Infant Swing and Glider Device
An infant swing includes a base, a support coupled to the base, an arm coupled to and movable relative to the support, and a seat portion coupled to the arm. A drive system is coupled to the arm and moves the arm relative to the base. An actuator is connected to the drive system, and is located so that a user can engage the actuator with the user's foot to control the drive system.
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This application is a continuation of prior U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/038,729, entitled “Infant Swing and Glider Device,” filed Mar. 2, 2011, which is based upon and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/314,771, entitled “Infant Swing and Glider Device,” filed Mar. 17, 2010. The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/314,771 and U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/038,729 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an infant swing, and in particular, to an infant swing having a seat portion that is selectively movable in either a gliding motion or a swinging motion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONVarious infant support structures for supporting an infant are known in the art. Infant support structures such as gliders and swings generally include a seat for receiving an infant, suspension arms having lower ends attached to the seat for suspending the seat above a support surface, and a support frame for pivotally supporting the upper ends of the suspension arms and the seat above the supporting surface.
Some conventional swings generally provide a pivotal or arcuate movement to the seat. Some conventional gliders generally provide a translational or linear movement to the seat.
Conventional support structures fail to provide for multiple modes of movement, which would otherwise provide for a variety of movement of a seat with an infant therein. In addition, conventional support structures fail to provide a control system that is easy to operate, such as a “hands-free” control system.
Therefore, there is a need for an infant support structure that can be easily activated by a foot or toe of a user. There is also a need for an infant support structure that provides multiple modes of movement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an infant swing including a base configured to be supported by a support surface, a support coupled to the base, an arm coupled to and movable relative to the support, a seat portion coupled to the arm, and a drive system. The seat portion is configured to support an infant. The drive system is coupled to the arm and moves the arm relative to the base. An actuator is connected to the drive system, and is located so that a user can engage the actuator with the user's foot to control the drive system.
In one embodiment, the arm is movable by the drive system relative to the base in a first type of motion and in a second type of motion different than the first type of motion. In one implementation, the first type of motion is a gliding motion relative to the base, and the second type of motion is a swinging motion relative to the base. In one embodiment, the drive system includes a first drive mechanism that moves the arm in the first type of motion and a second drive mechanism that moves the arm in the second type of motion.
In one embodiment, the actuator is located proximate to the support surface, and includes a plurality of inputs that are located proximate to the support surface. In one implementation, the actuator is removably coupled to the base.
In one embodiment, the support extends upwardly from the base and is movably coupled to the base. In one implementation, the support moves in a substantially horizontal reciprocating motion relative to the base.
The present invention is also directed to an infant swing having a base portion, a support coupled to the base portion, a seat portion coupled to the support, and a drive assembly. The seat portion is movable relative to the base portion in a gliding motion and in a swinging motion. The drive assembly is configured to move the seat portion relative to the base portion. The drive assembly includes a first drive mechanism that moves the seat portion in the gliding motion and a second drive mechanism that moves the seat portion in the swinging motion.
In one embodiment, the first drive mechanism is coupled to the base portion and the second drive mechanism is coupled to the seat portion. In one embodiment, the first drive mechanism moves the seat portion in a substantially linear motion relative to the base portion.
In one implementation, an input portion is connected to the drive assembly. The input portion includes at least one input configured to control at least one of the first drive mechanism or the second drive mechanism. In one implementation, the input portion is removably coupled to the base portion, and proximate to the support surface when coupled thereto so that a user can select the at least one input with a foot of the user.
The present invention is also directed to an infant swing including a base, a support movably coupled to the base, a hanger arm movably coupled to the support, a seat coupled to the hanger arm, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is configured to move the support and the hanger arm relative to the base in a first type of motion, and also to move the hanger arm relative to the support and the base in a second type of motion different than the first type of motion.
In one embodiment, the first drive mechanism is coupled to the support and the base, and the second drive mechanism is coupled to the hanger arm and the support. In one implementation, the first drive mechanism moves the seat, the hanger arm, and the support in the first type of motion. The second drive mechanism moves the seat and the hanger arm relative to the support in the second type of motion. In one implementation, the first type of motion is substantially linear and the second type of motion is substantially accurate. The support moves linearly relative to the base in the first type of motion, and the support is substantially fixed relative to the base in the second type of motion.
In one embodiment, the seat includes a first coupling mechanism and the base includes a second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism is configured to engage the second coupling mechanism to couple the seat to the first drive mechanism. The second drive mechanism is inoperable when the first coupling mechanism is coupled to the second coupling mechanism. The seat, the hanger arm, and the support move together in the first type of motion when the first coupling mechanism and the second coupling mechanism are coupled together.
In one embodiment, the hanger arm is pivotally coupled to the support. The support has an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the support is coupled to the base, and the hanger arm is coupled to the upper portion of the support.
The present invention also relates to an infant swing including a base, a movement system coupled to the base, and a receiving member coupled to the movement system. The movement system includes a first drive and a second drive. The receiving member is coupled to the movement system, and is configured to receive an infant. The first drive moves the receiving member in a gliding motion relative to the base, and the second drive moves the receiving member in a swinging motion relative to the base.
In one embodiment, only one of the first drive or the second drive is operable at one time. In one implementation, the movement system has a lock-out mechanism. When deployed, the lock-out mechanism limits the movement of the receiving member to the gliding motion. The receiving member is movable in the swinging motion when the lock-out mechanism is released.
In one embodiment, the movement system includes a foot-actuatable input mechanism. The input mechanism is connected to at least one of the first drive or the second drive. In one implementation, the input mechanism is removably coupled to the base.
In one embodiment, the base includes a slot, and the movement system includes a support arm extending upwardly from the base. The support arm is movable in the slot. In one implementation, the support arm includes an upper portion, and the receiving member is supported by the upper portion of the support arm.
Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIt is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.
The drive assembly includes a first drive mechanism 50 and a second drive mechanism 60. The first drive mechanism 50 is coupled to the lower portion 22 of the support 20 and the base 10. The first drive mechanism 50 moves the seat 40, the hanger arm 30, and the support 20 relative to the base 10 in the first type of motion. In one implementation, the first type of motion is substantially linear relative to the base 10, so that the seat 40, the hanger arm 30, and the support 20 move back and forth in opposite directions D1, D2 (see
The second drive mechanism 60 is coupled to the upper portion 24 of the support 20 and the hanger arm 30. The second drive mechanism 60 moves the seat 40 and the hanger arm 30 relative to the support 20 and the base 10 in the second type of motion. In one implementation, the second type of motion is substantially accurate relative to the base 10, so that the seat 40 and the hanger arm 30 move back and forth in opposite directions D3, D4 *see
The first drive mechanism 50A is coupled to the base portion 10A, and moves the seat portion 20A in the gliding motion in directions D1, D2. The second drive mechanism 60A is coupled to the seat portion 20A, and moves the seat portion 20A in the swinging motion in directions D3, D4.
In one embodiment, the swing S2 includes a lock-out mechanism 70 movable between a deployed position P1 and a released position P2 (shown in phantom). When the lock-out mechanism 70 is in the deployed position P1, movement of the seat portion 20A is limited to the gliding motion in directions D1, D2. When the lock-out mechanism 70 is in the released position P2, the seat portion 20A is movable in the swinging motion in directions D3, D4.
The swing S2 may further include an input portion 80 operatively connected to the drive assembly. The input portion 80 includes at least one input mechanism, or input 82, configured to control the first drive mechanism 50A and/or the second drive mechanism 60A. In one implementation, the input portion 80 is removably coupled to the base portion 10A, and is disposed proximate to the support surface S and/or positioned relative to the support surface S so that a user can select and actuate the input 82 with a foot of the user. By positioning the input portion 80 at this location, the user can easily press one of the inputs and control the functions of the infant swing with a toe or foot, thereby allowing the use of both hands of the user for a different function, such as carrying an object or tending to an infant in the swing.
Referring to
The upper surface 102 of base 100 defines a slot 126, which in this embodiment is proximate to the front wall 106. A coupling mechanism 128 is slidably disposed within the slot 126 of the base 100, and movable between opposing ends thereof via actuation of the drive mechanism 500, as described in further detail below. A guard member 129 is disposed around and movable with the coupling mechanism 128 within the slot 126, so that any undesirable objects are blocked access to the slot 126 (e.g. fingers, toes, toys, food, etc.).
As shown in
Referring to
In one mode of use, the swing S3 may be operated using batteries. Alternatively, the swing S3 may be operated using an external power source. As shown in
Referring to
The drive mechanism 600 includes an axle 602 rotatable about its longitudinal axis A1 in first and second opposite directions D5, D6 via actuation of a motor 604 operatively coupled thereto. A drum 606 is disposed within the cavity 210 and connected to the axle 602, and thus rotatable therewith in directions D5, D6. The drum 606 is aligned with the slots 212, 216. The drum 606 has a boss 607 integrally formed therewith that extends out through slot 216. The boss 607 includes an opening or receptacle 609 formed therein as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
In one embodiment and referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In one embodiment, the seat 404 is pivotally coupled to the upper member 420, so that the incline of the frame 406 may also be adjusted. For example, a handle 424 may be slidably coupled to the bottom portion 408 of the frame 406. The handle 424 is connected to a latch, which is received in a selected one of a plurality of openings in the upper member 420. Pulling the handle 424 outwardly releases the latch from the opening, allowing the seat 404 to be pivoted in a direction D9 (see
Referring to
Referring to
As described above, the coupling mechanism 128 is slidably disposed within the slot 126 of the base 100, and movable between opposing ends thereof via actuation of the drive mechanism 500. Referring to
In one embodiment, the carrier assembly 502 includes a tubular frame having spaced side members 504, 506 and opposing end members 508, 510, which are coupled together to have a substantially rectangular configuration. A wheel 512 is rotatably coupled to an end portion 504a of the side member 504, and another wheel 514 is rotatably coupled to an opposite end portion 504b of the side member 504. Similarly, wheels 516, 518 are rotatably coupled to opposite end portions 506a, 506b of side member 506, respectively. Wheels 512, 516 are movably retained between spaced upper and lower front rails 520, 522, and wheels 514, 518 are movably retained between spaced upper and lower rear rails 524, 526. The carrier assembly 502 is linearly movable in opposite directions D1, D2 as the wheels 512-518 roll along the respective front rails 520, 522 and rear rails 524, 526. The carrier assembly 502 also includes a support plate 528 connected to and extending between the side members 504, 506 proximate to ends 504a, 506a thereof. The support plate 528 is movable with the carrier assembly 502 along directions D1, D2.
Referring to
The lock plate 530 is movable in a direction D11 toward the stops 532, 534, and an opposite direction D12 away from the stops 532, 534. In one embodiment, directions D11, D12 are substantially perpendicular to the directions D1, D2 in which the carrier assembly 502 moves. In the locked position P10 (see
Referring to
The upper end 146 of the latch arm 144 is biased outwardly and within the opening 142 in the coupling mechanism 128 via a resilient member, such as a spring 150. Thus, the lower end 148 of the latch arm 144 pushes against the catch 540, so that the lock plate 530 is biased in direction D11 and toward the locked position P10 (shown in
Referring again to
Referring to
Actuation of the motor 542 is controlled via a control circuit C, which is in communication with a switch 548, shown in
With continued reference to
The control circuit C controls activation of the motor 542 upon activation of switch 548 and activation of the motor 604 upon activation of switch 608. If switch 548 is activated, the control circuit C initiates actuation of the motor 542 of drive mechanism 500 so that the carrier assembly 502 moves in directions D1, D2, while deactivating, or otherwise not activating, operation of the motor 604 of drive mechanism 600. The control circuit C ensures that the motor 604 is maintained in an inoperable state when the motor 542 of drive mechanism 500 is operating, even if the contact 610 is aligned with the switch 608 (for example, when the lock plate 530 is aligned with the stops 532, 534, but remains in the released position P11 as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The seat portion 400 is releasably coupled to the coupling mechanism 128 via the coupling mechanism 428 when the mode lever 426 is in the deployed position P9. As such, swinging motion of the seat portion 400 is stopped. Instead, the seat portion 400 is moved back and forth in a gliding motion in directions D1, D2 as the carrier assembly 502 moves back and forth, given that the seat portion 400 is coupled to the coupling mechanism 128 and the extension member 132 (via the support 200 and the arm 300), as shown in
Thus, when the mode lever 426 is in its deployed position P9, the support 200, the arm 300 and the seat portion 400 move together in a substantially horizontal, and reciprocating or gliding motion, back and forth in linear directions D1, D2 relative to the base 100 via the drive mechanism 500. The mechanical connection between coupling mechanisms 128, 428 restricts the swinging motion of the arm 300 and the seat portion 400 in directions D3, D4. Further, the drive mechanism 600 is inoperable when the coupling mechanism 128 is coupled to the coupling mechanism 428 due to the resulting position of the lock plate 530, and thus activation of the switch 548 (and control by the control circuit C as described above).
When the coupling mechanism 428 is disengaged from the coupling mechanism 128, such as by depressing the release buttons 436, the mode lever 426 is moved upwardly to its released position P8, as shown in
If the mode lever 426 is moved to its released position P8 when the lock plate 530 is not aligned with stops 532, 534, for example such as shown in
Referring to
When the drive mechanism 500 is in an inoperable or deactivated state, the motor 604 of drive mechanism 600 may be activated, so that the arm 300 is moved in a swinging motion via rotation of the drum 606 in directions D5, D6, as described above. As a result, the seat portion 400 is moved in a swinging motion in directions D3, D4, as shown in
Referring to
In one embodiment, input 702 is an on/off button, which is operably coupled to a switch 708 (shown in
Input 704 is operably coupled to another switch 710, which sends a signal to the control circuit C to activate or deactivate an audio output via an operably associated speaker 712 (see
Input 706 is operably coupled to another switch 714, which sends a signal to the control circuit C to activate or deactivate the drive system, and in particular, one of the drive mechanisms 500, 600. For example, after the power source has been activated via input 702, a depression of input 706 may activate the drive system 500, 600 to initiate a selected motion of the seat portion 400. The speed of the motion may be selectively controlled via subsequent depression of input 706. For example, a relatively slow speed of motion may be initiated upon the initial depression of input 706, and progressively increased with each subsequent depression of input 706 until a maximum speed of motion is reached (e.g. after five consecutive depressions of input 706). After the maximum speed of motion has been reached, the next subsequent depression of input 706 may deactivate the drive system 500, 600.
Referring again to
As shown in
Thus, the actuator 700 allows a user to easily turn the swing S3 on or off, start or stop the gliding or swinging motion, control the speed of the swinging or gliding motion, and control the audio output using a foot of the user. Thus, the inputs 702, 704, 706 are configured to be easily depressed by a user's toe or foot, or article of footwear being worn on the foot of the user. In this way, the swing S3 may be controlled “hands free,” which is advantageous if the user is carrying an object or otherwise not readily able to use his or her hands to adjust movement or audio output of or otherwise control the swing S3.
A power indicator light 716, such as an LED, may be provided on the base 100, as shown in
It should be understood that the switch and input arrangement described above is exemplary, and various other configurations may be employed. For example, individual input buttons may be provided for controlling sound level, speed, song selection, etc. In addition, other control circuit arrangements may be employed. In one embodiment, the actuator is removably coupled to the base 100. In another embodiment, the actuator is removably coupled to the base 100, and includes a control circuit wirelessly coupled to the switches within the base 100 so that control of the infant swing S3 may be performed from a remote location.
Referring to
Accordingly, the hub 806 moves along an arcuate path that is inverse to the arcuate path along which the arm 300 moves, and moves in a direction that is opposite to the direction in which the arm 300 moves. The hub 806 includes one or more outwardly extending braces or wings 808. Toy elements 810 are attached to each of the wings 808, such as by flexible cords or string 812, so that pivotal movement of the hub 806 imparts additional movement upon the toy elements 810. In one embodiment, the hub 806 is movably coupled to the end portion 805. For example, the hub 806 may be rotatable about an axis A3, and easily spinable by an infant sitting in the seat 404 when the infant bats at the toy elements 810.
Alternatively or in addition, the hub 806 may include other features for entertaining the infant, such as a mirrored underside 806a visible to the infant sitting in the seat 404, additional or different toy elements coupled thereto, other visual features such as lights, etc.
Referring to
The wings 850 and 852 are molded plastic pieces which may be translucent or transparent to allow light to shine therethrough. The wings 850 and 852 can have different colors. The wings 850 and 852 are captured between the housing portions 830 and 840 and located in the slots 832, 842, and 844. Each of the wings 850 and 852 has slightly tapered end portions.
Referring to
The support 1020 has an upper portion 1024 to which a hanger arm 1030 is pivotally coupled at pivot point 1070. The hanger arm 1030 is mounted for arcuate movement along the directions of arrows D43 and D44 (see
The swing S4 also includes a locking mechanism 1080 that is coupled to the upper portion 1024 and engageable with the hanger arm 1030. The locking mechanism 1080 is pivotally coupled to the upper portion 1024 and movable between a deployed or locked position 1082 and a released or unlocked position 1084.
When the locking mechanism 1080 is in its deployed position 1082, the hanger arm 1030 and the seat 1040 do not move relative to the support 1020. Thus, when the support 1020 is moved by drive mechanism 1050 in a gliding motion along the directions D41 and D42, the hanger arm 1030 and the seat 1040 move therewith along the directions D41 and D42 in a similar, gliding manner.
When the locking mechanism 1080 is in its released position 1084, the hanger arm 1030 and the seat 1040 can move relative to the support 1020 about pivot point 1070. In particular, when the support 1030 is moved by drive mechanism 1050 in a gliding motion along the directions D41 and D42, the hanger arm 1030 and the seat 1040 initially move in the same manner. However, as the pivot point 1070 translates or reciprocates back and forth, the hanger arm 1030 and the seat 1040 begin to swing relative to the upper portion 1024 and the pivot point 1070. In other words, as support 1020 and pivot point 1070 move along the direction D41, the hanger arm 1030 and seat 1040 move therewith. As support 1020 and pivot point 1070 move in the opposite direction D42, the hanger arm 1030 and seat 1040 lag slightly behind the movement of the support 1020. This process continues to repeat itself as the support 1020 changes its direction of travel. Referring to
Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An infant receiving device, comprising:
- a base configured to be supported by a support surface;
- a seat portion operatively coupled to the base, the seat portion being configured to support an infant and the seat portion being movable with respect to the base;
- a drive system coupled to the seat portion, the drive system moving the seat portion relative to the base; and
- an actuator connected to the drive system, the actuator being located proximate to the support surface so that a user, other than an infant supported in the seat portion, can engage the actuator with a foot of the user to control the drive system.
22. The infant receiving device of claim 21, wherein the seat portion is movable by the drive system relative to the base in a first type of motion and in a second type of motion different than the first type of motion.
23. The infant receiving device of claim 22, wherein the first type of motion is a gliding motion relative to the base and the second type of motion is a swinging motion relative to the base.
24. The infant receiving device of claim 22, wherein the drive system includes a first drive mechanism that moves the seat portion in the first type of motion and a second drive mechanism that moves the seat portion in the second type of motion.
25. The infant receiving device of claim 23, wherein the drive system includes a first drive mechanism that moves the seat portion in the gliding motion and a second drive mechanism that moves the seat portion in the swinging motion.
26. The infant receiving device of claim 21, wherein the actuator includes a plurality of inputs that are located proximate to the support surface.
27. The infant receiving device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is removably coupled to the base.
28. The infant receiving device of claim 1, wherein the seat portion is mounted on a support which extends upwardly from the base and is movably coupled to the base.
29. The infant receiving device of claim 28, wherein the support moves in a substantially horizontal reciprocating motion relative to the base.
30. The infant receiving device of claim 28, wherein the actuator is removably coupled to the base, the actuator being located proximate to the support surface.
31. The infant receiving device of claim 1, wherein the drive system moves the seat portion in a swinging motion.
32. The infant receiving device of claim 1, wherein the drive system moves the seat portion in a swinging motion.
33. An infant receiving device, comprising: a drive assembly configured to move the seat portion relative to the base, the drive assembly including a first drive mechanism that moves the seat portion in the gliding motion and a second drive mechanism that moves the seat portion in the swinging motion.
- a base;
- a seat portion operatively coupled to the base, the seat portion being configured to support an infant and being movable relative to the base in a gliding motion and in a swinging motion; and
34. The infant receiving device of claim 33, wherein the first drive mechanism is coupled to the base and the second drive mechanism is coupled to the seat portion.
35. The infant receiving device of claim 33, further comprising:
- an input portion connected to the drive assembly, the input portion including at least one input configured to control at least one of the first drive mechanism or the second drive mechanism, the input portion being removably coupled to the base.
36. The infant receiving device of claim 35, wherein the base is configured to engage a support surface and the input portion is disposed proximate to the support surface.
37. The infant receiving device of claim 35, wherein the input portion is located so that a user, other than an infant supported in the seat portion, can select the at least one input with a foot of the user.
38. The infant receiving device of claim 33, wherein the first drive mechanism moves the seat portion in a substantially linear motion relative to the base portion.
39. An infant receiving device, comprising:
- a base configured to be supported by a support surface;
- a movement system coupled to the base, the movement system including a first drive and a second drive; and
- a receiving member coupled to the movement system, the receiving member being configured to receive an infant, the first drive moving the receiving member in a substantially linear gliding motion relative to the base, and the second drive moving the receiving member in a substantially arcuate swinging motion relative to the base.
40. The infant receiving device of claim 39, wherein the movement system includes a foot-actuatable input mechanism, the input mechanism being located so that a user, other than an infant supported in the receiving member, can operate the input mechanism with a foot of the user, the input mechanism being operatively coupled to at least one of the first drive or the second drive.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 12, 2014
Publication Date: Oct 23, 2014
Applicant: Mattel, Inc. (El Segudno, CA)
Inventors: Philip Pyrce (Getzville, NY), Maarten Van Huystee (Lancaster, NY), Jeffrey W. Luchterhand (Clarence, NY)
Application Number: 14/178,403