, and barbs on the other side affix to the
second half of the pivoting arm 5, 7. This results in a pivoting
arm 5, 7 with no visible fasteners. Other forms of mechanical
fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, etc. may also
be employed.
[0074] While conventional wire forms 17 have been discussed
hereinabove, composite springs manufactured from fiberglass and/or
carbon fiber, for instance, may also be utilized in place of the
wire forms 17. In addition, the wire forms 17 may have a round
cross-sectional shape or any other suitable cross-sectional shape.
Alternative geometries for the wire forms 17 and alternative spring
arrangements for a bouncer seat are further described herein.
[0075] With reference to FIGS. 4-8 and continued reference to FIGS.
1-3, the bouncer seat 1 of the present disclosure is a collapsible
device for ease of transporting and shipping of the bouncer seat 1.
In order to collapse the bouncer seat 1, the seat ring 9 is removed
as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Thereafter,
each of the pivoting arms 5, 7 is rotated down towards the base 3
as shown in FIG. 4. The ball joint interface 25 between the base 3
and each of the arms 5, 7 guides rotation of each of the arms 5, 7
from the open position (FIG. 1) to the collapsed position (FIG. 4).
The ball joint interface 25 may also prevent pinch points by virtue
of movement along a seam so as to avoid the creation of gaps during
opening or closing. With reference to FIGS. 12-14, the bouncer seat
1 may alternatively include an internal hinge and a sliding door 31
instead of the ball joint interface 25 to allow for motion of the
arms 5, 7 while minimizing pinch points. Alternative geometries for
the ball joints 25 and alternative joint arrangements for a
collapsible base are further described herein.
[0076] The motion of each of the arms 5, 7 is guided upward when
the arms 5, 7 are moved from the collapsed position shown in FIG. 4
to the open position shown in FIG. 1. For instance, each of the
arms 5, 7 may gently rotate into the open position on its own using
a "soft close" damper system similar to the system commonly used in
kitchen drawers and in electronics for the opening or closing of
doors, lids, and the like. Alternatively, each of the arms 5, 7 may
be configured to be biased into the closed position until it is
rotated beyond a certain point and then biased toward the open
position. Such a configuration may be achieved using a cam with a
spring acting radially on the cam.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 7, each of the arms 5, 7
automatically locks into an upright position when it reaches the
open position through the use of a mechanical latching system 33.
The latching system 33 includes a first latch or flange member 35
that is configured to engage a notch 36 provided on the ball joint
interface 25 of the first arm 5 when the first arm 5 reaches the
open position, thereby preventing the first arm 5 from moving to
the closed position. In at least one embodiment, the latching
system 33 also includes a second latch or flange member 37 that is
configured to engage a notch 38 provided on the ball joint
interface 25 of the second arm 7 when the second arm 7 reaches the
open position, thereby preventing the second arm 7 from moving to
the closed position. The latching system 33 further includes a
handle 39 provided on a central portion of the base 3 that, when
pressed, simultaneously removes the engagement between the first
flange member 35 and the notch 36 and the second flange member 37
and the notch 38, thereby allowing the arms 5, 7 to be rotated to
the collapsed position. More specifically, actuation of the handle
39 is configured to actuate a series of lever arms and/or linkages
intermediate the handle 39 and each latch 35 and 37. The linkages
are structured and positioned to move the latches 35 and 37 out of
engagement with the notches 36 and 38, respectively, when the
handle 39 is actuated. For example, the latches 35 and 37 are
configured to simultaneously pivot out of engagement with the
notches 35 and 37. When the latches 35 and 37 are released from the
notches 36 and 38, the joints 25 are free to rotate such that the
arms 5 and 7 can move from the upright position toward the
collapsed position. Alternatively, a pair of buttons or levers may
be provided to remove the engagement between the flange members and
the notches separately allowing each arm 5, 7 to be moved to the
collapsed position individually.
[0078] Alternatively to the latching system engaging a notch on the
ball joint interface as described hereinabove, the system could
also function without latches. To aid in assembly without latching
present, the arms may be biased upward to position the arms
properly. This can be achieved using a torsion spring, or with a
cam and cam follower system. In addition, the same cam and cam
follower system could provide a downward force on the arms when
they are moved by the user beyond a certain angle of rotation. This
would ensure the arms are always either in an upright or a down and
folded or collapsed position.
[0079] While the collapsible, pivoting arms 5, 7 have been
described hereinabove as being used for a bouncer seat, this is not
to be construed as limiting the present disclosure as such pivoting
arms may be utilized in other juvenile devices such as, but not
limited to, a swing.
[0080] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 and continued reference to
FIGS. 1-8, the seat ring 9 is removably attached to each of the
arms 5, 7 using a pair of connection members 41 that are attached
on opposite sides of the seat ring 9. Each of the connection
members 41 mates down the length of the respective arm 5, 7 and/or
mates transverse to the length of the respective arm 5, 7. In
addition, each of the connection members 41 includes a button 43
configured to disconnect the mated relationship between the
connection member 41 and the end of the arm 5, 7, thereby allowing
the seat ring 9 to be removed. This double-button configuration
allows for insertion and locking as well as easy removal from the
ends of the arms 5, 7.
[0081] Additional views of the bouncer seat 1 of the present
disclosure are provided in FIGS. 53-59. U.S. Design patent
application Ser. No. 29/500,889, entitled BOUNCER SEAT, filed Aug.
29, 2014 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0082] With reference to FIG. 11 and continued reference to FIGS.
1-10, the intelligent vibration module 11 is connected to a bottom
portion of the seat ring 9. The vibration module 11 includes a
housing 45 having a vibration motor (not shown in FIG. 11), power
source such as batteries (not shown in FIG. 11), and a controller
(not shown in FIG. 11) mounted therein. The vibration module 11
also includes a user interface 47 positioned on an outer surface
thereof to allow a user to set the various vibration modes.
[0083] More specifically and with reference to FIG. 15, the user
interface 47 includes a power switch 49 for turning the vibration
module 11 on. Once the vibration module 11 is turned on, it is
configured to provide multiple vibration modes and multiple
vibration intensities. The vibration modes may be changed by the
user by pressing the mode button 51 on the user interface 47.
Examples of the different modes include, but are not limited to,
constant, wave, and heartbeat modes. Feedback of the selection of
the desired mode may be provided to the user using a display such
as display 53 on the user interface 47. The intensity of the
vibration may also be changed by a user using an intensity button
55 provided on the user interface 47. Feedback of the selection of
the desired intensity may be provided to the user using a display
such as display 57 on the user interface 47.
[0084] The vibration module 11 may further include power management
and power saving features. For instance, the vibration module 11
may automatically turn off after a certain amount of time on so
parents do not leave it on for too long unintentionally. In
addition, the controller of the vibration module 11 may be
configured to send a pulse width modulated (PWM) digital signal to
the motor and the motor is designed to optimize power savings to
lengthen battery life. In addition, the controller may be
programmed to compensate for low battery voltage while maintaining
consistent vibration intensity. For example, the controller can be
configured to adjust a pulse width modulation signal to maintain a
consistent vibrational intensity, as further described herein. When
battery voltage is critically low, a low battery indication may be
provided on the user interface 47 and vibration intensity is then
permitted to reduce. Finally, the controller may provide an
automatic shutoff at the end of the effective battery life.
[0085] The vibration module 11 may further include a 3-axis
accelerometer (not shown) mounted within the housing 45 thereof.
The accelerometer is operatively connected to the controller to
allow the controller to determine whether a child is present within
the seat based on the seat angle. The accelerometer is configured
to measure the gravity vector and determine inclination and motion.
If the controller determines that no child is present, the
vibration is turned off to conserve battery life. In addition, the
controller may determine the weight of the child based on the seat
angle and measure and monitor the degree of "bouncing". The
accelerometer also allows the controller to provide feedback to the
parent and/or child based on the determined bounce motion. This
feedback may be in the form of vibration, lights, and/or audio. For
example, an LED may be modulated to provide a pleasing pulsing
effect that corresponds to the oscillatory motion of the seat. In
another, non-limiting example, an acoustic signal can correspond to
the motion through modulating of pitch, volume or other sound
manipulation. The controller provides more feedback when the
controller determines that there is more "bounce" present based on
the signal from the accelerometer to encourage bouncing and
play.
[0086] The signal from the accelerometer may also allow the
controller to learn the behavior of a child that is placed in the
seat. For instance, based on the signal from the accelerometer, the
controller can determine whether a child falls asleep by monitoring
changes to "bounce" over time. If the controller determines that a
child has fallen asleep, the controller may automatically turn on
vibration. Furthermore, the controller may also automatically turn
on vibration when a child is placed in the seat and when a child is
slowing down (i.e., getting tired) based on a signal from the
accelerometer.
[0087] The vibration module may also include a wireless
communication transceiver positioned within the housing 45 thereof.
The wireless communication transceiver may be provided in operative
communication with the controller. The wireless communication
transceiver may be a Bluetooth transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, or
any other suitable wireless communication transceiver and may
utilize the systems and methods described in U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/954,332, entitled WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR JUVENILE PRODUCTS, filed Mar. 17, 2014,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0088] The wireless communication module may allow a parent to
remotely monitor a child's motion from another device, such as a
smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, or any other
suitable device. It may also allow for remote control of vibration
from the other device and remote control of audio from another
device. The audio may be built into the vibration module 11 or it
could be streamed from the other device. Finally, the wireless
communication module may allow user data to be collected and
transmitted to the manufacturer of the bouncer seat for evaluation
and future improvements.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 16, a device 100 is depicted. The
device 100 is configured to support an infant or small child. In
the illustrated arrangement, the device 100 includes a base
assembly 102 that includes a pair of arms 104 and a support base
120. The device 100 also includes a seat assembly 140 having a
frame or seat ring 142. The device 100 is depicted in an assembled
configuration in FIG. 1. In the assembled configuration, the arms
104 of the base assembly 102 are in an extended orientation
relative to the support base 120. Additionally, in the assembled
configuration, the seat assembly 140 is mounted to the arms 104 of
the base assembly 102. A mobile assembly 180 is also attached to
the seat assembly 140. In other embodiments, the base assembly 102
may include a single arm that is configured to support the seat
assembly 140 and, in still other embodiments, the base assembly 102
may include more than two arms that are configured to support the
seat assembly 140. The one or more arms of the base assembly 102
can be collapsible relative to the support base 120, as further
described herein.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 17, in the illustrated embodiment, an
infant-support sling 144 is attached to the seat assembly 140. The
infant-supporting sling 144 includes a restraint 148, which is
configured to restrain a child positioned in the seat assembly 140.
In certain instances, the restraint 148 can include straps,
buckles, and/or latches for securing a child within the seat
assembly 140. For example, the restraint 148 can be coupled to a
five-point harness system. The infant-supporting sling 144 can
extend over and/or around portions of the frame 142. The
infant-supporting sling 144 can further include at least one
fastener, such as a snap, button, zipper, hook and loop fasteners,
and/or combinations thereof, for example, for removably securing
the sling 144 to the frame 142 of the seat assembly 140. For
example, the infant-supporting sling 144 includes a zipper 141
around the perimeter thereof, and the sling 144 can be zippered
around the frame 142. In such instances, the frame 142 is hidden
from view when the sling 144 is attached thereto (see e.g. FIG.
17). Additionally, the infant-supporting sling 144 can include a
buckle that is configured to secure the sling 144 around the
vibration-generating assembly 146. For example, portions of the
sling 144 can extend around the vibration-generating assembly 146,
and a buckle positioned against the underside of the
vibration-generating assembly 146 can secure the portions of the
sling 144 together.
[0091] The infant-supporting sling 144 can be comprised, for
example, of fabric, foam, netting, and/or flexible plastic. For
example, the infant-supporting sling 144 can be comprised of
plastic-coated fabric. The infant-supporting sling 144 can be
comprised of a conformable material, which can conform to a child
positioned in the seat assembly 140. In certain instances, a
substantially rigid or semi-rigid panel 145 can be integrated
and/or embedded into the infant-supporting sling 144. Such a panel
145 can be positioned against and/or adjacent to a
vibration-generating assembly 146, and can transmit vibrations from
the assembly 146, through the sling 144, and to a child positioned
in the sling 144. The panel 145 can be comprised of high-density
polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, and/or acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS), for example. In various instances, the sling 144 can
include heating and/or cooling features. For example, the fabric
can include a blanket, foot warmer, muff, electric blanket, warming
pads and/or cooling gel inserts for adjusting the temperature of
the child. In certain instances, the device 100 can also include a
fan for cooling a child positioned in the sling 144.
[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the support base 120 is
formed from an upper portion 119 and a lower portion 121, which are
assembled together with a plurality of threaded fasteners. However,
other forms of fasteners and fastener arrangements may also be
employed, such as snaps, for example. The support base 120 is
substantially hollow. A cavity 123 (FIGS. 39 and 40) is defined
between the upper portion 119 and the lower portion 121 of the
assembled support base 120. In other instances, at least portions
of the support base 120 can be solid. As described herein, at least
one moving part, such as a rotating joint body 130 of an arm 104,
for example, can be positioned in the cavity 123 of the support
base 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the support base 120
defines a substantially ovoid shape. In other instances, the
support base 120 can be circular, elliptical or another annular
shape. In still other instances, the support base 120 can be
non-annular, such as U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped or can comprise
two L-shaped support base portions, for example. The support base
120 can be comprised of a substantially rigid material. For
example, the support base 120 can be comprised of a thermoplastic
polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and/or
polypropylene. In other instances, the support base 120 can be
comprised of a metal, which may be cast or otherwise formed.
[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the support base 120 includes
four feet 117, which can be placed on a support surface, such as
the floor, for example, to hold the support base 120 level or
substantially level. In certain instances, the feet 117 can be
adjustable to accommodate for variations in the height of the
support surface. The reader will appreciate that fewer than four
feet or more than four feet can extend from the lower portion 121
of the support base 120. Additionally or alternatively, at least
one of the feet 117 can be comprised of a material having a greater
coefficient of friction than the support base 120. In such
instances, friction between the support surface and the device 100
can be increased, which can improve a gripping function of the feet
117, and thus reduce slippage or movement of the device 100
relative to the support surface.
[0094] When the arms 104 of the base assembly 102 are in the
extended orientation and mounted to the seat assembly 140, the
frame 142 is supported by the arms 104 and held above the support
base 120. The frame 142 is oriented at an angle relative to the
support base 120. The angled orientation of the frame 142 can be
selected to provide a comfortable lounging position for a child
positioned in the sling 144 (FIG. 17), for example. In the
illustrated embodiment, the frame 142 defines a substantially ovoid
shape. In other instances, the frame 142 can be circular,
elliptical or another annular shape. In still other instances, the
frame 142 can be non-annular, such as U-shaped, for example. The
frame 142 can be comprised of a substantially rigid material. For
example, the frame 142 can be comprised of a metal such as steel or
aluminum. In other instances, the frame 142 can be comprised of a
thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS), polypropylene, and/or polyoxymethylene (POM). In certain
instances, the frame 142 may include a rigid or semi-rigid seat for
receiving an infant. Such an infant seat may be covered with fabric
and/or another soft and/or compliant material for the infant's
comfort and/or for aesthetic purposes. In various instances, such
an infant seat may be attached and/or integrally formed with the
frame 142. Where the seat frame 142 includes a rigid or semi-rigid
infant-receiving seat, the seat assembly 140 may not include the
infant-supporting sling 144 (FIG. 17).
[0095] As further described herein, when the arms 104 are in the
extended orientation and mounted to the seat assembly 140, inward
rotation of the arms 104 relative to the support base 120 can be
restrained by the seat ring 142 mounted thereto. Additional locking
mechanisms may also be employed to bias and/or hold the arms 104 in
the extended orientation relative to the support base 120. Each arm
104 includes an elongate casing or shroud 105 that extends from a
joint body 130. The casing 105 and/or joint body 130 can be
comprised of a substantially rigid material. For example, the
casing 105 and/or the joint body 130 can be comprised of a
thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS), polypropylene and/or polyoxymethylene (POM). In certain
instances, the casing 105 can be comprised of a flexible material
such as an elastomer, foam, and/or vinyl. Such a casing 105 can be
slid over the spring member 160 without requiring any fasteners,
for example.
[0096] Though the support structures for the seat assembly 140
(e.g. the support base 120, the casing 105 for the arms 104 and the
joint body 130 for the arms 104) are substantially rigid and held
in a substantially fixed, extended orientation during use of the
infant-supporting device 100, a degree of movement or flexibility
between the arms 104 and the support base 120 may be permitted. In
particular, the arms 104 are configured to pivot or deflect
downward relative to the support base 120 by virtue of a pair of
spring members 160 disposed within the base assembly 102 (e.g.
within the support base 120, the casings 105 and the joint bodies
130).
[0097] Referring primarily to FIG. 18, in the illustrated example,
the spring members 160 are positioned entirely within the base
assembly 102. In other arrangements, however, portions of the
spring members 160 may be exposed. Because each spring member 160
is enclosed by the base assembly 102, the spring members 160 are
not visible during ordinary use of the device 100. For example,
each spring member 160 depicted in FIG. 18 extends through the
support base 120 and through one of the arms 104. More
specifically, each spring member 160 extends through a portion of
the cavity 123 defined between the upper portion 119 and the lower
portion 121 of the support base 120, through one of the joint
bodies 130, and through the casing 105 of one of the arms 104. The
spring member 160 includes a first end portion 162 (FIGS. 22-27A),
or fixed end portion, and a second end portion 164 (FIGS. 22-24, 25
and 26), or free end portion. The first end portion 162 of the
spring member 160 is mounted within the support base 120, and the
second end portion 164 of the spring member 160 is mounted within
the arm 104, as further described herein.
[0098] The free end portion 164 of the spring member 160 is
configured to deflect relative to the fixed end portion 162 of the
spring member 160 when a force is applied thereto, and the spring
member 160 is configured to generate a restoring or spring back
force in response to the amount of deflection. As a result, the
free end portion 164 of the spring member 160 can begin to bounce
or oscillate relative to the fixed end portion 162. Moreover,
because the free end portion 164 of the spring member 160 is fixed
relative to a mounting portion of the arm 104, which is fixed
relative to the frame 142 by a sleeve 150, movement of the free end
portion 164 affects movement of the frame 142 of seat assembly 140
relative to the support base 120.
[0099] In the depicted embodiment, the spring member 160 is
comprised of a formed wire. The wire comprises a substantially
circular cross-sectional geometry. The spring member 160 can be
comprised of a metal such as steel. In at least one embodiment, the
spring member 160 is comprised of heat-treated high-carbon steel,
which provides a high yield strength such that inadvertent plastic
deformation of the spring member 160 during use of the device 100
is substantially limited and/or prevented.
[0100] The spring member 160 defines a spring constant that affects
the range of movement of the arm 104 relative to the support base
120. For example, for a given amount of deflection, if the spring
constant is large, a larger force will be required to deflect the
arm 104 toward the support base 120 and, if the spring constant is
small, a smaller force can deflect the arm 104 toward the support
base 120. The spring constant of the spring member 160 can depend
on the material, diameter, length, and the geometry of the spring
member 160. Moreover, the mounts and support structures for the
spring member 160 within the base assembly 102, as further
described herein, can also affect the bouncing or oscillatory
motions generated by the spring member 160. In the depicted
example, the diameter of the spring member 160 is 7mm. In other
instances, the diameter of the spring member 160 can be less than
7mm or greater than 7mm. The stiffness of the spring member 160 is
a function of the diameter of the spring member 160. For example,
when the diameter of the spring member 160 is increased, the spring
member 160 is stiffer (defines a greater spring constant) and less
likely to permanently or plastically deform under a given load.
When the diameter of the spring member 160 is increased, the spring
member 160 is more flexible (defines a reduced spring constant) and
more likely to permanently or plastically deform under the same
load. The stiffness of the spring member 160 is also a function of
the geometry and length of the spring member 160. For example, when
the length of the spring member 160 is increased, the spring member
160 can deflect within a greater range of positions without
plastically deforming, i.e., define an increased spring amplitude,
and when the length of the spring member 160 is decreased, the
amplitude of deflections provided by the spring without plastically
deforming can be decreased. The period of oscillations and the
deflection under a given load can also increase as the length of
the spring member 160 increases. In various instances, the
increased deflection, period, and deflection associated with a
longer spring member 160 can provide a more desirable bouncing
motion for the device 100. Accordingly, in at least one instance,
the length of the spring member 160 can be maximized within the
footprint of the support base 120 to optimize the bouncing
motion.
[0101] The device 100 can be disassembled and portions of the
device 100 can be collapsed. Referring primarily to FIGS. 19 and
20, the mobile assembly 180 can be disassembled from the seat
assembly 140. The disassembly of the mobile assembly 180 and the
seat assembly 140 can be toolless, as further described herein.
Additionally, the seat assembly 140 can be disassembled from the
base assembly 102. The disassembly of the seat assembly 140 and the
base assembly 102 can also be toolless, as further described
herein. User-friendly disassembly of the device 100 can improve the
mobility of the device 100. For example, when the device 100 is
disassembled, the overall footprint or size of the device 100 can
be reduced. For example, the height of the device 100 can be
reduced when the arms 104 are collapsed toward the base support
120. The reader will appreciate that, in various instances, packing
and/or transporting of the device 100 can be improved or made
easier when the device 100 takes up less space.
[0102] "Toolless assembly" and "toolless disassembly" of the device
100 can also improve the mobility of the device 100. As used
herein, the terms "toolless assembly" and "toolless disassembly"
mean that the device 100 may be assembled and disassembled,
respectively, without requiring the user to manipulate or operate
additional tools, utensils, wrenches, screwdrivers, keys, etc. In
particular, the major components or subassemblies of the device 100
can be reassembled to assemble the device 100 in a new location or
after a period of time without requiring the user to locate
specific tools. For example, the base assembly 102 and the seat
assembly 140 can be toollessly assembled together and toollessly
disassembled. Similarly, the mobile assembly 180 and the seat
assembly 140 can be toollessly assembled together and toollessly
disassembled. Toolless assembly and toolless disassembly can
provide a desirable convenience factor. As used herein, assemblies,
subassemblies, and components that are releasably coupled can be
coupled together and subsequently released without requiring any
tools. In other words, releasably coupled assemblies,
subassemblies, or components can be toollessly coupled and
toollessly decoupled.
[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile assembly 180 is
configured to be releasably coupled to the seat assembly 140. For
example, the mobile assembly 180 can be attached to the seat
assembly 140 and removed from the seat assembly 140 without any
tools. A toolless engagement portion 181 (FIGS. 19 and 20) can
mount the mobile assembly 180 to the seat assembly 140. For
example, the toolless engagement portion 181 includes a portion of
the mobile assembly 180, which is configured to fit into an
aperture defined in a mounting portion of the seat assembly 140.
Upon rotation of the engaged mobile assembly 180 relative to the
seat assembly 140 (e.g. rotation approximately ninety degrees), the
mobile assembly 180 can be secured or locked in place relative to
the seat assembly 140. A detent is configured to hold or bias the
mobile assembly 180 in its locked orientation relative to the seat
assembly 140. In other instances, a portion of the mobile assembly
180 can be press-fit into an aperture defined in a mounting portion
of the seat assembly 140. The portion of the mobile assembly 180
can be removed from the aperture when a threshold force is applied
thereto. Alternatively, a mounting portion of the seating assembly
140 can be press-fit or friction-fit into an aperture defined in
the mobile assembly 180, and can be removed from the aperture when
a threshold force is applied thereto.
[0104] In other instances, the mobile assembly 180 can be
integrally formed with the seat assembly 140 or secured to the seat
assembly 140 with adhesives and/or mechanical fasteners, such as
threaded screws, for example. The mobile assembly 180 can provide a
visually-appealing focus to an infant positioned in the
infant-supporting sling 144 (FIG. 17). In still other instances,
the device 100 may not include a mobile assembly. Mobile assemblies
for the device 100 can be interchangeable with other mobile
assemblies, such as mobile assemblies for other devices. In certain
instances, a mobile assembly for attachment to the device 100 can
include motor-driven parts, lights, sounds, interactive features,
and/or other powered components and/or features.
[0105] Referring primarily still to FIG. 19, the arms 104 of the
base assembly 102 can be releasably coupled to the seat assembly
140. For example, the seat assembly 140 includes mounting sleeves
150, which are configured to receive a portion of each arm 104. The
sleeves 150 each define a receptacle 152, and an arm is configured
to extend into each receptacle 152. As further described herein, in
the illustrated example, the sleeves 150 and the arms 104 can be
designed to self-latch, or automatically move into locking
engagement, when the arm 104 is inserted into the receptacle 152 of
the corresponding sleeve 150. Actuation of a spring-biased button
138 can unlatch or disengage the arm 104 and the sleeve 150 such
that the arm 104 can be removed from the receptacle 152.
[0106] Referring primarily to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the sleeve 150 is
fastened to the frame 142 with a plurality of fasteners 154.
Additionally or alternatively, the sleeve 150 can be adhered or
otherwise fastened to the frame 142 using other suitable fastener
arrangements. In still other instances, the sleeve 150 can be
integrally formed with the frame 142. The sleeve 150 is a two-part
sleeve, which is secured together with a plurality of fasteners
156. Additionally or alternatively, multiple parts of the sleeve
150 can be adhered or otherwise fastened together. For example, two
sides of a sleeve can be snap-fit together. In still other
instances, the sleeve 150 can comprise an integrally-formed
part.
[0107] The sleeve 150 includes the spring-biased button 138 and a
spring 158 (FIG. 19B). The spring 158 is a leaf spring, which is
configured to bias the spring-biased button 138 into an unactuated
position. The reader will appreciate that various alternative
springs can be employed. An actuation of the spring-biased button
138 is configured to deflect the leaf spring 158 and move the
button 138 to an actuated position. When the spring-biased button
138 has moved to the actuated position, the arm 104 (FIG. 19) can
be released from the receptacle 152, as further described herein.
In certain instances, the spring-biased button 138 can be replaced
with a lever, slide, toggle, or other suitable attachment feature
and/or mechanism for releasably mounting the sleeve 150 to the arm
104.
[0108] In certain instances, the actuation of the spring-biased
button 138 can directly disengage the arm 104 and the sleeve 150.
In other instances, the actuation of the spring-biased button 138
can actuate another spring-biased button. For example, actuation of
the spring-biased button 138 can actuate a spring-biased button 108
(FIG. 19) on the arm 104. Such a dual-button embodiment is employed
in the device 100 of the illustrated embodiment.
[0109] Referring again to FIG. 19, the arm 104 includes the
spring-biased button 108. When the sleeve 150 is engaged with the
arm 104, the spring-biased button 108 is positioned within the
receptacle 152 of the sleeve 150. The spring-biased button 108 may
comprise a lever button, which is biased toward an unactuated
position by a spring 110 (FIG. 25). The spring 110 is a coil
spring, however, the reader will appreciate that various
alternative springs can be employed. An actuation of the
spring-biased button 108 is configured to deflect the coil spring
110 and move the button 108 to an actuated position. When the
spring-biased button 108 has moved to the actuated position, the
arm 104 can be disengaged from the sleeve 150 such that the arm 104
can be removed from the receptacle 152.
[0110] The button 138 can interact with the button 108 to disengage
the arm 104 from the sleeve 150. For example, when the button 138
on the sleeve 150 is actuated, the button 138 can actuate the
button 108 within the receptacle 152 of the sleeve 150.
Consequently, the button 108 on the arm 104 can be moved out of
locking engagement with the sleeve 150 such that the arm 104 and
button 108 thereon can be removed from the sleeve 150. To
releasably couple the arm 104 to the sleeve 150, the arm 104 and
the button 108 thereon can be moved into engagement with the sleeve
150. As the arm 104 moves into the receptacle 152 of the sleeve
150, the button 108 can be actuated by the sleeve 150 and can at
least partially rebound toward the unactuated position to engage
the sleeve 150. Until the button 138 on the sleeve 150 re-actuates
the button 108 on the arm 104, the arm 104 can remain coupled to
the sleeve 150.
[0111] In various instances, owing to the geometry of the arms 104
and the seat assembly 140, removing the arms 104 from the
receptacles 152 may require simultaneous disengagement and release
of both arms 104. Moreover, engagement of the arms 104 with the
sleeves 150 may require simultaneous engagement of both sleeves
150. Engagement of the arms 104 with the sleeves 150 may also
require the arms 104 to be in the extended orientation relative to
the base assembly 102, as further described herein. Such
arrangements can help to ensure that the seat assembly 140 is
attached to both arms 104 when both arms 104 are in the extended
configuration relative to the support base 120. This may improve
the stability of the device 100 and ensure that the device 100 is
properly and safely assembled. Additional or alternative attachment
features are further described herein.
[0112] Referring primarily to FIG. 21, the base assembly 102 is
collapsible. In particular, each arm 104 is configured to rotate
relative to the support base 120 about a joint 112. Joint bodies
130 of each arm 104 are rotatably held within the support base 120,
and each arm 104 extends from a joint body 130. The joints 112 each
define a rotational axis A.sub.1, A.sub.2 (FIGS. 33 and 34), about
which the joint bodies 130, and thus the arms 104, rotate relative
to the support base 120. For example, the end 114 of each arm 104
is configured to move inward and downward toward the support base
120. The fully collapsed orientation of the base assembly 102 is
shown in FIG. 21. The range of motion of the arms 104 is at least
partially defined by the rotational axes A.sub.1, A.sub.2 of the
joints 112 about which the arms 104 can rotate. The range of motion
of the arms 104 is also restrained by at least one interference
surface in the base assembly 102, as further described herein.
Moreover, movement of the arms 104 is limited when the seat
assembly 140 is mounted to both arms 104. In such instances, the
ends 114 of the arms 104 are maintained at a fixed distance that is
defined by the geometry of the frame 142 (e.g. the distance between
the sleeves 150 on the frame 142), such that the ends 114 of the
arms 104 cannot move closer together or farther apart when the
frame 142 is attached to both arms 104.
[0113] The geometry of the spring members 160 can be selected to
optimize the spring constant when the arms 104 are extended while
facilitating rotation of the arms 104 to the collapsed orientation
relative to the support base 120. For example, the free end portion
164 (FIGS. 22-27A) of the spring member 160 is configured to
deflect toward the support base 120 within a defined range of
motion to generate oscillations of the seat assembly 140 relative
to the base assembly 102. Moreover, portions along the length of
the spring member 160 are configured to deform as the arm 104
rotates relative to the support base 120. For example, the spring
member 160 can twist and/or bend as the arm 104 rotates between the
extended orientation and the collapsed orientation relative to the
support base 120.
[0114] Referring primarily to FIGS. 23-28, in the illustrated
example, the spring member 160 includes a first end portion 162 and
a second end portion 164. The first end portion 162 is positioned
within the support base 120 (FIGS. 27 and 27A), and the second end
portion 164 is positioned within an end 114 (FIG. 25) of the arm
104. When the arm 104 is extended relative to the support base 120,
referring to the orientation depicted in FIG. 27, for example, the
first end portion 162 is laterally inboard of the second end
portion 164. In other words, when the base assembly 102 is in the
extended orientation, the second end portion 164 is laterally
outboard of the first end portion 162. For example, the second end
portions 164 depicted in FIG. 27 extend laterally outward of the
support base 120. Moreover, when the base assembly 102 is moved to
the collapsed orientation, each second end portion 164 is
configured to rotate laterally inward of the corresponding first
end portion 162.
[0115] The first end portion 162 is held relative to the support
base 120 by a fastener 176 (FIGS. 27 and 27A) that is fastened or
otherwise fixed to the support base 120. The first end portion 162
is simply supported by the fastener 176 such that the first end
portion 162 is held within a range of positions relative to the
base support 120. For example, the fastener 176 is configured to
restrain the first end portion 162 and permit restrained movement
of the first end portion 162 within the support base 120. In the
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 27 and 27A, the first end portion 162
is configured to rotate and translate relative to the fastener 176.
In such instances, the first end portion 162 may shift as the arm
104 is rotated relative to the support base 120, for example.
[0116] The second end portion 164 of the spring member 160 is held
relative to the end 114 of the arm 104. For example, the end 114 of
the arm 104 can be clamped around the second end portion 164.
Protrusions, lobes, beads, and/or detents 165 on the second end
portion 164 are configured to prevent relative movement of the end
114 of the arm 104 and the second end portion 164 of the spring
member 160. In certain instances, portions of the end 114 of the
arm 104, such as a housing 116, can be formed or molded around the
second end portion 164 and/or the second end portion 164 can be
press-fit or friction-fit within the housing 116. Referring
primarily to FIGS. 25 and 26, the second end portion 164 is held
within the housing 116 by an interference fit. More specifically,
the protrusions 165 on the second end portion 164 fit securely
within slots in the housing 116, and the protrusions 165 (e.g.
FIGS. 23 and 24) prevent rotation of the second end portion 164
relative to the housing 116.
[0117] The spring member 160 includes a first length 172 adjacent
to the first end portion 162, and a second length 174 adjacent to
the second end portion 164. The first length 172 extends between
the first end portion 162 and the joint 112, and the second length
174 extends from the joint 112 to the second end portion 164. The
first length 172 is enclosed within the support base 120 and can
bow or otherwise deform within the cavity defined by the support
base 120. The second length 174 is enclosed within the casing 105
of the arm 104 (FIG. 18) and can bow or otherwise deform within the
cavity defined by the casing 105. In instances where the casing 105
is flexible, the casing 105 can deform with the spring member
160.
[0118] The spring member 160 further includes a cradled portion 166
supported within the joint body 130. The cradled portion 166 can be
supported between lower ridges 122 (FIG. 27B) and upper ridges 124
(FIG. 28) defined in the joint body 130. When the joint body 130
rotates with the arm 104, the ridges 122, 124 can affect rotation
of the cradled portion 166 therewith. Moreover, as the cradled
portion 166 rotates relative to the first end portion 162, the
cradled portion 166 can rotate, twist or otherwise deform within
the joint body 130.
[0119] As can be seen in FIGS. 22-26, the spring member 160 also
includes a plurality of contoured portions and a plurality of
linear portions. The contoured portions can be positioned
intermediate adjacent linear portions. For example, the spring
member 160 includes a first contoured portion 168 between the first
length 172 and the cradled portion 166. The spring member 160 also
includes a second contoured portion 170 between the second length
174 and the cradled portion 166. Additionally, the spring member
160 includes a third contoured portion 173 between the second end
portion 164 and the second length 174. Referring primarily to FIGS.
23 and 24, owing to the arrangement of the contours 168, 170, and
173, the undeformed spring member 160 traverses a vertical axis L
three times. The vertical axis L depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24
extends through the geometric center of the spring member 160.
Additionally, referring now to FIGS. 27 and 27B, the undeformed
spring member 160 crosses itself forming a loop 167. In other
words, the undeformed spring member 160 doubles-back upon itself to
form the loop 167. The undeformed spring member 160 also crosses
the rotational axis A.sub.1, A.sub.2 of the joint body 130 on which
it is supported (see FIGS. 33 and 35).
[0120] In various instances, the mounting and support structures
for the spring member 160 in the base assembly 120, further
described above, can be selected to optimize the bouncing or
oscillatory motions generated by the spring member 160. For
example, dampening of the spring member's 160 oscillations can be
caused by friction or by deflection of other less-elastic parts of
the device 100 during a bouncing motion. The mounting and support
structures for the spring member 160 are selected to minimize the
dampening effect caused by friction and deflection of other
less-elastic parts of the device 100. For example, friction
generated from the rotational displacement of the ball joint 130
within the base support 120, from the rotational and/or
translational displacement of the second spring end 162 in the
fastener 176, and/or from the deflections of the spring member 160
within the support base 120 and the casings 105 of the arms 104 is
minimized in the depicted embodiment by providing sufficient
clearance. Additionally or alternatively, various close-fitting
joints and/or regions of potential interference in the base
assembly 102 could be lubricated.
[0121] To reduce the dampening effect associated with the
deflection of parts that are less elastic than the spring member
160, the device 100 is designed to efficiently transfer the weight
of the seat assembly 140, including the weight of a child
positioned in the sling 144 (FIG. 17) of the seat assembly 140, to
the spring member 160 and from the spring member 160 to the support
surface for the device 100 (e.g. the ground). For example, in the
depicted embodiment, the seat frame 142 is positioned directly over
the free end portion 164 of the spring member 160 and the end 114
of the arm 104 is securely mounted to the free end portion 164 of
the spring member 160 by beads or protrusions 165 engaged with at
least one slot defined in the housing 116 at the end 114 of the arm
104 (see FIGS. 25 and 26). In such embodiments, the weight in the
seat assembly 140 is directly transferred to the free end portion
164 of the spring member 160. Additionally, the fixed end portion
162 of the spring member 160 is positioned directly over the rear
feet 117 of the support base 120, which transfers the weight in the
spring member 160 directly to the support surface to prevent and/or
limit deformation and/or flexing of the support base 120.
[0122] The reader will appreciate that various alternative
geometries can be selected for the spring members 160. For example,
at least one of the spring members 160 can be replaced with a leaf
spring, a torsion spring, or an alternative spring that provides
for flexibility of the base assembly 102. In various instances,
each arm 104 can include a plurality of spring members. In still
other instances, the arms 104 may not include the spring member 160
or an equivalent, alternative spring member. In such instances, the
infant-supporting device 100 can comprise a non-bouncing or
non-oscillating seat assembly 140. For example, the seat assembly
140 can be held stationary by the base assembly 102.
[0123] In certain instances, a spring member can be comprised of
two or more segments. The multiple segments of such a spring member
can be assembled together to form the spring member and can be
disassembled to facilitate packing, storage, and/or transportation
of the infant-supporting device 100. The segments of the spring
member can be connected at a joint or coupling. For example, the
spring member segments can be connected with a coupling tube. In
various instances, the base assembly 102 can include corresponding
junction, which can be detached when the segments of the spring
member are disassembled and can be attached when the segments of
the spring member are assembled. At least one joint in a segmented
spring member can be between the portion of the spring member
positioned in the support base 120 and the free end portion of the
spring member. In at least one instance, the arm 104 can include a
corresponding junction such that the arm 104 and the spring member
therein can be decoupled and recoupled, for example. In the
foregoing embodiment, the base assembly can be collapsed by
decoupling the segments of the spring member and the portions of
the arm without rotating the arms 104. Various types of spring
members in the base assembly may be segmented, such as the spring
member 160, a leaf spring, and/or a torsion spring, for
example.
[0124] Referring primarily to FIGS. 29-40, the casing 105 of the
arm 104 is connected to the joint body 130. As the arm 104 moves
relative to the support base 120, the joint body 130 is configured
to rotate relative to the support base 120 and along with the arm
104. The joint body 130 includes hubs 132 and 134. The body 130
defines a substantially ovoid shape. In other instances, the body
130 can be spherical or egg-shaped, for example. The reader will
appreciate that the body 130 can define a variety of suitable
geometries based on the geometry of the cavity 123 (FIGS. 39 and
40) defined by the support base 120. The body 130 is supported for
rotational travel relative to the support base 120. Moreover,
non-rotational travel of the body 130 relative to the support base
120 can be restrained or prevented by supporting structure(s) for
the body 130, as further described herein.
[0125] The joint body 130 is structured to avoid pinch points
between the rotating body 130 and the support base 120. For
example, the seam between the body 130 and the support base 120 can
define a smooth and substantially seamless transition. Additionally
or alternatively, the joint between the arm 104 and the support
base 120 can include a flexible joint, such as a flexible accordion
shield around the joint, which is configured to prevent pinch
points. In still other instances, the joint between the arm 104 and
the support base 120 can include a plurality of substantially rigid
collapsible segments or overlapping baffles, which can provide a
shield around the joint to prevent pinch points.
[0126] Referring primarily to FIGS. 33 and 34, as the arms 104
rotate about the rotational axes A.sub.1 and A.sub.2, the joint
bodies 130 rotate relative to the support base 120. The arms 104
are configured to cross a centerline L of the base assembly 102 as
the arms 104 move between the extended orientations and the
collapsed orientations. The centerline L extends through the
geometric center of the support base 120. Moreover, the arms 104
are symmetrically coupled to the support base 120 about the
centerline L. As a result, the joint bodies 130 of the arms 104 are
positioned on opposing sides of the centerline L. In the extended
orientation (e.g. FIG. 33), the arms 104 are positioned on opposite
sides of the centerline L. Moreover, the end portion 114 of each
arm 104 is laterally outboard of the joint body 130 of the same arm
104.
[0127] When the arms 104 are moved to the collapsed orientation
(e.g. FIG. 34), each arm 104 crosses the centerline L. For example,
the end portion 114 of each arm 104 is positioned on the opposite
side of the centerline L from the joint body 130 of the same arm
104. In such an arrangement, the arms 104 are configured to rotate
inward or laterally inboard as the base assembly 102 moves toward
the collapsed orientation. Moreover, the arms 104 are configured to
rotate outward or laterally outboard as the base assembly 102 moves
toward the extended configuration. In other instances, the arms 104
may rotate toward the centerline Las the arms 104 move toward the
collapsed orientation without crossing the centerline L. For
example, when the arms of collapsible base assembly extend a
shorter length than the arms 105 depicted in the embodiment of
FIGS. 33 and 34, the end portion of each arm may not cross the
centerline L even when the arms are fully collapsed relative to the
support base 120.
[0128] Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, the first hub 132 extends from
a first end of the joint body 130, and the second hub 134 extends
from a second end of the joint body 130. The hubs 132, 134 include
a substantially circular perimeter, which facilitates rotation of
the hubs 132 and 134 about the rotational axes A.sub.1 and A.sub.2.
The first hub 132 is configured to rotate within an attachment yoke
or bearing block 126 (e.g. FIG. 31) attached to the support base
120, and the second hub 134 is configured to rotate between guide
features, such as ridges 178 (e.g. FIG. 27), protruding inwardly
into the cavity 123 (FIGS. 39 and 40) in the support base 120. For
example, wedges 135 protruding radially from the second hub 134 are
positioned between adjacent guide ridges 178, as further described
herein. In such an arrangement, the joint body 130 is rotationally
coupled to the support base 120 and axial (i.e., non-rotational)
displacement of the joint body 130 relative to the support base 120
is substantially prevented. Other features of the support base 120
can interact with the joint body 130 to further restrain axial
displacement of the joint body 130 relative to the support base
120, as further described herein.
[0129] Referring primarily to FIGS. 37 and 38, a recess or notch
133 is defined in the circular perimeter of the first hub 132. The
recess 133 can be configured to interact with a detent assembly 125
to releasably hold the joint body 130 in a predefined orientation
relative to the support base 120. For example, the detent assembly
125 is configured to hold the joint body 130 in a position
corresponding to the extended orientation of the arm 104 relative
to the support base 120. In other instances, the detent assembly
125 can be configured to hold the joint body 130 in an alternative
orientation relative to the support base 120. For example, the
detent assembly 125 can be configured to hold the joint body 130 in
a position corresponding to the collapsed orientation of the arm
104 relative to the support base 120 and/or at least one additional
orientation of the arm 104 relative to the support base 120 between
the extended orientation and the collapsed orientation. For
example, the first hub 132 can include a plurality of recesses 133
corresponding to different rotational orientations of the joint
body 130.
[0130] The detent assembly 125 includes a plunger or detent 127 and
a spring 128. The detent 127 and the spring 128 are held within an
aperture 129 (FIG. 27) in the support base 120, and the spring 128
is configured to bias the detent 127 into abutting contact with the
outer perimeter of the first hub 132. The yoke 126, which is fixed
to the support base 120, is configured to maintain the abutting
contact between the hub 132 and the detent 127. Engagement of the
detent 127 and the recess 133 in the hub 132 is shown in FIG. 37.
The orientation of the joint body 130 in FIG. 37 corresponds to the
extended orientation of the arm 104 relative to the support base
120 (FIGS. 31, 33, and 35). As a result, the detent assemblies 125
are configured to hold the base assembly 102 in the extended
orientation.
[0131] A disengaged configuration of the detent 127 and the recess
133 is shown in FIG. 38. The orientation of the joint body 130 in
FIG. 38 corresponds to the collapsed orientation of the arm 104
relative to the base support 120 (FIGS. 32, 34, and 36). To move
the detent assembly 125 out of engagement with the recess 133, a
user must overcome the spring force of the spring 128 to depress
the detent 127 into the aperture 129, which permits rotation of the
hub 132, the body 130, and the arm 104.
[0132] Referring primarily to FIGS. 37 and 38, the detent 127
includes ramped, cam follower surfaces 131a, 131b and the recess
133 includes corresponding ramped, camming surfaces 133a, 133b. The
cam follower surfaces 131a, 131b on the detent 127 are configured
to facilitate rotational disengagement of the detent 127 and the
recess 133 when desired. Additionally, the cam follower surfaces
131 a, 131 b and the corresponding camming surfaces 133a, 133b also
facilitate alignment of the detent 127 with the recess 133 when the
recess 133 is within a range of positions approaching engagement
with the detent 127. For example, the camming surfaces 133a, 133b
are configured to bias the hub 132 into the orientation depicted in
FIG. 37, which corresponds to the extended orientation of the arm
104 relative to the base support 120. In other words, the
interaction between the camming surfaces 133a, 133b and the cam
follower surfaces 131a, 131 is configured to bias the arm 104 into
the extended orientation relative to the support base 120 when the
recess 133 is within a range of positions adjacent to the aligned
or engaged position (FIG. 37).
[0133] In various instances, the detent assembly 125 can be
configured to bias the arm 104 toward the extended orientation when
the arm 104 is in a range of positions approaching and/or adjacent
to the orientation position. For example, the detent assembly 125
can bias the arm 104 toward the extended orientation when the arm
104 is within approximately five to fifteen degrees of the extended
orientation. In certain instances, the detent assembly 125 can bias
the arm 104 toward the extended orientation when the arm 104 is
within approximately ten degrees of the extended orientation. In
other instances, the detent assembly 125 can bias the arm 104
toward the extended orientation when the arm 104 is farther than
approximately ten degrees and/or less than approximately five
degrees from the extended orientation. For example, the detent
assembly 125 can bias the arm 104 toward the extended orientation
when the arm 104 is within approximately thirty degrees of the
extended orientation.
[0134] Additionally or alternatively, at least one additional
locking mechanism, such as a detent and/or ratchet, for example,
can be employed to bias and/or releasably hold the joint body 130
in a predefined position relative to the support base 120. The
reader will further appreciate that alternative embodiments of the
infant-supporting device 100 may not include a locking mechanism.
In still other instances, it can be desirable to purchase or
initially obtain the device 100 in the collapsed orientation and
then permanently assemble the device 100 in the extended
orientation. For example, the collapsed orientation can be utilized
when shipping the device 100 and/or otherwise moving the device to
a consumer's home. Thereafter, the consumer may want to permanently
assemble the device. In such instances, the device 100 can include
a permanent or semi-permanent locking mechanism that permanently
holds the base 102 in the extended orientation.
[0135] Movement of the joint body 130 can also be restrained by the
wedges 135 (FIGS. 39 and 40) extending from the second hub 134. For
example, the wedges 135 are positioned between adjacent guide
ridges 178 (FIG. 28) extending into the cavity 123 defined by the
support base 120. Such placement of the wedges 135 is configured to
hold the joint body 130 in place axially within the support base
120 while permitting rotational displacement of the joint body 130
relative to the support base 120. Rotational displacement of the
joint body 130 can be restrained by at least one hard stop and/or
at least one soft stop. For example, each wedge 135 includes a hard
stop (stop surface 136).
[0136] Referring primarily to FIG. 39, opposing guide walls 118
extend into the cavity 123 defined between the upper portion 119
and the lower portion 121 of the support base 120. The guide walls
118 are positioned for abutting engagement with the outer perimeter
of the wedge 135. As a result, the wedges 135 are configured to
interact with the guide walls 118 to restrain rotation of the joint
body 130 relative to the support base 120. For example, the guide
walls 118 are configured to engage the wedges 135 to limit or
prevent rotation of the joint body 130 past the position
corresponding to the extended orientation of the base assembly 102.
Stated differently, the interaction between the guide walls 118 and
the wedges 135 restrains rotation of the arms 104 between the
extended orientation and the collapsed orientation. As a result,
the wedges 135 and the walls 118 prevent over-rotation of the arms
104.
[0137] Abutting engagement of the guide walls 118 and the stop
surfaces 136 of the wedges 135 is shown in FIG. 39. The orientation
of the joint body 130 in FIG. 39 corresponds to the extended
orientation of the base assembly 102 (FIGS. 31, 33, and 35). As a
result, the wedges 135 prevent further clockwise rotation of the
hub 134, which prevents over-extension of the arms 104 past the
extended orientation. The stop surfaces 136 act as hard stops for
the joint body 130.
[0138] After the detent assembly 125 has been overcome, as
described herein, the hub 134 can rotate counterclockwise to move
the arms 104 toward the collapsed orientation (FIGS. 32, 34, and
36). The orientation of the joint body 130 in FIG. 40 corresponds
to the collapsed orientation of the base assembly 102. The guide
walls 118 are configured to rotate along the outer perimeter of the
hub 134 as the arms 104 move from the extended orientation to the
collapsed orientation. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 39 and
40, the wedges 135 are configured to rotate between the guide walls
118 with minimal interference and/or resistance as the arms 104
move from the extended position (FIG. 39) to the collapsed position
(FIG. 40). The terms clockwise and counterclockwise are used above
for clarity with respect to the embodiment and perspective shown in
FIGS. 39 and 40; however, the reader will appreciate that the
wedges 135 and stop surfaces 136 thereof can be modified to control
rotational displacement in the opposite direction.
[0139] Over-rotation and/or under-rotation of the arms 104 relative
to the support base 120 can also be limited by the geometry of the
arms 104, the joint body 130 and/or the support base 120. For
example, in addition to the detent assembly 125, which seeks to
hold or bias the arms 104 in the extended orientation relative to
the support base 120 (FIG. 37) and the hard stop between the stop
surfaces 136 and the guide walls 118 (FIG. 39), over-extension of
the arms 104 past the extended orientation is prevented by
interference between the arms 104 and the support base 120. In
and/or near the extended orientation, the connecting flange between
the arm 104 and the joint body 130 can be in abutting or near
abutting engagement with the inner perimeter of the upper portion
119 of the support body 120. For example, as the stop surfaces 136
move into abutting engagement with the guide walls 118 (FIG. 39)
and the detent 127 moves into engagement with the recess 133 (FIG.
37), the connecting flange between the arm 104 and the joint body
130 can move into abutting engagement with the inner perimeter of
the upper portion 119. In other instances, at least one of the stop
surfaces 136 and/or the detent assembly 125 can restrain rotation
of the arm 104 before the connecting flange moves into abutting
engagement with the inner perimeter of the upper portion 119.
Additionally, over-collapsing of the arms 104 past the collapsed
orientation is prevented by interference between the arms 104 and
the support base 120. In the collapsed orientation, the connecting
flange between the arm 104 and the joint body 130 can be in
abutting or near abutting engagement with the inner perimeter of
the lower portion 121 of the support body 120. Referring primarily
to FIG. 27, the lower portion 121 of the support body 120 includes
a cutout 115 that is configured to permit rotation of the
connecting flange between the arm 104 and the joint 130 to the
position corresponding to the collapsed orientation and prevent
rotation past the position corresponding to the collapsed
orientation.
[0140] In other embodiments, portions of the joint body 130, such
as portions of the wedge 135 can be configured to restrain the
clockwise rotation of the hub 134. For example, surfaces 137 (FIGS.
39 and 40) of the wedge 135 may interact with the guide walls 118
to provide a brake or soft stop for the arms 104. In such
instances, the surfaces 137 can prevent further clockwise rotation
of the hub 134, which prevents over-folding of the arms 104 past
the collapsed orientation. Additionally or alternatively, in
certain instances, the hub 134 can be configured to bias the arm
104 toward the extended position. For example, the surfaces 137 can
be configured to bias the arms 104 toward the extended
configurations. In certain instances, the surfaces 137 can initiate
a biasing force after the arms 104 have rotated a predefined amount
from the collapsed orientations toward the extended orientations.
For example, the surfaces 137 can rotate the arms 104 toward the
extended orientations when the arms 104 are within a first range of
positions, and can rotate the arms 104 toward the collapsed
orientations when the arms 104 are within a second range of
positions.
[0141] In certain instances, the joint body 130 can include
additional rotational restraints. For example, the hub 134 can
include an additional stop surface or hard stop. Such a hard stop
can prevent rotational displacement beyond the collapsed
orientation. In certain instances, a soft stop can restrain the
counterclockwise rotation of the hub 134 as the arm 104 moves
toward the extended orientation. Such a soft stop can act as a
brake when unfolding the base assembly 102, for example.
Additionally or alternatively, the joint body 130 can engage
additional and/or different biasing elements that are configured to
bias the joint body 130 toward at least one predefined orientation.
For example, at least one torsion spring supported in the support
base 120 can bias the joint body 130 toward the orientation
corresponding to the extended orientation of the arm 104 or toward
the orientation corresponding to the collapsed orientation of the
arm 104.
[0142] As described herein, the device 100 includes the spring
members 160, which provide flexibility to the base assembly 102.
The spring members 160 permit the base assembly to generate a
bouncing or oscillating motion when the arms 104 are held in a
fixed rotational position relative to the support base 120. In
particular, when the seat assembly 140 is mounted to the arms 104,
the springs 160 can be deflected or otherwise deformed such that
the ends 114 of the arms 104 pivot toward the support base 120. The
spring members 160 are configured to spring back generating an
oscillatory movement of the seat assembly 140. The oscillations can
taper in amplitude as the spring member 160 reaches equilibrium.
The oscillations of the seat assembly 140 may also be prematurely
terminated by an external force. In other instances, the device 100
may not be configured for oscillatory or bouncing motion. For
example, the seat assembly 140 can be held fixed, or substantially
fixed, by the collapsible base assembly 102. In such instances, the
arms 140 may not include the spring members 160.
[0143] In certain instances, it is desirable to transfer vibrations
to the seat assembly 140. Vibration of the seat assembly 140 can be
implemented concurrently with the oscillatory or bouncing motion
described herein. Vibrations may also be employed when the seat
assembly 140 is held stationary relative to the base assembly 102.
For example, in embodiments excluding the spring members 160 in the
base assembly 102, the seat assembly 140 can be configured to
vibrate.
[0144] A vibration-generating assembly 146 is depicted in FIGS.
41-43. The vibration-generating assembly 146 includes an enclosure
182 housing a plurality of electronics. The enclosure 182 is
top-mounted to the seat ring 142. A removable lid or cover 184
(FIG. 41) provides access to the interior of the enclosure 182. In
particular, the removable lid 184 provides access to a battery
cavity 183, in which batteries for powering the
vibration-generating assembly 140 can be held. Referring to FIG.
42, the upper portion of the enclosure 182 has been removed to
expose the battery cavity 183. In various instances, the gasket
around the battery cavity 183 and/or the battery terminals depicted
in FIG. 42 can be housed within and/or attached to the upper
portion of the enclosure 182. The cover 184 is positioned on the
top of the enclosure 182, which facilitates access to the battery
cavity 183 when the device 100 is in an upright position on a
support surface (e.g. when the feet 117 are positioned on the
support surface). Moreover, the lid 184 is mounted to the enclosure
182. For example, the lid 184 can snap-fit into engagement with the
enclosure 182. In certain instances, for safety and/or compliance
purposes, the lid 184 can require a generic tool, such as a coin,
paper clip, letter opener, knife, screw driver, and/or pen, for
example, to snap off the lid 184 from the enclosure 182. In other
embodiments, the lid 184 can be fastened to the enclosure 182 with
threaded fasteners and/or a rotational and/or sliding mechanism,
for example.
[0145] The foregoing features promote convenient maintenance of the
device 100 when installing or removing batteries in the battery
cavity 183. The reader will appreciate that batteries positioned in
the battery cavity 183 and/or batteries positioned elsewhere in the
device 100, such as in the base assembly 102, for example, can
provide power to the device 100. In the embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 41 and 42, the battery cavity 183 is configured to receive
three AA batteries. In other embodiments, the vibration-generating
assembly 146 can be configured to receive less than three
batteries, more than three batteries, and/or different types of
batteries. In certain instances, the batteries for the device 100
can be rechargeable. For example, the batteries can be removed for
recharging and then can be reinstalled in the battery cavity 183.
In other instances, the batteries can be permanently installed in
the enclosure 182 and/or elsewhere in the device 100. Such
batteries can be rechargeable by a power cord, which can be coupled
to an external power source. In embodiments including rechargeable
batteries, a battery status indicator icon can be provided on the
vibration-generating assembly 146 and/or elsewhere on the device
100. Additionally or alternatively, an external power source can
provide power to the device 100. For example, the device 100 can be
plugged into an external power source, such as an electrical
socket, for example. In such instances, the device 100 may not
include internal batteries for powering the device 100 and/or the
vibration-generating assembly 146 thereof.
[0146] The vibration-generating assembly 146 also includes a
control panel or user interface 186. The control panel 186 includes
a power button 188 and adjustment buttons 189 and 190. The
adjustment button 189 is configured to adjust the vibrational mode,
and the adjustment button 190 is configured to adjust the
vibrational intensity. The vibrational modes can include a steady
or constant vibrational mode and at least one rhythmic vibrational
mode. For example, the vibrational modes can include a wave mode
and a heartbeat mode. The vibrational intensities can include a
plurality of intensities, such as high, medium, and low, for
example. Each of the vibrational intensities can be used with each
of the vibrational modes. For example, in instances where the
system is configured to operate in three vibrational modes (e.g.
steady, wave, and heartbeat) and three vibrational intensities
(e.g. high, medium, and low), nine different combinations are
possible.
[0147] At least one button 188, 189, 190 on the control panel 186
can comprise a mechanical actuator. For example, at least one
button 188, 189, 190 can comprise a mechanical button. In certain
embodiments, at least one button 188, 189, 190 on the control panel
186 can comprise an electrical input button, such as a touch pad,
for example. In various instances, at least one button 188, 189,
190 on the control panel 186 can be replaced with a knob, dial, or
switch, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the operation
of the power button 188 can be incorporated into the operation of
at least one of the adjustment buttons 189, 190. In certain
instances, the control panel 186 can include additional adjustment
buttons 189, 190 and/or at least one of the adjustment buttons 189,
190 can be removed or disabled.
[0148] The vibrational mode and the vibrational intensity can be
communicated to a user via the control panel 186. For example, the
control panel 186 includes a plurality of displays or indicators
191a, 191b, 191c, 191d, 191e, 191f. Referring to FIG. 41, the
indicator 191a is a bee icon, which corresponds to the steady or
constant vibrational mode, the indicator 191b is a wave icon, which
corresponds to a vibrational mode that oscillates between a higher
intensity and a lower intensity, the indicator 191c is a heart
icon, which corresponds to the heartbeat vibrational mode, and the
indicators 191d, 191e, and 191f correspond to the different
vibrational intensities (high, medium, and low, respectively). The
indicators 191a, 191b, 191c, 191d, 191e, 191f are illuminated with
lights 192 (FIG. 42), which can be LEDs, for example. The firmware
version of a controller for the assembly 146 can also be
communicated to a user via the control panel 186. Such a feature
may facilitate troubleshooting, customer support, and/or building
and/or testing the device 100 and/or the vibration-generating
assembly 146 thereof.
[0149] Referring primarily now to FIG. 43, the vibration-generating
assembly 146 also includes a circuit board 194, which is coupled to
a power source, such as at least one battery positioned in the
battery cavity 183. The circuit board 194 is also coupled to the
power button 188, the adjustment buttons 189 and 190, and the
lights 192, which are also coupled to the power source. The circuit
board 194 can include a controller, which implements various
control sequences further described herein. The assembly 146 also
includes a motor 196, which is powered by the power source. An
eccentric or asymmetrical mass 198 is mounted to an output shaft of
the motor 196 such that rotation of the motor 196 output shaft
affects rotation of the asymmetrical mass 198.
[0150] Actuation of the motor 196 and the corresponding rotation of
the asymmetrical mass 198 is configured to generate vibrations,
which are then transmitted to the seat ring 142 via the enclosure
182 (see FIG. 16). For example, the enclosure 182 is held against
the seat ring 142 by a plurality of fasteners. Additionally, the
motor 196 can be held against a portion of the enclosure 182 such
that the vibrations generated by the rotating asymmetrical mass 198
are transmitted to the enclosure 182 and, consequently, to the seat
ring 142. Vibration of the seat ring 142 affects vibrations of the
infant-supporting sling 144 (FIG. 16) supported by the seat ring
142 such that an infant positioned in the sling 144 may be
stimulated by the vibrating seat assembly 140.
[0151] Referring again to FIG. 43, in the depicted embodiment, a
piece of foam 199 is positioned between the motor 196 and a portion
of the enclosure 182. The foam 199 is configured to bias the motor
196 against the opposing side of the enclosure 182. Referring
primarily to FIG. 43, the foam 199 is positioned on the underside
of the motor 196, i.e., between the motor and a lower portion of
the enclosure 182. Additionally, the enclosure 182 is top-mounted
to the seat ring 142, as further discussed above. In other words,
the foam 199 biases the motor 199 against the portion of the
enclosure 182 that is connected to the seat ring 142, which can be
configured to optimize the transfer of vibrations to the seat ring
142. In various instances, the foam 199 can also hold the motor 196
snugly in place in the enclosure 182 to prevent rattling and/or
other undesirable noise generation during operation.
[0152] An electrical diagram of a control system 200 for the
vibration-generating assembly 146 is shown in FIG. 52. A power
supply 283 of the control system 200 supplies power to the
electronics in the system 146, including a controller 293, a user
interface 285, and a motor driver 295, for example. Control logic
or sequences can be implemented by the controller 293, which
communicates with the user interface 285 and the motor driver 295
to drive the motor 297 and generate the vibrations as described
above. When the power supply 283 is powering the system 200, the
controller 293 is configured to receive inputs from the user
interface 285 and send communication signals to the user interface
285. Moreover, the controller 293 can control the motor driver 295
to implement various operational modes. In various instances, the
power supply 283 corresponds to at least one battery positioned in
the battery cavity 183 (FIGS. 42 and 43) or other source of power,
the user interface 285 corresponds to the control panel 186 (FIGS.
41 and 42), and the motor 297 corresponds to the motor 196 (FIGS.
42 and 43). In other instances, the power supply 283 can be
external to the device 100.
[0153] Various control sequences for implementation by a
controller, such as the controller 293 (FIG. 52), for example, are
depicted in FIGS. 44-51. A control sequence initiated upon
actuation of a power button, such as the power button 188 (FIGS. 41
and 42), for example, is shown in FIG. 44. As further described
below, the power button 188 is linked to an interrupt function and
the controller 293 automatically powers down the control system 200
(FIG. 52) if the power supply is determined to be insufficient.
[0154] Referring primarily to FIG. 44, when the power button 188
(FIGS. 41 and 42) is actuated at step 202, the controller 293 (FIG.
52) determines whether the control system 200 (FIG. 52) is powered
on at step 204. If the controller 293 determines that the system
200 is on, the controller 293 powers the system 200 down at step
204a; however, if the controller 293 determines that the system 200
is off, the controller 293 proceeds to step 206, in which the
controller 293 determines the voltage of a battery or batteries,
such as batteries 283 (FIG. 52) in the battery cavity 183 (FIGS. 42
and 43), for example. Thereafter, at step 208, if the controller
293 determines that the battery voltage is less than a threshold
voltage that corresponds to a "dead" or drained battery, the system
200 is powered down by the controller 293 at step 208a. However, if
the controller 293 determines that the battery voltage is greater
than the threshold "dead" voltage at step 208, the controller 293
proceeds to step 210. At step 210, the controller 293 determines if
a "dead" or drained battery was previously detected and, if so, the
controller 293 powers down the system 200 at step 210a. If the
system 200 is powered down at step 210a, the system 200 will not
turn on again until a battery voltage above a predefined threshold
level is detected. Such a feature can improve a user's interaction
with the system 200 by preventing short cycles. If a "dead" battery
was not previously detected, the controller 293 proceeds to step
212, in which normal operation of the system 200 is resumed (see
FIG. 45).
[0155] Referring now to FIG. 45, the main loop of the control
system 200 (FIG. 52) under normal operation is shown. As further
described herein, the controller 293 (FIG. 52) is configured to
automatically power down the control system 200 when a "dead"
battery is detected and after the system 200 has been operated for
a predefined period of time. At step 214, the controller 293 powers
the system 200 on and the controller 293 is reset by the actuation
of the power button 188 (FIGS. 41 and 42), as further described
herein. If an adjustment button, such as the vibrational mode
adjustment button 189 (FIGS. 41 and 42) or the vibrational
intensity adjustment button 190 (FIGS. 41 and 42), for example, is
actuated at step 216, the controller 293 adjusts the vibrational
effect generated by the system 200 at step 218, as further
described herein.
[0156] At step 220, pulse width modulation or pulse frequency
modulation is utilized to control the indicator light(s) 192 (FIG.
42), which are configured to communicate operational states to the
display panel 186 (FIG. 41) of the vibration-generating assembly
146. For example, by adjusting the length of pulses and/or the
frequency of pulses supplied to the light(s), the controller 293
can control the intensity of the light(s) 192. The period of a
pulse width modulation circuit corresponds to the total amount of
time the light(s) 192 are turned on at full power and then turned
off before turning the light(s) 192 on again. By adjusting the
period, the controller 293 can control the flickering of the
light(s) 192. In certain instances, the controller 293 can optimize
the period to ensure that flickering of the light(s) is not visible
or perceptible to the human eye. The duty cycle of a pulse width
modulation circuit corresponds to the ratio between the amount of
time the light(s) 192 are pulsed on during a period and the total
period. By adjusting the duty cycle, the light(s) 192 can be dimmed
and/or brightened. For example, by increasing the duty cycle, the
light(s) 192 will appear to be brighter and, by decreasing the duty
cycle, the light(s) 192 will appear to be dimmer. In certain
instances, the controller 293 can optimize the duty cycle based on
the battery voltage. As a result, though the voltage supply
decreases over the lifetime of the battery or batteries, the
intensity of the light(s) 192 can appear to remain constant.
Additionally, utilizing pulse width modulation to control the
light(s) 192 can draw less power, which extends the life of the
battery or batteries.
[0157] Thereafter, at step 222, the controller 293 determines the
voltage of a battery or batteries, such as batteries 283 (FIG. 52),
for example, and the controller 293 then proceeds to step 224. If
the controller 293 determines that the battery voltage is less than
a threshold voltage that corresponds to a "dead" or drained
battery, the system 200 is powered down at step 224a. However, if
the controller 293 determines that the battery voltage is greater
than the threshold voltage at step 224, the controller 293 proceeds
to step 226, in which the controller 293 adjusts the motor
intensity to compensate for the detected battery voltage. For
example, dynamic pulse width modulation or dynamic pulse frequency
modulation can be employed to compensate for the change in voltage.
In such instances, as the battery voltage decreases over the
lifetime of the battery, the duration or frequency of pulses can be
increased to maintain the desired vibrational effect. As a result,
the vibrational intensity can be maintained at the desired level
(e.g. high, medium, or low) regardless of the age of the battery or
batteries, and thus regardless of the voltage thereof, until the
threshold "dead" voltage is detected by the controller 293.
[0158] The main loop may also include step 228, in which the
controller 293 determines if the system 200 as been operating for
longer than a threshold period of time, such as longer than 20
minutes, for example. If so, the controller 293 is configured to
power down the system 200 at step 228a, as further described herein
(see FIG. 48). The controller 293 may also be configured to update
the motor intensity according to the vibrational settings at step
230, and the controller 293 can repeat the process of updating the
vibrational setting in response to user input and updating the
motor control based on the battery voltage until the battery
reaches the threshold "dead" voltage or until the system 200 has
been operating for longer than the threshold period of time. The
reader will appreciate that the threshold period of time can be
greater than 20 minutes or less than 20 minutes in alternative
embodiments.
[0159] Actuation of an adjustment button, such as the vibrational
mode adjustment button 189 (FIGS. 41 and 42) or the vibrational
intensity adjustment button 190 (FIGS. 41 and 42), for example, is
shown in FIGS. 46 and 47. The adjustment buttons can be polled, as
further described herein. Referring primarily to FIG. 46, after the
vibrational intensity adjustment button 190 is actuated at step
232, the controller 293 determines the vibrational intensity of the
system 200 at step 234. If the controller 293 determines that the
vibrational intensity is not medium, the vibrational intensity is
changed to medium at step 236 and the controller 293 proceeds to
step 236a, in which normal operation of the system 200 is resumed
(see FIG. 45). If the controller 293 determines that the
vibrational intensity is medium, the controller 293 determines the
previous vibrational intensity of the system 200 at step 236. If
the previous vibrational intensity was high, the controller 293
proceeds to step 240, in which the vibrational intensity is changed
to low and normal operation is resumed at step 240a (see FIG. 45).
If the previous vibrational intensity was low, the controller 293
proceeds to step 242, in which the vibrational intensity is changed
to high and normal operation is resumed at step 242a (see FIG. 45).
The reader will appreciate that the system 200 can be configured to
operate at less than three vibrational intensities or more than
three vibrational intensities in alternative embodiments.
Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, the
vibrational intensity adjustment button 190 may not be polled.
[0160] Referring primarily now to FIG. 47, after the vibrational
mode adjustment button 189 is actuated at step 244, the controller
293 determines the vibrational mode of the system 200 at step 246.
If the controller 293 determines that the vibrational mode is not a
wave, the vibrational mode is changed to a wave at step 248 and the
controller 293 proceeds to step 248a, in which normal operation of
the system 200 is resumed (see FIG. 45). If the controller 293
determines that the vibrational mode is a wave, the controller 293
determines the previous vibrational mode of the system 200 at step
250. If the previous vibrational mode was a heartbeat mode, the
controller 293 proceeds to step 254, in which the vibrational mode
is changed to a constant vibrational mode and normal operation is
resumed at step 254a (see FIG. 45). If the previous vibrational
mode was a constant mode, the controller 293 proceeds to step 252,
in which the vibrational mode is changed to the heartbeat mode and
normal operation is resumed at step 252a (see FIG. 45). The reader
will appreciate that the system 200 can be configured to operate in
less than three vibrational modes or more than three vibrational
modes in alternative embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, in
other embodiments, the vibrational mode adjustment button 189 may
not be polled.
[0161] Referring now to FIG. 48, the controller 293 is configured
to automatically power down the system 200 under certain
conditions. For example, if the controller 293 determines that the
system 200 has been operating for longer than a threshold period of
time at step 256, such as longer than 20 minutes, for example, or
if the battery voltage is determined to be less than a threshold
voltage at step 258, the controller 293 is configured to
automatically power down the system 200. The automatic power-down
can occur differently depending on the vibrational mode in which
the system 200 is operating. For example, if the controller 293
determines that the system 200 is operating in the heartbeat mode
at step 260, the controller 293 is configured to continue the
operation of the system 200 for the duration of the current
heartbeat at step 262, and then power down the system 200 after the
heartbeat vibration is complete at step 266. Alternatively, if the
controller 293 determines that the system 200 is not operating in
the heartbeat mode at step 260, e.g., is operating in the constant
or wave mode, the controller 293 is configured to gradually or
incrementally reduce the intensity of the vibrations at step 264,
and then power down the system 200 at step 266. The foregoing
power-down embodiments can provide a smooth transition to an infant
supported by the device 100 (FIG. 16) to prevent startling or
upsetting the infant.
[0162] As further described herein, the controller 293 can be
reset. In certain instances, a system test or an endurance test may
also be executed. Referring now to FIG. 49, at step 270 the
controller 293 can be reset. When a first adjustment button is held
down for a predetermined period of time, such as 3 seconds, for
example, at step 272, the endurance test is initiated at step 274
(see FIG. 50). In various instances, the first adjustment button
can correspond to the vibrational mode adjustment button 189 (FIGS.
41 and 42) on the right side of the control panel 186. When a
second adjustment button is depressed or otherwise actuated for a
predetermined period of time, such as 3 seconds, for example, at
step 272, the system test can be initiated at step 276 (see FIG.
51). In various instances, the second adjustment button can
correspond to the vibrational intensity adjustment button 190
(FIGS. 41 and 42) on the left side of the control panel 186. If
neither of the adjustment buttons 189, 190 are actuated during the
reset function, the controller 293 is configured to power down the
system 200 at step 278.
[0163] The controller 293 is configured to implement at least one
test mode for the device 100 and control system 200 thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 50, an exemplary endurance test is depicted.
When the endurance test is initiated, such as by holding the
vibrational mode adjustment button 189 (FIGS. 41 and 42) for 3
seconds on a reset at step 272a, at least one indicator feature is
configured to indicate that the endurance test is underway at step
280. In certain instances, a first group of indicator lights, such
as the indicators 191a, 191b, and 191c, for example, can be
illuminated at step 280, for example. During the endurance test,
the motor 196 (FIGS. 42 and 43) is configured to operate at a
constant, high intensity for a predefined period of time, such as
105 minutes, for example, at step 282. Thereafter, the controller
293 is configured to turn off the motor 196 for a predefined period
of time, such as 15 minutes, for example, at step 284. Steps 282
and 284 can be repeated until the power source, such as the
batteries 283 (FIG. 52), for example, is drained.
[0164] An exemplary system test is depicted in FIG. 51. The system
test is configured to test the electrical components (e.g.
motor(s), button(s), LED(s), and/or transistor(s)) of the device
100 and control system 200 thereof. When the system test is
initiated, such as by depressing or otherwise actuating the
vibrational intensity adjustment button 190 (FIGS. 41 and 42) for 3
seconds on a reset at step 272b, at least one indicator feature is
configured to indicate that the system test is underway at step
286. In certain instances, the indicators 191a, 191b, 191c, 191d,
191e, and 191f can display a first pattern at step 286, for
example. During the system test, the controller 293 may be
configured to actuate the motor 196 (FIGS. 42 and 43) at a
constant, high intensity until the controller 293 receives another
input via the control panel 186 (FIGS. 41 and 42).
[0165] For example, at step 288, the vibrational intensity mode
button 190 can be actuated, which can cause the controller 293 to
adjust the indicator lights and the motor intensity. In certain
instances, the indicators 191a, 191b, 191c, 191d, 191e, and 191f
are configured to display a second pattern and the controller 293
switches the motor 196 to a lower intensity at step 288. Step 288
continues until the controller 293 receives another input via the
control panel 186. For example, at step 292, the power button 188
can be actuated, which can cause the controller 293 to adjust the
indicator light feature and the motor intensity. In certain
instances, the indicators 191a, 191b, 191c, 191d, 191e, and 191f
can display a third pattern and the motor 196 can be switched to a
higher intensity at step 294. Step 294 can continue until the
controller 293 receives another input via the control panel 186.
For example, at step 296, the vibrational mode adjustment button
189 can be actuated, which can cause the controller 293 to turn off
the motor 196 at step 298 and then display a fourth pattern with
the indicators 191a, 191b, 191c, 191d, 191e, and 191f indicating
that the system test is complete.
[0166] In various instances, the device 100 (FIG. 16) can include a
3-axis accelerometer, which can be in communication with the
controller 293 (FIG. 51). In certain instances, the accelerometer
can be positioned within the enclosure 182 of the
vibration-generating assembly 146, for example. The accelerometer
can be used to determine if a child is positioned in the
infant-supporting sling 144 (FIG. 17) of the device 100. For
example, the angle of the seat frame 142, and thus of the
vibration-generating assembly 146 mounted thereto, can change when
a child is positioned within the sling 144. Additionally, the angle
of the seat frame 142 and the vibration-generating assembly 146 can
depend on the size and weight of the child. If the controller 293
determines that a child is not present in the sling 144 based on
signals from the accelerometer, the controller 293 can turn off the
motor 196 (FIGS. 42 and 43) to conserve power (e.g. to preserve
battery life). Additionally or alternative, the controller 293 can
be configured to automatically turn on the motor 196 when a child
is detected in the sling 144 by the accelerometer.
[0167] The accelerometer can detect the bouncing or oscillating
motion of the device 100. The data collected by the accelerometer
can be processed by the controller 293. In certain instances, the
data can be recorded and stored to identify patterns of use.
Signals from the accelerometer can allow the controller 293 to
learn the behavior of a child that is placed in the device 100. For
example, based on the signal from the accelerometer, the controller
293 can determine whether the child has fallen asleep, woken up,
become agitated, and/or calmed down, for example, by monitoring
changes to the motion over time. If the controller 293 determines
that the child has fallen asleep, the controller 293 can
automatically turn off or reduce a vibrational effect, for example,
and if the controller 293 determines that a child has woken up, the
controller 293 can automatically turn on or increase a vibrational
effect, for example.
[0168] Additionally, the controller 293 can be configured to
provide feedback to the parent and/or child based on the motions
detected by the accelerometer. This feedback may be audible,
visual, or tactile, and can include vibrations, lights, and/or
audio. For example, an LED may be modulated to provide a pulsing
effect that corresponds to the detected oscillatory motion of the
device 100. Additionally or alternatively, an acoustic signal can
be manipulated to correspond to the detected oscillatory motion.
For example, the pitch and/or volume could be modulated or
otherwise manipulated. In certain instances, the controller 293 can
intensify at least one form of feedback when the accelerometer
detects additional bounce or movement and/or can reduce at least
one of feedback when the accelerometer detects reduced bounce or
movement. Such features can encourage bouncing and play under
certain circumstances, calm or sooth an infant under other
circumstances, and conserve the battery life, for example.
[0169] The device 100 can also include a wireless communication
transceiver, such as a BLUETOOTH.RTM. transceiver, a Wi-Fi
transceiver, or any other suitable wireless communication
transceiver, for example. Such a transceiver can be positioned
within the enclosure 182, for example. In other instances, the
transceiver can be mounted to the base assembly 102. Such a
transceiver can be in operative communication with the controller
293 or another controller of the device 100. The following
commonly-owned United States patent documents are hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties:
[0170] U.S. Patent Application No. 61/954,332, entitled WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR JUVENILE PRODUCTS, filed
Mar. 17, 2014; [0171] U.S. Patent Application No. 62/045,859,
entitled WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR JUVENILE
PRODUCTS, filed Sep. 4, 2014; [0172] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/660,503, entitled WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS METHODS AND
SYSTEMS FOR JUVENILE PRODUCTS, filed Mar. 17, 2015; and [0173] U.S.
Patent Application No. 62/148,563, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTROL OF JUVENILE PRODUCTS, filed
Apr. 16, 2015.
[0174] The reader will appreciate that a wireless communication
transceiver can allow a parent to remotely monitor or control a
child's motion in the device 100 from another device, such as a
smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, or any other
suitable device. It can also allow for remote control of the
vibrational effects from the other device and remote control of
various forms of feedback from another device. Audio output may be
built into the device 100 (e.g. in the enclosure 182) or could be
streamed from a remote device. Additionally, a wireless
communication transceiver can allow user data to be collected and
transmitted to the manufacturer of the bouncer seat for evaluation
and future improvements. In certain instances, the device 100 can
include a camera, which can monitor a child positioned in the seat
assembly 140 to learn about child behavior. Such a camera can be
remotely controlled with a wireless communication transceiver, as
further described herein.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0175] An infant-supporting device, comprising a seat assembly and
a support assembly. The support assembly comprises a base, at least
one arm movable between an extended orientation and a collapsed
orientation relative to the base, and a spring. The at least one
arm comprises a first arm end rotatably coupled to the base at a
joint. The at least one arm further comprises a second arm end,
wherein the seat assembly is releasably mountable to the second arm
end, and wherein the second arm end is configured to rotate inward
and downward toward the base when the at least one arm moves toward
the collapsed orientation. The spring comprises a first spring end
mounted to the base and a second spring end mounted to the at least
one arm, wherein the spring is configured to facilitate oscillation
of the seat assembly relative to the base when the seat assembly is
mounted to the second arm end.
Example 2
[0176] The infant-supporting device of Example 1, wherein the
spring extends through the joint.
Example 3
[0177] The infant-supporting device of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the
seat assembly comprises a seat frame and an infant-supporting sling
releasably attached to the seat frame.
Example 4
[0178] The infant-supporting device of Example 3, wherein the seat
assembly further comprises a vibration-generating system secured to
the seat frame.
Example 5
[0179] The infant-supporting device of Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4,
wherein the base further comprises a rotational stop, and wherein
the at least one arm further comprises a stop surface configured to
abut the rotational stop when the at least one arm is in the
extended orientation.
Example 6
[0180] The infant-supporting device of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5,
wherein the at least one arm further comprises a camming surface
configured to bias the at least one arm toward the extended
orientation.
Example 7
[0181] The infant-supporting device of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or
6, wherein the base further comprises a spring-loaded detent, and
wherein the at least one arm further comprises a groove configured
to engage the spring-loaded detent when the at least one arm is in
the extended orientation.
Example 8
[0182] An infant-supporting device, comprising a seat assembly and
a support assembly. The support assembly comprises a base, wherein
a centerline is defined through the base. The support assembly also
comprises an arm comprising a first end portion rotatably coupled
to the base at a joint. The arm also comprises a second end
portion, wherein the seat assembly is mountable to the second end
portion, wherein the arm is configured to rotate between a first
orientation and a second orientation relative to the base, and
wherein the second end portion is configured to rotate toward the
centerline as the arm rotates between the first orientation and the
second orientation.
Example 9
[0183] The infant-supporting device of Example 8, further
comprising a spring mounted to the base and the arm, wherein the
second end portion of the arm is deflectable relative to the
base.
Example 10
[0184] The infant-supporting device of Example 9, wherein the
spring is enclosed in the support assembly.
Example 11
[0185] The infant-supporting device of Examples 9 or 10, wherein
the second end portion comprises a joint body supported for
rotation relative to the base, and wherein the spring extends
through the joint body.
Example 12
[0186] The infant-supporting device of Examples 8, 9, 10, or 11,
further comprising a second arm. The second arm comprising a first
end portion rotatably coupled to the base at a second joint and a
second end portion, wherein the seat assembly is mountable to the
second end portion, wherein the second arm is configured to rotate
between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to
the base, and wherein the second end portion is configured to
rotate toward the centerline as the second arm rotates between the
first orientation and the second orientation.
Example 13
[0187] The infant-supporting device of Examples 8, 9, 10, 11, or
12, wherein the seat assembly further comprises a quick-release
button configured to release the seat assembly from the second end
portion.
Example 14
[0188] The infant-supporting device of Examples 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
or 13, wherein the seat assembly further comprises a
vibration-generating system.
Example 15
[0189] An infant-supporting device, comprising a seat assembly and
a collapsible support assembly. The collapsible support assembly
comprising a base, a pivot joint coupled to the base, and a spring
member extending through the pivot joint, wherein the spring member
comprises a first end portion secured to the base and a second end
portion configured to deflect relative to the first end
portion.
Example 16
[0190] The infant-supporting device of Example 15, wherein the
spring member is enclosed in the collapsible support assembly.
Example 17
[0191] The infant-supporting device of Examples 15 or 16, wherein
the collapsible support assembly further comprises an arm, and
wherein the second end portion is secured to the arm.
Example 18
[0192] The infant-supporting device of Example 17, further
comprising a locking mechanism configured to hold the arm in an
extended position relative to the base when the locking mechanism
is engaged.
Example 19
[0193] The infant-supporting device of Example 18, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded detent, and wherein the
arm further comprises a groove configured to engage the
spring-loaded detent when the arm is in the extended position.
Example 20
[0194] The infant-supporting device of Example 19, wherein the
spring-loaded detent further comprises a camming surface configured
to bias the arm toward the extended position.
Example 21
[0195] An infant-supporting device, comprising a seat frame and a
support assembly. The support assembly comprising a base, an arm
movably coupled to the base, and a spring member enclosed within
the support assembly, wherein the spring member comprises a first
end portion secured to the base and a second end portion secured to
the arm.
Example 22
[0196] The infant-supporting device of Example 21, wherein the seat
frame is releasably mountable to the arm.
Example 23
[0197] The infant-supporting device of Example 22, wherein the seat
frame further comprises a quick-release button configured to
release the seat frame from the arm.
Example 24
[0198] The infant-supporting device of Examples 21, 22, or 23,
wherein the arm comprises a first arm, and wherein the support
assembly further comprises a second arm movably coupled to the base
and a second spring member enclosed within the support assembly.
The second spring member comprises a first end portion secured to
the base and a second end portion secured to the second arm.
Example 25
[0199] The infant-supporting device of Example 24, wherein the seat
frame is releasably mountable to the second arm.
Example 26
[0200] The infant-supporting device of Example 25, wherein the
first arm and the second arm are rotatably coupled to the base, and
wherein rotation of the first arm and the second arm relative to
the base is restrained when the seat frame is mounted to the first
arm and the second arm.
Example 27
[0201] The infant-supporting device of Examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
or 26, further comprising a vibration-generating system fastened to
the seat frame.
Example 28
[0202] The infant-supporting device of Examples 21, 22, or 23,
wherein the arm further comprises a joint body rotatably supported
by the base, and wherein the spring member extends through the
joint body.
Example 29
[0203] The infant-supporting device of Example 28, wherein the arm
is configured to rotate between a first orientation and a second
orientation relative to the base, wherein the base further
comprises a rotational stop, and wherein the joint body further
comprises a stop surface configured to abut the rotational stop
when the arm is in the first orientation.
Example 30
[0204] The infant-supporting device of Example 29, wherein the
joint body further comprises a camming surface configured to bias
the arm toward the first orientation.
Example 31
[0205] The infant-supporting device of Examples 29 or 30, wherein
the base further comprises a spring-loaded detent, and wherein the
joint body further comprises a groove configured to engage the
spring-loaded detent when the arm is in the first orientation.
Example 32
[0206] An infant-supporting device, comprising an infant seat
assembly and a collapsible support assembly. The infant seat
assembly comprises a mount. The collapsible support assembly
comprises a base and an arm comprising a first end portion movably
coupled to the base and a second end portion, wherein the mount is
dimensioned to receive the second end portion. The collapsible
support assembly further comprises a latching mechanism configured
to releasably couple the second end portion to the mount.
Example 33
[0207] The infant-supporting device of Example 32, wherein the
latching mechanism comprises a first spring-biased button on the
mount and a second spring-biased button on the second end
portion.
Example 34
[0208] The infant-supporting device of Example 33, wherein the
first spring-biased button is movable between an unactuated
position and an actuated position, and wherein the first
spring-biased button is configured to engage the second
spring-biased button when moved to the actuated position.
Example 35
[0209] The infant-supporting device of Examples 32, 33, or 34,
wherein the collapsible support assembly further comprises a spring
member enclosed within the base and the arm.
Example 36
[0210] The infant-supporting device of Examples 32, 33, 34, or 35,
wherein the infant seat assembly further comprises a second mount,
and wherein the collapsible support assembly further comprises a
second arm. The second arm comprises a first end portion movably
coupled to the base and a second end portion, wherein the second
mount is dimensioned to receive the second end portion.
[0211] Although the various embodiments of the devices have been
described herein in connection with certain disclosed embodiments,
many modifications and variations to those embodiments may be
implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain
components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to
various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple
components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single
component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing
description and following claims are intended to cover all such
modification and variations.
[0212] While this invention has been described as having exemplary
designs, the present invention may be further modified within the
spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore
intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the
invention using its general principles.
[0213] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in
whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference
herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the
incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions,
statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this
disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as
explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material
incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof,
that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which
conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other
disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to
the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated
material and the existing disclosure material.
* * * * *