U.S. patent application number 15/448181 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-07 for travel swing with detachable rocker.
This patent application is currently assigned to KIDS II, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is KIDS II, INC.. Invention is credited to Peter JACKSON, Jacob SCLARE.
Application Number | 20170251830 15/448181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58265818 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170251830 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCLARE; Jacob ; et
al. |
September 7, 2017 |
TRAVEL SWING WITH DETACHABLE ROCKER
Abstract
A portable travel swing and rocker device for children includes
a swing frame and a rocker. Either or both of the swing frame and
the rocker are foldable for ease of transport. The rocker can be
used in a first swinging motion mode when attached to the swing
frame, or independently in a second rocking motion mode when
detached from the swing frame. Electronic features and controls are
optionally provided on the rocker for dual mode operability.
Inventors: |
SCLARE; Jacob; (Dacula,
GA) ; JACKSON; Peter; (Alpharetta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIDS II, INC. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KIDS II, INC.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
58265818 |
Appl. No.: |
15/448181 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62304653 |
Mar 7, 2016 |
|
|
|
62394897 |
Sep 15, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/105 20130101;
A47D 9/04 20130101; A47D 13/10 20130101; A47D 9/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 13/10 20060101
A47D013/10; A47D 9/02 20060101 A47D009/02 |
Claims
1. A portable travel swing and rocker device for children,
comprising: a swing frame comprising a first leg assembly and a
second leg assembly, the first and second leg assemblies connected
by at least one frame hub, and further comprising at least one
swing arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the at least one
frame hub and a second end comprising a coupling bracket; and a
rocker comprising a seat, a rocker base attached to the seat, and a
mounting hub for detachable coupling with the coupling bracket of
the swing frame.
2. The portable travel swing and rocker device of claim 1, wherein
the rocker is operable in a first mode for swinging when mounted to
the swing frame, and operable in a second mode for rocking when
detached from the swing frame.
3. The portable travel swing and rocker device of claim 1, further
comprising a magnetic drive mechanism for imparting a swinging
motion to the rocker when mounted to the swing frame.
4. The portable travel swing and rocker device of claim 3, wherein
substantially all powered components of the magnetic drive
mechanism are mounted to the rocker.
5. The portable travel swing and rocker device of claim 1, wherein
at least one of the swing frame and the rocker are foldable from an
expanded configuration to a compact configuration.
6. The portable travel swing and rocker device of claim 1, wherein
the rocker comprises at least one remotely-controlled electronic
feature.
7. The portable travel swing and rocker device of claim 1, wherein
the at least one swing arm is inwardly directed, to provide
operational clearance between the swing frame and the rocker.
8. The portable travel swing and rocker device of claim 1, having a
height of less than 30 inches and a weight of less than 25
pounds.
9. A portable child motion device comprising a base frame and a
child support unit configured for removable attachment to the base
frame, wherein the child support unit is operable to move in a
coupled mode when attached to the base frame, and wherein the child
support unit is operable to move in an independent mode when
detached from the base frame.
10. The portable child motion device of claim 9, wherein the child
support unit swings relative to the base frame in the coupled mode,
and rocks on a support surface in the independent mode.
11. The portable child motion device of claim 9, wherein at least
one of the base frame and the child support unit are foldable from
an expanded configuration for use to a compact configuration for
portability.
12. The portable child motion device of claim 9, wherein both of
the base frame and the child support unit are foldable from an
expanded configuration for use to a compact configuration for
portability.
13. The portable child motion device of claim 9, wherein the base
frame comprises a first leg assembly and a second leg assembly, the
first and second leg assemblies being pivotally connected to one
another by first and second frame hubs, and further comprising
first and second swing arms, each swing arm having a first end
pivotally coupled to one of the first and second frame hubs.
14. The portable child motion device of claim 9, wherein the child
support unit comprises a rocker comprising a support surface for
receiving a child and a rocker base attached to the support
surface.
15. The portable child motion device of claim 9, further comprising
at least one electronic feature, the at least one electronic
feature being a part of the child support unit and separable from
the base frame when the child support unit is in the independent
mode.
16. The portable child motion device of claim 15, further
comprising a control for the at least one electronic feature, the
control being onboard the child support unit and/or part of a
remote control separate from the child support unit and the base
frame.
17. The portable child motion device of claim 9, having a height of
less than 30 inches and a weight of less than 25 pounds.
18. A children's swing and rocker device comprising: a swing frame
comprising a first leg assembly and a second leg assembly, the
first and second leg assemblies being pivotally connected to one
another by first and second frame hubs, whereby the swing frame is
foldable from an expanded configuration for use to a compact
configuration for portability, the swing frame further comprising
first and second swing arms, each swing arm having a first end
pivotally coupled to one of the first and second frame hubs and a
second end comprising a first coupling portion; and a rocker
comprising a support surface for receiving a child, a rocker base
attached to the support surface and defining at least one arcuate
rocking surface, and second coupling portions for releasable
engagement with the first coupling portions of the swing arms.
19. The children's swing and rocker device of claim 18, wherein the
rocker is operable in a swinging motion mode when attached to the
swing frame, and wherein the rocker is operable independently of
the swing frame in a rocking motion mode when detached from the
swing frame.
20. The children's swing and rocker device of claim 18, further
comprising an electromagnetic drive system for imparting a swinging
motion of the rocker relative to the swing frame.
21. The children's swing and rocker device of claim 20, wherein a
powered component of the electromagnetic drive system is mounted to
the rocker, and a passive component of the electromagnetic drive
system is mounted to the swing frame.
22. The children's swing and rocker device of claim 18, further
comprising at least one electronic feature, the at least one
electronic feature being a part of the rocker and removable from
the swing frame.
23. The children's swing and rocker device of claim 22, further
comprising a control unit for the at least one electronic feature,
the control unit being selected from an onboard control unit being
a part of the rocker, a remote control unit not part of the rocker
or the swing frame, and a combination thereof.
24. The children's swing and rocker device of claim 18, wherein the
rocker base is hingedly attached to the support surface of the
rocker.
25. The children's swing and rocker device of claim 18, wherein the
first and second swing arms are inwardly directed, defining a wider
spacing between the first ends of the swing arms at their points of
connection with the frame hubs and a narrower spacing between the
second ends of the swing arms at the first coupling portions.
26. The children's swing and rocker device of claim 18, having a
height of less than 30 inches and a weight of less than 25 pounds.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/304,653 filed Mar. 7, 2016 and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/394,897 filed Sep. 15,
2016, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
children's accessories, and more particularly to a portable travel
swing device for children having a detachable rocker apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Motion devices such as swings, rockers, gliders and the like
are often used for supporting infants and small children during
rest or play, and to entertain and soothe a child with a steady
cyclical motion. Children's swing devices typically fall into one
of two categories--larger (typically, for example, having a height
of 32'' or more) and heavier (typically, for example, weighing
about 35 pounds or more) full-size swings for stationary use in one
location, and smaller and lighter travel swings for portable
use.
[0004] Some full-size swings may incorporate a removable child
support unit, for example allowing a child carrier to be attached
to and removed from the swing base structure. On such devices, the
electronic controls for the swing's motion and other features are
typically provided on the swing base structure, since it remains
stationary and therefore easier to access than moving or removable
components, and to avoid adding weight to components intended for
portability.
[0005] Travel swings typically do not incorporate a removable child
support unit, due to their smaller frame size and weight
constraints. Thus, previously known travel swings typically
function only as a swing, and do not provide alternate modes of
use.
[0006] Continuing developments and improvements are sought in the
field of children's accessories. It is to the provision of an
improved portable travel swing device for children that the present
invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY
[0007] In example embodiments, the present invention provides a
portable travel swing device for children having a detachable
rocker apparatus. The device includes a swing frame and a rocker
configured for releasable attachment to the swing frame. In example
embodiments, a magnetic drive or other motive means is provided for
swinging the rocker when mounted on the frame, and the rocker is
further configured for supporting a child therein and rocking the
child when the rocker is removed from the frame. In this manner,
the device is convertible between two modes of use, namely a swing
mode and a rocker mode.
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a swing and
rocker device for children, which includes a swing frame and a
rocker. The swing frame preferably includes a first leg assembly
and a second leg assembly connected by at least one frame hub. The
swing frame preferably also includes at least one swing arm having
a first end pivotally coupled to the at least one frame hub and a
second end comprising a coupling bracket. The rocker preferably
includes a seat, a rocker base attached to the seat, and a mounting
hub for detachable coupling with the coupling bracket of the swing
frame.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention relates to a portable
travel swing and rocker device for children, including a swing
frame and a rocker. The swing frame preferably includes a first leg
assembly and a second leg assembly. The first and second leg
assemblies are preferably connected by at least one frame hub. The
swing frame preferably also includes at least one swing arm having
a first end pivotally coupled to the at least one frame hub and a
second end comprising a coupling bracket. The rocker preferably
includes a seat, a rocker base attached to the seat, and a mounting
hub for detachable coupling with the coupling bracket of the swing
frame.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a portable
child motion device including a base frame and a child support unit
configured for removable attachment to the base frame. The child
support unit is preferably operable to move in a coupled mode when
attached to the base frame, and alternatively operable to move in
an independent mode when detached from the base frame.
[0011] In another aspect, the invention relates to a children's
swing and rocker device including a swing frame and a rocker. The
swing frame preferably includes a first leg assembly and a second
leg assembly, the first and second leg assemblies preferably being
pivotally connected to one another by first and second frame hubs,
whereby the swing frame is foldable from an expanded configuration
for use to a compact configuration for portability. The swing frame
preferably further includes first and second swing arms, each swing
arm having a first end pivotally coupled to one of the first and
second frame hubs and a second end comprising a first coupling
portion. The rocker preferably includes a support surface for
receiving a child, a rocker base attached to the support surface
and defining at least one arcuate rocking surface, and second
coupling portions for releasable engagement with the first coupling
portions of the swing arms.
[0012] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are
explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a two-in-one travel swing
with a detachable rocker in a swinging first mode of use according
to an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of the swing with detachable rocker
of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show side views of the swing with
detachable rocker of FIG. 1, moving through a range of swinging
movement according to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the swing with
detachable rocker of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows the swing with detachable rocker of FIG. 1,
with the rocker removed from the swing frame and the swing frame
partially folded into a collapsed configuration.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the detached rocker in a
rocking second mode of use, independent of the swing frame.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side view of the detached rocker in the rocking
second mode of use, independent of the swing frame.
[0020] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the detached rocker folded into a
collapsed configuration.
[0021] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show a sequence of folding of the
swing frame, according to an example embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D show an attachment sequence of
coupling the removable rocker to the swing frame, according to an
example embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 12A and 12B show additional details of a portion of a
coupling and release mechanism for attachment and removal of the
removable rocker to and from the swing frame, according to an
example embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIGS. 13 and 13A show additional detail of a pivotal seat
frame connection of the removable rocker portion of the travel
swing, according to an example embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of example
embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing
figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be
understood that this invention is not limited to the specific
devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown
herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not
intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all
patents and other publications identified in this specification are
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
[0026] Also, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural,
and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least
that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment.
[0027] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-13 show a portable travel swing and rocker
device 10 according to an example embodiment of the invention. The
device generally includes a swing frame 30, and a detachable rocker
60 that is configured for a first mode of use attached to the swing
frame, and also for a second mode of use detached from and
independent of the swing frame. In alternative embodiments, the
detachable component takes the form of a bouncer, glider, seat or
other child support device, for example providing bouncing,
gliding, vibrational or other types of motion.
[0028] In the example embodiment depicted, the frame 30 comprises
an A-frame having a front leg assembly 32 and a rear leg assembly
34, both pivotally connected at upper ends thereof to upper frame
hubs 36. Each of the front leg assembly 32 and the rear leg
assembly 34 comprise a U-shaped assembly having first and second
leg members and a lower cross-member extending between lower ends
of the leg members. The frame 30 may be fabricated from plastic or
aluminum tubing and/or other materials of construction. A lower
frame brace member 40 extends between the lower cross-members of
the front leg assembly 32 and the rear leg assembly 34. In example
embodiments, the lower frame brace member 40 comprises front and
rear segments hingedly connected to one another at inner ends
thereof, and pivotally connected to the lower cross-members of the
leg assemblies at outer ends thereof. The frame hubs 36 and/or the
lower frame brace member 40 optionally include a releasable locking
mechanism to retain the frame 30 in the expanded or upright
configuration (FIGS. 1-4), or to allow the frame to fold into a
more compact folded or generally flat collapsed configuration (FIG.
5) for storage and transport. FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show a
sequence of folding of the swing base frame 30 from the expanded or
upright configuration (FIG. 10A) to the compact folded or collapsed
configuration (FIG. 10C). As shown, the lower frame brace member 40
optionally includes a carry handle or hand grip 41 extending from
the inner end of one of the front or rear segments, with an opening
configured for an adult caregiver's hand to pass through and grasp
a handle portion thereof to fold and carry the frame. As seen with
reference to FIG. 10C, in an example embodiment the hand grip 41 is
offset a distance from the hinged connection between the front and
rear segments of the lower frame brace member 40, and when the
frame 30 is in its folded configuration the hand grip is positioned
generally along or proximal centrally along a medial plane or axis
extending between the folded front and rear leg assemblies 32, 34,
and above the center of gravity of the folded frame 30 for balanced
carrying and ease of portability. A passive magnetic element 42,
for example comprising a permanent magnet, is preferably mounted at
or adjacent to a medial portion of the lower frame brace member 40.
In example embodiments, the frame 30 does not include any active or
powered electronics or drive components.
[0029] The frame 30 further comprises first and second swing arms
50, 52, pivotally coupled to the upper frame hubs 36, and hanging
downwardly therefrom. In the depicted example embodiment, each
swing arm 50, 52 further comprises a coupling bracket 54 extending
therefrom, for example rearwardly at an acute angle of inclination,
and optionally hingedly connected to a respective swing arm. A
generally U-shaped cross-bar 56 extends between the coupling
brackets on each swing arm 50, 52 to couple the motion of the swing
arms together and/or to provide structural bracing. Optionally, the
cross-bar 56 is configured to function as a carrying handle when
the frame 30 is folded. As seen best with reference to FIG. 2, in
example embodiments the swing arms 50, 52 are inwardly directed,
for example arcuately curving or angled inwardly from a wider
spacing W between the upper ends of the swing arms at their points
of connection with the upper frame hubs 36 to a narrower spacing N
between lower ends of the swing arms at the coupling brackets 54.
The inward direction of the swing arms 50, 52 provides spacing
between inside edges of the leg assemblies 32 of the swing base
frame 30 and outside edges of the seat body 62 of the rocker 60,
sufficient for an adult caregiver to more easily fit their hands
for access to attach and remove the rocker 60 from the swing base
frame. Additionally, in example embodiments, the upper frame hubs
36 are relatively narrow, for example no more than about 1.5 times
the width, and more preferably no more than about 1.25 times the
width of the front leg assemblies 32, to minimize interference with
access between the frame and the seat.
[0030] For ease of portability and transport, in example
embodiments, the travel swing and rocker device 10 has an overall
maximum height of less than about 30'', for example about 25''-28''
or less in height. Additionally, in example embodiments, the travel
swing and rocker device 10 has an overall weight of about 30 pounds
or less, for example about 15-20 pounds or less in weight. In this
manner, a parent or other adult caregiver can easily move the
travel swing and rocker device 10 from room to room for use in
different locations, load the device into the trunk or storage area
of a vehicle, and otherwise readily move and transport the device.
Additionally, in example embodiments, a caregiver can lift and
carry the travel swing and rocker device 10 with one hand, leaving
the other hand free to carry the child or other objects.
[0031] The rocker 60 generally comprises a seat body 62, for
example in the form of a plastic molding or fairing, comprising a
seat frame portion 64 and a base frame portion 66 extending
downward from the front of the seat frame portion. The seat frame
portion retains a soft-goods seat or support surface 70 for holding
a child, optionally including a fabric sling or cover, cushioning,
and retention straps or a safety harness for attaching around the
child seated therein. Optionally, as shown in greater detail in
FIG. 13, a folding and/or spring biased seat frame, for example in
the form of a pair of generally U-shaped retention frame tubes 72,
74, is provided for engagement of the soft-goods seat 70 within the
seat frame portion 64, and optionally to allow for removal of the
soft-goods seat for cleaning or replacement. One or more snap
retainers or other couplings 65 (FIG. 13A) are optionally provided
for engagement of the soft goods frame tubes 72, 74 with the seat
frame 64. The seat frame 64 optionally also defines a recessed
peripheral rim 67 about the opening into which the frame tubes 72,
74 of the soft goods seat 70 fit, for a flush and aesthetic
fit.
[0032] The rocker 60 preferably further comprises a rocking base 80
comprising first and second arcuate side rocker components 82, 84
having convexly curved arcuate rocker surfaces, and a rocker
cross-member 86 connected between distal ends of the side rocker
components. The proximal ends of the first and second arcuate side
rocker components 82, 84 are preferably coupled to the base frame
portion 66. The first and second arcuate side rocker components 82,
84 are optionally pivotally coupled to the base frame portion 66 to
allow folding between an expanded rocking configuration (FIGS. 6
and 7) and a generally flat compact folded configuration (FIGS. 8
and 9). A releasable locking mechanism with one or more release
actuators 88 is optionally provided to allow a user to reconfigure
the rocking base between the expanded and compact configurations.
In example embodiments, two release actuators 88 are provided, one
along each lateral side of the rocker 60, such that two-handed
operation by an adult caregiver is required to fold the rocker, to
prevent unintentional folding of the rocker when in use with a
child seated therein. The release actuators 88 are preferably
positioned away from the support surface 70 so a child resting
thereon does not accidentally release the actuators.
[0033] The seat body 62 preferably also comprises mounting hubs 100
along each side for detachable coupling with the coupling brackets
54 of the swing frame 30. Release actuators 102 are operatively
coupled to the mounting hubs 100. In example embodiments, two
release actuators 102 are provided, one on each side of the rocker
60, such that two-handed operation by an adult caregiver is
required to remove the rocker 60 from the frame 30. Optionally, the
actuators 102 are operated to release the rocker 60 by squeezing
them upwardly, so that the rocker can be removed from the frame
with a continuous upward lifting motion by the adult caregiver
grasping the rocker by the seat body around the actuators. In
example embodiments, the actuators 102 are positioned generally at
or around a center of mass position along the seat body 62, such
that the rocker 60 is balanced when lifted thereby. The actuators
102 are also preferably positioned underneath and away from the
support surface 70 to prevent a child resting thereon to
accidentally operate the actuators. FIGS. 12A and 12B show
additional detail of an actuator according to an example
embodiment, wherein an outwardly biased actuator portion 103 is
depressed inwardly to retract a latch 105, and upon release returns
outwardly to extend the latch. FIGS. 11A-11D show a sequence of
attachment of the rocker 60 to the base frame 30 according to an
example embodiment of the invention. A hook retainer 90 mounted at
the head end of the underside of the seat body 62 is engaged with
the free end of the cross-bar 56 of the base frame 30 (FIGS. 11A,
11B). Mounting hubs 100 of the rocker 60 are engaged with
corresponding receivers of the coupling brackets 54 of the swing
base frame 30 (FIG. 11C). The rocker 60 is lowered onto the
coupling brackets 54, and latches 105 of the actuators 102 of the
rocker releasably engage cooperative coupling portions of the
coupling brackets 54 to securely attach the rocker to the swing
base frame 30 (FIG. 11D). To remove the rocker 60 from the swing
base frame 30, the process is reversed, by depressing actuators 103
to release the latches 105, and lifting the rocker 60 off of the
coupling brackets 54 of the swing base frame.
[0034] The swing and rocker device 10 preferably also includes an
electro-magnetic drive system for automated swinging of the rocker
60 when mounted to the frame 30. In the depicted example
embodiment, the magnetic drive system includes electrical drive
components and an onboard power source such as batteries located on
the rocker 60, such that the frame 30 is non-powered and structural
only. In alternate embodiments, the drive system and/or other
electronic features may be located on the frame or elsewhere. The
magnetic drive system preferably includes an active electromagnetic
coil or actuator mounted on a cross-brace 110 extending between the
first and second side rocker components 82, 84 of the rocking base
80 of the rocker 60. When the rocker 60 is mounted on the swing
frame 30 and the rocking base 80 is extended (see FIGS. 3 and 4),
the electromagnetic actuator 110 extends in close proximity to the
passive magnetic element 42 of the swing frame, such that the
magnetic drive system operates to impart and/or maintain a swinging
motion to the rocker and a child seated therein.
[0035] The seat body 62 of the rocker 60 optionally further
comprises additional onboard electronic control and/or
entertainment features. For example, a control panel 120 is
optionally provided along a front face of the base frame portion
66. For example, the rocker 60 optionally includes electronic
actuators for control of sound and/or vibration transducers,
speakers, music features, and/or light features provided in or on
the seat body; and/or on-off, swing speed, amplitude, and/or timer
controls for the swing motion of the electromagnetic drive system.
Incorporation of the active drive components, power source, and/or
electronic features and controls of the device 10 into the
removable rocker 60 rather than the swing base frame 30 allows
operation of the electronic features and controls when the rocker
is used with the swing base frame or used independently apart from
the swing base frame. A remote control device is optionally
provided, for example in the form of a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth)
remote control device or Wi-Fi enabled mobile device such as a
smart-phone or tablet computer device. Optionally, music or voice
is delivered from the mobile device or remote control device to a
speaker on the rocker 60. The provision of remotely controlled
operation of the electronic features is particularly advantageous
in embodiments having onboard controls on the rocker 60 rather than
the swing base frame 30, as the rocker moves in use (whereas the
base frame remains generally stationary in use), so the onboard
controls would present a moving target to operate when the rocker
is swinging or rocking during use. In further example embodiments,
the electronic controls of the device 10 may be remote control
only, without onboard controls (or with only minimal onboard
controls), to reduce weight and cost.
[0036] The swing and rocker device 10 preferably provides
two-in-one or dual mode functionality, for example enabling use in
a first "swing" mode of use as a swing device when the rocker 60 is
mounted to the swing frame 30 (FIGS. 1-4), and in a second "rocker"
mode of use of the rocker independently when detached from the
swing frame (FIGS. 6 and 7). In the swing mode of use, a child
seated in the seat 70 of the rocker 60 moves through a
back-and-forth swinging motion along a generally arcuate path
defined by pivotal motion of the swing arms 52 about their points
of pivotal connection to upper mounting hubs 36 of the swing frame
30, as indicated by direction arrows S in FIG. 3. In the rocking
mode of use, a child seated in the seat 70 of the rocker 60 moves
through a back-and-forth rocking motion defined by contact of the
rocker arms 82, 84 along an underlying support surface, as
indicated by direction arrows R in FIG. 7. The rocker 60 is
attached to the swing frame 30 for use in the swing mode, by an
adult caregiver coupling the mounting hubs 100 of the rocker to the
coupling brackets 54 of the swing frame. The rocker 60 is removed
from the swing frame 30 for use in the rocker mode by the caregiver
releasing the mounting hubs 100 of the rocker from the coupling
brackets 54 of the swing frame by actuation of the release
actuators 102, lifting the rocker away from the swing frame, and
placing the rocker onto a support surface that is not part of the
swing frame. When not in use, the swing frame 30 can be folded into
a generally flat compact configuration (FIG. 5) and the rocker 60
can also folded into a generally flat compact configuration (FIG.
9) for compact storage and transport. Both the swing frame 30 and
the rocker 60 are lightweight and configured for ease of
portability in travel applications.
[0037] While the invention has been described with reference to
example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are
within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following
claims.
* * * * *