Motor Operated Patents (Class 297/260.2)
  • Patent number: 11896141
    Abstract: In a configuration in which a holder holding a controller is mounted on a seat part with a plate-shaped member, the exposure of the mounting part of the plate-shaped member on which the holder is mounted is eliminated. A seat device includes a pressure sensor measuring a value relating to the seated person's state, a vibration imparting device performing a vibration imparting operation, an ECU controlling the vibration imparting device corresponding to the measurement result of the pressure sensor, a holder holding the ECU, and a mounting bracket fixed to a lower frame such that the holder is mounted on the lower frame of a seat part. The mounting bracket includes a mounting projection on which side wall of the holder is mounted in a predetermined mounting direction. When the side wall is mounted on the mounting projection, the mounting projection is covered with the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Sugiyama, Takayuki Inose
  • Patent number: 10016069
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's bouncer controlled by a bouncer control device configured to detect the natural frequency of the children's bouncer utilizing a motion sensing apparatus, such as a Hall effect sensor, and maintain oscillation of the children's bouncer via a magnetic drive mechanism. The magnetic drive mechanism may include a sliding mobile member driven by an electromagnet in order to impart a motive force to the children's bouncer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Liu Guozhu, Zou Shuiyan, Chen Tianhong, Deng Zhaoneng
  • Patent number: 9955800
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's bouncer apparatus. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a support frame, seat assembly configured to support a child, and bouncer control device. The support frame includes one or more semi-rigid support arms that extend above a base portion and suspend the seat assembly above the base portion. The bouncer control device is configured to impart a driving force on the seat assembly via a magnetic drive assembly, thereby causing the seat assembly to continuously oscillate at the natural frequency of the children's bouncer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: David Gilbert, Peter D. Jackson, Alex E. Soriano, Jing Ru Chen
  • Patent number: 9750350
    Abstract: An infant support structure is disclosed. The infant support structure includes a support base to support the infant support structure on a supporting surface. The infant support structure also includes a seat supported by the support base at a distance above the supporting surface, a lift mechanism configured to selectively impart vertical movement to the seat, and a rotation mechanism configured to, independently of the lift mechanism, rotate the seat about a pivot point. The lift mechanism is configured to allow rotational movement to be imparted to the seat while the seat is undergoing vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Armbruster, Noah Mauer, Chalin Yu
  • Patent number: 9743779
    Abstract: An infant chair apparatus includes a support base, a seat frame, a support base and a motion driving module. The seat frame is pivotally supported on the support base by an upright column, the seat frame being rotatable relative to the support base about a pivot axis, and the upright column including a column portion affixed with an underside of the seat frame. The motion driving module is attached with the support base, and includes a driving part that is arranged below the seat frame at a location offset from the pivot axis, the motion driving module being operable to cause reciprocated rotation of the driving part that imparts a substantially horizontal oscillating motion to the column portion and the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Guang-Hui Zhao, Wei-Huan Liu, Man-Qun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20150145301
    Abstract: An electric rocking chair equipped with an electric device engendering automatically an in and out movement of the chair without there being a push by the user. The chair includes an armature deposited on the top of a support base containing a displacement device. The armature is fixed to the base in pivots allowing moving the chair front to back by means of a seesaw operation. The device includes an electric engine coupled with a worm gear at the output of which is fixed a gear the moving of a horizontal arm with an elbow which acts on the armature so as to produce the in and out movement of the chair. A control lever within reach of a user allows to command the engine and to engage the in and out movement or to stop it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Yvon JACQUES
  • Patent number: 9033415
    Abstract: An infant rocking seat includes a base; a track provided on the base having a first arc-shaped portion and a second arc-shaped portion meeting at a crest; a carriage having a body portion, a first pair of wheels positioned at a first end of the body portion, and a second pair of wheels positioned at a second end of the body portion; and a drive mechanism configured to move the carriage along the track. The carriage is positioned within a central portion of the base and is configured to ride along the track. A distance between the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels is less than a distance between centers of curvature of the first arc-shaped portion and the second arc-shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Karl Hopke, Henry F. Thorne, Robert D. Daley, John J. Walker, Aaron S. Pavkov, Suraj Joseph
  • Patent number: 8956313
    Abstract: This application is related to an apparatus and method for improving venous blood flow in mobility-impaired patients. In one aspect, the apparatus is a motorized or powered rocking chair with a footplate. The rocking chair and footplate rotate through physiologically relevant ranges of motion either at the same frequency or at different frequencies in order to mechanically induce a calf muscle pump action in the dependent legs of a mobility-impaired patient. Artificially inducing the calf muscle pump action in such patients acts to boost the action of the heart and lessen blood pooling in the lower extremities of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Amy Bryant
  • Publication number: 20150015040
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a rolling-and-swinging device and a massage chair. The rolling-and-swinging device comprises a gear motor, a motor mounting plate, a torque output board, a swing arm, a swing arm synchronizer ring, a damping ring, an optical shutter rotating ring, a swinging monitoring controller, a microcomputer controller, a shaft supporting plate, a frame and curved legs. The massage chair is for commercial sale, wherein the massage chair is equipped with aforementioned rolling-and-swinging device and two curved legs in contact with the ground, and the operation of the rolling and swinging motion of the massage chair is automatic. This invention is characterized by having a simple structure, and being able to operate reliably, low in energy consumption, quiet, and widely applicable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Bingshun Qiu
  • Publication number: 20140339867
    Abstract: An infant care apparatus includes a base; a drive mechanism disposed on the base; a controller electronically coupled to the drive mechanism; and a support device coupled to the drive mechanism. The support device is configured to be moved in both a horizontal and vertical direction relative to the base by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is controlled by the controller to move the support device in a plurality of motion profiles relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Frederick Karl Hopke, Henry F. Thorne, Mary J. Koes, Robert D. Daley
  • Patent number: 8880595
    Abstract: A system for knowledge sharing comprises a remote electronic device comprising distribution means configured to automatically determine that one or more sender constraints are met for a plurality of first data entities; data gathering means configured to allow the reception of the plurality of first data entities from the remote electronic device, subject to one or more recipient constraints; and store the received plurality of first data entities in a database of the electronic device; matching means configured to identify a relevance of one or more of the plurality of first data entities when generating a new data entity on the electronic device; display means configured to display one or more of the identified first data entities when generating the new data entity; and editing means configured to use data from one or more of the displayed first data entities for generating the new data entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: ExB Asset Management GmbH
    Inventor: Ramin O. Assadollahi
  • Patent number: 8857907
    Abstract: A massage machine that can stably rock a chair main body in a forward-backward direction and that has minimal overall height comprising a chair main body, a base which supports the chair main body, massage portions provided in the chair main body, and a rocking mechanism portion which rocks the chair main body in the forward-backward direction with respect to the base. The rocking mechanism portion includes link members, each of which has a lower portion pivotally supported by the base and an upper portion pivotally supporting the chair main body. The chair main body is rocked in the forward-backward direction by rocking the upper portions of the link members in the forward-backward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Family Inada Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoki Nagamitsu
  • Publication number: 20140265490
    Abstract: An infant rocking seat includes a base; a track provided on the base having a first arc-shaped portion and a second arc-shaped portion meeting at a crest; a carriage having a body portion, a first pair of wheels positioned at a first end of the body portion, and a second pair of wheels positioned at a second end of the body portion; and a drive mechanism configured to move the carriage along the track. The carriage is positioned within a central portion of the base and is configured to ride along the track. A distance between the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels is less than a distance between centers of curvature of the first arc-shaped portion and the second arc-shaped portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Karl Hopke, Henry F. Thorne, Robert D. Daley, John J. Walker, Aaron S. Pavkov, Suraj Joseph
  • Patent number: 8827366
    Abstract: An infant care apparatus includes a base; a drive mechanism disposed on the base; a controller electronically coupled to the drive mechanism; and a support device coupled to the drive mechanism. The support device is configured to be moved in both a horizontal and vertical direction relative to the base by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is controlled by the controller to move the support device in a plurality of motion profiles relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Karl Hopke, Henry F. Thorne, Mary J. Koes, Robert D. Daley
  • Patent number: 8820834
    Abstract: A device for imparting a rocking motion to a rockable object having a curved bottom surface comprises a wedge-shaped housing and a reciprocating drive mechanism. The wedge-shaped housing comprises an upper housing having an upper surface configured for contacting the curved bottom surface of the rockable object, the upper housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower housing having a base configured for sitting on a surface, the lower housing having a proximal end and a distal end; and a hinge portion hingedly joining the proximal ends of the upper and lower housings. The reciprocating drive mechanism alternatingly moves the distal end of the upper housing upward to an extended position and downward to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Stephen Harding, Ashley Baka Harding, James A. Doerr
  • Patent number: 8801098
    Abstract: A motorized chair system for promoting movement, balance, and vestibular processing and integration. The chair system features a chair component comprising a back support portion disposed atop a seat portion. The back support portion is formed from a first side panel, a middle panel, and a second side panel connected together, wherein rigid intersections are formed between the side panels and middle panel. A rocking component is positioned below the chair component. The rocking component is shaped to allow the chair component to rock. A motor system is operatively connected to a piston, the piston being mounted to a ground surface. The motor system functions to automatically rock the chair component forwardly and backwardly by pushing against the piston to pivot the system in a forward motion. A control button is operatively connected to the motor system. The control button functions to turn the motor system on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Cheryl S. Richards
  • Patent number: 8783769
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's bouncer apparatus. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a support frame, seat assembly configured to support a child, and bouncer control device. The support frame includes one or more semi-rigid support arms that extend above a base portion and suspend the seat assembly above the base portion. The bouncer control device is configured to impart a driving force on the seat assembly via a magnetic drive assembly, thereby causing the seat assembly to continuously oscillate at the natural frequency of the children's bouncer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gilbert, Peter D Jackson, Alex E Soriano, Jing Ru Chen
  • Publication number: 20140197668
    Abstract: A massage chair includes: a base unit; a rocker mechanism including an actuator that is coupled to the base unit, at least one output bar that is connected pivotally to the base unit, an input bar that is connected to and that is driven rotatably by the actuator, and a connecting bar that is connected pivotally to the input bar and the output bar; and a seat unit connected immovably to the output bar. The input bar, the output bar, the connecting bar, and the base unit cooperate to constitute a crank-rocker planar four-bar linkage. The actuator actuates rotation of the input bar, which in turn drives reciprocating swing motion of the output bar and the seat unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Lun Chang
  • Publication number: 20140191548
    Abstract: A powered rocker system assemble is disclosed that includes a motorized rocking mechanism with a rotational motor drive and to an automatic transmission assemble configured to automatically force the balance the rotational motion cycle with the newly balanced position of the occupied chair before switching from manual to powered rocking and a device referred to as a powered pawl controller which is configured to allow the rocking chair to rock while in the recline position with the leg rest extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Arthur Oscar McLellen
  • Patent number: 8708832
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a powered children's swing. In various embodiments, the swing includes a seat, swing frame, one or more swing arms, a first magnetic component, second magnetic component, swing motion sensor, and swing control circuit. The magnetic components are configured to generate a magnetic force that drives the seat along a swing path. The swing control circuit is configured to control the magnetic components based at least on input from the swing motion sensor and generate control signals causing the seat to swing with a substantially constant amplitude as specified by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Gilbert, Stephen R. Burns, Peter D. Jackson, Charles Simons, Chen Jing Ru
  • Patent number: 8690245
    Abstract: A soothing apparatus and an infant seat therewith are disclosed. The soothing apparatus includes an apparatus base, a seat base disposed on the apparatus, and a driving device including a driving part and a follower disposed on the apparatus base and the seat base oppositely. The driving part has an interfering surface with a specific profile. The follower keeps contacting the interfering surface such that the seat base is moved through the follower relative to the apparatus base in accordance with the specific profile when the interfering surface moves relative to the follower. Thereby, the soothing apparatus can provide an specific soothing motion and further provide another variant soothing motion by just creating another specific profile, so that the invention can provide a more flexible mechanism than that in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Peter R. Tuckey
  • Publication number: 20130320726
    Abstract: An electromagnetic rocking chair is disclosed. The electromagnetic rocking chair includes a fixing part, a moving part being moveable relative to the fixing part, at least two electromagnets disposed on the fixing part, and at least one permanent magnet disposed on the moving part. When the moving magnet moves to a position over the fixed magnet, the fixed magnet is electrified to produce repulsion forces due to homopolar repulsion, whereby the repulsion forces and the inertial force generated during the course of movement of the moving magnet can move the electromagnetic rocking chair smoothly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Mei-Sheng Teng
  • Publication number: 20130285425
    Abstract: A baby swing and bouncer which includes a base to be places on a surface, a seat frame for carrying a seat for seating a child, two support leg disposed between the base frame and the seat frame for supporting the seat frame, and two connecting structure for coupling the seat frame to an upper end of the two support legs, respectively. A lower end of each support leg has a lower straight section rotatably coupled to the base frame, and an upper end of each support leg has an upper straight section rotatably coupled to a corresponding connecting structure. The rotation axes of the lower straight sections and the upper straight sections of the first and second support legs are parallel to each other. The relative rotations of at least one of the lower and upper straight sections of the two support legs are driven by a drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Baby Trend Inc.
    Inventor: Jung Tsai Chen
  • Publication number: 20130229040
    Abstract: An infant care apparatus capable of providing various swing motions is disclosed. The infant care apparatus includes a base, a sliding mount, and a seat frame. The base has a concave surface. The sliding mount has a convex surface matching with the concave surface and disposed opposite to the concave surface. The sliding mount slides above the concave surface by the convex surface. The seat frame is fixed on the sliding mount to be moved together with the sliding mount. Thereby, the seat frame together with the sliding mount can swing relative to the base in two dimensions. The infant care apparatus can provide various swing motions without any pendulum arm to child sitting thereon. Besides, the infant care apparatus can be assembled in a compact size facilitating transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathan K. Mountz
  • Publication number: 20130214575
    Abstract: A device for imparting a rocking motion to a rockable object having a curved bottom surface comprises a wedge-shaped housing and a reciprocating drive mechanism. The wedge-shaped housing comprises an upper housing having an upper surface configured for contacting the curved bottom surface of the rockable object, the upper housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower housing having a base configured for sitting on a surface, the lower housing having a proximal end and a distal end; and a hinge portion hingedly joining the proximal ends of the upper and lower housings. The reciprocating drive mechanism alternatingly moves the distal end of the upper housing upward to an extended position and downward to a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: BRIAN STEPHEN HARDING, ASHLEY BAKA HARDING, JAMES A. DOERR
  • Patent number: 8485602
    Abstract: A motorized chair device for promoting movement, balance, and vestibular processing and integration. The chair device features a chair component comprising a back support portion disposed atop a seat portion. The back support portion is formed from a first side panel, a middle panel, and a second side panel connected together, wherein rigid intersections are formed between the side panels and middle panel. A rocking component is positioned below the chair component. The rocking component is shaped to allow the chair component to rock. A motor system is operatively connected to a piston, the piston being mounted to a ground surface. The motor system functions to automatically rock the chair component forwardly and backwardly by pushing against the piston to pivot the device in a forward motion. A control button is operatively connected to the motor system. The control button functions to turn the motor system on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Cheryl S. Richards
  • Patent number: 8459732
    Abstract: A rocking furniture member having an electrically powered actuation mechanism includes a frame and an actuation mechanism connected to the frame. The actuation mechanism includes an extendable and retractable leg rest assembly. A drive assembly connected to the actuation mechanism having an electric motor operates to move the leg rest assembly between a retracted position and any of a plurality of extended positions inclusive including a fully extended position by a command provided by an occupant of the furniture member. A rotation member connecting the actuation mechanism to the frame permits an occupant induced rocking motion of the actuation mechanism with respect to the frame at least when the leg rest assembly is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad E. Adams, Eric B. Harwood, Richard E. Marshall, Michael R. Mero, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130134752
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's bouncer apparatus. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a support frame, seat assembly configured to support a child, and bouncer control device. The support frame includes one or more semi-rigid support arms that extend above a base portion and suspend the seat assembly above the base portion. The bouncer control device is configured to impart a driving force on the seat assembly via a magnetic drive assembly, thereby causing the seat assembly to continuously oscillate at the natural frequency of the children's bouncer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: David Gilbert, Peter D Jackson, Alex E Soriano, Jing Ru Chen
  • Publication number: 20130088059
    Abstract: A massage machine that can stably rock a chair main body in a forward-backward direction and that has minimal overall height comprising a chair main body, a base which supports the chair main body, massage portions provided in the chair main body, and a rocking mechanism portion which rocks the chair main body in the forward-backward direction with respect to the base. The rocking mechanism portion includes link members, each of which has a lower portion pivotally supported by the base and an upper portion pivotally supporting the chair main body. The chair main body is rocked in the forward-backward direction by rocking the upper portions of the link members in the forward-backward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Family Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoki Nagamitsu
  • Patent number: 8397322
    Abstract: A rocking device comprising: a base unit; first and second profiled tracks, each defining a close undulating path, the tracks being associated with the base unit; at least one track follower, arranged to interact with the at least one of the profiled tracks; a rotation arrangement to impart relative rotational movement between each of the profiled tracks and the track follower, thereby creating relative displacement between the track follower and the base unit; and a support unit carried by the track follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Alison Ruth Raphael, Sophie Miriam King
  • Patent number: 8398169
    Abstract: A furniture member having a powered gliding motion includes a frame having a plurality of upright posts. Individual ones of a plurality of links are individually rotatably connected to individual ones of the upright posts. An actuation mechanism is suspended from the upright posts at rotatably connected free ends of each of the links to permit forward and rearward gliding motions of the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a leg rest assembly movable between a fully retracted and a fully extended position. A powered glider drive assembly selectively connected to both the frame and the actuation mechanism successively moves the actuation mechanism in the forward gliding motion and the rearward gliding motion independent of the position of the leg rest assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 8382203
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's bouncer apparatus. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a support frame, seat assembly configured to support a child, and bouncer control device. The support frame includes one or more semi-rigid support arms that extend above a base portion and suspend the seat assembly above the base portion. The bouncer control device is configured to impart a driving force on the seat assembly via a magnetic drive assembly, thereby causing the seat assembly to continuously oscillate at the natural frequency of the children's bouncer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gilbert, Peter D. Jackson, Alex E. Soriano, Chen Jing Ru
  • Publication number: 20130026805
    Abstract: A motion device that provides a soothing motion for a child seated within the device to replicate a parent or caregiver cradling and/or swaying the child. Embodiments include a base frame configured to rest on a support surface, a support frame coupled to and extending upward from the base frame, and a seat assembly which is pivotably coupled to the support frame. The seat assembly moves in an oscillating motion about the pivot axis, which is selectively propelled by a drive mechanism or motor. The drive mechanism or motor is coupled to and/or is integral to the assembly and its speed and motion is controlled electronically. The pivot axis about which the seat assembly rotates is preferably configured to be at least slightly offset from the vertical axis, such that the seat assembly will “self-center” when at rest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob SCLARE, Alex SORIANO, Joseph W. STALEY
  • Patent number: 8308578
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a powered children's swing. In various embodiments, the swing includes a seat, swing frame, one or more swing arms, a first magnetic component, second magnetic component, swing motion sensor, and swing control circuit. The magnetic components are configured to generate a magnetic force that drives the seat along a swing path. The swing control circuit is configured to control the magnetic components based at least on input from the swing motion sensor and generate control signals causing the seat to swing with a substantially constant amplitude as specified by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gilbert, Stephen R. Burns, Peter D. Jackson, Charles Simons, Chen Jing Ru
  • Publication number: 20120261962
    Abstract: An infant support structure includes a base member and a seat pivotally coupled to the base member. The seat includes an inner surface defining a receiving area configured for supporting a child and an outer surface. An engagement member is coupled to the outer surface of the seat. A drive member is rotatably coupled to the base member and in engagement with the engagement member. One of the engagement member and the drive member includes an undulated surface so that the seat rocks back and forth relative to the base member as the drive member rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Maarten Van Huystee
  • Publication number: 20120216347
    Abstract: A motorized apparatus that produces either rocking or gliding motion, includes a gear motor with a drive shaft; a drive mechanism to functionally connect to a device to be rocked; the drive mechanism being either an actuating linkage or an eccentric that is rotatably coupled to both said drive shaft and said device to be rocked or glided translating rotary motion of the drive shaft when powered to said drive mechanism, that translates the motion to said device to be rocked or glided providing continuously smooth rocking motion to any device that is enhanced by being able to be rocked or glided, such as a cradle, rocker, or wheel chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent E. Tundo, Anthony W. Fini, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120212022
    Abstract: An electric rocking chair equipped with an electric device engendering automatically an in and out movement of the chair without there being a push by the user. The chair includes an armature deposited on the top of a support base containing a displacement device. The armature is fixed to the base in pivots allowing to move the chair front to back by means of a seesaw operation. The device includes an electric engine coupled with a reducer at the output of which is fixed a wheel to which a belt causes the moving of a horizontal arm with an elbow which acts on the armature so as to produce the in and out movement of the chair. A control lever within reach of a user allows to command the engine and to engage the in and out movement or to stop it. Another version involving a cam arrangement is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Yvon Godbout, Yvon Jacques
  • Patent number: 8197005
    Abstract: An infant care apparatus includes a base; a drive mechanism disposed on the base; a controller electronically coupled to the drive mechanism; and a support device coupled to the drive mechanism. The support device is configured to be moved in both a horizontal and vertical direction relative to the base by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is controlled by the controller to move the support device in a plurality of motion profiles relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Karl Hopke, Henry F. Thorne, Mary J. Koes, Robert D. Daley
  • Patent number: 8177296
    Abstract: A motorized rocking chair includes a support frame, a seat pivotally mounted on the support frame, an actuating mechanism mounted between the support frame and the seat to drive the seat to move relative to the support frame, a backrest pivotally mounted on the seat, and a telescopic mechanism mounted between the seat and the backrest to drive the backrest to move relative to the seat. Thus, the actuating mechanism is controlled by an electrically control device to drive the seat to pivot relative to the support frame reciprocally in a pendulum manner so that the seat is pivoted relative to the support frame automatically. In addition, the telescopic mechanism is controlled by the electrically control device to adjust the inclined angle of the backrest so as to provide a comfortable sensation to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Ruoey Lung Enterprise Corp.
    Inventor: Lung-Tan Shih
  • Patent number: 8047609
    Abstract: A driving device is adapted for an infant rocking chair. The rocking chair includes a seat body and a bottom seat. The driving device includes a base, a supporting element, first and second motion mechanisms, and a power mechanism. The first motion mechanism includes a horizontal first guide path unit disposed at the bottom seat, and a first movable member disposed on the base and movable along the first guide path unit. The second motion mechanism includes a vertically varying second guide path unit disposed at the bottom seat, and a second movable member movable along the second guide path unit and vertically relative to the base. The supporting element interconnects fixedly the seat body and the second movable member. The power mechanism drives reciprocal movement of the first and second movable members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Wonderland Nursery Good Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Jun-Xu Jin
  • Publication number: 20110248535
    Abstract: A furniture member having powered rocking motion includes a frame and an actuation mechanism rotatably connected to the frame and movable in forward and rearward rocking motions with respect to the frame. A powered rocking drive device includes a motor connected to the actuation mechanism and a solenoid. The solenoid when energized releasably couples the motor to the frame such that operation of the motor automatically induces the forward and rearward rocking motions of the actuation mechanism. The solenoid when de-energized decouples the motor from the frame permitting an occupant to induce the forward and rearward rocking motions of the actuation mechanism with respect to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7918505
    Abstract: A rocking device with a seat unit such as a chair, crib or cot, or attachment mechanisms for same with a motion generator comprising a profiled track defining a closed undulating path and a track follower, to interact with the track whilst one or other is rotated, thereby creating relative displacement between the seat unit and a base unit to simulate the motion of a vehicle. The device has mechanisms to decouple the relative displacement between the seat and the base from any rotational movement of the chair. The device is particularly effective at inducing sleep and restfulness in children. The invention also includes profiled tracks, and method for producing them from recording motion experienced by passengers in moving vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Alison Ruth Raphael, Sophie Miriam King
  • Publication number: 20110074196
    Abstract: A driving device is adapted for an infant rocking chair. The rocking chair includes a seat body and a bottom seat. The driving device includes a base, a supporting element, first and second motion mechanisms, and a power mechanism. The first motion mechanism includes a horizontal first guide path unit disposed at the bottom seat, and a first movable member disposed on the base and movable along the first guide path unit. The second motion mechanism includes a vertically varying second guide path unit disposed at the bottom seat, and a second movable member movable along the second guide path unit and vertically relative to the base. The supporting element interconnects fixedly the seat body and the second movable member. The power mechanism drives reciprocal movement of the first and second movable members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERY GOODS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Jun-Xu Jin
  • Patent number: 7891736
    Abstract: An infant seat rocker includes a base member, a motor, the motor being positioned on the base member and a tray member, the tray member being positioned on the base member. Means for attaching the motor to the tray member are also included as well as at least one spring secured to the base member, the spring having a first end proximate a front wall of the tray member and a second end proximate a rear wall of the tray member; and a shaft, the shaft positioned to secure the tray member to the base member. An infant seat is positioned in the tray and the motor is engaged to produce and maintain a rocking motion in the infant seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Dewey M. Sims, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7887130
    Abstract: A moving workstation and its method of operation are described. A workstation described herein includes a chair and operator equipment that move together in a pivoting motion through an automatic, time-controlled program, where an orientation of the chair relative to the operator equipment is maintained during the pivoting motion. Such a workstation can reduce manpower requirements while improving vigilance of workstation operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Logan D. Zvolena
  • Patent number: 7874617
    Abstract: A rocker mechanism for a baby seat, having: a housing; a rotatable member in the housing; a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable member; a power source for the drive mechanism; a projection on the rotatable member; a first line anchor on the housing; a second line anchor on the housing; and a line wrapped around the projection, the line having a fixed end connected to the first line anchor, a mid-portion connected to the second line anchor, and a free end, wherein the free end of the line repeatedly moves towards and away from the housing as the rotatable member rotates in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Melanie A. Ogle
  • Patent number: 7862118
    Abstract: An infant seat rocker includes a base member having a pair of rails that protrude generally vertically from the base member and extend a length of the base member, a front wall that protrudes at an angle from the front of the base member, at least one rear wall that protrudes at an angle from the rear of the base member, a motor that is positioned on the base member and a spring that attaches the motor to the infant seat. The infant seat is positioned on the base member and the rails, the front wall and at least one rear wall are capable of locating the infant seat on the base member while the motor is energized to produce and maintain a rocking motion in the infant seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Dewey M. Sims, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7845728
    Abstract: A driving device is adapted for an infant rocking chair. The rocking chair includes a seat body and a bottom seat. The driving device includes a base, a supporting element, first and second motion mechanisms, and a power mechanism. The first motion mechanism includes a horizontal first guide path unit disposed at the bottom seat, and a first movable member disposed on the base and movable along the first guide path unit. The second motion mechanism includes a vertically varying second guide path unit disposed at the bottom seat, and a second movable member movable along the second guide path unit and vertically relative to the base. The supporting element interconnects fixedly the seat body and the second movable member. The power mechanism drives reciprocal movement of the first and second movable members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Jun-Xu Jin
  • Publication number: 20100201171
    Abstract: A child motion device includes a frame providing a structural support relative to a reference surface and including an arm pivotably coupled to the structural support for reciprocating movement with a resonant frequency, a child supporting device coupled to the arm and spaced from the reference surface by the frame, and a drive system including a motor configured to drive the arm such that the child supporting device reciprocates along a motion path at a frequency matched to the resonant frequency. The drive system is configured to adjust a duty cycle of the motor to control a speed at which the child support device moves along the motion path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Velderman, Joshua E. Clapper
  • Publication number: 20100176631
    Abstract: A rocker mechanism for a baby seat, having: a housing; a rotatable member in the housing; a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable member; a power source for the drive mechanism; a projection on the rotatable member; a first line anchor on the housing; a second line anchor on the housing; and a line wrapped around the projection, the line having a fixed end connected to the first line anchor, a mid-portion connected to the second line anchor, and a free end, wherein the free end of the line repeatedly moves towards and away from the housing as the rotatable member rotates in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Melanie A. Ogle