EP3228223A1 - Child seat and rocker - Google Patents

Child seat and rocker Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3228223A1
EP3228223A1 EP17159744.6A EP17159744A EP3228223A1 EP 3228223 A1 EP3228223 A1 EP 3228223A1 EP 17159744 A EP17159744 A EP 17159744A EP 3228223 A1 EP3228223 A1 EP 3228223A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seat
support
rocker
support assembly
head end
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP17159744.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas M. Perrin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kids2 Inc
Original Assignee
Kids Il Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kids Il Inc filed Critical Kids Il Inc
Publication of EP3228223A1 publication Critical patent/EP3228223A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D13/00—Other nursery furniture
    • A47D13/10—Rocking-chairs; Indoor Swings ; Baby bouncers
    • A47D13/102—Rocking-chairs; Indoor Swings ; Baby bouncers with curved rocking members resting on the ground
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C3/00—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/02—Rocking chairs
    • A47C3/03—Locking members
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D13/00—Other nursery furniture
    • A47D13/10—Rocking-chairs; Indoor Swings ; Baby bouncers
    • A47D13/101—Foldable rocking chairs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D15/00—Accessories for children's furniture, e.g. safety belts or baby-bottle holders

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of children's accessories, and more particularly to a child seat or support device having a rocker base and adjustable support frame.
  • Support devices such as seats, rockers, bouncers, sleepers, bassinets, and the like are commonly used to hold infants and other small children during rest, play and entertainment. In many instances, parents and adult caregivers may prefer to move support devices from location to location during different daily activities, and to store the devices out of the way when not in use. Simplicity in assembly and use, ease of portability, adaptability to different modes of use, and compactness for storage and transport are commonly deemed desirable aspects of a child support device.
  • the present invention provides a seat and rocker apparatus suitable for supporting an infant or small child.
  • the seat and rocker provides ease of assembly and use by an adult caregiver, is lightweight and portable, adaptable to different modes of use, and collapses to a compact configuration for storage and transport.
  • the present invention relates to a seat and rocker apparatus including a rocker base having a first end and a second end, and at least one rocker element between the first and second ends; a support assembly comprising a head end, a foot end, and a seat, the foot end of the support assembly being pivotally coupled to the rocker base; and an elevational support and adjustment mechanism operable between the rocker base and the support assembly to provide support and positional adjustment of the head end of the support assembly.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a seat apparatus including a base frame for supporting the apparatus upon a support surface; a support assembly comprising a head end, a foot end, and a seat, the foot end of the support assembly being pivotally coupled to the base frame; and an elevational support and adjustment mechanism operable between the base frame and the support assembly to provide support and positional adjustment of the head end of the support assembly relative to the support surface.
  • the elevational support and adjustment mechanism preferably includes a post having a lower end pivotally coupled to the base frame, and an upper end coupled to the head end of the support assembly.
  • the invention in still another aspect, relates to a seat apparatus including a base frame for supporting the apparatus on a support surface, the base frame defining a generally central lengthwise axis extending between front and back ends of the base frame.
  • the seat apparatus preferably also includes a support assembly having a head end, a foot end, and a seat, the foot end of the support assembly being pivotally coupled to the front end of the base frame.
  • the seat apparatus preferably also includes a support member extending between the back end of the base frame and the head end of the support assembly, a lower end of the support member being pivotally connected to the back end of the base frame along the lengthwise axis, and an upper end of the support member being detachably coupled to the head end of the support assembly.
  • Figures 1 - 6 show a seat and rocker apparatus 10 according to an example embodiment of the invention.
  • the seat and rocker apparatus 10 generally comprises a base frame 20, a seat or child support assembly 50, an elevational support and adjustment mechanism 80, and an entertainment feature 110.
  • the base frame 20 comprises first and second side members in the form of elongate, convexly curved, arcuate rockers 22, 24, extending generally parallel to a lengthwise axis L of the base frame 20; a front end segment 26 connecting first or forward ends of the rocker side members; and a back end segment 28 connecting second or rearward ends of the rocker side members.
  • the base frame 20 forms a generally rectangular or oval hoop assembly bounding an open central area, with rounded or radiused corner portions.
  • the base frame may comprise a solid panel, rocker side members joined by one or more intermediate members, and/or configurations of various other shapes and constructions.
  • the arcuate configuration of the rockers 22, 24 allows the device to be rocked back and forth on a floor or other underlying support surface, as indicated by the directional arrows in Figure 1 .
  • the base frame 20 can be constructed of one or more members of metal, wood, plastic and/or other structural materials, for example comprising multiple elements attached together to form a substantially rigid assembly or as an integral unitary construction.
  • the base frame 20 optionally further comprises a kickstand or brace component 30, shown in greater detail in Figures 3, 3A and 3B .
  • the brace component 30 is hingedly coupled to the back end 28 of the base frame 20, and is pivotally repositionable between a folded or retracted position ( Figure 1 ) for allowing rocking of the device 10 on an underlying support surface, and an open or extended position ( Figure 3, 3B ) for preventing rocking of the device and maintaining the base frame in a stable fixed position relative to the support surface.
  • the brace component 30 can be coupled at or adjacent the front end 26 or elsewhere along the base frame.
  • FIG. 3A shows the brace component 30 in the extended position in solid lines, and in broken lines in an intermediate position and in the retracted position.
  • the brace component 30 is a U-shaped component having a central cross-member portion connected by a hinge joint 32 to the front end 26 of the base frame 20, with first and second legs 34, 36 extending from opposite ends thereof.
  • the legs 34, 36 preferably have a length generally corresponding to the offset height of the arc defined by the rockers 22, 24, such that in the extended position of the brace component 30 (as shown in Figure 3 ) the weight of the device (and a child supported therein, if present) is substantially evenly distributed between the legs of the brace component and portions of the base frame distal from the brace component, to maintain the device 10 in a substantially fixed and stable position.
  • the brace component 30 optionally comprises a contact flange 40 projecting therefrom for allowing a user to grip and pull or push the brace component to position it as desired.
  • a retention tab 42 may be provided along the underside of one or both rockers 22, 24, for releasable engagement of a receiver or cooperative contact portion of the brace component 30, to retain the brace component in its folded or retracted position and prevent it from inadvertently opening.
  • the seat or child support assembly 50 is preferably pivotally coupled to the front end 26 of the base frame 20, for example by a hinge assembly 52 connected between the foot end of the child support assembly and the base frame.
  • the seat or child support assembly 50 comprises a seat frame having a head end 54, a foot end 56, and first and second sides 58, 60.
  • the seat or child support assembly 50 further comprises a seat 66 configured for supporting a child in a seated or reclined position.
  • the seat comprises a sling constructed of fabric, mesh and/or other soft goods, optionally including padding for comfort and one or more straps for retaining the child in the seat.
  • the seat frame forms a generally elongated hoop having a rectangular, square, oval or otherwise shaped configuration defining an opening forming a seating area in which the seat 66 is positioned.
  • the seat frame can be constructed of metal, wood, plastic and/or other structural materials, for example comprising multiple elements attached together to form a substantially rigid assembly or as an integral unitary construction.
  • the seat frame is constructed of lightweight metal (for example aluminum) tubing.
  • the seat or child support assembly 50 optionally also includes one or more electronic features and controls.
  • an audio unit 68 can be provided, for example mounted at or near the foot end 56 or elsewhere on the child support assembly 50 or other portion of the device 10, for playing music or other sounds.
  • Various other features may optionally be provided, for example a vibration transducer unit, automatic rocker, heater, lights, a control unit, wired or wireless connections to a remote control device, cell phone, computer or other electronic device(s), video display screen, and/or other electronic features and controls are optionally provided.
  • the seat or child support assembly 50 optionally allows for removal of the soft goods of the seat 66, for example for laundering or replacement.
  • the first and second sides 58, 60 of the seat frame include detachable coupling portions 70, 72, such as cooperative sleeve and ferrule tubing portions having snap-button (e.g., ValcoTM button) or other detachable fasteners.
  • detachable coupling portions 70, 72 such as cooperative sleeve and ferrule tubing portions having snap-button (e.g., ValcoTM button) or other detachable fasteners.
  • snap-button e.g., ValcoTM button
  • the elevational support and adjustment mechanism 80 is engaged between the base frame 20 and the child support assembly 50, preferably at or adjacent the head end 54 and generally opposite the hinge connection 52, to support the head end at an elevated position above the base frame and maintain the child support assembly at a desired angle of inclination relative to the floor or other support surface upon which the device 10 is placed.
  • the support mechanism 80 comprises a single post or spine 82, for example at least partially comprising a structural tube or bar, having a lower end pivotally attached by a hinge joint 84 to the base frame 20 at the back end 28 along a central lengthwise axis of the base frame, and having an upper end coupled to the center of the head end 54 of the child support assembly 50.
  • the support mechanism 80 may comprise two or more support members, a support panel, or be otherwise configured, for example in the form of a locking mechanism on or around the hinged connection 52.
  • the support mechanism 80 optionally includes one or more detachable coupling elements to enable the device 10 to be collapsed into a generally flat compact configuration for storage and/or transport; and/or positional adjustment means to allow adjustment of the height and/or angle of inclination of the child support assembly 50.
  • the support mechanism 80 may include a detachable coupling 90 at its upper free end for releasable engagement with a cooperating connector element 92 at the head end 54 of the child support assembly 50.
  • the entertainment feature 110 if present, is removed as described in greater detail below ( Figure 2A ).
  • the adult caregiver depresses a release actuator 94 of the detachable coupling 90, and pivots the child support assembly 50 forward, as indicated by the directional arrows in Figure 2B , thereby detaching the child support assembly from the support mechanism 80.
  • the support mechanism 80 may be pivotally retracted to then allow the child support assembly 50 to be folded downward, pivoting about the hinge 52, onto the base frame 20, as shown in Figure 2C . Finally, the support mechanism 80 is folded downward, pivoting about hinged coupling 84, over the child support assembly 50 and the base frame 20, as shown in Figure 2D . In alternate embodiments, the seat support assembly 50 and the support mechanism 80 can detach entirely from one another and/or from the base frame 20, for compact storage and transport.
  • Figures 4A and 4B show additional detail of a positional adjustment portion of the support mechanism 80 to allow adjustment of the height and/or angle of inclination of the child support assembly 50.
  • the positional adjustment mechanism comprises an upper sleeve 86 within which the lower post 82 is telescopingly or slidably received.
  • the lower post 82 is extended relative to the upper sleeve 86 to raise the head end 54 of the child support assembly ( Figure 4A ), and the lower post is retracted back into the upper sleeve to lower the head end ( Figure 4B ).
  • the lower post 82 and the upper sleeve 86 have generally matching arcuate or curved profiles, allowing the lower post to slide smoothly into and out of the upper sleeve in telescoping fashion.
  • a plurality of coupling points or adjustment positions can be provided, or a continuous positioning adjustment can permit adjustment to any position within a defined range.
  • Figure 4A shows the support mechanism 80 adjusted to an upper position, with the height of the head end 54 of the child support assembly at a higher elevation, and with a greater angle of inclination of the child support assembly
  • Figure 4B shows the support mechanism adjusted to a lower position, with the height of the head end of the child support assembly at a lower elevation, and with a lesser angle of inclination of the child support assembly.
  • the positional adjustment mechanism may allow height adjustment of the head end of the child support assembly from about 6" to about 30" above the support surface and in particular embodiments from about 12" to about 20" above the support surface, and/or adjustment of the angle of inclination from about 15° to about 45° and in particular embodiments from about 22° to about 38°.
  • an adult caregiver depresses an actuator 88 to release the adjustment mechanism, lifts or lowers the child support assembly to the desired position, and releases the actuator, as indicated by the directional arrows in Figure 4B .
  • the actuators for operation of the positional adjustment mechanism and detach and fold mechanisms are located out of reach of a child seated in the seat 66, to prevent inadvertent operation.
  • the device 10 optionally further comprises one or more entertainment features 110.
  • the entertainment feature 110 may take the form of a mobile or suspended toy 112, having a support mechanism configured to position the toy over the seat 66 during use of the device 10.
  • a support arm or strut 114 having a proximal end configured for detachable and rotational coupling with a mounting hub 120 at the upper free end of the elevational support and adjustment mechanism 80 and or at the head end 54 of the child support assembly 50.
  • the proximal end of the support arm 114 includes a cylindrical mounting lug 122 with one or more retention fingers projecting therefrom, configured for cooperative engagement within a corresponding cylindrical receiver channel 124 in the mounting hub 120.
  • a suspension platform 130 is optionally rotationally mounted to the distal end of the support arm 114, from which one or more toys, for example in the form of stuffed animals 112', are suspended.
  • the support arm or strut 114 is rotational relative to the mounting hub 120, to allow the entertainment feature 110 to be rotated away from a position over the seat 66 to avoid interference while placing a child in the seat or removing the child from the seat.
  • the seat and rocker apparatus is assembled by positioning the child support assembly 50 in a desired position relative to the base frame 20, for example by appropriate adjustment of the elevational support and adjustment mechanism 80 as described.
  • a child may be positioned in the seat 66.
  • the kickstand 30 is optionally extended to prevent rocking motion, or retracted to permit rocking motion.
  • the entertainment feature 110 is optionally attached or removed, and/or repositioned as desired.
  • the elevation and/or angle of inclination may be varied as desired by adjustment of the elevational support and adjustment mechanism 80 as described.
  • the child may be removed from the seat, and the seat and rocker apparatus folded into its collapsed configuration for compact storage and transport.
  • soft goods of the seat may be removed for cleaning, and replaced, as described.
  • the seat and rocker device 10 has been described herein primarily with regard to child and infant applications, the invention may be adapted for adult applications as well.
  • a larger scale version may be structurally configured to support the weight of an adult, and the mobile / toy entertainment feature may be replaced with a reading light, a fan for air circulation, a sunshade, a mount for a mobile phone or computer, or the like.
  • such a device may be utilized, as indoor or outdoor furniture, a lounger, a beach chair, a camping chair, or for various other applications and modes of use.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pediatric Medicine (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Carriages For Children, Sleds, And Other Hand-Operated Vehicles (AREA)
  • Special Chairs (AREA)
EP17159744.6A 2016-03-07 2017-03-07 Child seat and rocker Withdrawn EP3228223A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201662304653P 2016-03-07 2016-03-07
US201662394874P 2016-09-15 2016-09-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3228223A1 true EP3228223A1 (en) 2017-10-11

Family

ID=58265819

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17159744.6A Withdrawn EP3228223A1 (en) 2016-03-07 2017-03-07 Child seat and rocker

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20170251831A1 (zh)
EP (1) EP3228223A1 (zh)
CN (1) CN207285733U (zh)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10967762B2 (en) 2016-08-22 2021-04-06 Kioma, LLC Child safety seat
US10369906B2 (en) * 2016-08-22 2019-08-06 Kioma, LLC Child safety seat
US10575657B2 (en) * 2018-06-06 2020-03-03 Mattel, Inc. Convertible auto-rocking rocker
US11641952B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2023-05-09 Kids2, Inc. Modular cradle
USD1031339S1 (en) 2019-11-18 2024-06-18 Kids2, Inc. Rocker
USD958897S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2022-07-26 Kids2, Inc. Modular toy bar
USD978545S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2023-02-21 Kids2, Inc. Modular highchair
USD979259S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2023-02-28 Kids2, Inc. Modular swing
USD977865S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2023-02-14 Kids2, Inc. Modular cradle
GB2617360A (en) * 2022-04-05 2023-10-11 Mamas & Papas Holdings Ltd A rocker/bouncer for a child

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9314432U1 (de) * 1993-09-23 1993-12-16 Huang, Chih-Hsien, Tao-Yuan Babystuhl
US5868459A (en) * 1997-04-10 1999-02-09 Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc. Bouncer with positive lock
US20110031783A1 (en) * 2009-08-04 2011-02-10 Wonderland Nursery Goods Co., Ltd Foldable rocking chair
US20150342368A1 (en) * 2014-05-29 2015-12-03 Kids Ii, Inc. Child sleeping and rocking apparatuses

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9314432U1 (de) * 1993-09-23 1993-12-16 Huang, Chih-Hsien, Tao-Yuan Babystuhl
US5868459A (en) * 1997-04-10 1999-02-09 Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc. Bouncer with positive lock
US20110031783A1 (en) * 2009-08-04 2011-02-10 Wonderland Nursery Goods Co., Ltd Foldable rocking chair
US20150342368A1 (en) * 2014-05-29 2015-12-03 Kids Ii, Inc. Child sleeping and rocking apparatuses

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN207285733U (zh) 2018-05-01
US20170251831A1 (en) 2017-09-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3228223A1 (en) Child seat and rocker
US9888786B2 (en) Child sleeping apparatus
US5947552A (en) Collapsible bassinet/infant seat with canopy
US9861209B2 (en) Child containment system with multiple infant support modes
US9918561B2 (en) Access optimized child support device
US10952544B2 (en) Child support device
EP3342313A1 (en) Convertible rocker
US6434768B2 (en) Collapsible play yard
US8162333B1 (en) Combination child walker and high chair
US20160227939A1 (en) Gliding child support device
US9895005B2 (en) Convertible child seat
EP3085576B1 (en) Children's swing device
JP2009006146A (ja) ２つの機能を兼ねる子供用椅子
US20150137565A1 (en) Highchair
US20170252663A1 (en) Adjustable play gym
WO2010058170A1 (en) Portable playpen
EP3199065A1 (en) Child support system
EP3069635A1 (en) Access optimized child support device
GB2589680A (en) Reconfigurable furniture unit
KR20170034621A (ko) 영아용 흔들침대
EP3085573A1 (en) Gliding child support device
US20020100117A1 (en) Collapsible cot with wall members

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20180412

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20210114 AND 20210120