EP0640306B1 - Swing - Google Patents

Abstract

2.1 In the swings used hitherto, there is the danger of physiological postural damage due to the substantially sitting position of the small child. 2.2 According to the invention, there is provided a see-saw or swing (1) for small children, in particular for small children aged from about one month to about twelve months, which has a support (2) for receiving the small child (3), on the upper side of which the small child lies face down, and a supporting device (4) for suspending the support (2) at such a height (h) above the floor that the feet (14) of the small child reach the floor. The support (2) is formed from a shell ergonomically adapted to the physical shape of the small child lying face down, of which shell the bearing surface (17) for the hands and head in the front region follows the contours of an oval and tapers rearwardly to the abdominal part and approximately continuously into a rear extension (18). The transition region is designed such that it descends slightly rearwardly and serves as a supporting surface (19) for the abdominal and thoracic part of the small child (3). 2.3 Used for infants to prevent postural damage. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a rocking or rocking device for toddlers, especially for toddlers with from about a month to about twelve months old.

Swinging devices are in the prior art, in particular also known for toddlers who are mainly at the Ceiling of a room are to be hung and either simple Rocking board (for larger children) or a bag-like one Rocking seat made of fabric in which the toddler is inserted will own. The essentially sitting position, the toddler with the well-known swinging devices has to be taken, but is problematic for physiological reasons, since this is particularly the case for small children with a Ages from about one month to about twelve months, So for toddlers who are not yet upright on their own can stand or walk, an unnatural attitude of the Infant represents and sometimes damage to the back or the child’s hip. They also have known rocking devices have the disadvantage that they already present in small children at the age of four weeks Insufficient account for the urge to get around since an independent movement of the toddler without assistance is not possible for another person. Mostly is supervision by a helper for security reasons alone required.

The invention aims to remedy this. The aim is to make a seesaw or Rocking device available for toddlers too make use of that already in toddlers pronounced urge to move an independent swing movement enables, and at the physiological damage, in particular damage to the posture of the toddler can be avoided.

This object is according to the invention by the in claim 1 specified rocking or rocking device released.

The invention is based on the knowledge of the given with the previous swing devices Walking or lying position of the child and a requirement to accommodate the child, on the top the toddler lies on its stomach. It has been shown that especially in infants with regard to the prone position physical and mental development of the child the sitting or reclining position has advantages. In the prone position, the toddler is in one comfortable and safe position. Considered from this it its environment and begins due to the innate Urge to move early, its surroundings understand. The first twelve months in an infant's life are for later development, especially for the motor Area of significant importance. It is known, that close between physical and mental development There are interdependencies, so that about physical suggestions a significant influence on intellectual development of the infant can be exercised. The edition for admission the toddler is designed so that the abdomen area the pad is still fully seated while the chest is on little can be lifted so that the toddler begins to sit up. This posture allows the toddler raise your head and free it to the right and left to turn. Through a narrow, rounded and body-related Training of the circulation in the pelvic area the thighs in a hip-spread position set what the physiological development of the Promotes hip joints. The toddler can do everything in this position train his trunk muscles without physical strain. Later postural damage such as rounded back and poor posture, the swing devices currently on the market mostly still promoted are in the invention Training of the seesaw or rocking device safely avoided.

By hanging (or supporting) the support in one such height above the ground that the toddler's feet The toddler will get in contact with the ground due to the tactile stimuli with the consequence of an extension of the knees and Hip joints or due to rolling of the toes can independently set in rocking movements. This movement experience, that gives joy to the toddler and trains the stretching activity of the core muscles at an early stage. In addition, the head and trunk control, as well Balance and coordination trained, and posture and Movement organs without physical stress in the prone position, as well The muscles of the trunk, legs and feet are strengthened. Thus further the prerequisite in a physiologically perfect manner given for later sitting, standing and walking.

In addition, the rocking or rocking device according to the invention suitable for therapy for toddlers, in particular for infants with neuromuscular diseases, infantile scoliosis, cerebral movement disorders, hypotonic Movement patterns (floppy children), dysplasia hips, postural damage in the area of the feet, cystic fibrosis, and the like. In this case, the requirements are advantageous the rocking or rocking device according to the invention, which relate to the sense of balance and coordination of the Child are made use of.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention according to claim 2, the height of the support above the floor in Depending on the age of the toddler variably adjustable.

In a constructively preferred embodiment according to claim 3, the support device has a frame which by means of Support legs at a set height above the floor is to be set up, with the edition at at least two points is suspended from the frame via a cord in such a way that the height of the pad above the floor by the angle of the Cord to the floor is adjustable. Preferably in in this case the frame according to claim 4 the shape of the two Leg of an isosceles triangle, at the corners the support legs are attached, the ends of the cord for hanging the support on the front and rear Points of the pad are attached and the cord on one slidable suspension point of each leg of the frame is suspended so symmetrically that a rocking movement in the direction parallel to the central axis of the isosceles Triangle is enabled. This advantageously shows the head end of the pad according to claim 5 to the base of the isosceles triangle. If further according to claim 6 the frame at the base of the isosceles triangle open, there is also a large swing movement the toddler no danger that the toddler with the Abuts head on part of the rocker or rocker. In addition, the open side of the Frame facilitates communication of the on the support tray lying toddler with one in front Person.

The toddler will soon learn on his own, his hands to support the swing movement. For this Reason it is advantageous if, according to claim 7, with attainable section of each child's hands Cord has a thickening, approximately in the shape of a handle. In this The embodiment is the rocking or rocking device according to the invention also for training the muscle groups of the upper extremities of the toddler.

In a further embodiment of the invention the support device according to claim 8 at least one of the Elastic element attached to the underside of the support, which is to be connected resiliently to the floor. This embodiment is especially for outdoor use, for example in a children's playground. In this In this case, one end of the elastic element, for example one end of a suitable coil spring, in the bottom be firmly anchored.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the Support device according to claim 9 at least one on the underside the arch element attached to, by means of the rocking or rocking device in rocking or rocking motion is movable in the manner of a rocking horse.

The size of the receiving area is in itself no restrictions subject and can take on such great value that items such as children's toys are housed can be. In this case, the front end opens the receiving surface according to claim 10 in an increasing Edge, which is a falling of one lying on the support surface Also during the rocking or rocking movement prevented.

To limit or dampen the rocking and rocking movement the support can advantageously according to claim 11 an elastic damping element can be provided.

In the embodiment according to claim 12 and and in the The subject of claim 13 is the Pad from one of the body shape of the stomach lying Toddler's ergonomically designed shell, its support surface for the hands and head in the front area Contours follow an oval and back towards the abdomen almost continuously into a rear one Process tapered. The transition area is slightly backwards sloping, and serves as a support surface for the Tummy and chest area of the toddler. Through this employment the support surface becomes a support of the hands and one Control of head movements easier. Through the flowing Transition between the contact surface for the hands and the rearward process is the leg movements of the Toddler not disabled. By the specified and otherwise readily disclosed in detail to the figures Shape of the shell of the seesaw or rocking device the child lies face down in a physiologically perfect condition Posture on the seesaw or rocking device. The contact surface provides adequate arm support and hands, as well as the toddler's head, and beyond that used as a storage space for toys and the like will. Especially in young children with an age coordinated leg activity is only a few weeks away and not yet given to the poor. Control of head movements in young children is essentially done by the Support the arms so that the toddler's torso is erected. On the other hand, the toddler's head in the event of fatigue in a natural way on the contact surface stored so that the toddler even in sleeping position can safely remain on the support tray. Here, the soothing effect known per se referred to toddlers by rocking and swinging movements.

In the advantageous embodiment according to claim 14, the rearward extension is also essentially horizontal Surface, which is however lower than that the surface for the hands of the toddler.

According to claim 15, the support surface preferably rises between the rear extension and the contact surface steadily on, preferably with an inclination angle of 23 ° the horizontal.

Advantageously, according to claim 16 in the transition area between the front surface for the hands and the rear extension provided a lateral bead, the toddler sliding down sideways prevent from the seesaw or rocking device.

The rear end of the rear extension can according to claim 17 still be provided with a survey that to a reliable sliding of the toddler backwards prevents and on the other hand also a good power transmission between the leg movement and the seesaw or rocking device mediated.

In itself, it is also conceivable that the support shell with the form shown immovable in a rigid support parked on the floor or, provided with handles, can be used as a means of transport for small children can. In addition, it is intended for use as a safety restraint system thinking for toddlers in a motor vehicle in this case the support shell with (not shown) Means for guiding and fastening 2- or 3-point seat belts are provided. With one particularly An advantageous embodiment is according to claim 18 Underside of the support shell shaped so that the flipped Support bowl as a seat or lying surface for the toddler is usable.

Further details, aspects and advantages of the present Invention result from the following description with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Wipp- oder Schaukelvorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung mit der Andeutung eines bäuchlings daraufliegenden Kleinkindes;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Wipp- oder Schaukelvorrichtung von vorne;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Auflageschale gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Draufsicht der Auflageschale;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Wipp- oder Schaukelvorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung, bei der die Auflageschale an einem Kinderlaufstall aufgehängt ist;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Wipp- oder Schaukelvorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung mit einer Stützvorrichtung in Form einer elastischen Schraubenfeder; und

Fig. 7a und 7b

eine perspektivische Ansichten einer erfindungsgemäßen Auflageschale, welche im gewendeten Zustand als Sitz- oder Liegefläche verwendbar ist.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a seesaw or rocking device according to the invention with a hint of an infant lying thereon;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the seesaw or rocking device from the front;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a support shell according to the invention;

Fig. 4

a schematic plan view of the support shell;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of a seesaw or rocking device according to the invention, in which the support shell is suspended from a playpen;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a seesaw or rocking device according to the invention with a support device in the form of an elastic coil spring; and

7a and 7b

a perspective view of a support shell according to the invention, which can be used in the turned state as a seat or lying surface.

A rocking or rocking device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 1 has a support in the form of a shell 2, on the top of which the toddler lies 3 on its stomach. It is a support device 4 is provided on which the support shell 2 is suspended such that a pendulum-like movement of the Support tray 2 is enabled. The support device 4 has a frame 5 formed from two rods, which by means of Support legs 6 at a certain height h above the Floor is set up. The frame 5 thus has the shape of the two legs of an isosceles triangle, the the base of the triangle is open. The support tray 2 is on three points 7, 8, 9 suspended by a cord 10 on the frame 5. For this purpose, 5 are fed to the bars of the frame Adjustment elements 11, 12 attached, which is a hook-shaped Have grippers 13, in which the cord 10 is suspended. By moving the adjusting elements 11, 12 on the frame 5 can the height of the support shell 2 above the floor depending the age of the toddler can be set in such a way that the feet 14 of the toddler 3 at rest Place support tray 2 straight on the floor. For easier Adjustment of the adjusting elements 11, 12 can be done on the Frame 5 marks 15 may be attached. Independent of set height of the support shell 2 above the floor the support shell 2 in the rest position in a simple manner aligned parallel to the horizontal of the floor.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the toddler lies on his stomach on the support tray 2 in a physiologically favorable Posture and is secured against slipping and rolling down. Also with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 the support shell 2, which is preferably made of plastic is at rest in the front area horizontal to the floor or slightly inclined to the front Support surface 17 for the hands of the toddler follows the contour of an oval, in which case the major axis of the oval perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the Support tray 2 runs. The rear end of the tray 2 is formed by a rearward narrow extension 18, the surface of which, at rest, is also approximately horizontal runs. However, the surface of this extension lies deeper than the contact surface 17. The contact surface 17 and the rear extension 18 are marked by a slightly rising and gradually widening support surface 19 connected with each other, the outer contour of which is continuously in the oval contour the bearing surface 17 merges. At the back of the rear extension 18 is also an elevation 20th intended. The support surface 19 is by pointing upwards lateral ridges 21 limited, at least in part still in the area of the front edge of the support surface 17 and the rear extension 18 extend. For further Securing the toddler can further (not closer shown) belts may be provided.

Is the toddler, as indicated in Fig. 1 and 2, on the Platen 2, so the chest and stomach area of the Toddler supported by the support surface 19 so that Infant casually resting his hands on the support surface 17 can lift his head and move it. The toddler lies with his buttocks on the rear elevation 20, wherein the legs embrace the rear extension 18 so that the toddler is resting on the floor with his feet and by pedaling the support shell 2 for execution of rocking and rocking movements can.

From Fig. 2 handles 22 and 23 can also be seen, attached to the portions of the cord 10 that the toddler can reach with his hands. In this case, the bead 21 can be attached to the one with the reference numerals 24 and 25 marked positions should be somewhat flattened (here not explicitly shown), so the arms of the toddler can be supported or deposited more comfortably in these areas can.

1 is an elastic one in particular Damping element in the form of a coil spring 26 can be seen, which at the rear end of the support shell 2 and the support leg 6 is attached.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of an inventive Rocking or rocking device 1, in which the Support shell 2 over three cords 10 in the illustrated Way on an upper frame 5 of a commonly available Children's playpen 27 hung in the manner shown is. The cords are attached to the frame 5 here simply either by knotting or by means of (not brackets. By simple adjustment the respective length of the cord can be easily Height of the support shell 2 above the floor, as well as the horizontal Alignment of the shell 2 can be moved in the rest position. The advantage of this embodiment is that a children's playpen mostly found in every family household is used as a support device 4.

Of course, other (not shown) Support devices with other configurations conceivable that a desired suspension of the support shell 2 allow.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6 is the support shell 2 via an elastic element 28 supported resiliently above the floor, being shown in the Fall the lower end of the elastic element firmly with one for example, metallic base plate 29 connected which is a secure stand of the seesaw or rocking device 1 guaranteed on the floor. The bottom plate 29 has such a large area that the feet of the toddler come to rest on the base plate 29. Especially when used outdoors in a children's playground the base plate 29 must be firmly anchored in the ground.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b a support shell 2 according to the invention is the underside the same shaped such that the support shell 2 in reversed state according to FIG. 7b as a sitting or lying surface is usable for the toddler. In this particular embodiment can the support tray 2 in addition to use a seesaw or rocking device also diverse others Uses are supplied, for example as a child seat in the Motor vehicle, as a carrier for toddlers, and the like more. It is important that the top of the platen 2 according to FIG. 7a the ergonomically favorable position shown of the toddler in the tummy position guaranteed, so that the abdominal area lies fully on the support while the chest can be raised a little, and the thighs are slightly spread apart in the pelvic area. In the Representation according to FIG. 7a, the toddler comes in such a stomach to lie that the head on the left side of the figure lies.

For the material of the support shell 2 according to the invention preferred plastic in itself. Next to it is the use of another material not excluded, for example an in several layers of glued wood material, which in shape is cut and pressed. Manufacturing is also conceivable made of a so-called soft foam rubber material, which a crumpling of the support shell 2 in a confined space enables. Furthermore, the production in shape is conceivable several foils welded together, so that an inflation the support shell 2 is made possible.

In addition to these training courses as full forms, there are also configurations the support shell 2 conceivable, in which the contour the support shell is formed by an interrupted material which is covered with a fabric material or is spanned. In this case, the support tray can, for example from a mesh of plastic, wire, or a natural material such as willow (wicker), papyrus, Reeds and the like can be formed, which with a textile fabric or other flat covering is covered. The covering can be done easily be removable and easy to clean.

Claims (18)

1. Teetering or rocking device for small children of an age between approximately one month to approximately twelve months, having a support (2) for receiving the small child (3) on the surface of which the small child rests prone in such a way, that the stomach area still fully rests on the support (2), while the chest can be slightly raised and the upper thighs are slightly spread apart in the pelvic area, and having a support device (4), which permits the pendulum-like suspension or support of the support (2) at such a height (h) from the floor that the feet (14) of the small child can reach the floor.
2. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with claim l, characterized in that the height of the support (2) above the floor can be variably adjusted as a function of the age of the small child.
3. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said support device (4) has a frame (5) which can be set at a fixed height above the floor by means of support legs (6), wherein the support (2) is suspended on the frame (5) in at least two points via a rope (10) in such a way that the height of the support (2) above the floor can be set by the angle between the rope (10) and the floor.
4. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the frame (5) has the shape of the two legs of an isosceles triangle, on the corners of which the support legs (6) are fastened, wherein for suspending the support (2) the ends of the rope (10) are respectively fastened at front (7, 8) and rear (9) points of the support (2) and the rope (10) is symmetrically suspended from a displaceable suspension point (11, 12) of each leg of the frame (5) in such a way that a rocking motion in a direction parallel to the center axis of the isosceles triangle is made possible.
5. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the front end of the support (2) points to the base of the isosceles triangle.
6. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the frame (5) of the support is open at the base of the isosceles triangle.
7. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the section of each rope (10) which can be reached by the small child has a thickening (22, 23).
8. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support device (4) has at least one elastic element fastened on the underside of the support, which will be fixedly connected with the floor.
9. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support device (4) has at least one curved element fastened on the underside of the support, by means which the teetering or rocking device can be caused to make teetering or rocking motions.
10. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front end of the support surface (17) terminates in a rising edge (21), which prevents the dropping off of an object lying on the support surface (17).
11. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an elastic damping element (26) is provided which makes it possible to limit or damp the teetering or rocking motion of the support.
12. Teetering or rocking device in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (2) is embodied in the shape of a shell, the rear end of which tapers toward the back and forms a centered extension (18) past the sides of which the feet (14) of the small child extend, wherein the front part of the shell (2) follows the shape of an oval and is embodied as an essentially horizontal, wide support surface (17) for the hands and the head of the small child, and wherein the extension (18) and the support surface (17) are connected with each other by means of a support surface (19) which, starting at the extension, continuously widens and makes a fluid transition into the shape of an oval of the support surface (17).
13. Support shell, in particular for use in a teetering or rocking device for small children at an age of approximately one month to approximately twelve months with a shell (2) on the surface of which the small child lies prone, the rear part of which tapers toward the back and forms an extension (18) past the sides of which the feet of the small child extend, wherein the front part of the shell (2) follows the shape of an oval and is embodied as wide support surface (17) for the hands and the head of the small child, and wherein the extension (18) and the support surface (17) are connected with each other by means of a support surface (19) which, starting at the extension, continuously widens and makes a fluid transition into the shape of an oval of the support surface (17).
14. Teetering or rocking device or support shell in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear extension (18) has a surface which is also essentially horizontal but is located lower than that of the support surface (17) for the hands of the small child.
15. Teetering or rocking device or support shell in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support surface (19) steadily rises between the rear extension (18) and the support surface (17), preferably at an angle of inclination of 23° in respect to the horizontal line.
16. Teetering or rocking device or support shell in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell has a lateral, upward directed border roll (21) in the area of the support surface.
17. Teetering or rocking device or support shell in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a raised spot (20) is provided at the rear end of the rear extension (18).
18. Teetering or rocking device or support shell in accordance with one of the preceding claime, characterized in that the underside of the support shell (2) is shaped in such a way that when the support shell (2) is turned over, it can be used as a seating or resting surface for the small child.

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