Child support with multiple electrical modes
A child receiving device is disclosed herein. The device includes a seat pivotally connected to a frame. The device may further include a power transmission line that connects to a remote power source such as an electrical outlet. The transmission line may be hidden within the frame, and may separate when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the line. The child receiving device further includes an electrical device, an alternating current (AC) power supply connection, a direct current (DC) power supply connection, and a switch that selectively engages either the AC or DC power supply connections. The electrical device may operate in either a first operational mode, in which the power source is an AC power source, or a second operational mode, in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source. The electrical device may be a motor that drives the motion of the seat.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/777,548, filed Mar. 1, 2006, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a child support structure selectively operable in multiple electrical modes and, more particularly, to a motorized swing configured to selectively operate on either alternating current or direct current power sources.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONChild support structures (also called child receiving devices) may be used to pacify and relax children and, in particular, infants. These structures typically include a frame supporting a seat that receives an infant. Many include a motor adapted to drive the seat or other movable component connected to the frame (a vibration mechanism, etc.). Other child receiving devices further include electronic activity components that provide entertainment to an infant supported by the device. Conventional activity components include some form of sensory output (e.g., flashing lights and/or sound) to attract and retain the attention of the infant.
The motor and electronic components in such child receiving devices are often powered using an electric power source. The power source is typically an alternating current (AC) source (e.g., from a standard electrical outlet) or a direct current (DC) source (e.g., batteries or a rechargeable battery pack). Devices to date have only been able to provide a single option for a power source (AC or DC), limiting either the time the device could be operated (in the case of batteries), or limiting the location of the operation (in the case of an electrical outlet needed for AC power). Consequently, a need within the field of child receiving devices exists for a device adapted to selectively run on direct current and alternating current power. A need within this field also exists for an electrical assembly that permits a user to select the desired power source for powering the features of the child receiving device.
The present invention is generally directed to a child support structure capable of being powered in multiple electrical modes and, in particular, to an infant swing including an electronics assembly including an electrical device, an alternating current power supply connection, a direct current power supply connection, and a switching mechanism that selectively engages either the AC or DC power supply connection. The present invention is adapted to operate in either a first electrical mode in which the power source is an alternating current (AC) power source or a second electrical mode in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONGenerally, embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a child support structure including a seat. More specifically, the seat may be pivotally connected to a supporting frame. The structure may further include a power transmission line operable to connect to a remote power source such as an alternating current source. The power transmission line may be at least partially hidden within the supporting frame, and may be adapted to separate from the frame when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the line. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may further include an electronics assembly configured to operate in either a first electrical mode in which the power source is an alternating current (AC) power source or a second electrical mode in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source. An electronics assembly in accordance with the present invention may include at least one electrical device such as a motor that drives the motion of the seat. In operation, a switching mechanism is utilized to select the electrical input mode of the device by completing the connection to the desired power source. Once selected by the switching mechanism, the electronics assembly directs power to the electrical device, driving the motion of the seat. A device in accordance with the present invention may also include additional electrical components such as a mobile, lights, a sound production unit, etc.
Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe front section 110 of the frame 100 and the rear 120 section of the frame 100 may be coupled to one or more housings. In the embodiment illustrated in
Each housing 140, 150 may further include a hub connected to a support arm, which, in turn, is connected to the seat 20. Specifically, the first housing 140 includes a first hub 145 connected to a first hanger arm 160. Similarly, the second housing 150 includes a second hub 155 connected a second hanger arm 165. The hanger arms 160, 165 support the seat 20 over the supporting surface 105. Each hub 145, 155 is adapted to pivot with respect to the housing 140, 150. A motorized drive mechanism within the second housing 150 (not illustrated in
The seat 20 may comprise a single molded structure. Alternatively, it may comprise a two piece structure including a separable seat back a seat bottom. The seat back may be adapted to recline with respect to the seat bottom. The seat 20 may also connect to a retaining member (not shown) such as a tray. Alternatively, or in addition to the tray, the seat bottom may include a crotch post 170.
The child support device 10 may also include an entertainment device 175. For example, the entertainment device 175 may include, but is not limited to a toy bar or a mobile. The entertainment device 175 may be coupled to one or more of the first hanger arm 160 (as illustrated in
The child receiving device 10 may further be adapted to be connected to a power source located remote from the device. Specifically, a power transmission line 400 enables the connection of the electronics assembly within device 10 to a remote power source 500 such as an alternating current (AC) power source.
The power transmission line 400 may comprise any conduit capable of transmitting electrical energy from a power source 500 to the device 10. By way of example, the power transmission line 400 may comprise a power cord, an electrical wire, etc. Optionally, the power transmission line 400 may also include a transformer 410 operable to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). This is desirable if an electrical device within the support structure is designed to run only on a DC power source (e.g., if the motor is configured to run only on direct current). By way of specific example, the transformer 410 may comprise an AC/DC adapter (e.g., a 6.0V transformer available from Protronics Industrial Co., Ltd www.protronicshk.com).
The power transmission line 400, furthermore, may be configured to separate from the frame 100 of the device 10 when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the line 400. Still referring to
The child receiving device 10 may further include an electronics assembly 600 selectively powered by multiple power sources.
The switches included in the electronics assembly 600 of device 10 may correspond to the various interactive features of the device 10. Each switch may comprise, but is not limited to, a mechanical switch (pressure sensitive, contact, push, pivot, and slide), an electrical switch, a magnetic switch, an optical switch, etc. The number of switches included, moreover, is not limited to that illustrated herein. By way of example, as shown in
The electronics assembly 600 in accordance with the present invention may further be operatively connected to either a direct current (DC) power source and/or an alternating current (AC) power source. Referring to
The motor 610, the speaker 620, the lights 630, each of the switches 640, 645, 650, the local power source 660, and the transmission line 400 are each operatively connected to a control unit 670, which is capable of producing switch-specific output. The type of control unit 670 is not limited that that illustrated herein, and includes microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other integrated circuits. By way of specific example, the control unit 670 may comprise a speech and melody processor (e.g., the W567S060 processor, available from Winbond Electronics Corporation of America, San Jose, Calif. (www.winbond-usa.com)). The control unit 670 recognizes and controls signals generated by the various switches 640, 645, 650, as well as generates and controls operational output directed through various sensory generating devices (the motor 610, the speaker 620, and the lights 630). The control unit 670 continually monitors the electronic status of the various switches, generating and altering the sensory output (e.g., movement, sounds, and/or lights) accordingly.
With this configuration, the electronics assembly 600 of the device 10 may selectively operate in either a first electrical mode, in which the power source is an alternating current (AC) power source, or a second electrical mode, in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source. As discussed above, the third switch 650 is configured to designate the power source (AC or DC) supplying electricity to the electronics assembly 600. Specifically, setting the third switch 650 to a first position may complete the circuit receiving power from the local (battery/DC) power source 660, while setting the switch 650 to a second position may complete the circuit receiving power through the power transmission line 400 from the remote power source 500. Once the circuit is complete, the power is directed from the source 660, 500, energizing the electrical components of the electronics assembly 600 of the device 10.
While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, while a full-sized swing is disclosed as the preferred embodiment, the support structure 100 may comprise other child receiving devices, including but not limited to bouncers, rockers, cribs, and portable swings. The material comprising the frame 100 is not limited, and may include metal tubes (e.g., aluminum or steel). The number of hanger arms supporting the seat 20 is not limited. For example, the swing may include a single hanger arm configured to support the seat 20 and oscillate it about a pivot point. The power transmission wire 400, in addition to comprising an AC power cord, may further comprise other power transmitting conduits such as USB wires, etc.. Additionally, the device 10 could include an internal AC/DC converter, thus eliminating the need for the external transformer 410. Also, the internal power source 660 could comprise a rechargeable batter pack (where the recharging could be achieved via the remote power source 500). Furthermore, the electrical made switch 650 could be replace with circuitry that automatically detects the presence of an AC power source—thus, when the device 10 is plugged into an external power source 500 (via line 400), the electronics assembly 600 would be automatically disconnected from internal DC power source 660. Finally, in theory, the motor 610 could be an AC motor and the electronics assembly 600 could include a DC to AC converter for the internal power source 660.
The electronics assembly 600 may include any combination of sensors, switches, lights, speakers, animated members, motors, and sensory output generating devices. The control unit 670 may produce any combination of audio and visual effects including, but not limited to, animation, lights, and sound (music, speech, and sound effects). The output pattern is not limited and includes any pattern of music, lights, and/or sound effects. The electronics assembly 600 may also include additional switches or sensors to provide additional sensory output activation. The assembly may further include additional rectifiers such as a high current/low current regulator (e.g., a 3.0 volt regulator HT75530 available from Holmate Semiconductor, Inc., Fremont, Calif. (www.holmate.com)).
Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A child receiving device comprising:
- a frame;
- a child-receiving portion coupled to the frame;
- an alternating current (AC) power source receiving portion;
- a direct current (DC) power source receiving portion; and
- an electrical device driven by a power source, wherein the electrical device is adapted to selectively operate in a first electrical mode in which the power source is an alternating current (AC) power source and a second electrical mode in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source.
2. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the operational modes are controlled by a switch.
3. The child-receiving device of claim 2, wherein the switch is one of an automatic switch and a manual, user-actuated switch.
4. The child-receiving device of claim 2 wherein the switch is a manual, user-actuated switch.
5. The child-receiving device of claim 4, wherein the manual, user-actuated switch comprises a switch selected from the group consisting of a slide switch, a rotary switch, and a push switch.
6. The child-receiving device of claim 2, wherein:
- the alternating current power source is located remote from the child receiving device; and
- the child receiving device further comprises a power transmission line operable to connect the electrical device to the remote power source.
7. The child-receiving device of claim 6, wherein the transmission line comprises a transformer operable to convert alternating current to a direct current.
8. The child-receiving device of claim 6, wherein the transmission line is at least partially disposed within the frame.
9. The child-receiving device of claim 6, wherein the transmission line comprises a first segment and a second segment releasably connected to the first segment.
10. The child-receiving device of claim 9, wherein the first segment of the transmission line is at least partially disposed within the frame and the second segment disposed entirely outside the frame.
11. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the electrical device is includes at least one of a motor, a speaker, and a light source.
12. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the electrical device is a motor capable of moving the child receiving portion from a first position to a second position.
13. The child-receiving device of claim 1, wherein the direct current (DC) power source is a battery source removeably coupled to the frame.
14. A child receiving device comprising: a second portion located outside the frame and being configured to connect to a power source remote from the child receiving device, wherein the power cord is configured to supply power to the electrical device from a the remote power source.
- a frame including a supporting surface engaging portion, wherein at least one section of the frame is hollow;
- a child receiving portion coupled to the frame above the supporting surface engaging portion;
- an electrical device attached to the frame proximate the child receiving portion; and
- a power cord comprising: a first portion coupled to the electrical device and being housed within the hollow section of the frame and exiting the frame proximate the supporting surface engaging portion,
15. The child receiving device of claim 14, wherein the frame further comprises exit point proximate the supporting surface engaging portion, and wherein the first portion of the power cord terminates proximate the exit point.
16. The child receiving device of claim 14, wherein the first portion of the power cord is releasably connected to the second portion of the power cord.
17. A method of selecting the electrical mode of a child support device comprising:
- (a) providing a child support device including an electrically powered component,
- (b) operating the electrically powered component in a first operational mode in which the power source is an alternating current (AC) power source; and
- (c) alternately operating the electrically powered component in a second operational mode in which the power source is a direct current (DC) power source.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein:
- the child support device includes a switch configured to select the first and second operational modes;
- step (b) comprises (b.1) engaging the switch to select the first operational mode; and
- step (c) comprises (c.1) engaging the switch to alternately select the second operational mode.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 17, 2006
Publication Date: Sep 6, 2007
Inventors: Michael Armbruster (Grand Island, NY), James R. Engler (Depew, NY)
Application Number: 11/487,583