CN117956929A

CN117956929A - Child swing apparatus having rotatable post with seat disposed thereon

Info

Publication number: CN117956929A
Application number: CN202280052610.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳森·K·芒兹; 伊桑·M·斯奈德
Original assignee: China Wonderland Nurserygoods Co Ltd
Current assignee: China Wonderland Nurserygoods Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-01
Filing date: 2022-05-31
Publication date: 2024-04-30

Abstract

In one example, a child swing has a base, a post, and a seat. The base portion supports the child swing on the ground. The post extends upwardly from the base and defines an axis of rotation. The seat is supported above the base by the post. In some examples, the post transitions the seat between a lowered position in which the seat is at a first height above the ground and a raised position in which the seat is at a second height above the ground. The seat rotates relative to the base about an axis of rotation in both the lowered and raised positions. In some examples, the rocking device has a magnetic drive. In some examples, the rocking device has a rocking motion sensor that detects movement of the seat relative to the base. In some examples, the rocking device has a tilting mechanism.

Description

Child swing apparatus having rotatable post with seat disposed thereon

Priority statement

The present disclosure claims U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/195,632 filed on 1/6/2021; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/216,271, filed on 6/29 of 2021; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/234,784, filed 8/19/2021; and priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/255,906 filed on day 10/14 of 2021. The disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to child motion devices and, more particularly, to child swing devices.

Background

Infant swing devices have become a common household. The primary function of the infant swing is to impart a gentle motion, such as a rocking, shaking or sliding motion, to pacify the child while providing a safe and comfortable sitting area. Infant swing devices are sold in a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations. Common types of infant swing devices include a frame, a swing arm depending from the frame, and an infant seat attached to the swing arm. The swing arm moves to transfer motion to the infant seat.

Disclosure of Invention

In one example, a child swing includes a base, a post, and a seat. The base is configured to support the child swing on a ground surface. The post extends upwardly from the base and defines an axis of rotation. The seat is supported above the base by the post. The post is configured to transition the seat between a lowered position in which the seat is at a first height above the ground and a raised position in which the seat is at a second height above the ground that is greater than the first height. The seat is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the base in both the lowered and raised positions.

In another example, a child swing includes a base, a post, a seat, and a tilt mechanism. The base is configured to support the child swing on a ground surface. The post extends upwardly from the base and defines an axis of rotation. The seat is supported above the base by the post. A recliner mechanism couples the seat to the post and is configured to selectively transition the seat between a plurality of reclined positions. The recliner mechanism has a first seat mount and a second seat mount. The first seat mount is attached to the seat. A second seat mount is attached to the post. The first and second seat mounts are pivotally coupled to each other at the tilt pivot axis such that the seat is configured to rotate relative to the column about the tilt pivot axis between a plurality of tilt positions.

In yet another example, a child swing includes a base, a post, and a seat, and a magnetic drive. The base is configured to support the child swing on a ground surface. The post extends upwardly from the base and at least a portion of the post is rotatable relative to the base about an axis of rotation. The seat is supported by the post above the base such that the seat is configured to rotate with at least a portion of the post about the axis of rotation. The magnetic drive includes at least one magnet and at least one other magnet. The at least one other magnet defines a first end having a first polarity and a second end having a second polarity different from the first polarity. The first end and the second end are spaced apart from each other in the direction of rotation. The at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet are configured to apply a magnetic force to each other, thereby causing relative rotation between the at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet that drives rotation of at least a portion of the post relative to the base about an axis of rotation.

In yet another example, a child swing includes a base, a seat, at least one magnet, and a hall effect sensor. The base is configured to support the child swing on a ground surface. The seat is supported above the base such that the seat is configured to rotate relative to the base. The at least one magnet has north and south poles spaced apart from each other in the direction of rotation. i) The at least one magnet or ii) one of the hall effect sensors is positionally fixed (positionally, in-place) relative to the seat such that i) the at least one magnet or ii) one of the hall effect sensors is configured to rotate relative to the base as the seat rotates. The at least one magnet and the hall effect sensor are rotatable relative to one another such that the hall effect sensor is configured to sense the strength of each magnetic field generated by the north and south poles and to generate a signal indicative of rotational movement of the seat.

In yet another example, a child swing includes a base, a post, a seat, and a housing. The base is configured to support the child swing on a ground surface. The post extends upwardly from the base and at least a portion of the post is rotatable relative to the base about an axis of rotation. The seat is supported by the post above the base such that the seat is configured to rotate with at least a portion of the post about the axis of rotation. The housing has an inner side facing the post and an outer side (opposite ) opposite the inner side. The outer side supports a control panel configured to be engaged by a user to operate the child swing. The control panel is supported above the base at a level horizontally immediately adjacent to the column. The housing is positionally fixed relative to the base such that at least a portion of the post rotates relative to the inside of the housing.

In a further example, a child swing includes a base, a post, a seat, a plurality of optical sensors, and an optical encoder. The base is configured to support the child swing on a ground surface. The post extends upwardly from the base and at least a portion of the post is rotatable relative to the base about an axis of rotation. The seat is supported by the post above the base such that the seat is configured to rotate with at least a portion of the post about the axis of rotation. The plurality of optical sensors includes: 1) A first light source that emits a first light beam propagating along a first light path; 2) A first detector spaced apart from the first light source and disposed in the first light path to detect the first light beam; 3) A second light source that emits a second light beam along a second light path different from the first light path; and 4) a second detector spaced apart from the second light source and disposed in the second light path to detect the second light beam. The optical encoder is disposed in the first optical path and the second optical path. i) The plurality of optical sensors or one of ii) the optical encoders are fixed in position relative to the post such that i) the plurality of optical sensors or one of ii) the optical encoders is configured to be associated with rotation of the seat relative to the base. The plurality of optical sensors and the optical encoder are rotatable relative to one another such that the plurality of optical sensors are each configured to generate a signal indicative of rotational movement of the seat.

In one example, a child swing includes a base, a post, and a seat. The base is configured to support the child swing on a ground surface. The post extends upwardly from the base and at least a portion of the post is rotatable relative to the base about an axis of rotation. The seat is configured to be removably coupled to at least a portion of the post such that rotation of the at least a portion of the post causes corresponding rotation of the seat.

In another example, the baby product is configured to support a child above the ground. The baby product includes a component and at least a portion of a leg configured to be removably coupled with the component. One of the member and at least a portion of the leg defines a plate and the other of the member and at least a portion of the leg defines a slot configured to receive an end of the plate therein. The product includes a latch configured to releasably secure an end of the plate within the slot to secure at least a portion of the leg to the component.

In yet another example, a method of assembling a baby product includes the steps of: the legs of the baby product are aligned with the components of the baby product, wherein one of the legs and the components includes a plate and the other of the legs and the components defines a slot. The method includes the steps of inserting an end of a plate into a socket to couple a leg to a component, and releasably securing an end of the plate within the socket to secure at least a portion of the leg to the component.

In yet another example, the packaged child swing includes a package and a child swing. The child swing includes a seat and at least one leg. The seat is configured to support a child. The at least one leg is configured to be removably coupled to the child swing and the child swing is received in the enclosure such that the at least one leg is removed from the child swing and received in the seat.

In yet another example, a method of packaging a child swing includes the steps of: the child swing is received in the enclosure such that at least one leg of the child swing is separated from the child swing and received in a seat of the child swing.

Drawings

The following description of the exemplary embodiments may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that potential examples of the disclosed systems and methods are not limited to those described.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a child swing in a lowered position including a base, a post extending upwardly from the base, and a seat supported by the post, according to one example;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the child swing of FIG. 1 in a raised position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the child swing of FIG. 1 in a lowered position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the child swing of FIG. 1, including a lower portion of a post;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the child swing of FIG. 1 with the outer housing of the base and cover removed;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of an extendable shaft of the child swing of FIG. 1, the extendable shaft including a latch configured to selectively lock the child swing in a plurality of different height positions;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the latch of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of a portion of the child swing of FIG. 1 with the seating surface of the seat removed;

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of an extendable shaft of the child swing of FIG. 1, wherein the extendable shaft is attached to a seat;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the tilting mechanism of the child swing of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the tilting mechanism of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12A illustrates a side view of the child swing of FIG. 1, with the seat in a most upright reclined position (upright-most recline position);

FIG. 12B illustrates a side view of the child swing of FIG. 1, with the seat in an intermediate reclined position;

FIG. 12C illustrates a side view of the child swing of FIG. 1, with the seat in a reclined position (reclined-most recline position) with the seat at a reclined position;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a tilt actuator of the child swing of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the tilt actuator of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side perspective view of the lower portion of the child swing of FIG. 1 with the housing removed to show the drive unit, control panel, extendable shaft and pivot shaft of the child swing;

FIG. 16 shows a front perspective view of the lower portion of FIG. 15 with the housing and control panel removed;

FIG. 17A illustrates a cross-section of the child swing of FIG. 1 having an electromagnet and a hub supporting a first magnet and a second magnet that apply magnetic forces to the electromagnet to rotate the hub in a first rotational direction, according to one example;

FIG. 17B shows the cross section of FIG. 17A with the hub rotated to a neutral position;

FIG. 17C shows the cross-section of FIG. 17A with the hub rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction;

FIG. 17D shows the cross section of FIG. 17A with the hub rotated to a neutral position and the polarity of the electromagnets reversed from FIG. 17B;

FIG. 18A illustrates a cross-section of a child swing according to another example, having an electromagnet and a hub supporting a single magnet having north and south poles that applies a magnetic force to the electromagnet to rotate the hub in a first rotational direction;

FIG. 18B shows the cross section of FIG. 18A with the hub rotated to a neutral position;

FIG. 18C shows the cross-section of FIG. 18A with the hub rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction;

FIG. 18D shows the cross section of FIG. 18A with the hub rotated to a neutral position and the polarity of the electromagnets reversed from FIG. 18B;

FIG. 19A illustrates a cross-section of a child swing according to yet another example, having a hub supporting an electromagnet, and at least one other magnet having a north pole and a south pole that applies a magnetic force to the electromagnet to rotate the hub in a first rotational direction;

FIG. 19B shows the cross section of FIG. 19A with the hub rotated to a neutral position;

FIG. 19C shows the cross-section of FIG. 19A, wherein the hub is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction;

FIG. 19D shows the cross section of FIG. 19A with the hub rotated to a neutral position and the electromagnets of opposite polarity to FIG. 19B;

FIG. 20 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a circuit including a controller for controlling operation of a child swing having a magnetic drive, according to one example;

FIG. 21 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of a method of operating a child swing with a magnetic drive, according to one example;

FIG. 22 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of a control loop of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for controlling the operation of a children's swing according to an example;

FIG. 23 shows a graph of voltage readings of the motion sensor of the child swing of FIG. 1 when the seat of the child swing is fully rotated;

FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a child swing having an optical sensing device according to an example;

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the sensing device shown in FIG. 24 with an encoder and an optical sensor;

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of an encoder of the sensing device of FIG. 24; and

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of an optical sensor of the sensing device of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 illustrates an example operation of the optical sensing device of FIGS. 24-27, including detecting a change in sway direction;

FIG. 29A illustrates a cross-section of a child swing according to yet another example, having a hub supporting a magnet having a fixed polarity, and first and second electromagnets applying magnetic forces to the magnet to rotate the hub in a first rotational direction;

FIG. 29B shows the cross section of FIG. 29A with the hub rotated to a neutral position and the polarity of the electromagnets reversed from FIG. 29A;

FIG. 29C shows the cross-section of FIG. 29A with the hub rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction;

FIG. 29D shows the cross section of FIG. 29A with the hub rotated to a neutral position and the electromagnets of opposite polarity to FIG. 29B;

FIG. 30A illustrates a cross-section of a child swing apparatus having first and second electromagnets and a hub supporting the magnets that apply magnetic forces to the first and second electromagnets to rotate the hub in a first rotational direction according to yet another example;

FIG. 30B shows the cross section of FIG. 30A with the hub rotated to a neutral position and the polarity of the electromagnets reversed from FIG. 30A;

FIG. 30C shows the cross-section of FIG. 30A with the hub rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction;

FIG. 30D shows the cross section of FIG. 30A with the hub rotated to a neutral position and the polarity of the electromagnets reversed from FIG. 30B;

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of a portion of the child swing with the seat removed from the post;

FIG. 32 shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the child swing with the seat removed from the post;

33A-33C illustrate three perspective views of a portion of a child swing, each view showing different stages of coupling a seat of the child swing to a post;

34A-34C illustrate three cross-sectional views of a portion of a child swing, each including a tilt mechanism, and showing the seat tilted in different tilt positions (positions);

FIG. 35 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of a coupling for coupling a leg of a child swing to a base of the child swing according to one example;

FIG. 36 shows an exploded bottom perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 35;

FIGS. 37A-37C illustrate three cross-sectional views of a portion of a child swing, each cross-sectional view showing different stages of coupling one of the legs to the child swing;

FIG. 38A illustrates a perspective view of a child swing enclosed in a package;

FIG. 38B illustrates a top view of the child swing enclosed in a package;

FIG. 38C illustrates a side view of the child swing enclosed in a package;

FIG. 39 illustrates a rear perspective view of a portion of a child swing including a rotation lock;

fig. 40A shows a perspective view of a portion of the child swing 1 with a portion of the outer housing removed to show the rotary lock in an unlocked state;

Fig. 40B shows a perspective view of a portion of the child swing 1 of fig. 40A, with a portion of the outer housing removed to show the rotary lock in a locked state;

FIG. 41 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a child swing including a rotary lock in a locked state;

FIG. 42 illustrates an exploded bottom perspective view of a coupling for coupling a leg of a child swing to a base of the child swing in accordance with another example;

FIG. 43 shows an exploded bottom perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 35 with the actuator and insert of the coupling exploded;

FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of the actuator of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of the insert of FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of the actuator of FIG. 43 coupled with the insert of FIG. 43;

FIGS. 47A-47C illustrate cross-sectional views of a portion of a child swing, each cross-sectional view illustrating different stages of coupling one of the legs to the child swing; and

Fig. 47D and 47E show cross-sectional views of a portion of a child swing, each cross-sectional view showing different stages of decoupling one of the legs from the child swing.

Detailed Description

Referring generally to the drawings, examples of the present disclosure relate to a child swing 1 that includes a base 10 and a seat 30 supported by the base 10 above a support surface (e.g., the ground), wherein the seat 30 is configured to move by, for example, swinging, rocking, or sliding relative to the base 10. The child swing 1 may include an extendable column 20, a tilt mechanism 40, 40', a magnetic drive 50, a seat motion sensor 70, and removable legs 102, 104, among other features. However, it will be appreciated that the alternative child swing of the present disclosure need not be implemented using all of the extendable post 20, the recliner mechanisms 40, 40', the magnetic drive 50, the seat motion sensor 70, and the removable legs 102, 104. In contrast, the alternative child swing of the present disclosure may be implemented using less than all of the extendable column 20, the recliner mechanisms 40, 40', the magnetic drive 50, the seat motion sensor 70, and the removable legs 102, 104. For example, alternative child swing devices of the present disclosure may include one or more of the extendable column 20, the tilt mechanism 40, 40', the magnetic drive 50, the seat motion sensor 70, or the removable legs 102, 104, or any combination of two or more.

Seat with extensible height

Traditionally, child rocking devices of smaller overall size are referred to as compact rocking devices, while rocking devices of larger overall size are referred to as full-size rocking devices. Compact child swing apparatuses typically have a seat closer to the ground than full-size swing apparatuses. In addition, compact child swing devices are generally more portable and have a smaller footprint than full-size swing devices, thereby taking up less space in the caretaker's home. However, sometimes caregivers desire the seat to be at a higher elevation (e.g., closer to the elevation of a full-sized swing) so that the caregivers have easier access to the child. Thus, it would be beneficial for a child swing to provide portability and compactness of a compact swing while also allowing a caregiver to raise the seat to facilitate access to the child.

Turning to fig. 1-3, a child swing 1 according to some examples of the present disclosure may include a base 10, a post 20, and a seat 30. The base 10 is configured to support the child swing 1 on the ground or other surface. The post 20 extends upwardly from the base 10 and defines an axis of rotation a _R (identified in fig. 4 and 5). The seat 30 is supported above the base 10 by the post 20. For example, the post 20 may be attached to the seat 30 such that the seat 30 is disposed on top of the post 20. The column 20 is configured to transition the seat 30 between a plurality of height positions. For example, the post 20 is configured to transition the seat 30 between a lowered position (fig. 1) in which the seat 30 is located at a first height H ₁ above the ground and a raised position (fig. 2) in which the seat 30 is located at a second height H ₂ above the ground that is greater than the first height H ₁. The difference between lowered (or lowermost) and raised (or uppermost) positions may be two inches or more, such as three inches or more, such as four inches or more, such as five inches or more, such as six inches or more, such as seven inches or more, or such as eight inches or more. The post 20 may be configured to transition the entire seat 30 between different height positions. In some examples, the plurality of height positions may include one or more intermediate positions between the lowered position and the raised position, and the post 20 may be configured to transition the seat 30 to the one or more intermediate positions. The child swing 1 may be configured to selectively lock the seat 30 in each of the plurality of height positions. In some examples, the child swing 1 may be converted between the lowered and raised positions by a caregiver manually raising or lowering the seat 30. In other examples, the child swing 1 may include a drive, such as a motor or actuator, that raises and lowers the seat 30.

The seat 30 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation a _R relative to the base in two or more (e.g., all) of the plurality of height positions. For example, the seat 30 may be configured to rotate about the axis of rotation a _R when the seat 16 is in each of the lowered position, the raised position, and optionally one or more intermediate positions (if included). The child swing 1 may be configured such that when the seat 30 is in each height position, the seat 30 rotates without the post 20 changing height position. In other words, the height position may be fixed when the seat 30 rotates. Thus, the child swing 1 may be configured to rotate the seat 30 in each height position while the seat 30 is locked in that height position. The seat 30 may rotate less than 360 degrees about the axis of rotation. For example, the seat 30 may be rotated in a range of up to +30 degrees and-30 degrees from the neutral position. The neutral position may be a position in which the seat 30 faces straight ahead. The neutral position may be a position where the seat 30 is naturally stationary when the rocking device is not activated (e.g., rocking angle α=0 degrees). The child swing 1 may include a control panel 62 configured to be engaged by a caregiver to control various functions of the child swing 1, such as turning on the swing 1, controlling the speed of the swing 1, and adjusting music or other sounds emitted from the swing 1.

With continued reference to fig. 1-3, various aspects of the child swing in accordance with the present disclosure will be discussed in further detail. The base 10 of the child swing 1 may be configured in any suitable manner to limit or prevent the child swing 1 from tipping over when the child is positioned with the seat 30. The base 10 may define a floor space to limit or prevent the child swing 1 from tipping over. In some examples, the footprint may be at least as wide as the seat 30. For example, the base 10 may have a first side 10a and a second side 10b offset from each other in a lateral direction (lateral direction ) a. The width of the base 10 from the first side 10a to the second side 10b may be greater than the width of the seat 30 in the lateral direction a when the seat 30 is in the neutral position. The base 10 may include at least one leg extending out on opposite sides of the post 20. For example, the base 10 may include a body 108 and at least one leg (e.g., first leg 102 and second leg 104) that extend out on opposite sides of the body 108. The first leg 102 and the second leg 104 may extend from the body 108 with respect to (WITH RESPECT to, relative to) the lateral direction a. Each leg 102, 104 may have a tubular shape.

The base 10 may also have a front end 10c and a rear end 10d. The front end 10c may be spaced apart from the rear end 10d in the forward direction F, and the rear end 10d may be spaced apart from the front end 10c in the rearward direction R. The forward and rearward directions may be perpendicular to the transverse direction a. As each leg extends away from the post 20 in the lateral direction a, it may extend in a rearward direction. Each leg may be formed from a tube or other structure. As each leg extends away from the post 20, it may extend generally in a horizontal plane along the ground. It should be appreciated that the base 10 may be formed in any other suitable manner and may have any other suitable shape. For example, the base 10 may include tubes (not shown) extending from opposite sides of the post and defining a closed shape at or around the rear, front, or periphery of the post 20. As another example, the base 10 may have a box or plate shape instead of the separate tubular legs 102 and 104. As yet another example, the base 10 may additionally or alternatively include at least one leg (e.g., a pair of legs) that extends in a forward direction when extending from the post 20 in the lateral direction a.

The seat 30 has an upper end 302 and a lower end 304 opposite each other in the vertical direction V. The vertical direction V may be perpendicular to the forward direction F, the backward direction R, and the transverse direction a. The seat 30 has a front end 301 and a rear end 303 opposite each other in a first direction. The first direction may be aligned with the forward direction F and the rearward direction R when the seat 30 is in the neutral position. The seat 30 includes a seating surface 308, the seating surface 308 being configured to support a child thereon. The seating surface 308 may include a seat back 310 and a seat pan 312. The seat 30 defines a recess 306 therein that extends to a seating surface 308. The recess 306 may extend into the upper end 302 toward the lower end 304 and terminate at a seat plate 312. The recess 306 may also extend into the front end 301 toward the rear end 303 and terminate in a seat back 310.

The seat 30 may include a seat edge 314. The seat edge 314 may have an annular shape or other suitable shape. In some exemplary embodiments, the seat edge 314 may be defined by a tubular ring or other suitable structure. The tubular ring may be made of metal or other suitably rigid material. In other examples, the seat edge 314 may be an edge of a molded seat. The seat edge 314 may lie in a seat edge plane that is angularly offset relative to the rotational axis a _R. The axis of rotation a _R may extend through the seat edge plane. The recess 306 may extend into the seat edge 314 such that the seat edge 314 is disposed about the seating surface 308. The seat edge 314 may have a first end 314a and a second end 314b. The first end 314a and the second end 314b may be offset from each other along the seat edge plane. A first end 314a of the seat edge 314 may be disposed at the upper end 302 of the seat 30 at the rear end 303. Thus, the first end 314a may be referred to as an upper back end. The first end 314a of the seat edge 314 may be offset in the vertical direction V and the rearward direction R relative to the second end 314b of the seat edge 314. The second end 314b of the seat edge 314 may be disposed at the front end 301 at the lower end 304 of the seat 30. Thus, the second end 314b may be referred to as a lower front end. The second end 314b of the seat edge 314 may be offset in the vertical direction V and forward direction F relative to the first end 314a of the seat edge 314. In some examples, the seat 30 may be attached to the post 20 at the lower end 304. Additionally or alternatively, the seat 30 may be attached to the post 20 at the front end 301.

The seating surface 308 may be a soft seating surface formed from soft objects depending from the seat edge 314. In some examples, the seat edge 314 may define a channel 314C (labeled in fig. 34A-34C) that extends around an inner perimeter of the seat edge 314. The channel 314c may be configured to receive an outer edge of the soft serve seat such that the seat edge 314 remains exposed (i.e., uncovered by soft serve) when the soft serve seat is attached to the seat edge 314. Alternatively, the seating surface 308 may be a rigid seating surface formed of a rigid material (e.g., a polymer) that defines the seat edge 314. The rigid seating surface may be covered with soft matter to provide cushioning for the child.

The post 20 may include an upper post end 202 and a lower post end 204 disposed below the upper post end 202 along the rotational axis a _R. In some examples, the post 20 may be linear from the upper post end 202 to the lower post end 204. The post 20 may be elongated from an upper post end 202 to a lower post end 204. The upper post end 202 may be attached to the seat 30 and the lower post end 204 may be attached to the base 10. The post 20 may include a first post portion 206 extending from the upper post end 202 toward the lower post end 204, and a second post portion 208 extending from the lower post end 204 toward the upper post end 202. The first column portion 206 and the second column portion 208 may be configured to extend and retract relative to each other to transition the seat 30 between a plurality of height positions. In some examples, first column portion 206 and second column portion 208 may extend and retract by telescoping relative to each other. The first column portion 206 is configured to extend upwardly from the second column portion 208 when the seat 30 is transitioned to the raised position. Fig. 1-3 illustrate an example in which the second column portion 208 is an outer column portion and the first column portion 206 is an inner column portion telescoping into the second column portion 208. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative examples, the first column portion 206 may be an outer column portion and the second column portion 208 may be an inner column portion telescoping into the first column portion 206.

At least a portion of the post 20 (e.g., the entire post 20) may be configured to rotate relative to the base 10 about an axis of rotation a _R. The seat 30 is rotatably secured to the upper end 202 such that rotation of the first post portion 206 of the post 20 about the rotational axis a _R causes corresponding rotation of the seat 30. The seat 30 is translatably secured to the upper end 202 such that translation of the first post portion 206 of the post 20 relative to the second post portion 208 of the post 20 causes corresponding translation of the seat 30.

Turning to fig. 4 and 5, the post 20 may include a shaft 210 (which may be referred to herein as an extendable or telescoping shaft) having a first shaft portion 212 and a second shaft portion 214 configured to extend and retract (e.g., telescope) relative to one another to transition the seat 30 between a plurality of height positions. The first shaft portion 212 may extend upwardly from the second shaft portion 214 when the seat 30 is in the raised position. Fig. 4 and 5 show an example in which the second shaft portion 214 is an outer shaft portion and the first shaft portion 212 is an inner shaft portion telescoping into the second shaft portion 214. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative examples, the first shaft portion 212 may be an outer shaft portion and the second shaft portion 214 may be an inner shaft portion telescoping into the first shaft portion 212.

The first shaft portion 212 may have an upper end that is rotatably secured to the seat 30, such as to the lower end 304 of the seat 30, such that rotation of the first shaft portion 212 relative to the base 10 about the rotational axis a _R causes corresponding rotation of the seat 30. The upper end of the first shaft portion 212 is also translatably secured to the seat 30 such that translation of the first shaft portion 212 relative to the second shaft portion 214 causes corresponding translation of the seat 30. The second shaft portion 214 is rotatably attached to the first shaft portion 212 such that rotation of the first shaft portion 212 about the rotational axis a _R causes a corresponding rotation of the second shaft portion 214. The second shaft portion 214 may be translationally fixed with respect to the base 10 with respect to the vertical direction V.

In some examples, as shown in fig. 5, the shaft 210 may be offset from the base 10 with respect to the horizontal direction. In such an example, when the seat 30 is in the lowest height position, the lower end 212a of the first shaft portion 212 may be configured to retract to a position aligned (or abutted) with the base 10 in the horizontal direction. In other words, when the seat 30 is in the lowest height position, the lower end 212a of the first shaft portion 212 may be positioned lower than the upper end of the base 10 with respect to the vertical direction V. The lower end 212a of the first shaft portion 212 may extend in front of the base 10 (as shown) or to the rear of the base 10 (not shown). Therefore, when the first shaft portion 212 moves to the lowest height position, the base 10 does not interfere with the lower end 212a of the first shaft portion 212. This can make the lowest height position lower than in the case where the base 10 is disposed directly below the lower end 212a of the first shaft portion 212 and thus interferes therewith. However, it should be appreciated that in other examples, the shaft 210 may be aligned with the base 10 such that the central axis of the shaft 210 intersects the base 10 and the base 10 interferes with the downward travel of the lower end of the first shaft portion 212.

The first portion 206 of the post 20 may include a first shaft portion 212 and a first housing portion 216, wherein the first shaft portion 212 is at least partially disposed in the first housing portion 216. Similarly, the second portion 208 of the post 20 may include a second shaft portion 214 and a second housing portion 218, wherein the second shaft portion 214 is at least partially disposed in the second housing portion 218. However, it should be understood that in alternative examples, the post 20 need not include the first housing portion 216 and the second housing portion 218. The first housing portion 216 and the second housing portion 218 may be extended and retracted relative to each other. In some examples, the first housing portion 216 and the second housing portion 218 may extend and retract by telescoping relative to each other. The first housing portion 216 may extend upwardly from the second housing portion 218 when the seat 30 is in the raised position. Fig. 1-4 illustrate an example in which the second housing portion 218 is an outer housing portion and the first housing portion 216 is an inner housing portion that telescopes into the second housing portion 218. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative examples, the first housing portion 216 may be an outer housing portion and the second housing portion 218 may be an inner housing portion telescoping into the first housing portion 216.

In some examples, the first housing portion 216 and the first shaft portion 212 may be rotationally fixed relative to each other such that rotation of the first shaft portion 212 relative to the base 10 causes corresponding rotation of the first housing portion 216. The first housing portion 216 and the first shaft portion 212 may be translationally fixed relative to each other with respect to the vertical direction V such that translation of the first shaft portion 212 relative to the second shaft portion 214 and the second housing portion 218 causes corresponding translation of the first housing portion 216 relative to the second shaft portion 214 and the second housing portion 218. In some examples, the second housing portion 218 and the second shaft portion 214 may be rotationally fixed relative to each other such that rotation of the second shaft portion 214 relative to the base 10 causes corresponding rotation of the second housing portion 218. The second housing portion 218 and the first shaft portion 212 may be translationally fixed with respect to each other and the base 10 with respect to the vertical direction V.

Referring to fig. 6-8, the child swing 1 may be configured to selectively lock the post 20 in each of a plurality of height positions. In some examples, the child swing 1 may include a latch 220 configured to selectively lock the post 20 in each of a plurality of height positions, although in other examples, the child swing 1 may include a locking pin or other locking structure. The latch 220 is configured to transition between a locked position in which the latch 220 locks the post 20 in one of a plurality of height positions and an unlocked position in which the post 20 is free to transition between the plurality of height positions. The latch 220 may be any suitable latch that may selectively lock the first post portion 206 relative to the second post portion 208 with respect to translation along the rotational axis a _R. In some examples, the latch 220 may be configured to selectively lock the first shaft portion 212 and the second shaft portion 214 to one another. One of the first and second column portions 206, 208 (e.g., one of the first and second shaft portions 212, 214 of the first and second column portions 206, 208) may define a plurality of openings 214a therein (labeled in fig. 6 and 9) spaced apart from one another along the vertical direction V. Each opening 214a may correspond to a different one of a plurality of height positions. The latch 220 may be attached to the other of the first and second shaft portions 212, 214, and the latch 220 may include a protrusion 222a configured to selectively extend into each opening 214a to lock the first and second shaft portions 212, 214 to one another. In some examples, the latch 220 may be disposed inside the other of the first shaft portion 212 and the second shaft portion 214. However, it should be understood that in alternative examples, the latch 220 may be external to one or both of the first shaft portion 212 and the second shaft portion 214.

In the particular example of fig. 6-8, the second shaft portion 214 includes a plurality of openings 214a and the latch 220 is disposed in the first shaft portion 212. The latch 220 includes a first body 222 having a protrusion 222 a. The first body 222 is configured to translate the protrusion 222a into the opening 214a and out of the opening 214a. For example, the first body 222 may be switched between a locked position in which the protrusion 222a extends into one of the openings 214a and an unlocked position in which the protrusion 222a is removed from the opening 214a. In some examples, the first body 222 may be rotatable about the pivot axis P to transition between the locked and unlocked positions. In other examples, the first body 222 may translate in a direction extending toward and away from the opening 214a (e.g., a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the shaft 210). The protrusion 222a may be disposed at the first end 222b of the first body 222. The first body 222 is translatably fixed to the first shaft portion 212 such that the first body 222 translates with the first shaft portion 212 along the central axis of the shaft 210 relative to the second shaft portion 214.

The latch 220 may include a second body 224 configured to engage the first body 222 to cause the first body 222 to transition between the locked and unlocked positions. For example, the second body 224 may be configured to translate relative to the first shaft portion 212 in a first direction along the central axis of the shaft 210 to cause the second body 222 to transition to the locked position and in a second direction opposite the first direction to cause the second body to move to the unlocked position. One of the first body 222 and the second body 224 may include an angled surface and the other of the first body 222 and the second body 224 may define an engagement surface that slides along the angled surface to cause the first body 222 to transition (e.g., translate and/or rotate) between the locked and unlocked positions. The inclined surface may be inclined with respect to the central axis of the shaft 210. In some examples, one of the first body 222 and the second body 224 may include a pin 222d defining an engagement surface, and the other of the first body 222 and the second body 224 may define a slot 224a defining an inclined surface and receiving the pin 222d. The pin 222d or slot 224a may be disposed adjacent the second end 222c of the first body 222. The pivot axis a _P may be between the first end 222b and the second end 222 c. The slot 224a may be angled relative to the central axis of the shaft 210 such that as the second body 224 translates along the central axis of the shaft 210, the pin 222e slides within the slot 224a to drive the translation of the second end 222b of the first body 222 in a direction angularly offset (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the central axis of the shaft 210. This in turn causes the first end 222b of the first body 222 to pivot about the pivot axis a _P. The latch 220 may include a biasing member 230, such as a spring or resilient material, that biases the translating body 224 toward the locked position.

The child swing 1 may include an actuator 226 configured to be engaged by a caregiver to selectively transition the latch 220 between the locked and unlocked positions. The actuator 226 may be, for example, but not limited to, a handle, button, lever, trigger, or switch engaged by the caregiver. The child swing apparatus 1 may include a link 228 (e.g., a cable) extending from the actuator 226 to the latch 220 such that actuation of the actuator 226 by a caregiver causes the latch 220 to transition between the locked and unlocked positions, e.g., from the locked to the unlocked position. The actuator 226 may be disposed on the post 20. For example, the actuator 226 may be disposed on the first post portion 206 such that a caregiver may move the first post portion 206 and the seat 30 relative to the second post portion 208 while engaging the actuator 226. Thus, in some examples, transitioning the seat 30 between the plurality of height positions may be a one-handed operation. In other examples, the actuator 226 may be provided on another portion of the child swing 1, such as on the seat 30 or the base 10.

Referring back to fig. 4 and 5, the child swing 1 may include a shaft 232 (which may be referred to as a pivot shaft), the shaft 232 defining an axis of rotation a _R. The axis of rotation a _R may define an angle with the ground. The angle may be 90 degrees. Preferably, however, the angle is less than 90 degrees. For example, the angle may be in the range from 5 degrees to 30 degrees. Thus, when the rotational axis a _R extends upwardly away from the ground, it may extend rearwardly. Tilting the rotation axis a _R in this manner may cause the seat 30 to rock in a manner that simulates a natural pendulum. As shown, the pivot shaft 232 may be separate from the extendable shaft 210. However, in alternative examples, the child swing 1 may include a single shaft that both (1) defines the rotational axis a _R in a manner similar to the pivot shaft 232 and (2) extends and retracts (e.g., telescopes) in a manner similar to the extendable shaft 210.

The pivot shaft 232 may be rotatably fixed to the base 10, and the seat 30 may be configured to rotate about a rotational axis a _R of the pivot shaft 232. For example, the child swing 1 may include a spindle 236, the spindle 236 including the pivot shaft 232. The pivot shaft 232 may be a stator and the spindle 236 may include a rotor 234. The rotor 234 may be configured to rotate about the pivot shaft 232. The seat 30 may be coupled directly or indirectly to the rotor 234 such that rotation of the rotor 234 about the rotational axis a _R causes corresponding rotation of the seat 30. In the example shown, the rotor 234 is coupled to the extendable shaft 210 such that rotation of the rotor 234 causes corresponding rotation of the extendable shaft 210 and, thus, of the seat 30 attached to the extendable shaft 210. The spindle 236 may include at least one coupling 236a (e.g., a pair of couplings 236 a) that couples the spindle 236 to the extendable shaft 210. The spindle 236 may include at least one bearing 238, such as (without limitation) a ball bearing or a roller bearing, located between the shaft 232 and the rotor 234. For example, the spindle 236 may include a pair of bearings 238 spaced apart from one another along the rotational axis a _R. Each bearing 238 may be configured to reduce friction between the pivot shaft 232 and the rotor 234. It should be appreciated that in other examples (not shown), the pivot shaft 232 may alternatively be configured as a rotor that rotates relative to the base 10, and the seat 30 may be coupled directly or indirectly to the shaft 232 such that rotation of the shaft 232 causes corresponding rotation of the seat 30.

Chair tilting mechanism

When caring for or soothing a child in a rocking device, it may be desirable to orient the child at different angles. For example, in some cases it may be desirable to raise the child to a more seated position, while in other cases it may be desirable to tilt the child to a more tilted position. Thus, it would be beneficial for a child swing to provide the ability to raise or lower a seat between different reclined positions.

Referring briefly to fig. 12A-12C, a seat 30 of the child swing 1 may be cantilevered from the post 20. For example, the seat 30 may be attached to the post 20 only at the front end of the seat 30 (e.g., at the lower front end 314b of the seat edge 314). However, it should be understood that in alternative examples, the seat 30 may be attached to another portion of the seat 30, such as a middle or rear portion of the seat 30. The child swing 1 may be configured to selectively transition the seat 30 between a plurality of reclined positions relative to the ground. The plurality of tilt positions may include a most upright tilt position (fig. 12A) and a most tilted tilt position (fig. 12C). In some examples, the plurality of tilt positions may include one or more intermediate tilt positions between a most upright tilt position and a most tilted tilt position (fig. 12B). In each reclined position, the seat back 310 is disposed at a different angle θ relative to the ground.

Turning now to fig. 8-11, the child swing 1 may include a recliner mechanism 40 that couples the seat 30 to the post 20. The recliner mechanism 40 is configured to selectively transition the seat 30 between a plurality of reclined positions. The recliner mechanism 40 may include a first seat mount 402 and a second seat mount 404 that are pivotally interconnected about a recliner pivot axis a _Recl. The tilt pivot axis a _Recl may extend in a direction extending from a first side of the seat 30 to a second side of the seat 30. The first and second sides of the seat 30 may be spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first seat mount 402 may be positionally fixed to the seat 30 such that movement of the seat 30 (e.g., translation or rotation in any direction) causes corresponding movement of the first seat mount 402. The first seat mount 402 may have a first end 402a that is attached to the seat 30 (e.g., to the lower front end 314b of the seat edge 314) such that the first end 402a rotates with the seat 30 about the rotational axis a _R relative to the base 10 and translates with the seat 30 relative to the base 10. The first seat mount 402 may have a second end 402b opposite the first end 402 a. In some examples, the second end 402b may be a free end that is unattached to the seat 30. For example, the second end 402b may be cantilevered from the seat 30. The first seat mount 402 may be configured to pivot about a tilt pivot axis a _Recl. The first seat mount 402 may define a void 402c therein between the first end 402a and the second end 402b.

The recliner mechanism 40 may include a latch 406 configured to selectively lock the seat 30 in each of a plurality of reclined positions. The latch 406 may be configured to move between a latched position and an unlatched position to selectively lock the first and second seat mounts 402, 404 relative to one another, thereby preventing the first and second seat mounts 402, 404 from pivoting relative to one another about the tilt pivot axis a _Recl. The latch 406 may be any suitable latch capable of selectively locking the first and second seat mounts 402, 404 relative to one another. In one example, the latch 406 may be received within the void 402 c. In the latched position, the protrusion 406a of the latch 406 extends from the opening 402d defined in the second end 402b of the first seat mount 402. In the unlatched position, the projection 406a is at least partially retracted into the first seat mount 402. The tilt mechanism 40 may include a biasing member 408, such as a spring or resilient material, that biases the latch 406 toward the latched position. The void 402c may be configured such that when the latch 406 is received therein, the latch 406 translates between the first end 402a and the second end 402b between the unlatched position and the latched position.

The second seat mount 404 includes a first end 404a and a second end 404b that are spaced apart from one another. The second seat mount 404 is positionally fixed to the first column portion 206, e.g., to the first shaft portion 212, such that movement (e.g., translation or rotation in any direction) of the first column portion 206 causes corresponding movement of the second seat mount 404. For example, the second seat mount 404 may be attached to the first post portion 206 such that the second seat mount 404 rotates with the first post portion 206 about the rotational axis a _R relative to the base 10 and translates with the first post portion 206 along the axis of the first post portion 206 relative to the base 10. The second seat mount 404 may also be attached to the first post portion 206 such that the seat mount 404 does not rotate relative to the first post portion 206 about the tilt pivot axis a _Recl. The second end 404b may be a free end that is unattached to the first post portion 206. For example, the second end 404b may be cantilevered from the first post portion 206. The second seat mount 404 may define a cavity 404c therein between the first end 404a and the second end 404b. The cavity 404c may be configured to receive the first seat mount 402 therein. The first seat mount 402 may rotate about the tilt pivot axis a _Recl within the cavity 404c relative to the second seat mount 404. In some examples, tilting mechanism 40 may include a cover 410 covering the open upper end of cavity 404c.

An inner surface of the second end 404b of the second seat mount 404 may define a plurality of recesses 404d therein. The recesses 404d may be offset from each other in a direction extending from the bottom end of the second seat mount 404 to the top end of the seat mount 404. Each recess 404d may correspond to a different one of a plurality of tilt positions. The protrusion 406a of the latch 406 may be configured to be selectively received in each recess 404d to selectively lock the seat 30 in each reclined position. The inner surface of the second end 404b may define a plurality of teeth 404e that extend into the cavity 404 c. Each tooth 404e may be defined between a corresponding pair of recesses 404d. Each tooth 404e may have an inclined lower surface and the protrusion 406a of the latch 406 may have an inclined upper surface. The child swing 1 may be configured such that when the user pulls up on the seat 30, the inclined surface of the protrusion 406a slides along the inclined surface of the corresponding one of the teeth 404e, thereby causing the latch 406 to move to the unlatched position. As the seat moves further upward, the latches 406 align with a corresponding one of the recesses 404d and the biasing member 408 causes the latches 406 to move to the latched position such that the protrusions 406e move into the recesses 404d. When the latch 406 is in the latched position, the seat 30 is prevented from rotating downward about the tilt pivot axis a _Recl.

Turning to fig. 13 and 14, the child swing 1 may include a tilt actuator 450 configured to be engaged by a caregiver to selectively transition the latch 406 between the latched and unlatched positions. The actuator 450 may be, for example, but not limited to, a handle, button, lever, trigger, or switch engaged by the caregiver. The child swing apparatus 1 may include a link 452 (e.g., a cable) extending from the actuator 450 to the latch 406 such that actuation of the actuator 450 by a caregiver causes the latch 406 to transition between a latched position and an unlatched position, e.g., from a latched position to an unlatched position. The actuator 450 may be disposed on the seat 30, such as on the seat edge 314. In other examples, the actuator 450 may be provided on another part of the child swing 1, such as on the post 20 or the base 10.

Fig. 13 and 14 illustrate one example of an actuator 450, but it should be understood that the actuator 450 may be implemented in any suitable alternative manner. The actuator 450 includes a housing 454, a button 456, and a tilting body 458. The knob 456 and the tilting body 458 translate translational movement along the actuation direction D _A into translation of the link 452 in a direction angularly offset (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the actuation direction D _A. The button 456 has an engagement portion 456a retractably received in the opening 454a of the housing 454. The engagement portion 456a is configured to be engaged by a caregiver to press the button 456 into the housing 454 in the actuation direction D _A to actuate the actuator 450. The button 456 has an inclined surface 456b that is offset relative to the engagement portion 456a along the actuation direction D _A. The inclined surface 456b may be angularly offset relative to the actuation direction D _A.

The sloped body 458 has a sloped surface 458a that engages a sloped surface 456b of the button 456 such that when the button 456 is depressed in the actuation direction D _A, the sloped surface 456b of the button 456 slides along the sloped surface 458a of the sloped body 458 to cause the sloped body to translate in a direction angularly offset relative to the actuation direction D _A. This in turn translates the link 452, causing the latch 406 to translate between the latched and unlatched positions.

Driving mechanism

In some examples, the child swing 1 may include a driver 50 configured to cause the seat 30 to move relative to the base 10. In other examples, the child swing 1 may be devoid of the driver 50, and the seat 30 may be configured to move relative to the base 10 by a caregiver applying an external force to the seat 30 and optionally by a natural swinging motion produced by the angular axis of rotation a _R as described above. The drive 50 may be any suitable drive, including a mechanical drive (e.g., a wound and/or spring-actuated drive), an electrical drive (e.g., a drive including a motor), a magnetic drive, or any combination thereof. In some examples, as shown in fig. 4, 5, 15-19D, and 29A-30D, the child swing 1 may include a magnetic drive 50.

The magnetic drive 50 may be configured to drive rotation of at least a portion of the post 20, thereby rotating the seat 30. The post 20 may be an extendable post as described above, or in alternative embodiments, the child swing may have a post of a fixed length (i.e., not extendable). The magnetic drive 50 includes at least one magnet 502 and at least one other magnet 504. It will be appreciated that in some examples, each of the at least one magnet 502 and/or the at least one other magnet 504 may include more than one magnet.

One of the magnets 502 or at least one other magnet 504 may be fixed in position relative to the base 10. The other of the magnet 502 and the at least one other magnet 504 may be coupled to at least a portion of the post 20 such that the at least one magnet 502 or the at least one other magnet 504 rotates about the axis of rotation a _R. Rotation of one of the at least one magnet 502 or the at least one other magnet 504 relative to the base 10 may cause rotation of at least a portion of the post 20 relative to the base 10. The magnet 502 and the at least one other magnet 504 may exert a magnetic force on each other, thereby driving the post 20 to rotate relative to the base 10 about the axis of rotation a _R, thereby causing the seat 30 to rotate.

At least one other magnet 504 includes a north pole (N) and a south pole (S) spaced apart from each other in the direction of rotation of the post 20. In some examples, the north and south poles may be spaced apart from each other along a curve (e.g., an arc). The arc may be centered on the axis of rotation a _R or other suitable location. The north and south poles are positioned relative to at least one magnet 502 so as to alternately apply a magnetic force to at least one magnet 502 as at least one magnet 502 or at least one other magnet 504 rotates relative to the other.

In some examples, as shown in fig. 17A-17D, at least one magnet 502 may be positionally fixed relative to the base 10, and at least one other magnet 504 may be positionally fixed to the post 20 such that the at least one other magnet 504 may rotate relative to the base 10. The at least one magnet 502 may comprise an electromagnet configured to switch polarity. The at least one other magnet 504 may include a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet may include a first end 504 (1) defining a north pole (N) and the second magnet may include a second end 504 (2) defining a south pole (S). The at least one magnet 502 is configured to apply magnetic forces to north and south poles of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2), thereby causing the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) to rotate and, thus, at least a portion of the post 20 to rotate. The at least one other magnet 504 may each be an electromagnet or may be a permanent magnet.

In other examples, the positions of magnets 502 and 504 may be interchanged. For example, as shown in fig. 19A-19D, at least one other magnet 504 may be positionally fixed to the base 10, and at least one magnet 502 may be positionally fixed to the post 20 such that the at least one magnet 502 may rotate relative to the base 10. The at least one magnet 502 may comprise an electromagnet configured to switch polarity. The at least one other magnet 504 may include a first end 504 (1) defining a north pole (N) and a second end 504 (2) defining a south pole (S). The at least one magnet 502 is configured to apply a magnetic force to north and south poles of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2), thereby causing the at least one magnet 502, and thus at least a portion of the post 20, to rotate. The at least one other magnet 504 may each be an electromagnet or may be a permanent magnet.

In yet another example, as shown in fig. 18A-18D, at least one other magnet 504 may be a single magnet that is curved (e.g., bent into a u-shape or c-shape) such that first and second ends 504 (1) and 504 (2), respectively, that define north and south poles, are oriented toward at least one magnet 502. At least one magnet 502 may be a fixed magnet that is fixed in position relative to the base 10, and at least one other magnet 504 may be a rotatable magnet configured to rotate relative to the base 10. The at least one other magnet 504 may be coupled to the post 20 such that rotation of the at least one other magnet 504 causes rotation of the post 20. When each of the north and south poles is rotationally aligned with at least one magnet 502, it may be positioned to face the at least one magnet 502. The single magnet 504 may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. In other examples (not shown), the positions of magnets 502 and 504 may be interchanged. For example, a single curved magnet 504 may be positionally fixed to the base 10, and at least one magnet 502 may be positionally fixed to the post 20, such that the at least one magnet 502 may rotate relative to the base 10.

Referring again to fig. 4, 5, 15-19D, and 29A-30D, the magnetic drive 50 may include a hub 506 coupling the magnet 502 or one of the at least one other magnets 504 to the post 20 such that the magnet 502 or one of the at least one other magnets 504 is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation a _R. For example, the hub 506 may couple one of the magnet 502 or at least one other magnet 504 to the spindle 236, or directly to the pivot shaft if the pivot shaft itself rotates. Hub 506 may include at least one magnet holder. For example, fig. 15-17D and 30A-30D illustrate specific examples in which the hub 506 includes a first magnet holder 506 (1) and a second magnet holder 506 (2) that couple the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2), respectively, of at least one other magnet 504 to the pivot shaft 232. Fig. 18A to 19D and 29A to 29D show specific examples in which the hub 506 includes a single magnet holder 506 (1). Hub 506 may couple shaft 210 to pivot shaft 232 such that shaft 210 is configured to rotate about rotational axis a _R. In examples including the first magnet holder 506 (1) and the second magnet holder 506 (2), the north and south poles of at least one magnet 502 or at least one other magnet 504 may be disposed on opposite sides of the shaft 210 such that the shaft 210 is located between the north and south poles.

The magnet 502 or one of the at least one other magnet 504 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis a _R along a movement path M _P (labeled in fig. 17A-17D), such as an arc (referred to herein as a movement arc). The north and south poles of at least one other magnet 504 may be spaced apart along the travel path M _P. The other of the magnet 502 or the at least one other magnet 504 is disposed along the movement path M _P such that when the magnet 502 or one of the at least one other magnet 504 rotates along the movement path M _P, the at least one magnet 502 and the at least one other magnet 504 are configured to apply a magnetic force to each other. The magnetic drive 50 may be configured such that when the seat 30 is in the neutral position (α=0 degrees) and the electromagnet (or electromagnets) is actuated, the north and south poles of at least one other magnet 504 simultaneously exert attractive and repulsive forces, respectively, on at least one magnet 502. This may enable the seat 30 of the child swing 1 to begin moving upon actuation of the at least one magnet 502 without requiring the caregiver to apply an external force to the child swing 1.

The driver 50 may have a compact structure. For example, the at least one magnet 502 and the at least one other magnet 504 may be spaced no more than 5.0 inches from the axis of rotation a _R. In some examples, magnets 502 and 504 may be spaced no more than 4.5 inches, no more than 4.0 inches, or no more than 3.5 inches from rotational axis a _R. In some examples, magnets 502 and 504 may be spaced approximately 3.0 inches from rotational axis a _R. The north and south poles of at least one other magnet 504 may be angularly offset from each other along the travel path M _P by an angle β. In various examples, the angle β may be no greater than 70 degrees, no greater than 60 degrees, or no greater than 50 degrees. In various examples, the angle β may be greater than 20 degrees or greater than 30 degrees. In one example, the angle β may be about 40 degrees. The angle β may be defined between a first line extending through the south pole of the at least one other magnet 504 and the rotational axis a _R and a second line extending through the north pole of the at least one other magnet 504 and the rotational axis a _R. The driver 50 may be configured to rotate at least a portion of the post 20 by a maximum rocking angle α that is less than or equal to the angle β. In some examples, the driver 50 may be configured to rotate at least a portion of the post 20 by a maximum rocking angle α that does not exceed the angle β. The drive 50 may be configured such that the magnet 502 does not sway beyond a north or south pole. Thus, the drive 50 may be configured to reverse rotation of at least a portion of the post 20 when the magnet 502 is aligned with a north or south pole of at least one other magnet 504. The driver 50 may be configured such that the magnet 502 and the at least one other magnet 504 exert a magnetic force on each other throughout the range of movement of the child swing 1. The child swing 1 has a maximum swing angle defining a first outermost seat position in a first rotational direction R ₁ and a second outermost position in a second rotational direction R ₁. When the seat 30 is rotated to the first and second outermost seat positions, the at least one magnet 502 is aligned with the first and second ends 504 (1, 504 (2), respectively.

In some examples, the wobble device 1 may be configured to selectively operate at different rotation angles α (i.e., different speeds). For example, the rocking device 1 may be configured to operate at a maximum rocking angle α, and at one or more rocking angles α that are smaller than the maximum rocking angle α. In one example, the maximum rocking angle may be less than or equal to 90 degrees (45 degrees from neutral position), such as less than or equal to 80 degrees (40 degrees from neutral position), such as less than or equal to 70 degrees (35 degrees from neutral position), such as less than or equal to 60 degrees (30 degrees from neutral position). The minimum rocking angle α may be greater than or equal to 4 degrees (2 degrees from the neutral position), such as greater than or equal to 6 degrees (3 degrees from the neutral position), such as greater than or equal to 8 degrees (4 degrees from the neutral position). The rocking device 1 may optionally be configured to rock at one or more rocking angles alpha between a minimum and a maximum rocking angle alpha.

17A-19D, the polarity of at least one magnet 502 may be switched between north polarity, in which the magnet 502 has a north pole oriented toward the travel path M _P (or at least one other magnet 504), and south polarity, in which the magnet 502 has a south pole oriented toward the travel path M _P (or at least one other magnet 504). When the magnet 502 is switched to south polarity (fig. 17A, 18A, 19C), the south pole of the magnet 502 and the north pole of the at least one other magnet 504 attract each other, causing at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to rotate in the first rotational direction R ₁. When the magnet 502 is aligned with the north of the at least one other magnet 504, rotation of the post 20 in the first rotational direction R ₁ may be stopped.

The polarity of the magnet 502 may then be switched to north polarity (fig. 17B, 18B, 19D) such that the north pole of the magnet 502 and the north pole of the at least one other magnet 504 repel each other, causing at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to rotate in a second rotational direction R ₂ opposite the first rotational direction R ₁. When the post 20, and thus the seat 30, is in the neutral position (fig. 17B, 18B, 19D), the magnet 502 is simultaneously attracted to the south pole of at least one other magnet 504 and repelled by the north pole of the at least one other magnet 504. The attractive force between the north pole of the magnet 502 and the south pole of the at least one other magnet 504 causes at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to continue to rotate in the second rotational direction (fig. 17C, 18C, 19A). When the magnet 502 is aligned with the south pole of at least one other magnet 504, rotation of the post 20 in the second rotational direction R ₂ may be stopped.

The polarity of the magnet 502 may then be switched to south polarity (fig. 17D, 18D, 19B) such that the south pole of the magnet 502 and the south pole of the at least one other magnet 504 repel each other, causing at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to rotate in the first rotational direction R ₁. When the post 20, and thus the seat 30, is in the neutral position (fig. 17D, 18D, 19B), the magnet 502 is simultaneously attracted to the south pole of at least one other magnet 504 and repelled by the north pole of the at least one other magnet 504. The attractive force between the south pole of the magnet 502 and the north pole of the at least one other magnet 504 causes at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to continue to rotate in the first rotational direction R ₁ (fig. 17A, 18A, 19C). When the magnet 502 is aligned with the north of the at least one other magnet 504, rotation of the post 20 in the first rotational direction R ₁ may be stopped.

In some examples, the polarity of the at least one magnet 502 may be selectively switched to cause the seat to slow down and/or stop. For example, when at least one magnet 502 is aligned with a south pole of at least one other magnet 504, the at least one magnet 502 may be selected to maintain a north polarity such that the at least one magnet 502 is attracted to the south pole. Similarly, when at least one magnet 502 is aligned with a north pole of at least one other magnet 504, the at least one magnet 502 may be selected to maintain a south polarity such that the at least one magnet 502 is attracted to the north pole.

Turning now to fig. 29A-30D, in other examples, at least one magnet 502 may be a permanent magnet or a magnet that does not switch polarity, and at least one other magnet 504 may include at least one electromagnet having a first end 504 (1) and a second end 504 (2), each end configured to switch polarity between north and south poles. In some examples, the at least one electromagnet may include first and second electromagnets that define the first and second ends 504 (1) and 504 (2), respectively. In an alternative example (not shown), at least one electromagnet may be a single electromagnet having a first end 504 (1) and a second end 504 (2), each end configured to switch polarity between north and south poles. As shown in fig. 29A-29D, at least one other magnet 504 may be positionally fixed to the base 10, and at least one magnet 502 may be positionally fixed to the post 20, such that rotation of the at least one magnet 502 causes rotation of at least a portion of the post 20, and thus rotation of the seat 30. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 30A-30D, at least one magnet 502 may be positionally fixed to the base 10, and at least one other magnet 504 may be positionally fixed to the post 20, such that rotation of the at least one other magnet 504 causes rotation of at least a portion of the post 20, and thus rotation of the seat 30.

Referring to the operation of the example of fig. 29A through 30D, at least one magnet 502 may have a fixed polarity. Fig. 29A-30D illustrate the polarity of at least one magnet 502 being fixed to a north pole oriented toward at least one other magnet 504, but in alternative examples the polarity may be fixed to a south pole oriented toward at least one other magnet 504. The polarity of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) of the at least one other magnet 504 may be switched between north polarity in which the north pole is oriented toward the travel path M _P (or the at least one magnet 502) and south polarity in which the south pole is oriented toward the travel path M _P (or the at least one magnet 502). Further, the polarities of the both ends 504 (1) and 504 (2) may be controlled to be opposite to each other.

When the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) are switched to north and south polarity, respectively (fig. 29A, 30A), the at least one magnet 502 is attracted to one of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2), causing at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to rotate in the first rotational direction R ₁. When at least one magnet 502 is aligned with one of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) of at least one other magnet 504, rotation of the post 20 in the first rotational direction R ₁ may cease.

Then, the polarity of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) may be switched to south polarity and north polarity, respectively (fig. 29B, 30B), such that the at least one magnet 502 is repelled by one of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2), causing at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to rotate in a second rotational direction R ₂ opposite the first rotational direction R ₁. When the post 20, and thus the seat 30, is in the neutral position (fig. 29B, 30B), the magnet 502 is simultaneously attracted to the other of the ends 504 (1) and 504 (2) and repelled by one of the ends 504 (1) and 504 (2) of the at least one other magnet 504. The attractive force between the magnet 502 and the other of the ends 504 (1) and 504 (2) causes at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to continue to rotate in the second rotational direction R ₂ (fig. 29C, 30C). When the magnet 502 is aligned with the other of the ends 504 (1) and 504 (2) of the at least one other magnet 504, rotation of the post 20 in the second rotational direction R ₂ may cease.

Then, the polarity of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) may be switched to north and south polarity, respectively (fig. 29D, 30D), such that the at least one magnet 502 is repelled by the other of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2), causing at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to rotate in the first rotational direction R ₁. When the post 20, and thus the seat 30, is in the neutral position (fig. 29D, 30D), the magnet 502 is simultaneously attracted to one of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) and repelled by the other of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) of the at least one other magnet 504. The attractive force between the magnet 502 and one of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) causes at least a portion of the post 20 and thus the seat 30 to continue to rotate in the first rotational direction R ₁ (fig. 29A, 30A). When the magnet 502 is aligned with one of the first end 504 (1) and the second end 504 (2) of at least one other magnet 504, rotation of the post 20 in the first rotational direction R ₁ may be stopped.

In some examples, the polarity of each of the at least one other magnet 504 may be selectively switched to cause the seat to slow down or stop. For example, when the at least one magnet 502 is aligned with the first end 504 (1), the first end 504 (1) may be selected to maintain the same polarity as the at least one magnet 502. Similarly, when the at least one magnet 502 is aligned with the second end 504 (2), the second end 504 (2) may be selected to maintain the same polarity as the at least one magnet 502.

Controller circuit and operation

Referring to fig. 1,2 and 4, the child swing 1 may include a housing 60 that houses at least a portion of the controller circuit 64 and/or the driver 50 of the child swing 1. The housing 60 may support a control panel 62 configured to be engaged by a user to operate various parameters (e.g., speed, sound, etc.) of the child swing 1. The housing 60 may have an inner side 60a opposite the control panel 62. The inner side 60a may face the post 20. The inner side 60a may be shaped to conform to the shape of the post 20 (e.g., the shape of the outer surface of the post 20). For example, the post 20 may have an outer curved surface and the inner side 60a may have an inner curved surface facing the post. The inner side 60a may be completely spaced apart from the post 20. The housing 60 may be completely spaced apart from the post 20 such that no portion of the housing 60 is engaged with the post 20 and the post 20 is not in contact with the housing 60. Thus, the control panel 62 and the inner side 60a may be completely spaced apart from the post 20. The control panel 62 may be lifted from the base 10 such that the control panel 62 is supported at a height consistent with the column 20. The control panel 62 may be fixed in position relative to the base 10. In some examples, the post 20 may be disposed behind the control panel 62, and the post 20 may be rotatable relative to the control panel 62. Positioning the control panel 62 above the base 10 may allow a caregiver standing beside the child swing 1 to more easily access the control panel 62.

Referring to fig. 20, a simplified block diagram of a controller circuit 2100 is shown, which controller circuit 2100 may be used to implement a controller of a child swing, such as controller circuit 64 of fig. 15. For simplicity, described with reference to child swing 1, portions/components of circuit 2100 may be formed on a circuit board, as shown in fig. 15. The circuit 2100 includes a controller 2102 and may also include a memory or database (not shown) communicatively coupled with the controller. The controller 2102 may be any suitable processing device configured to execute and/or execute a set of instructions or code associated with the child swing 1. The controller 2102 may be, for example, a general purpose processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or the like.

The memory/database may include, for example, random Access Memory (RAM), memory buffers, hard drives, databases, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and the like. The memory/database may store instructions to cause the controller 2102 to perform processes and/or functions related to the child swing 1.

The circuit 2100 may also include a network interface (not shown) for communicating with one or more external devices (e.g., a remote control, a smart phone, other computing devices, etc.) and/or virtual assistants (e.g., amazon intelligent assistant (Amazon Alexa)), such as for remote control of the child swing 1. Communication with external devices may be direct, such as via bluetooth, low power bluetooth, near Field Communication (NFC), wiFi, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, communication with external devices may be implemented as wired and/or wireless networks via one or more networks, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a virtual network, a telecommunications network, and/or the internet. As known in the art, any or all of the communications may be secure (e.g., encrypted) or unsecure.

The controller 2102 is coupled to a power source 2104 of the device, which may be, for example, a utility power source, a battery, a rechargeable battery, or the like. For example, the controller 2102 receives a power input from a power source 2104, such as a 12V DC power source or a power source having any other suitable voltage. The circuit 2100 may include a power button 2106 coupled to the controller 2102 to allow a user to power on and off the child swing 1. The control circuit 2100 may include at least one user input device 24. Each user input device 24 may be a device configured as a computer input device, such as a button, switch, touch screen, capacitive touch sensor, speaker, dial, trackball, joystick, mouse, keyboard, or other suitable input device. User input device 24 is configured to receive input from a user to allow the user to select device parameters to manipulate the amplitude of the rocking, the duration of the rocking, music, and the like. The controller 2102 receives input from each user input device 24 that allows a user to manipulate selected device parameters, such as the magnitude of the swing (i.e., the swing angle α), how long the swing should be running, and so forth.

The control circuit 2100 may include at least one output device 26. The at least one output device 26 may provide feedback to the user regarding selected parameters of the child swing 1. The controller 2102 may control operation of at least one output device 26. In some examples, the at least one output device 26 may include a visual output device, such as at least one light (e.g., LED) or screen. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one output device 26 may include an audio output device, such as a speaker. In some examples, the control circuit 2100 may include a music driver 2116 and a speaker 2118. The controller 2102 may control music playback via the music driver 2116 of the circuit 2100 through the speaker 2118.

The circuit 2100 further includes a drive circuit 2120 for controlling and switching the polarity of the voltage signal applied to the magnet 502, thereby switching the poles of the electromagnet. The circuit 2120 may be, for example, an H-bridge circuit having an output voltage line to which the magnet 502 is coupled. When more than one electromagnet is used, they may be connected in parallel to the H-bridge circuit, with the polarities being opposite to each other. In general, whenever more than one electromagnet is used, adjacent electromagnets may be wired opposite each other. Thus, the same voltage/polarity applied by circuit 2120 will result in the electromagnet having an opposite magnetic polarity, which is switched when the voltage polarity is switched.

Referring again to the design of the single magnet 502, as also shown in fig. 20, the circuit 2120 is also coupled to a power source 2104 to receive a signal, such as a 12V signal or a signal having other suitable voltage, which can both power the circuit 2120 and provide a voltage signal to be applied to the magnet 502. The voltage signal may be, for example, a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal. Fig. 20 also shows a communicative coupling (communicative coupling) between the controller 2102 and the seat motion sensor 70 (discussed further below).

The child swing 1 may include other components (not shown) that may be read and/or controlled by the controller 2102, such as: an ambient light sensor for controlling the brightness of any LED on the housing for turning on and off the night light; a motion sensor for turning on and off the night light when a user approaches; a weight sensor coupled to the seat 30 for detecting whether a child is seated in the seat; tilt sensors, gyroscopes, and/or gyroscopes coupled with the seat 30 may be used to shut down the child swing 1 if the seat is tilted or oriented such that the child swing 1 is not safe to use.

Fig. 21 shows a simplified flow chart of a method 2125 of operation of the child swing 1 according to one example, which may be performed by the circuit 2100, for example by the controller 2102. The method 2125 starts at step S1, for example, after the user activates the rocking device 1 and selects the rocking angle α. In step S2 it is checked whether the selection of the rocking angle α has changed. When such a check is made at least for the first time after the user makes a selection (i.e. the device is in a stationary state and the rocking angle is currently zero), the latest value of the rocking angle is read in step S3. Step S3 herein shows six example values or "set points" (SPs) of the rocking angle that the user can set, from SP1 of 3 degrees to SP6 of 18 degrees (this is the maximum allowed rocking angle). After S3 the setpoint is determined, at step S4, the maximum value of the voltage signal (e.g., PWM signal as shown in fig. 21) is applied to at least one electromagnet 502 having a given (e.g., first) polarity. As described above, in this way, the magnet 502 is energized and depending on the polarity of the electromagnet, in at least some examples, the rocking motion may be initiated in the first or second rotational direction without any additional input from the user, i.e. the user does not need to push the rocking device 1 to initiate the rocking motion or do anything other than providing a setpoint for the rocking motion. Further, in step S4, a clock or timer (referred to as a "half-cycle timer" in fig. 21) is started to reflect the duration of the voltage signal applied at a given polarity.

The controller 2102 then performs a self-priming sequence/cycle 2125a that allows the rocking device 1 to initiate a rocking motion when entered by a user through the control panel 62, without requiring manual pushing by the user as in some conventional devices. During rest, self-actuation may be affected by off-axis placement of the north and south poles of the at least one other magnet 504 and the at least one magnet 502 such that powering the at least one electromagnet substantially immediately generates attractive and repulsive forces that may initiate the rocking motion. Sequence 2125a includes reading the output of the seat motion sensor 70 at step S5. The seat motion sensor 70 may be configured to generate a signal indicative of the angular position of the seat 30. In step S6, it is determined whether the output of the seat motion sensor 70 has changed. The change in the output of the seat motion sensor 70 may indicate some movement of the magnetic drive 50 caused by the application of the maximum voltage signal to the electromagnet at step S4. The output of the seat motion sensor 70 may be compared to a threshold value to determine whether motion has been induced.

If no movement is detected in step S6, in step S7 the predetermined period of time (shown as "half-cycle" in fig. 21) of the timer started in step S4 is checked to determine if the duration of the voltage signal applied in the first polarity is greater than a period of time of, for example, 700ms. Typically, the time period may be from about 400ms to about 900ms (including all values and subranges therebetween). In some cases, the time period may be about 700ms. If the timer value is greater than or equal to the predetermined period of time, the polarity of the voltage signal applied to the magnet 502 is switched at step S8. In step S9, the timer is reset, and in step S10, control returns to step S1. As done at step S9 and at various other times during method 2125 (explained later), periodically returning control to step S1 enables any user to quickly take into account changes to the rocking angle/set point at steps S2-S4; if the user does not make such a change, control returns to the self-starting sequence 2125a and returns to step S5.

If the timer value is less than the predetermined period of time at step S7, the time value continues to increase and the self-starting sequence 2125a loops back to step S5. In this way, during the self-priming sequence 2125b, the controller 2102 will periodically switch the polarity on the magnet 502 based on a predetermined period of time at step S8 until some rocking motion is in progress, as can be detected at step S5.

Once some rocking motion is detected according to the analysis of step S6, the controller 2102 may execute a rocking motion control sequence/loop 2125b. In step S11, the swing angle measurement (shown as "angle count" in fig. 21) set to zero at start-up is incremented by one degree as an initial estimate of the swing motion achieved during the self-starting sequence 2125 a. The updated roll angle measurement is stored at step S12 for use during a roll angle control sequence/loop 2125c, described later.

In step S13, the seat motion sensor 70 is continuously read or monitored by the controller 2102 to determine whether the sway direction and thus whether it has changed. If it is determined at step S13 that there is no change in yaw direction, then at step S15 control returns to step S1, which facilitates a re-evaluation of whether the user has changed the yaw set point, as previously described. Since the device is now in motion and the motion detection criteria of step S6 are easily met, control will quickly return to the motion control sequence 2125b, where the swing angle measurement continues to increment at step S11 as the child swing 1 continues to swing in the same direction.

If it is determined in step S13 that the yaw direction changes, the yaw angle measurement is reset to zero in step S14. Since the rocking device 1 is now rocking in the opposite direction, the polarity of the magnet 502 can be switched, which is done in step S18 in a similar way as explained in step S8. Subsequently, the controller 2102 may execute a rocking angle control sequence/loop 2125c to determine whether the amplitude of the rocking motion is commensurate with the set point specified by the user at step S3, and this is accomplished as described below. In step S19, the stored value of the roll angle measurement from step S12 (because the current value of the roll angle measurement has been reset in step S17) is compared to the desired set point specified in step S3. If the yaw angle measurement is equal to or exceeds the desired set point, this indicates that the yaw motion has exceeded or will exceed the user specified value. In this case, in step S20, the voltage signal applied to the electromagnet (e.g., as a PWM signal) is set to zero and/or turned off to allow the rocking motion to self-attenuate. In step S21, control then returns to step S1.

If it is determined at step S19 that the yaw angle measurement is less than the set point specified by the user at step S3, then it is indicated that the yaw is still enhancing (gaining) the angular movement toward achieving the desired set point, but has not yet been achieved. In this case, the controller 2102 may execute a control loop 2125cl that adjusts the voltage signal applied to the electromagnet 51 in order to obtain oscillation convergence between the swing angle measurement and the desired set point over time, resulting in and allowing the swing motion to gradually increase toward the desired swing angle. In this way, the voltage signal applied to the magnet 502 when the polarity is changed results in the final rocking motion being completed in a particular direction.

The control loop 2125cl, illustrated and explained herein as a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop, may be any other suitable feedback loop (e.g., controlled damping) that is capable of estimating the magnitude of the voltage signal applied to the magnet 502 to reduce the difference between the desired set point and the observed swing angle. Here, in step S22, a difference or error value is calculated as the difference between the desired set point and the observed rocking angle. In step S23a, the error value is used to calculate a proportional term based on the predetermined proportion Kp. Typically, the calculated proportional term is based on the current error value (i.e., the value calculated prior to step S22). The error value is also used to calculate an integral term based on a predetermined integral coefficient Ki in step S23 b. Typically, the calculated integral term is based on current and past error values (i.e., the error values calculated just prior to step S22 and calculated during the previous execution of the control sequence 2125cl at step S22). In some cases, the control sequence 2125cl may also include calculating a derivative term based on the error value (DERIVATIVE TERM) at step S23c, and reflecting the rate of change of the error value. The items calculated at steps S23a, S23b and optionally S23c are then summed at step S24 to produce a control output. In step S25, the control output is used to determine the magnitude of the voltage signal to be applied to the magnet 502, in addition to the polarity change effected in step S18. In step S26, control returns to step S1.

In this way, aspects of method 2125 may be used to obtain and maintain a desired yaw angle based on detecting a change in direction without the need to determine the center of yaw motion as is common in conventional methods. This is particularly advantageous when the rocking device 1 may be placed on an inclined, inclined and/or generally non-horizontal surface such that the centre of the rocking motion may be different from the geometrical centre of the apparatus. In some cases, the rocking device 1 also does not detect and/or otherwise evaluate the speed of the rocking motion.

Fig. 22 illustrates a control sequence/loop 2150 that may be executed by the controller 2102 to manage wobble control. Aspects of the control sequences may be similar to other aspects of the control sequences 2125c1 and methods 2125, unless otherwise specified. At step SS1, the desired swing angle, set point, or "desired" amplitude 2155 previously selected by the user (e.g., at step S3) is compared to the observed swing or output swing amplitude 2190 determined based on the seat motion sensor 70, thereby producing an error value 2115. As described above with respect to fig. 21, if the swing amplitude 2190 is greater than or equal to the desired swing angle, the power to the electromagnet may be turned off. If the swing amplitude is less than the desired swing angle, the error may be input to a PID algorithm, wherein coefficients 2170 (integral coefficients 2170a, proportional coefficients 2170b, derivative coefficients 2170 c) are combined with proportional terms 2175a, integral terms 2175b, derivative terms 2175c, respectively, to produce an indication (e.g., a relatively increased input PWM duty cycle) 2182 of the output voltage and/or input power that may be applied to magnet 502 at step SS 2. This may cause the swing amplitude 2190 to increase until the set point amplitude 2155 is reached.

Swing motion sensor

Turning to fig. 4 and 5, in some examples, a child swing in accordance with the present disclosure may include a swing motion sensor 70. The at least one motion sensor 70 is configured to detect the angular position of the seat 30 during operation of the child swing 1. The rocking motion sensor 70 may be applied to a rocking device such as the rocking device 1, the rocking device 1 having a base 10, a seat 30, and a rotatable column 20. However, the rocking motion sensor 70 may alternatively be used in other child rocking devices and child rocking devices other than those shown in the figures herein. For example, the rocking motion sensor may be applied to a child rocking device having a base, a seat, and at least one rocking arm, wherein the at least one rocking arm may be configured to hang down from the base, and the seat 30 may be attached to a lower end of the at least one rocking arm.

The child swing 1 may include at least one magnet 504 having a north pole and a south pole, and the sensor 70 may include a hall effect sensor that senses the intensity of each of the north pole and the south pole. In some examples, the at least one magnet 504 may be at least one other magnet 504 of the magnetic drive 50 as described above. However, in alternative examples, the at least one magnet sensed by the motion sensor 70 need not be a magnet of the magnetic drive 50. In fact, the motion sensor 70 may be used with any drive, including mechanical drives (e.g., wound and/or spring actuated drives) or electrical drives (e.g., drives including motors). For example, at least one magnet 504 may be attached to the post 20 or at least one swing arm, but does not drive rotation of the post 20.

At least one magnet 504 or hall effect sensor 70 may be rotatable relative to the other of the magnet 504 and hall effect sensor 70. For example, in some examples (fig. 17A-18D and 30A-30C), the sensor 70 may be fixed in position relative to the base 10, and the at least one magnet 504 may be configured to rotate relative to the base 10 and the sensor 70. In other examples (fig. 19A-19D and 29A-29D), the at least one magnet 504 may be fixed in position relative to the base 10, and the sensor 70 may be configured to rotate relative to the base 10 and the at least one magnet 504. Preferably, the hall effect sensor 70 is substantially centered between the north and south poles of the at least one magnet 504 when the seat 30 is in the neutral position. The hall effect sensor 70 is configured to generate a signal indicative of the strength of each magnetic field generated by the north and south poles of the at least one magnet 504 during relative rotation. For example, the voltage level or current output by the sensor 70 may be indicative of the strength of each magnetic field. The signal may be indicative of angular rotation of the post 20 and, thus, the seat 30.

For example, fig. 23 shows an example of the signal when the seat 30 has just rotated one full turn. As shown, when the seat 30 is in the neutral position (α=0 degrees), the voltage level is zero. As one of the poles (e.g., north or south) of at least one other magnet 504 and the hall effect sensor 70 move closer to each other, the voltage of the signal becomes increasingly positive as shown in fig. 23. The voltage peak is at position P ₁ where the seat 30 changes direction. As the other pole of the at least one other magnet 504 and the hall effect sensor 70 move closer to each other, the voltage of the signal becomes less negative, as shown in fig. 23. The lowest voltage point is at the position P ₂ where the seat 30 changes direction.

The controller circuit (e.g., 64 of fig. 5 or 2100 of fig. 20) may be configured to determine one or more (up to all) of: (1) the angular position of the seat 30, (2) the rotational direction of the seat 30, or (3) the direction change torque (moment of direction change, steering torque) of the seat 30. In particular, each value (e.g., voltage level) of the signal may correspond to a different angular position of the seat 30. Thus, the controller circuit 64 may determine the value based on the signal. In some examples, the value for each angular position of the seat 30 may be stored in a lookup table in memory, and the controller circuit 64 may look up the value in memory based on the value of the signal. In other examples, the controller circuit 64 may determine each value by applying the value of the signal to a formula. The controller circuit 64 may determine the direction of rotation from the neutral position based on whether the value of the signal is zero, positive or negative.

Another example of a rocking motion sensor 70' is shown in fig. 24-27. The rocking motion sensor 70' may be an optical sensor. The wobble device 1 may comprise an optical sensor 70' and an encoder 34. Including an opaque body 35. The optical sensor 70' may include first and second light sources 46 and 47, and first and second light detectors 48 and 49. The first and second light sources 46 may be Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or other suitable lamps. Photodetectors 48 and 49 may be photodetectors, photodiodes, or other suitable photodetectors. The opaque body 35 may be fixed in position relative to one of the post 20 and the base 10. The first and second light sources 46, 47 and the first and second light detectors 48, 49 may be fixed in position relative to the other of the column 20 and the base 10. The first light source 46 and the second light source 47 may each be aligned with and spaced apart from a corresponding one of the first light detector 48 and the second light detector 49, respectively. The first light source 46 and the second light source 47 may each be configured to emit a light beam 46a, 47a towards a respective one of the first light detector 48 and the second light detector 49. Although shown here as collimated beams, it should be appreciated that beams 46a, 47a may exhibit some degree of convergence and/or divergence, i.e., be conical. As explained in more detail herein, the use of two sensing beams 46a, 47a is useful for detecting changes in the sway direction.

The opaque body 35 may be disposed in a space between the light sources 46, 47 and the light detectors 48, 49. The opaque body 35 defines a plurality of translucent windows 36, the translucent windows 36 being spaced apart from each other along the direction of rotation R. The translucent window 36 may define a slot extending through the opaque body 35 and/or a sheet of translucent material such as a film. The opaque body 35 may be generally curved in form and define a curvature/arc AR _SS centered on the axis of rotation a _R. The opaque body 35 may define from about 6 to about 20 (including all values and subranges therebetween) translucent windows 36. The opaque body 35 is opaque between the translucent windows 36. The translucent windows 36 may be spaced apart by a rocking angle of about 1 degree to a rocking angle of about 3 degrees or more (including all values and subranges therebetween). The center-to-center spacing Cs-Cs' between adjacent windows 36 may be from about 0.15 inches, about 0.21 inches, about 0.3 inches, about 0.4 inches to about 0.5 inches (including all values and subranges therebetween). The curvature of the opaque body 35 and the spacing Cs-Cs' may be selected such that the angular spacing (angular separation, angular spacing) between the centers of adjacent translucent windows 36 may be from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees (including all values and subranges therebetween). The number of translucent windows 36 may be chosen such that the angular separation between the first translucent window 36 and the last translucent window 36 is at least equal to the maximum allowed rocking angle alpha.

The optical sensor 70' and the opaque body 35 are positioned relative to each other such that the opaque body 35 passes through the space between the light sources 46, 47 and the light detectors 48, 49 when the post 20, and thus the seat 30, is rotated relative to the base 10. The translucent window 36 allows the light beams 46a, 47a to pass through them while the opaque body 35 blocks this continuity of the light beams. It will be generally appreciated that depending on the beam width compared to the width of the window 36 and the width of the portion of the opaque body 35 between the windows 36, the sensing beam may not be completely blocked by the opaque body 35. The opaque bodies 35 between adjacent windows 36 may also be referred to as "light interrupters" and thus the opaque bodies 35 may generally be considered to include staggered windows and light interrupters.

However, if the optical signal detected at the optical detectors 48, 49 of the optical sensor 70' is below a predetermined threshold, the controller may consider that the respective sensing beam is blocked by the opaque body 35. Conversely, the sensing beam may not be transmitted entirely through one of the windows 36, but if the optical signal detected at the respective optical detector 48, 49 is above a predetermined threshold, the controller may determine that the respective sensing beam is transmitted through one of the windows 36. In some cases, each light detector 48, 49 of the optical sensor 70' may further include a slit that limits the width of the light signal reaching it.

Such interruption of the transmission of the light beams 46a, 47a may be detected by the photodetectors of the sensor 70' and is generally similar to, for example, a periodic signal that differs for each of the photodetectors 48, 49, with a maximum when the window 36 is engaged with the light beam and a minimum when the opaque body 35 is engaged with the light beam. This is explained in more detail in fig. 28. Since the light beams 46a, 47a have a limited cross-sectional width, which may be wider or narrower than the opaque body 35 between the window 36 and the continuous window 36 at the point of interaction, not all of the light beams are blocked by the opaque body 35 when the light beams interact with the opaque body 35. Similarly, the beam need not pass entirely through window 36 due to the width of the beam. Thus, it should be appreciated that the light beams 46a, 47a may be considered to pass through the window 36 when the signals detected at the light detectors 48, 49 are above a predetermined threshold. Similarly, when the signal detected at the light detectors 48, 49 is below a predetermined threshold and need not be zero, the light beams 46a, 47a may be considered blocked by the opaque body 35.

The center-to-center spacing Ce-Ce' between beams 46a, 47a may be from about 0.25 inches, 0.26 inches, to about 0.4 inches (including all values and subranges therebetween). In some cases, the spacing Ce-Ce' may be such that at least one complete window 36 is always between beams 46a, 47a during the rocking motion. Typically, as a result of such spacing, when one of the sensing beams (e.g., beam 46 a) is centered in window 36 and is not blocked, the other beam (e.g., beam 47 a) will be located on or around the edge of the other window 36 and transition from blocked or unblocked to another state. Similarly, if one of the sensing beams 46a, 47a is centered on the portion between the windows 36, the other beam will be on or surrounding the edge of the other window 36 and switch from blocked to unblocked and vice versa depending on the sway direction.

In some cases, the spacing Ce-Ce' may be such that at least a portion of the two windows 36 and the opaque body 35 therebetween (i.e., the light interrupter) are disposed between the light beams 46a, 47a throughout the rocking motion. Such a spacing Ce-Ce' may provide increased rocking motion determination resolution compared to conventional techniques. The rocking motion corresponding to the change in state of the photodetectors 48, 49 may be from slightly greater than 0 degrees (e.g., when the light beam 46a is just inside the window and adjacent to the window edge, the rocking motion pushes it out of the adjacent window edge) to about 1 degree (e.g., when the light beam 46a is just inside the window and adjacent to the window edge, the rocking motion moves the light beam 46a across the window and pushes it out of the opposite window edge), on average about 0.5 degrees.

Referring to fig. 28, for convenience of explanation, the direction change is explained when the rocking motion starts at one end of the rocking motion represented by a state 2130a ("start point"), in which the rocking angle is maximum and the rocking speed is substantially zero. The rocking device 1 then moves through state 2130b to state 2130c, where the rocking angle is substantially zero and the rocking speed is maximum in state 2130 c. During this movement, the sensing beams 46a, 47a will be differently blocked and transmitted by the opaque body 35, which may be detected by the controller 2102 as a "0" (or "LOW" when the beam is blocked) or a "1" (or "HIGH" when the beam is unblocked and detectable), as also shown in the legend of fig. 28. For example, the controller may detect "10" (shown generally as reading/reading block 2135 a) when the rocking motion is between states 2130a and 2130b, i.e., when beam 46a is not blocked and beam 47a is blocked.

The rocking action then continues through reading "11" to reading "01" (see reading 2135 b), to "00", and then back to "10" (see reading 2135 c). As the rocking motion accelerates from state 2130a through 2130b to 2130c, reading 2135c has a shorter duration (i.e., reduced thickness, as shown in fig. 8) than 2135a, and since the rocking motion is at maximum speed, reading 2135d at state 2130c has an even shorter duration.

As shown in the legend of fig. 28, any of these transitions between readings may be used to determine the direction of the rocking motion. When the readings are switched in the opposite direction, i.e., from "10" to "00", to "01", to "11", and then back to "10", as indicated by reading block 2135e, it may be determined that the direction of the rocking motion is opposite (here, from state 2130e to state 2130 f). In this way, the size of the window 36 in the opaque body 35 and the spacing Cs-Cs' between the beams 46a, 47a can be selected such that there is one complete window 36 between the beams 46a, 47a, which in turn allows for a direction determination based on the readings as explained herein. Furthermore, a change in the reading of only one of the beams 46a, 47a is sufficient to determine the sway direction. As explained above with respect to the self-starting sequence 2125a, this determination may be made within about 0.5 degrees of rocking motion on average.

Thus, when the cycle transition between readings is reversed, the controller 2102 can determine that a direction change has occurred (e.g., from clockwise/CW to counterclockwise/CCW, or vice versa). As indicated by reading block 2135f, when the rocking motion is in state 2130e, it will reverse direction. This is detected by the controller 2102 as a transition from "10" to "11" and then back to "10". On the other hand, if there is no change in direction, the transition will be from "10" to "11" to "01", i.e., similar to that explained above for readings 2135a, 2135 b.

Fig. 28 also generally illustrates the concept of half-cycle 2140 (e.g., about 300ms, about 500ms, about 700ms, as shown, about 900ms, about 1s, about 1.2s, about 1.5s (including all values and subranges therebetween)), which is the time required to move from one end of the motion (state 2130 a) through a rocking angle α to the center (state 2130 c), and through a rocking angle α to the other end of the motion (2130 e) during steady state motion. Movement then proceeds from state 2130e, through state 2130f to center 2130g, then back through state 2130h to state 2130a, requiring another half cycle. The determination of the rocking direction change, which is a transient state that occurs between half cycles, is typically made at the beginning of the next half cycle, because the reversal of readings can be detected at this point, as explained above for reading block 2135 f.

Removable seat

Turning to fig. 31 and 32, in some examples, the seat 30 may be configured to be removably coupled to the post 20. The seat 30 may be configured to be coupled to the post 20 such that the seat 30 is rotationally fixed relative to the post 20 such that rotation of the post 20 causes corresponding rotation of the seat 30. For example, the seat 30 may include at least one engagement feature 316 configured to engage with at least one corresponding engagement feature 240 of the post 20. The at least one engagement feature 316 may have a shape that matches (key to) the shape of the at least one engagement feature 240 such that rotation of the post 20, and thus rotation of the at least one engagement feature 240, causes rotation of the at least one engagement feature 316 and thus rotation of the seat 30. The at least one engagement feature 316 may include at least one of a protrusion and a recess, and the at least one engagement feature 240 may include the other of the protrusion and the recess. In the example shown, the at least one engagement feature 316 includes at least one protrusion 318, such as a pair of protrusions 318 extending from opposite sides of the seat 30, each protrusion defining a pin. Further, the at least one engagement feature 240 defines at least one recess 242 for receiving the at least one protrusion 318, such as a pair of recesses 242 defined on opposite sides of the post 20.

The seat 30 may be configured to be coupled to the first post portion 206 of the post 20, e.g., to the first shaft portion 212, such that the seat 30 is translationally fixed to the first post portion 206 with respect to translation along the rotational axis a _R (e.g., in a substantially vertical direction). Thus, the seat 30 is configured to be raised and lowered between a plurality of height positions with the first column portion 206. The child swing 1 may include at least one latch 244 configured to translatably secure the seat 30 to at least a portion of the post 20, such as the first post portion 206. In some examples, at least one latch 244 may be supported by post 20 as shown, while in other examples (not shown) at least one latch may be supported by seat 30. The at least one latch 244 may be configured to be manually actuated by a caregiver so that the seat 30 may be coupled to and removed from the post 20 without the use of tools, although it should be understood that in alternative examples, tools may be used. In the example shown, each recess 242 extends downwardly into the first post portion 206 such that the recess 242 is open at its upper end, and the at least one latch 244 is configured to translate between a latched position in which the at least one latch 244 blocks the open upper end of each recess 242 to capture a respective protrusion 318 therein, and an unlatched position in which the blocking is released. The at least one latch 244 may include at least one stop that blocks the at least one recess 242. For example, the at least one latch 244 may have a first stop 244a configured to block a first one of the plurality of recesses 242 and a second stop 244b configured to block a second one of the plurality of recesses 242. At least one latch 244 may have a ledge 244c extending from a first stop 244a to a second stop 244b. The ledge 244c may be configured to be engaged by a caregiver to move the at least one latch 244 from the latched position to the unlatched position. The at least one latch 244 may include at least one biasing element 246, such as a spring or resilient material, that biases the at least one latch 244 toward the latched position.

As shown in fig. 33A to 33C, each of the stoppers 244a, 244b may have an inclined surface. The child swing 1 may be configured such that when each projection 318 engages the sloped surface of the respective stop 244a, 244B, the projection 318 slides along the sloped surface, thereby moving the stop 244a, 244B from the latched position toward the unlatched position (fig. 33A-33B). As each stop 244a, 244b moves toward the unlatched position, each respective projection 318 moves beyond the stops 244a and 244b into the respective recess 242 and the at least one latch 244 is biased back to the latched position by the at least one biasing element 246 (fig. 33C).

Referring now to fig. 32 and 34A-34C, an alternative example of a tilting mechanism 40' is shown. The recliner mechanism 40' is configured to selectively transition the seat 30 between a plurality of reclined positions. The recliner mechanism 40' may include a first seat mount 402' and a second seat mount 404' that are pivotally coupled to one another about a recliner pivot axis a _Recl. The tilt pivot axis a _Recl may extend in a direction extending from a first side of the seat 30 to a second side of the seat 30. The first seat mount 402 'may be positionally fixed to the seat 30 such that movement of the seat 30 (e.g., translation or rotation in any direction) causes corresponding movement of the first seat mount 402'. The first seat mount 402' may have a first end 402a ' that is attached to the seat 30, e.g., to the lower front end 314b of the seat edge 314, such that the first end 402a ' rotates with the seat 30 about the rotational axis a _R relative to the base 10 and translates with the seat 30 relative to the base 10. The first seat mount 402' may have a second end 402b ' opposite the first end 402a '. In some examples, the second end 402b' may be a free end that is unattached to the seat 30. For example, the second end 402b' may be spaced apart from the seat 30 in a downward direction. In some examples, as shown, the first seat mount 402' may include a bayonet 412 defining a first end 402a ' and a second end 402b '.

The first seat mount 402 'may be configured to pivot about the tilt pivot axis a _Recl relative to the second seat mount 404'. The tilt pivot axis a _Recl may be defined by at least one protrusion 318. For example, the tilt pivot axis a _Recl may be defined by a central axis of the at least one projection 318. At least one protrusion 318 may extend from the bayonet 412, such as from opposite sides of the bayonet 412.

The recliner mechanism 40 'may include a latch 406' configured to selectively lock the seat 30 in each of a plurality of reclined positions. The latch 406' may be configured to move between a latched position and an unlatched position to selectively lock the first and second seat mounts 402', 404' relative to one another, thereby preventing the first and second seat mounts 402', 404' from pivoting relative to one another about the tilt pivot axis a _Recl. The latch 406' may be any suitable latch capable of selectively locking the first and second seat mounts 402', 404' relative to each other. The first seat mount 402 'may define a void 402c' therein between the first end 402a 'and the second end 402 b'. In one example, the latch 406 'may be received within the void 402c'. In the latched position, the protrusion 406a 'of the latch 406' extends from an opening defined in the second end 402b 'of the first seat mount 402'. In the unlatched position, the projection 406a 'is at least partially retracted into the first seat mount 402'. The tilt mechanism 40' may include a biasing member 408', such as a spring or resilient material, that biases the latch 406' toward the latched position. The void 402c ' may be configured such that when the latch 406' is received therein, the latch 406' translates between the first end 402a and the second end 402b between the unlatched position and the latched position.

The second seat mount 404' includes a first end 404a ' and a second end 404b ' spaced apart from each other. The second seat mount 404' is positionally fixed to the first column portion 206, e.g., the first shaft portion 212, such that movement (e.g., translation or rotation in any direction) of the first column portion 206 causes corresponding movement of the second seat mount 404. For example, the second seat mount 404 'may be attached to the first post portion 206 such that the second seat mount 404' rotates with the first post portion 206 about the rotational axis a _R relative to the base 10 and translates with the first post portion 206 along the axis of the first post portion 206 relative to the base 10. The second seat mount 404 'may also be attached to the first post portion 206 such that the seat mount 404' does not rotate relative to the first post portion 206 about the tilt pivot axis a _Recl. The second seat mount 404 'may define a cavity 404c' between the first end 404a 'and the second end 404b'. The cavity 404c 'may be configured to receive the first seat mount 402' therein. The first seat mount 402' may rotate about the tilt pivot axis a _Recl within the cavity 404c ' relative to the second seat mount 404 '.

An inner surface of the second end 404b ' of the second seat mount 404' may define a plurality of recesses 404d ' therein. The recesses 404d ' may be offset from one another in a direction extending from a first side of the second seat mount 404' to a second side of the seat mount 404 '. Each recess 404d' may correspond to a different one of a plurality of tilt positions. The protrusion 406a 'of the latch 406' may be configured to be selectively received in each recess 404d 'to selectively lock the seat 30' in each reclined position. The inner surface of the second end 404b ' may define a plurality of teeth 404e ' that extend into the cavity 404c '. Each tooth 404e 'may be defined between a corresponding pair of recesses 404d'. Each tooth 404e ' may have an inclined lower surface and the protrusion 406a ' of the latch 406' may have an inclined upper surface. The child swing 1 may be configured such that when the user pulls the seat 30 upward, the inclined surface of the protrusion 406a ' slides along the inclined surface of the corresponding one of the teeth 404e ', thereby moving the latch 406' to the unlatched position. As the seat moves further upward, the latches 406 'align with a corresponding one of the recesses 404d' and the biasing member 408 'causes the latches 406' to move to the latched position such that the protrusions 406e 'move into the recesses 404d'. When the latch 406' is in the latched position, the seat 30 is prevented from rotating downward about the tilt pivot axis a _Recl. The child swing 1 may include a tilt actuator configured to be engaged by a caregiver to selectively transition the latch 406 between the latched and unlatched positions. The tilt actuator may be implemented in any suitable manner discussed above with respect to fig. 13 and 14.

Removable leg(s)

In various examples, the present disclosure relates to a coupling mechanism for removably coupling at least one leg of a baby product (e.g., a swing device) or a portion thereof to another component of the baby product. For example, turning to fig. 35, 36, and 37A-37C, a coupling mechanism according to a first example is shown for removably coupling at least one leg 102, 104 to a body 108 of the base 10. One of the body 108 and the at least one leg 102, 104 may define a plate 106 having an end 106a, the end 106a defining an opening 106b therethrough. The end 106a of the plate 106 may have a first broadside 106c and a second broadside 106D opposite each other along the select direction D _S. In some examples, the end 106a of the plate 106 may be planar in a first (e.g., horizontal) plane, and the opening 106b may extend through the plate 106 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane. The body 108 and the other of the at least one leg 102, 104 may include a slot 110 configured to receive the end 106a of the plate 106 therein. The slot 110 may define an opening shaped as a slot that receives the end 106a of the plate 106. The socket 110 may be configured to receive the end 106a along the insertion direction D _I, and the end 106a may be removable along a removal direction D _R opposite the insertion direction D _I. The socket 110 may have opposite surfaces 110a and 110b facing each other. Opposing surfaces 110a and 110b may abut broadsides 106c and 106D, respectively, of plate 106 to limit movement of plate 106 in select direction D _S. In some examples, the slot 110 may be an insert formed of plastic or other suitable material that is received in an opening of the body 108 and the other of the at least one leg 102, 104. In the example shown, each of the at least one legs 102, 104 includes a slot 110, and the body 108 includes a plate end 106a for each leg 102, 104. The plate end 106a may extend out of the opposite side of the body 108. It should be appreciated that in alternative examples, each of the at least one legs 102, 104 may include a plate end 106a, and the body 108 may include a slot 110 for each leg 102, 104. Attaching each leg 102, 104 as described above may smooth the junction between the base 10 and the leg 102, 104. This is in contrast to conventional methods in which each leg tube is embedded inside the base and vice versa.

With particular reference to fig. 37A-37C, the child swing 1 may include a latch 112 configured to transition between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. In the latched configuration, the latch 112 engages the end 106a of the plate 106 within the socket 110 to releasably lock the plate 106 within the socket 110. In the unlatched configuration, the latch 112 is disengaged from the end 106a of the plate 106 to allow the plate 106 to be removed from the slot 110. Latch 112 may include a stop surface 112a configured to be received in opening 106b of plate 106 when latch 112 is in the latched configuration shown in fig. 37C. In the latched configuration, the stop surface 112a engages an inner wall of the plate 106 defining the opening 106b, preventing removal of the end 106a of the plate 106 from the socket 110 in the removal direction D _R, as shown in fig. 37C. The stop surface 112a may be biased to a latched configuration. For example, the stop surface 112a may be biased into the opening 106b when the end 106a of the plate 106 is received in the slot 110. Latch 112 may include a biasing element, such as a spring clip (SPRING FINGER, spring finger, spring pawl) 112c, that resiliently biases stop surface 112a into the latched configuration. In other examples (not shown), the biasing element may be a spring or an elastic material.

Latch 112 may include an angled surface 112b that is spaced apart from stop surface 112a along removal direction D _R. The sloped surface 112b may facilitate movement of the stop surface 112a from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration when the end 106a of the plate 106 is inserted into the slot 110. For example, the latch 112 may be configured such that when the end 106a of the plate 106 is inserted into the slot 110, the end 106a of the plate 106 engages and slides along the sloped surface 112B to cause the stop surface 112a to move to the unlatched configuration, as shown in fig. 37A and 37B. When the stop surface 112a is aligned with the opening 106b, the latch 112 biases the stop surface 112a into a latched configuration in the opening 106 b.

The child swing apparatus 1 may include an actuator 114, the actuator 114 configured to be engaged by a caregiver to move the latch 112 to the unlocked configuration so that the plate 106 may be removed from the slot 110. In some examples, the actuator 114 may be a button configured to move between an unactuated (e.g., extended) position and an actuated (e.g., depressed) position. The actuator 114 may be biased toward the unactuated position by a biasing element 116, such as a spring or resilient material. The actuator 114 may have an outer side 114a configured to be engaged by a caregiver. The actuator 114 may have an inner side 114b configured to move the latch 112 to the unlatched configuration. For example, when the actuator 114 is moved to the actuated position, the inner side 114b may be configured to extend into the opening 106b in the end 106a of the plate 106 and engage the latch 112 to move the stop surface 112a out of the opening 106b. When in the latched configuration, the stop surface 112a of the latch 112 may extend into a first side of the opening 106b, and when actuated to move the stop surface 112a out of the opening 106b on the first side, the inner side 114b of the actuator 114 may extend to a second side of the opening 106b opposite the first side.

In some examples, the inner side 114b of the actuator 114 may include an angled surface 114d configured to engage with the end 106a of the plate 106 when the plate 106 is removed from the socket 110. Specifically, when actuator 114 is actuated and inner side 114b extends into opening 106b to engage latch 112, end 106a of plate 106 engages and slides along sloped surface 114d such that actuator 114 moves toward the extended position such that inner side 114b moves out of opening 106b. In some examples, the inner side 114b of the actuator 114 may include an angled surface 114c configured to be engaged by the end 106a of the plate 106 when the end 106a is inserted into the socket 110. The end 106a of the plate 106 may engage and slide along the sloped surface 114c to move the actuator 114 toward the unactuated position.

Turning to fig. 42-46 and 47A-47D, a coupling mechanism according to a second example is shown for removably coupling at least one leg 102, 104 to a body 108 of the base 10. One of the body 108 and the at least one leg 102, 104 may define a plate 106, and the other of the body 108 and the at least one leg 102, 104 may include a slot 110' configured to receive an end 106a of the plate 106 therein. The slot 110' may define an opening shaped as a slot shaped to receive the end 106a of the plate 106. The socket 110' may be configured to receive the end 106a along the insertion direction D _I, and the end 106a may be removable along the removal direction D _R. The slot 110' may have opposite surfaces 110a and 110b facing each other. Opposing surfaces 110a and 110b may abut broadsides 106c and 106D, respectively, of plate 106 to limit movement of plate 106 in select direction D _S. In some examples, the slot 110' may be an insert formed of plastic or other suitable material that is received in an opening of the body 108 and the other of the at least one leg 102, 104. In the example shown, each of the at least one legs 102, 104 includes a slot 110', and the body 108 includes a plate end 106a for each leg 102, 104. The plate end 106a may extend from opposite sides of the body 108. It should be appreciated that in alternative examples, each of the at least one legs 102, 104 may include a plate end 106a, and the body 108 may include a slot 110' for each leg 102, 104. Attaching each leg 102, 104 as described above may smooth the junction between the base 10 and the leg 102, 104. This is in contrast to conventional methods in which each leg tube is embedded inside the base and vice versa.

Referring specifically to fig. 43 and 45, the child swing 1 may include a latch 112' configured to transition between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. In the latched configuration, the latch 112' engages the end 106a of the plate 106 within the slot 110' to releasably lock the plate 106 within the slot 110 '. In the unlatched configuration, the latch 112 'is disengaged from the end 106a of the plate 106 to allow the plate 106 to be removed from the slot 110'. Latch 112' may include a stop surface 112a ' (labeled in fig. 47A-47E) configured to be received in opening 106b of plate 106 when latch 112' is in the latching configuration shown in fig. 47C. In the latched configuration, the stop surface 112a 'engages an inner wall of the plate 106 defining the opening 106b, thereby preventing removal of the end 106a of the plate 106 from the slot 110' in the removal direction D _R, as shown in fig. 47C. The stop surface 112a' may be biased to a latched configuration. For example, the stop surface 112a 'may be biased into the opening 106b when the end 106a of the plate 106 is received in the slot 110'. Latch 112' may include a biasing element, such as a spring clip 112c ', that resiliently biases stop surface 112a ' into the latched configuration. In other examples (not shown), the biasing element may be a spring or an elastic material.

Latch 112' may include an angled surface 112b ' spaced from stop surface 112a ' along removal direction D _R. When the end 106a of the plate 106 is inserted into the slot 110', the sloped surface 112b ' may facilitate movement of the stop surface 112a ' from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration, as shown in fig. 47A-47C. For example, the latch 112 'may be configured such that when the end 106a of the plate 106 is inserted into the slot 110', the end 106a of the plate 106 engages and slides along the sloped surface 112B 'to move the stop surface 112a' to the unlatched configuration, as shown in fig. 47A and 47B. When the stop surface 112a ' is aligned with the opening 106b, the latch 112' biases the stop surface 112a ' into the latched configuration in the opening 106 b.

Referring to fig. 43, 44 and 46, the child swing 1 may include an actuator 114' configured to be engaged by a caregiver to move the latch 112' to the unlocked configuration so that the plate 106 may be removed from the slot 110 '. In some examples, the actuator 114' may include a button 114e configured to move between an unactuated (e.g., extended) position and an actuated (e.g., depressed) position. Actuator 114' may be biased toward the unactuated position by an engagement surface 112d of latch 112' (e.g., a surface of spring clip 114c '). The engagement surface 112D may be spaced apart from the stop surface 112a ' along the insertion direction D _I such that when the stop surface 112a ' is received in the recess of the plate 106, the plate end 106a terminates between the stop surface 112a ' and the engagement surface 112D. The actuator 114 'may have an outer side 114a' configured to be engaged by a caregiver. The actuator 114' may have an inner side 114b ' configured to move the latch 112' to the unlatched configuration. For example, when the actuator 114' is moved to the actuated position, the inner side 114b ' may be configured to engage the engagement surface 112d to move the stop surface 112a ' out of the opening 106b. The inner side 114b ' may be configured to engage the engagement surface 112d on a first side of the actuator 114' and provide a pivot 114f on a second side of the actuator 114 '. Unlike the example of fig. 35-37C in which the actuator 114 extends into the opening 106b of the plate 106 in the actuated position, the actuator 114' of fig. 42-47E does not extend into the opening 106b. Thus, as the plate 106 is inserted into and removed from the socket 110', the plate 106 may be coupled to and uncoupled from the socket 110' without the actuator 114' interfering with the end 106a of the plate 106. While the plate 106 has been described as having the opening 106b and the latches 112, 112 'have been described as having the protrusions (stop surfaces 112a, 112 a') received in the opening 106b, it should be understood that in alternative examples, the opening and protrusions may be reversed. For example, latches 112, 112 'may define an opening, and plate 106 may have a protrusion that is received in the opening when latches 112, 112' are in the latched position.

While the plate 106 and the slots 110, 110 'have been described in terms of their use with the body 108 and the legs 102, 104 of the base 10, it should be understood that the plate 106 and the slots 110, 110' may be used to interconnect other components of a child swing or other juvenile product. For example, alternative examples may include a baby product configured to support a child on the ground. The baby product may be a swing, a stroller, a highchair, or any other suitable baby product having at least one leg. The baby product includes a component and at least a portion of a leg configured to be removably coupled to the component. In some examples, the component may be a body of the base as described above. In other examples, the component may be a seat, such as a seat of a highchair. In other examples, at least a portion of the leg may be a first portion of the leg and the component may be a second portion of the leg. Thus, the plate 106 and the slots 110, 110' may be used to connect two portions of a leg (e.g., two portions of a tubular leg) to each other. One of the at least one of the component and the leg defines a plate 106, and the other of the at least one of the component and the leg defines a slot 110, 110' configured to receive an end of the plate therein. The baby product may include a latch 112 configured to releasably secure the end of the plate within the slot to secure at least a portion of the leg to the component.

Examples of the present disclosure include a method of coupling at least a portion of a leg to a component and a method of decoupling at least a portion of a leg from a component. The connection method comprises the following steps: at least a portion of the legs 102, 104 of the baby product are aligned with a component (e.g., 108) of the baby product, wherein one of the legs 102, 104 and the component (e.g., 108) includes a plate 106 and the other of the legs 102, 104 and the component (e.g., 108) defines a slot 110 or 110'. The method includes an insertion step (e.g., fig. 37A, 47A) of inserting the end 106a of the plate 106 into the slot 110 or 110' to couple at least a portion of the legs 102, 104 to the component (e.g., 108). The inserting step may include inserting the end 106a of the plate 106 into the slot 110 or 110 'such that opposing surfaces of the slot 110 or 110' abut the first and second broadsides of the plate 106, thereby restricting movement of the plate 106 in the selected direction D _S. The inserting step may include engaging and sliding the end 106a of the plate 106 along the angled surfaces 112B, 112B 'to cause the stop surfaces 112a, 112a' to move to the unlatched configuration, as shown in fig. 37B, 47B. The method includes an urging step (fig. 37C, 47C) of urging latches 112, 112 'to releasably secure end 106a of plate 106 within slots 110, 110' to secure at least a portion of legs 102, 104 to a component (e.g., 108). The urging step may include urging stop surfaces 112a, 112a 'of latches 112, 112' to be received in openings 106b of plate 106.

The method of decoupling the plate 106 from the socket 110, 110 'may include a step of actuating the actuator 114, 114' by, for example, pressing a button 114e of the actuator (fig. 47D). This in turn causes the stop surfaces 112a, 112a' to be removed from the opening 106 a. The method of decoupling the plate 106 may then include the step of removing the plate 106 from the slots 110, 110' along the removal direction D _R (fig. 47E). The stop surfaces 112a, 112a 'may then be returned to the latched position by the biasing force of the spring clips 112c, 112c', springs or other biasing elements.

Compact storage

Turning to fig. 38A-38C, the child swing 1 may be packaged in a compact manner to limit the amount of packaging required. In particular, an encapsulated child swing is shown according to one example. The packaged child swing includes a package 80 (e.g., a box or other package), as well as the child swing 1. The child swing 1 includes a seat 30 configured to support a child, and at least one leg 102, 104 configured to be removably coupled to the child swing 1. The child swing 1 is received in the enclosure 80 such that at least one leg 102, 104 is removed from the child swing 1 and received in the seat 30. In some examples, at least one leg includes a pair of legs 102 and 104, the pair of legs 102 and 104 configured to be removably coupled to the child swing 1, and the child swing 1 is received in the enclosure 80 in a manner such that the pair of legs 102 and 104 are separated from the child swing 1 and received in the seat 30. The child swing 1 may include a base 10 having a body 108 and at least one leg 102, 104. In such an example, the child swing 1 may be received in the enclosure 80 in such a way that at least one leg 102, 104 is separate from the body 108 and at least one leg 102, 104 and the body 108 are both received in the seat 30.

The child swing 1 may include a post 20, the post 20 being configured to support a seat 30 thereon and to be removably coupled to the seat 30. The child swing 1 may be received in the enclosure 80 in such a way that at least one leg 102, 104 and the post 20 are both received in the seat 30. The seat 30 may include a seat edge 314 and a soft seating surface 308 (labeled in fig. 1) within the seat edge 314 supported by the seat edge 314, and the at least one leg 102, 104 may be received in the soft seating surface 308 within the seat edge 314. Alternatively, the seat 30 may include a rigid seating surface 308 (labeled in fig. 1) formed of a rigid material, and the at least one leg 102, 104 may be received in the rigid seating surface 308.

By housing the separated at least one leg 102, 104 in the seat 30 within the enclosure 80, the enclosure 80 may be made smaller in size than when the child swing 1 is housed in a manner such that the at least one leg 102, 104 remains attached to the child swing 1. Similarly, by housing the body 108 and/or post 20 in the seat 30 within the enclosure 80, the enclosure 80 may be made smaller in size. According to various embodiments, the method of packaging the child swing 1 includes the step of receiving the child swing 1 in the package 80 in a manner such that at least one leg 102, 104 of the child swing 1 is separated from the child swing 1 and received in the seat 30 of the child swing 1. The housing step may include: (i) Placing at least one leg 102, 104 in the seat 30, and (ii) placing the seat 30 in the enclosure 80, wherein the at least one leg 102, 104 is disposed in the seat 30. In other examples, the step of stowing may include placing the seat 30 in the enclosure 80, followed by placing the at least one leg 102, 104 in the seat 30 within the enclosure. In some examples, the step of receiving may include placing the child swing 1 in the enclosure 80 in a manner such that the pair of legs 102 and 104 are separated from the child swing 1 and received in the seat 30. In some examples, the step of receiving may include receiving the child swing 1 in the enclosure 80 in a manner such that the at least one leg 102, 104 is separated from the body 108 and both the at least one leg 102, 104 and the body 108 are received in the seat 30. In some examples, the step of receiving may include receiving the child swing 1 in the enclosure 80 in a manner such that at least one leg 102, 104 and the post 20 are both received in the seat 30. The method may include the step of sealing the package 80 with the child swing 1 therein.

Rotary lock

Referring to fig. 39-41, the child swing 1 may include a rotational lock 250 configured to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked position (e.g., fig. 40B), the rotational lock 250 may lock the position of the seat 30 relative to the base 10 such that the seat 30 does not rotate. In the unlocked state (e.g., fig. 40A), the seat 30 may be allowed to rotate. The rotary lock 250 may include a locking pin 252 configured to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking pin 252 may be carried by one of the post 20 and the base 10. The other of the post 20 and the base 10 may define a recess 254 configured to receive the locking pin 252. The locking pin 252 and the recess 254 may rotate relative to each other. Accordingly, the locking pin 252 may be configured to be received in the recess 254 when the locking pin 252 is moved to the locked state (e.g., fig. 40B) and when the locking pin 252 is aligned with the recess 254 with respect to rotation about the rotational axis a _R. When the locking pin 252 is moved to the unlocked state (e.g., fig. 40A), the locking pin 252 may disengage from the recess 254. In the example shown, the locking pin 252 is carried by the base 10 and the recess 254 is defined by the post 20. However, it should be understood that the locking pin 252 may alternatively be carried by the post 20 and the recess 254 may alternatively be defined by the base 10.

The rotary lock 250 may include an actuator 256 configured to transition between an unactuated state and an actuated state. In the unactuated state, the actuator 256 places the locking pin 252 in an unlocked state. In the actuated state, the actuator 256 biases the locking pin 252 toward the locked state. The actuator 256 may include a switch 258 that a caregiver may engage to move the rotary lock 250 between the locked and unlocked states. In one example, the switch 258 may be a rocker switch configured to rotate about a pivot axis to transition the locking pin 252 between a locked state and an unlocked state. The switch 258 may include an actuation pin 260 engaged with the locking pin 252 to move the locking pin 252 between the locked and unlocked states.

Referring to fig. 41, the rotary lock 250 may be configured such that when the actuator 256 is moved to the actuated state, the locking pin 252 is biased toward the locked state by a biasing element 262 (e.g., a spring or resilient material), but does not move to the locked state until the locking pin 252 and the recess 254 are aligned. Once the locking pin 252 and the recess 254 are aligned, the biasing element 262 moves the locking pin 252 into the recess 254. For example, the actuation pin 260 may be received in a slot 252a defined in the locking pin 252. When the actuator 256 is in the unactuated state, the actuation pin 260 engages and interferes with the end of the slot 252a to prevent the locking pin 252 from translating to the locked state. When the actuator 256 is in the actuated state, the interference is released. The biasing element 262 may bias the locking pin 252 toward the locked state (upward in fig. 41). When the locking pin 252 and the recess 254 are aligned, the biasing element 262 may move the actuation pin 260 to the locked position, as shown in fig. 41.

It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples and embodiments illustrated in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates various embodiments. Furthermore, it should be understood that the concepts described in the examples and embodiments above may be used alone or in combination with any of the other examples and embodiments described above. It should also be understood that the various alternative examples and embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment may be applied to all examples and embodiments described herein, unless otherwise indicated.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be construed as being approximate, as if the word "about," "approximately," or "substantially" existed before the value or range. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are to be construed to describe ranges within 15% of the particular value.

Conditional language, such as "capable," "may," "for example," and the like, as used herein, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, but other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise in the context of use. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are required by one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments must include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included in or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, etc.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing description does not imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module or block is required or necessary. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain inventions disclosed herein.

The indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "at least one" unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, it will be appreciated that references herein to "a," "and" or "one" to describe a feature such as a component or step do not exclude additional features or multiple features. For example, reference to an apparatus having, including, comprising, or defining "a" feature does not exclude that the apparatus has, includes, comprises, or defines more than one feature, provided that the device has, includes, comprises, or defines at least one feature. Similarly, reference herein to "a" or "an" of a plurality of features does not exclude that the invention includes two or more features. For example, reference to a device having, including, comprising, or defining "one of a protrusion and a recess" does not exclude that the device has both a protrusion and a recess.

The phrase "and/or" as used herein in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "either or both" of the components so connected, i.e., components that in some cases exist in combination and in other cases exist separately. The various components listed with "and/or" should be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the components so associated. In addition to the components specifically identified by the "and/or" expression, other components may optionally be present, whether or not associated with those components specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, in one embodiment, a reference to "a and/or B" may refer to a alone (optionally including components other than B) when used in conjunction with an open language such as "comprising"; in another embodiment, may refer to B alone (optionally including components other than a); in yet another embodiment, both a and B (optionally including other components) may be referred to; and so on.

As used herein in the specification and claims, the word "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. For example, when a series of items are separated, "or" and/or "should be construed as inclusive, i.e., including at least one of the plurality or series of components, but also including more than one, and optionally other, non-listed items. Only the opposite terms, such as "only one of … …" or "exactly one of … …" or, when used in the claims, "consisting of … …" will be meant to include the exact one of the plurality or series of components. In general, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted to indicate an exclusive alternative (i.e., "one or the other, but not both"), when used in the claims, preceded by an exclusive term, such as "any one", "… …", "… … only" or "… … exactly one", "consisting essentially of … …", should have its ordinary meaning as used in the patent law arts.

The phrase "at least one" as used herein in the specification and claims with respect to a series of one or more components should be understood to mean at least one component selected from any one or more of the series of components, but does not necessarily include at least one of each of the components specifically listed in the series of components, and does not exclude any combination of components in the series of components. The definition also allows that there may optionally be additional components to those specifically recited in the series of components referred to by the phrase "at least one," whether or not associated with those specifically recited. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of a and B" (or equivalently "at least one of a or B", or equivalently "at least one of a and/or B") may refer in one embodiment to at least one (optionally including more than one) a without B (and optionally including components other than B); in another embodiment, it may refer to at least one (optionally including more than one) B without a (and optionally including components other than a); in yet another embodiment, it may refer to at least one (optionally including more than one) a and at least one (optionally including more than one) B (and optionally including other components); etc.

The words "inwardly", "outwardly", "upwardly" and "downwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a component.

Claims

1. A child swing apparatus comprising:

a base configured to support the child swing on a ground surface;

A post extending upwardly from the base and defining an axis of rotation; and

A seat supported above the base by the post, the post configured to transition the seat between a lowered position in which the seat is located at a first height above the floor and a raised position in which the seat is located at a second height above the floor that is greater than the first height,

Wherein the seat is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation relative to the base in both the lowered position and the raised position.

2. The child swing apparatus of claim 1, wherein a lower end of the seat is higher in the raised position than in the lowered position.

3. The child swing of claim 1, wherein the entirety of the seat is higher in the raised position than in the lowered position.

4. The child swing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the post comprises a first post portion and a second post portion configured to extend and retract relative to one another along the axis of rotation.

5. The child swing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first and second post portions are configured to extend and retract by telescoping relative to one another.

6. The child swing of claim 4, wherein the first post portion is attached to the seat, the second post portion is attached to the base, and one or both of the first and second post portions are configured to rotate relative to the base about the axis of rotation.

7. The child swing of claim 4, wherein the post comprises an extendable shaft having a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, wherein the first shaft portion is attached to the seat, the second shaft portion is attached to the base, and the first shaft portion is configured to extend and retract relative to the second shaft portion.

8. The child swing of claim 7, wherein the post includes a rotational axis defining the rotational axis, and the extendable shaft is offset from the rotational axis.

9. The child swing of claim 8, wherein the extendable shaft is coupled to the rotation shaft such that the extendable shaft is configured to rotate about the rotation axis.

10. The child swing of claim 9, wherein the rotation axis is rotationally fixed relative to the base, the child swing comprises a rotor that rotates about the rotation axis, and the rotor couples the extendable shaft to the rotation axis.

11. The child swing of claim 7, wherein a bottom end of the first shaft portion is horizontally aligned with the base when the seat is in the lowered position.

12. The child swing of claim 7, wherein the post comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion configured to extend and retract relative to each other, the first shaft portion being at least partially disposed in the first housing portion, the second shaft portion being at least partially disposed in the second housing portion.

13. The child swing apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:

A latch configured to selectively lock the post in each of the raised and lowered positions.

14. The child swing of claim 4, wherein the post is configured to transition the seat to an intermediate position between the raised position and the lowered position.

15. The child swing of claim 1, wherein the post is attached to a bottom of the seat.

16. The child swing of claim 15, wherein the seat is cantilevered from the post.

17. The child swing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

A magnetic drive, the magnetic drive having:

At least one magnet; and

At least one other magnet defining a first end having a first polarity and a second end having a second polarity different from the first polarity, the first end and the second end being spaced apart from one another in a rotational direction, the at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet being configured to apply a magnetic force to one another to cause relative rotation between the at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet, thereby driving rotation of at least a portion of the post relative to the base about the rotational axis.

18. A child swing apparatus comprising:

a base configured to support the child swing on a ground surface;

A post extending upwardly from the base and defining an axis of rotation;

A seat supported above the base by the post; and

A recliner mechanism coupling the seat to the post and configured to selectively transition the seat between a plurality of reclined positions, the recliner mechanism having:

a first seat mount attached to the seat; and

A second seat mount attached to the post, wherein the first seat mount and the second seat mount are pivotally coupled to each other at a tilt pivot axis such that the seat is configured to rotate relative to the post about the tilt pivot axis between the plurality of tilt positions.

19. The child swing of claim 18, wherein the first seat mount is positionally fixed to the seat such that movement of the seat causes corresponding movement of the first seat mount.

20. The child swing of claim 19, wherein the second seat mount is positionally fixed to the post such that movement of the post causes corresponding movement of the second seat mount.

21. The child swing of claim 18, wherein the recliner mechanism includes a latch configured to selectively lock the seat in each of the plurality of reclined positions.

22. The child swing of claim 21, wherein the first seat mount has a void defined therein and the latch is received in the void.

23. The child swing of claim 22, wherein the latch translates within the void between a latched position in which a protrusion of the latch extends from the first seat mount and an unlatched position in which the protrusion of the latch retracts into the first seat mount.

24. The child swing of claim 21, wherein the second seat mount has an inner surface having a plurality of recesses defined therein, each recess corresponding to a different one of the plurality of reclined positions, and the latch includes a protrusion configured to be selectively received in each recess for selectively locking the seat in each reclined position.

25. The child swing of claim 22, wherein the latch is configured to translate within the void toward and away from the tilt pivot axis.

26. The child swing of claim 22, wherein the second seat mount has a cavity defined therein configured to receive at least a portion of the first seat mount.

27. The child swing apparatus of claim 18, wherein:

the first seat mount includes a bayonet carried by the seat and extending downwardly from the seat; and

The second seat mount is carried by the post and defines a cavity that removably receives the first seat mount therein to couple the seat to the post.

28. The child swing of claim 27, wherein the first seat mount comprises a pair of protrusions extending from opposite sides of the first seat mount and defining a tilt pivot axis, and the second seat mount defines a pair of recesses configured to receive the pair of protrusions to couple the seat to the post.

29. The child swing of claim 27, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a latch configured to selectively lock the seat in each of the plurality of tilt positions.

30. The child swing of claim 29, wherein the latch is configured to move between a latched position and an unlatched position to selectively lock the first and second seat mounts relative to one another to prevent the first and second seat mounts from pivoting relative to one another about the tilt pivot axis.

31. The child swing of claim 30, wherein the inner surface of the second seat mount defines a plurality of recesses therein, each recess corresponding to a different one of the plurality of reclined positions, and the latch is configured to be selectively received in each recess to selectively lock the seat in each reclined position.

32. A child swing apparatus comprising:

a base configured to support the child swing on a ground surface;

a post extending upwardly from the base, at least a portion of the post being rotatable relative to the base about an axis of rotation;

a seat supported above the base by the post such that the seat is configured to rotate with at least a portion of the post about the axis of rotation; and

A magnetic drive, comprising:

At least one magnet; and

At least one other magnet defining a first end having a first polarity and a second end having a second polarity different from the first polarity, the first end and the second end being spaced apart from one another in a rotational direction, the at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet being configured to apply a magnetic force to one another so as to cause relative rotation between the at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet to drive rotation of at least a portion of the post relative to the base about the rotational axis.

33. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the post is attached to the seat such that the seat is disposed on top of the post.

34. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the post is configured to transition the seat between a lowered position in which the seat is at a first height above the ground and a raised position in which the seat is at a second height above the ground that is higher than the first height, wherein the seat is configured to rotate relative to the base in both the lowered position and the raised position.

35. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the at least one other magnet comprises a single magnet having a first end and a second end, the single magnet being curved such that when the at least one magnet is rotationally aligned with the first end and the second end, respectively, the first end and the second end of the single magnet are oriented toward the at least one magnet.

36. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the at least one other magnet comprises a first magnet having a first end and a second magnet having a second end.

37. The child swing of claim 36, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are permanent magnets.

38. The child swing of claim 36, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are electromagnets.

39. The child swing of claim 32, wherein one of i) the at least one magnet or ii) the at least one other magnet is positionally fixed relative to the base.

40. The child swing of claim 39, wherein the other of i) the at least one magnet or ii) the at least one other magnet is coupled to the post such that the other of i) the at least one magnet or ii) the at least one other magnet rotates about the axis of rotation.

41. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the at least one magnet is fixed in position relative to the base and the at least one other magnet is coupled to the post to rotate about the axis of rotation and relative to the at least one other magnet.

42. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the at least one other magnet is fixed in position relative to the base and the at least one magnet is coupled to the post to rotate about the axis of rotation and relative to the at least one other magnet.

43. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the magnetic drive comprises a hub coupling one of the magnet or at least one other magnet to a pivot axis of the post such that the magnet or one of the at least one other magnet is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation.

44. The child swing of claim 43, wherein the post comprises an extendable shaft that extends and retracts to increase and decrease the height of the seat relative to the base, and the hub is coupled to the extendable shaft such that rotation of the hub relative to the base causes the extendable shaft to rotate about the axis of rotation.

45. The child swing of claim 44, wherein the first and second ends of the at least one other magnet are disposed on opposite sides of the extendable shaft.

46. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the first and second ends of the at least one other magnet are angularly offset from one another by an angle, and the magnetic drive is configured to rotate at least a portion of the post at an angle less than or equal to the angle.

47. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the magnetic drive is configured such that the magnet and the at least one other magnet exert a magnetic force on each other throughout a range of movement of the child swing.

48. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the magnetic drive is configured such that the first and second ends of the at least one other magnet simultaneously apply attractive and repulsive forces, respectively, to the at least one magnet when the seat is in a neutral position and the at least one magnet is actuated.

49. The child swing apparatus of claim 32, further comprising:

A hall effect sensor fixed in position relative to the at least one other magnet such that the hall effect sensor is configured to detect the strength of each magnetic field generated by the first and second ends of the at least one other magnet during relative rotation between the hall effect sensor and the at least one other magnet.

50. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet are spaced no more than 5 inches from the axis of rotation.

51. The child swing of claim 32, wherein the child swing has a maximum swing angle defining a first outermost seat position in a first rotational direction and a second outermost position in a second rotational direction, and wherein the at least one magnet is aligned with the first and second ends when the seat is rotated to the first and second outermost seat positions, respectively.

52. A child swing apparatus comprising:

a base configured to support the child swing on a ground surface;

a seat supported above the base such that the seat is configured to rotate relative to the base;

at least one magnet having north and south poles spaced apart from each other in a rotational direction; and

A hall effect sensor is provided which is configured to detect,

Wherein i) the at least one magnet or ii) one of the hall effect sensors is positionally fixed relative to the seat such that i) the at least one magnet or ii) one of the hall effect sensors is configured to rotate relative to the base as the seat rotates, and

Wherein the at least one magnet and the hall effect sensor are rotatable relative to each other such that the hall effect sensor is configured to sense the strength of each magnetic field generated by the north pole and the south pole and to generate a signal indicative of rotational movement of the seat.

53. The child swing apparatus of claim 52, further comprising:

A post or swing arm rotatably coupling the seat to the base, and i) one of the at least one magnet or ii) the hall effect sensor is fixed in position relative to the post or swing arm such that the one of i) the at least one magnet or ii) the hall effect sensor is configured to rotate relative to the base as the post or swing arm rotates.

54. The child swing apparatus of claim 53, further comprising:

A magnetic drive includes:

The at least one magnet having the north pole and the south pole; and

At least one of the magnets is arranged to be positioned in a substantially circular configuration,

Wherein the at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet are configured to exert a magnetic force on each other to cause relative rotation between the at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet to drive rotation of at least a portion of the post or arm relative to the base; and

Wherein the hall effect sensor is configured to sense the strength of each magnetic field generated by the north and south poles of the at least one magnet of the magnetic drive.

55. The child swing of claim 52, wherein the hall effect sensor is substantially centered between the north pole and the south pole when the seat is in a neutral position.

56. The child swing of claim 55, wherein the value of the signal increases when the seat is moved from the neutral position in a first rotational direction and decreases when the seat is moved from the neutral position in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

57. The children's swing of claim 56, wherein the value is a voltage.

58. The child swing apparatus of claim 52, further comprising:

A controller circuit configured to determine a value of one or more of the following based on the signal: 1) an angular position of the seat, 2) a rotational direction of the seat, or 3) a direction changing moment of the seat.

59. The child swing of claim 58, wherein the controller circuit is configured to determine the value by looking up the value in memory based on the signal.

60. The child swing of claim 58, wherein the controller circuit is configured to determine the value by applying the signal to a formula that calculates the value.

61. The child swing of claim 58, wherein the controller circuit is configured to determine the direction of rotation based on the value of the signal being zero, positive or negative.

62. The child swing of claim 52, wherein the child swing is configured such that the value of the signal increases when the seat is rotated in a first rotational direction and the value of the signal decreases when the seat is rotated in a second rotational direction.

63. The child swing of claim 52, wherein the signal has a value of zero when the seat is in the neutral position.

64. A child swing apparatus comprising:

a base configured to support the child swing on a ground surface;

A housing having an inner side facing the post and an outer side opposite the inner side, the outer side supporting a control panel configured to be engaged by a user to operate the child swing apparatus, the control panel being supported above the base at a level horizontally proximate the post, wherein the housing is positionally fixed relative to the base such that at least a portion of the post rotates relative to the inner side of the housing.

65. The child swing of claim 64, wherein the inner side is completely spaced from the post.

66. The child swing of claim 64, wherein no portion of the inner side is engaged with the post.

67. The child swing of claim 64, wherein no portion of the housing is engaged with the post such that the post is free to rotate relative to the housing without interference from the housing.

68. The child swing of claim 64, wherein the inner side has a surface conforming to the shape of the post.

69. The child swing of claim 64, wherein the post has an outer curved surface and the inner side has an inner curved surface facing the post.

70. The child swing of claim 69, wherein the inner curved surface is fixed in position relative to the base.

71. The child swing of claim 64, wherein the control panel is disposed at a front end of the child swing and the post is disposed behind the control panel.

72. A child swing apparatus comprising:

a base configured to support the child swing on a ground surface;

a seat supported above the base by the post such that the seat is configured to rotate with at least a portion of the post about the axis of rotation;

A plurality of optical sensors, comprising:

A first light source that emits a first light beam propagating along a first light path;

a first detector spaced apart from the first light source and disposed in the first light path to detect the first light beam;

A second light source that emits a second light beam along a second light path different from the first light path;

A second detector spaced apart from the second light source and disposed in the second light path to detect the second light beam; and

An optical encoder disposed in the first optical path and the second optical path,

Wherein i) the plurality of optical sensors or ii) one of the optical encoders is positionally fixed relative to the post such that i) the plurality of optical sensors or ii) one of the optical encoders is configured to correlate with respect to the base as the seat rotates, and

Wherein i) the plurality of optical sensors and ii) the optical encoder are rotatable relative to each other such that the plurality of optical sensors are each configured to generate a signal indicative of rotational movement of the seat.

73. The child swing of claim 72, wherein the optical encoder comprises an opaque body defining a plurality of transparent windows spaced apart from one another in a rotational direction.

74. The child swing of claim 73, wherein the opaque body is a slotted belt defining a plurality of optically transparent windows and the opaque body defines a plurality of light interrupters disposed between successive transparent windows.

75. The child swing of claim 73, wherein the optical encoder is a curved band having a curvature centered on the axis of rotation of the post.

76. The child swing of claim 73, wherein during rotation of the post, at least one transparent window of the plurality of transparent windows is entirely between the first optical path and the second optical path.

77. The child swing of claim 74, wherein at least one light interrupter of the plurality of light interrupters is located entirely between the first and second light paths during movement of at least a portion of the child swing.

78. The child swing of claim 72, wherein the angular spacing between adjacent transparent windows is from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees.

79. A child swing apparatus comprising:

a base configured to support the child swing on a ground surface;

a post extending upwardly from the base, at least a portion of the post being rotatable relative to the base about an axis of rotation; and

A seat configured to be removably coupled to at least a portion of the post such that rotation of at least a portion of the post causes corresponding rotation of the seat.

80. The child swing of claim 79, wherein the seat comprises at least one engagement feature configured to engage at least one corresponding engagement feature of the post.

81. The child swing of claim 80, wherein the at least one engagement feature comprises at least one of a protrusion and a recess and the at least one corresponding engagement feature comprises the other of a protrusion and a recess.

82. The child swing of claim 80, wherein the at least one engagement feature comprises a pair of protrusions extending from opposite sides of the seat, and the at least one corresponding engagement feature defines a pair of recesses defined on opposite sides of the post.

83. The child swing of claim 79, wherein the post comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured to be raised and lowered relative to the second portion along the axis of rotation, and wherein the seat is configured to be coupled to the first portion of the post such that the seat is translatably secured to the first portion with respect to translation along the axis of rotation.

84. The child swing apparatus of claim 79, further comprising:

at least one latch configured to translatably secure the seat to at least a portion of the post, wherein the at least one latch is configured to be manually actuated by a caregiver such that the seat can be coupled to and uncoupled from the post without the use of tools.

85. The child swing of claim 82, wherein each recess extends downwardly to the first portion of the post such that the recess is open at an upper end thereof, and the child swing comprises at least one latch configured to translate between a latched position in which the at least one latch blocks the open upper end of each recess to capture one corresponding protrusion therein, and an unlatched position in which the blocking is released.

86. The child swing apparatus of claim 79, further comprising:

a recliner mechanism configured to selectively transition the seat between a plurality of reclined positions, the recliner mechanism including first and second seat mounts pivotally coupled to each other about a reclined pivot axis.

87. The child swing of claim 86, wherein:

88. The child swing of claim 87, wherein the first seat mount comprises a pair of protrusions extending from opposite sides of the first seat mount and defining the tilt pivot axis, and the second seat mount defines a pair of recesses configured to receive the pair of protrusions to couple the seat to the post.

89. The child swing of claim 88, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a latch configured to selectively lock the seat in each of the plurality of tilt positions.

90. The child swing of claim 89, wherein the latch is configured to move between a latched position and an unlatched position to selectively lock the first and second seat mounts relative to one another to prevent the first and second seat mounts from pivoting relative to one another about the tilt pivot axis.

91. The child swing of claim 89, wherein the inner surface of the second seat mount defines a plurality of recesses therein, each recess corresponding to a different one of the plurality of reclined positions, and the latch is configured to be selectively received in each recess for selectively locking the seat in each reclined position.

92. A baby product configured to support a child above a ground surface, the baby product comprising:

A component;

At least a portion of a leg configured to be removably coupled to the component, wherein one of the component and the at least a portion of the leg defines a plate and the other of the component and the at least a portion of the leg defines a slot configured to receive an end of the plate therein; and

A latch is configured to releasably secure an end of the plate within the slot to secure at least a portion of the leg to the component.

93. The infant product of claim 92, wherein the infant product is a child swing.

94. The baby product of any of claims 92 and 93, wherein the component is a body of a base of the baby product.

95. The infant product of any of claims 92 and 93, wherein at least a portion of the leg is a first portion of the leg and the component is a second portion of the leg.

96. The infant product of any of claims 92-95, wherein the ends of the plate have first and second broadsides that are opposite one another in a selected direction, and the slot has opposing surfaces that abut the first and second broadsides of the plate to limit movement of the plate in the selected direction.

97. The infant product of any of claims 92-96, wherein the slot comprises an insert that inserts into the other of the member and at least a portion of the leg.

98. The baby product of any of claims 92-97, wherein the latch is configured to transition between a latched configuration in which the latch engages an end of the plate within the slot to releasably lock the plate within the slot and an unlatched configuration in which the latch is disengaged from the end of the plate to allow the plate to be removed from the slot.

99. The infant product of claim 98, wherein one of the end of the plate and the latch defines an opening therethrough, and the other of the end of the plate and the latch includes a stop surface configured to be received in the opening when the latch is in the latched configuration.

100. The baby product of claim 99, wherein in the latched configuration, the stop surface engages an inner wall defining the opening to prevent removal of the end of the plate from the slot in a removal direction.

101. The baby product of claim 99, wherein the stop surface is biased toward the latch configuration.

102. The baby product of claim 101, wherein the latch comprises a biasing element that resiliently biases the stop surface or opening into the latched configuration.

103. The baby product of claim 102, wherein the biasing element is a spring clip.

104. The baby product of any of claims 99-103, wherein the latch comprises an angled surface spaced apart from the stop surface in a removal direction, and the latch is configured such that when an end of the plate is inserted into the slot, the end of the plate engages and slides along the angled surface to cause the stop surface or opening to move to the unlatched configuration.

105. The baby product of any of claims 99-104, further comprising:

An actuator configured to be engaged by a caregiver to move the latch to the unlatched configuration to enable removal of the plate from the slot.

106. The baby product of claim 105, wherein the actuator is a button configured to move between an unactuated position and an actuated position.

107. The baby product of claim 106, wherein the actuator is biased toward the unactuated position.

108. The infant product of claim 106, wherein the actuator has an outer side configured to be engaged by a caregiver and an inner side configured to move the latch to the unlatched configuration.

109. The infant product of claim 108, wherein when the actuator is moved to the actuated position, the inner side is configured to extend into an opening in an end of the plate and engage the latch to move the stop surface out of the opening.

110. A method of assembling a baby product, the method comprising:

Aligning a leg of the baby product with a component of the baby product, wherein one of the leg and the component comprises a plate and the other of the leg and the component defines a slot;

Inserting an end of the plate into the slot to couple the leg to the component; and

Causing a latch to releasably secure an end of the plate within the slot to secure at least a portion of the leg to the component.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein the child product is a child swing.

112. The method of any one of claims 110 and 111, wherein the component is a body of a base of the baby product.

113. The method of any one of claims 110 and 111, wherein at least a portion of the leg is a first portion of the leg and the component is a second portion of the leg.

114. The method of any one of claims 110 to 113, wherein the ends of the plates have first and second broadsides that are opposite one another in a selected direction, and the inserting step includes inserting the ends of the plates into the slots such that opposing surfaces of the slots abut the first and second broadsides of the plates, thereby restricting movement of the plates in the selected direction.

115. The method of any one of claims 110 to 114, wherein one of the end of the plate and the latch defines an opening therethrough, and the causing step includes causing a stop surface of the other of the end of the plate and the latch to be received in the opening.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein the latch includes an angled surface spaced from the stop surface in a removal direction, and the inserting step includes engaging an end of the plate with the angled surface and sliding along the angled surface to move the stop surface or opening to the unlatched configuration prior to the urging step.

117. A packaged child swing comprising:

A package; and

A child swing apparatus comprising:

a seat configured to support a child; and

At least one leg configured to be removably coupled to the child swing, wherein the child swing is received in the enclosure in a manner such that the at least one leg is removed from the child swing and received in the seat.

118. The packaged child swing of claim 117, wherein the package is a box.

119. The packaged child swing of any of claims 117 and 118, wherein the at least one leg comprises a pair of legs configured to be removably coupled to the child swing, wherein the child swing is received in the package in a manner such that the pair of legs are separated from the child swing and received in the seat.

120. The packaged child swing of any of claims 117-119, wherein the child swing comprises a base having a body and the at least one leg, wherein the child swing is received in the package in a manner such that the at least one leg is separated from the body and both the at least one leg and body are received in the seat.

121. The packaged child swing of any of claims 117-120, wherein the child swing comprises a post configured to support the seat thereon and removably couple to the seat, wherein the child swing is received in the package in a manner such that both the at least one leg and the post are received in the seat.

122. The packaged child swing of any of claims 117 to 121, wherein the seat comprises a seat edge and a soft seating surface within the seat edge supported by the seat edge, wherein the at least one leg is received in the soft seating surface within the seat edge.

123. The packaged child swing of any of claims 117 to 122, wherein the seat comprises a rigid seating surface formed of a rigid material, and the at least one leg is received in the rigid seating surface.

124. A method of packaging a child swing, the method comprising:

the child swing is received in a package such that at least one leg of the child swing is separate from the child swing and received in a seat of the child swing.

125. The method of claim 124, wherein the housing step comprises:

Placing the at least one leg in the seat; and

The seat is placed in the enclosure with the at least one leg placed in the seat.

126. The method of any one of claims 124 and 125, wherein the enclosure is a box.

127. The method of any of claims 124-126, wherein the at least one leg includes a pair of legs configured to be removably coupled to the child swing, and the step of receiving includes receiving the child swing in the enclosure in a manner that separates the pair of legs from the child swing and receives in the seat.

128. The method of any of claims 124-127, wherein the child swing includes a base having a body and the at least one leg, and wherein the step of receiving includes receiving the child swing in the enclosure in a manner such that the at least one leg is separated from the body and both the at least one leg and the body are received in the seat.

129. The method of any of claims 124-128, wherein the child swing includes a post configured to support the seat thereon and to be removably coupled to the seat, wherein the step of receiving includes receiving the child swing in the enclosure in a manner such that both the at least one leg and the post are received in the seat.

130. The method of any one of claims 124 to 129, wherein the seat comprises a seat edge and a soft seating surface within the seat edge supported by the seat edge, wherein the step of receiving comprises receiving the at least one leg in the soft seating surface within the seat edge.

131. The method of any one of claims 124-130, wherein the seat includes a rigid seating surface formed of a rigid material, and the receiving step includes receiving the at least one leg in the rigid seating surface.

132. The method of any one of claims 124-131, further comprising the step of:

Sealing the package in which the child swing is housed.