US20030199329A1

US20030199329A1 - Swing

Info

Publication number: US20030199329A1
Application number: US10/127,692
Authority: US
Inventors: Steve Wood; Christopher Campbell; Sheila Dubell; Gregory Kaplun; Cindy Berkey; Dennis Stauffer; James Dillner
Original assignee: Graco Childrens Products Inc
Current assignee: Graco Childrens Products Inc
Priority date: 2002-04-23
Filing date: 2002-04-23
Publication date: 2003-10-23
Also published as: GB0307666D0; US20040259647A1; CN1452931A; FR2839871A1; CA2425659A1; DE10318900A1; GB2387793A

Abstract

A child swing is described. The swing may have an object hanger for use with the child swing. The object hanger includes a support bar coupled to the seat; and a decorative object coupled to the support bar such that the decorative object is positionable above a child seating area of the seat, wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing. The swing may have a display supported by a support member and facing toward a front of the child swing; and function activators supported by the forward facing support member and facing toward the front of the child swing, each function activator activating a function of the swing upon a user activating the activator.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a child or infant swing, and more particularly to a swing that can include certain accessories, such as a user interface module, object hanger, or canopy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infant or child swings have been contemplated in the past. For example, open top swings are known that include a user interface which allows a user to control the swing motion by controlling a swing drive mechanism. Swing user interfaces are also known that allow a user to activate a music generator to provide soothing music for an infant in the swing. The user interface includes a number of buttons which may be pressed by a user to activate functions of the swing, such as the speed or amplitude of the swing motion or music.

These user interfaces are mounted on the housing of the swing drive mechanism. Specifically, the user interface is mounted on the side of the housing facing a direction to the side of the swing. The buttons face a direction perpendicular to the direction of the motion of the swing seat and do not face the swing front.

The user interface for these swings use numbered buttons and/or light emitting diode (LED) lights to indicate swing functions, such as the amplitude motion or swing timer. For example, when a function button has been activated by a user, an LED above the function button is lit.

Child or infant swings are also known to be provided with decorative objects, such as toys, for a child to interact with while the child is seated in the swing. For example, the toys are on a support attached to a tray, where the tray is attached to the child seat. The toys are in front of the child when the child is seated.

There is a need for a swing with an improved user interface that allows a user easier access to the interface upon placing a child or infant in the swing. There is also need for a user interface that allows a user to more intuitively interact with the interface and provides more information to the user. Finally, there is a need for a toy support or bar where a child can interact with the toys above the child while sitting back in a swing seat, or where the support could support other structures of the swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention relates to an object hanger for use with a child swing. The child swing has a seat hanger tube supported from a support frame and a seat coupled to the seat hanger tube. The object hanger comprises a support bar coupled to one of the seat hanger tube and seat; a connector coupled to the support bar and positionable above a child seating area of the seat; and a decorative object coupled to the connector, wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an object hanger for use with a child swing. The swing has a seat. The object hanger comprises a support bar coupled to the seat; a connector coupled to the support bar and positionable above a child seating area of the seat; and a decorative object coupled to the connector, wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an object hanger for use with a child swing having a seat. The object hanger comprises a support bar coupled to the seat; and a decorative object coupled to the support bar such that the decorative object is positionable above a child seating area of the seat, wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a user interface module for a child swing. The child swing has a support frame, a seat coupled to the support frame, and a forward facing support member on the support frame. The user interface comprises a display supported by the support member and facing toward a front of the child swing; and function activators supported by the forward facing support member and facing toward the front of the child swing at a viewing angle, each function activator activating a function of the swing upon a user activating the activator.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a user interface module for a child swing. The child swing has a support frame, a seat coupled to the support frame, and a support member on the support frame. The user interface comprises function activators supported by the support member, each function activator activating a function of the swing upon a user activating the activator; and a display supported by the support member, the display including function icons associated with the functions of respective of the function activators

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [0013]
FIG. 1 illustrates a child or infant swing including a user interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0014]
FIG. 2 illustrates the seat of the swing of FIG. 1. [0015]
FIG. 3 is a view of a user interface module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0016]
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate, in break-out fashion, components of an embodiment of the interface module of FIG. 3. [0017]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary swing control in accordance with the present invention. [0018]
FIG. 6 illustrates a child swing including an object hanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0019]
FIG. 7 is a view of the support bar of the object hanger of FIG. 6. [0020]
FIG. 8 is an exploded and enlarged view of the rotating mechanism and coupling mechanism of the support bar of FIG. 7. [0021]
FIG. 9 illustrates a child or infant swing including a support for a canopy covering according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0022]
FIG. 10 is an exploded and enlarged view of the combined rotating mechanisms and coupling mechanism for an object hanger and the canopy support bar of FIG. 9. [0023]
FIG. 11 illustrates a seat of the swing including a canopy covering according to an embodiment of the invention. [0024]
FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment according to the invention of a rotating mechanism and a coupling mechanism.[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. An effort has been made to use the same reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. [0026]
FIG. 1 illustrates a child or infant swing that includes a user interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The swing in FIG. 1, other than the user interface, has features similar to the swings described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,525,113, 6,193,224 and 6,339,304, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The swing includes a [0027] support frame 10 which holds a user interface support member 212, such as part of the housing for a swing drive mechanism, and a user interface module 200 supported by the user interface support member 212. The swing also includes a pair of seat support hangers 40 supporting a seat 50. The seat 50 comprises a seat back 52 and a seat bottom 54. A tray 60 can be attached to the seat.
An [0028] exemplary seat 50 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. A hinge 56 allows the seat back 52 to be folded between an upright position and several recline positions relative to the seat bottom 54. An actuator apparatus, such as described in more detail in copending U.S. application Ser. No. ______ entitled “RECLINING CHILD SEAT,” filed on Apr. 23, 2002, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, facilitates movement of the seat back 52 towards or away from the seat bottom 54, and allows the angle between the seat back 52 and seat bottom 54 to be adjusted as desired.
The [0029] user interface module 200 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. The user interface module 200 is mounted on a support member 212. The interface module 200 includes a display 202 and a number of swing function activators 204 a-204 d. In addition to the function activators 204 a-204 d, the interface module 200 may include an on/off switch 206 that allows the swing power to be turned on and off. The on/off switch 206 turns on or off the power for the swing motor (not shown). If desired the on/off switch 206 may turn on or off the power for the interface module 200 also. The on/off switch 206 may be, for example, a two position toggle.
Advantageously, the [0030] user interface module 200 with display 202 and function activators 204 a-204 d faces in the direction of the front of the swing. Positioning the display 202 on the front face of the support member 212 at a proper viewing angle makes it easier for the user to see the display 202 just after the child has been placed in the seat by the user, and the user is ready to select desired functions of the swing.
The function activators [0031] 204 a-204 d allow a user to activate corresponding functions of the swing. Swing functions may include, for example, providing music, adjusting the volume of the music, adjusting swing amplitude, and providing swing run time. These swing functions are exemplary. Other functions may include, for example, providing a user menu to allow a user to select further swing functions.
The function activators [0032] 204 a-204 d may be push buttons, for example. Alternatively, the function activators 204 a may be switches, such as toggle switches, or may be positions on a touch screen if the user interface module 200 includes a touch screen display. The function actuators may also be voice activated.
If the function activators [0033] 204 a-204 d are push buttons, the buttons can be activated or deactivated by the user by pressing the buttons. For example, if the user wishes to provide music or sound, and the music function is not currently activated, a user would press the music function activator 204 c to activate it. The music function activator 204 c may allow a user to select among a number of different types of music or sound. For example, if the music function activator 204 c allows three types of music/sound, such as in sequence, lullaby music, classical music and nature sounds, the user may select the desired music or sound by pressing and quickly releasing the music activator 204 c until the desired music or sound is activated. For example, if the nature sound is desired, and the music function is currently deactivated, the user would press and release the music activator 204 c three times. In one embodiment, upon pressing and releasing the activator 204 c a fourth time, the lullaby music would be activated. In another embodiment, upon pressing and releasing the activator 204 c a fourth time, the music function is deactivated. The user may also select the desired music/sound or deactivation (in the another embodiment) by pressing and holding the music function activator 204 c to progressively cycle through the different music/sounds and deactivation.
In a similar fashion, if the function activators [0034] 204 a-204 d are push buttons, the user may select a desired volume of music or sound by sequentially pressing and quickly releasing the volume function activator 204 d or pressing and holding the volume function activator 204 d to cycle through the different volume levels. For example, in an embodiment with three volume levels (low, medium and high) and deactivation of volume in sequence, if the current volume level is low, the user may select high volume by pushing the volume function activator 204 d twice. Pushing the activator once more will deactivate (turn off) the volume.
The amplitude or [0035] speed function activator 204 a allows a user to select the amplitude of the swing motion. The amplitude levels may be cycled in sequence from one, i.e., the lowest swing motion, up to a highest speed level and then to one again. The number of speed levels may be nine, for example, with one being the lowest swing motion, and nine being the highest speed or amplitude level. The number of speed levels may be more or less than nine. In a similar fashion to the music function and the volume function, if the function activators 204 a-204 d are push buttons, a user can select a desired swing amplitude by repeatedly pushing and quickly releasing the amplitude function activator 204 a, or by pressing and holding down the amplitude function activator 204 a and cycling through the amplitude levels until the desired level is reached.
The [0036] timer function activator 204 b allows a user to select an amount of time that the swing will remain turned on. Once a desired time is selected, and the swing has operated for that amount of time, the swing automatically shuts off. The time levels may be cycled in sequence from continually on, and then in increments up to a highest time level and then to continually on again. If the continually on time level is selected, the swing does not automatically shut off, but remains on indefinitely. The increment between each time level (except of course between the continually on and adjacent time levels) may be a constant increment, such as ten minutes, for example. Alternately the increment between time levels need not be constant. The lowest time level may be ten minutes, for example. The highest time level can be forty minutes, for example. In a similar fashion to the music, volume, and amplitude functions, if the function activators 204 a-204 d are push buttons, a user can select a desired time duration by repeatedly pushing and quickly releasing the timer function activator 204 b, or by pressing and holding down the timer function activator 204 b and cycling through the time levels until the desired level is reached.
The [0037] display 202 includes a number of icons 208 a-208 d that correspond to the function activators 204 a-204 d, respectively. Preferably, each icon is adjacent to its respective function activator. The icons 208 a-208 d provide a visual indication of the current level or status of the functions corresponding to their respective function activators 204 a-204 d.
For example, if the music/sound types are classical music, lullaby music and nature sounds, as described above, the [0038] corresponding icon 208 c may be a violin, cradle, and bird, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates all three icons (violin, cradle, and bird) simultaneously, for the purpose of illustration. Of course, in operation only the icon corresponding to the currently selected music or sound will be displayed at any one time. If no music or sound is activated, then the music/sound icon 208 c may simply be blank or may say “OFF.”Additionally the icon 208 d corresponding to the music volume may provide an indication that the music or sound is off, i.e., that there is no volume.
The [0039] icon 208 d corresponding to the music volume may be a speaker with arcs emanating from the speaker, for example. The icon for the no, low, medium and high volumes, respectively, may have no, one, two and three arcs, respectively, with the additional arcs being of increasing size and increasing distance from the speaker as shown in FIG. 3.
The [0040] icon 208 b corresponding to the time levels may be, for example, a clock surrounding a symbol, such as digits, designating the time level. If the time level is continually on, the symbol may be “-,” for example, for the current time of day with AM or PM designated as appropriate. If the time level is on from the lowest to highest time level, the symbol may be a number of digits indicating the number of minutes or hours and minutes remaining until the swing is shut off. In this case the clock symbol may be divided into six segments around a circular clock body, and the segments may be successively blanked and turned on one at a time to provide a rotating clockwise motion indicative of time passing. Once the timer counts down to zero, the swing is turned off.
The [0041] icon 208 a corresponding to the amplitude or speed function may be, for example, a child on a swing with a number of dots behind the child indicating the amplitude level. The number of dots will correspond to the amplitude. If there are N levels of swing motion, then the number of dots displayed in the icon will be from one dot, for the lowest amplitude level, up progressively to N dots for the highest amplitude level. As the swing amplitude is progressively increased by the user, the number of dots progressively increases behind the child on the swing on the display accordingly.
Alternatively, the [0042] icon 208 a may be a standard digital symbol, such as one or two digits, representing the amplitude. For example, the icon 208 a may be from “1” to “9” to represent the amplitude levels 1 to 9, respectively. The icon 208 a may also be a combination of a standard digital symbol and a number of dots representing the amplitude.
The function activators [0043] 204 a-204 d and/or the on/off switch 206 may also include text on the activators or switch to indicate the specific functions of the activators. For example, the function activators may have the text “MUSIC,” “VOLUME,” “SPEED,” and “TIMER,” respectively for the functions of providing music, adjusting the volume of the music, adjusting swing amplitude, and providing swing run time.
The function activators [0044] 204 a-204 d providing the respective functions of adjusting swing amplitude, providing swing run time, providing music or sound, and adjusting the volume of the music or sound, and the corresponding function icons 208 a-208 d are illustrated in FIG. 3 as being positioned from top to bottom on the user interface module 200. The function activators 204 a-204 d and the corresponding function icons 208 a-208 d may, however, be positioned in any order desired. The on/off switch 206 may also be positioned as desired on the user interface module 200. For example, the on/off switch 206 may be positioned above, below, or to the side of the function activators 204 a-204 d.
In addition to icons corresponding to the swing function activators [0045] 204 a-204 d and the on/off switch 206, the display 202 may include one or more icons 210 not corresponding to any of the function activators. For example, the display may include an icon 210 corresponding to the battery power level of the swing.
The [0046] display 202 with icons 208 a-208 d makes it simple for a user to control the swing. The user can tell “at-a-glance” which functions have been activated. The visual nature of the icons make it easier for a user to operate the swing without necessarily reading a manual. The icons can provide graphical and textual instruction to the user with intuitive symbols that a user can readily understand in using the swing.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate, in break-out fashion, components of an embodiment of the [0047] user interface module 200. The support member 212 can be part of the housing of a swing drive mechanism (not shown). The swing drive mechanism may be a swing drive mechanism as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,525,113, 6,193,224 or 6,339,304, for example. A second section 214 of the housing can be part of the support frame 10 shown in FIG. 1. The support member 212 can be attached to the second section 214 by any conventional attachment method to complete the housing. The second section 214 includes battery holder sections 216 that hold batteries for powering the swing drive mechanism and the user interface module 200.
The [0048] support member 212 includes an opening 218 adapted for receiving the user interface module 200. The opening 218 includes edges 220. The user interface module 200 can have a slot (not shown) around its periphery so that the user interface module 200 may slide over the edges 220 and be fitted into the opening 218. The support member 212 is then brought together with and secured to the second section 214, capturing the interface module 200. The second section 214 may include wires (not shown) for connecting to the motor (not shown).
FIG. 4B illustrates a break-out of the [0049] user interface module 200. The user interface module 200 may be of a stacked construction and can include a bezel cover 230, a display 202 including a clear lens 232 and a liquid crystal diode (LCD) glass 234, a flexible conductor 236, a keypad 238, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 240. The flexible conductor 236 provides an electrical connection between the LCD 234 and the PCB 240 which acts to control and drive the LCD 234.
The [0050] bezel cover 230 may be removable and customizable by the user, thus providing flexibility. The bezel cover 230 is thus a user replaceable bezel cover. The user may choose a bezel cover 230 having a color or design as desired, or having informative text on the bezel cover 230 as desired.
The [0051] keypad 238 includes function activators 204 a-204 d, such as push buttons, and the on/off switch 206. The function activators 204 a-204 d and the on/off switch 206 are electronically connected to the PCB 240, which acts to control the swing to provide the functions associated with the function activators 204 a-204 d, and to turn the swing motor on and off.
The [0052] LCD 234 can be any appropriate commercially available LCD. The LCD 234 could be a fixed-segmented display and/or a pixilated display. Both types of display are known in the art. A pixilated display allows for the use of animation of the icons, help screens, customizable graphics, or different languages, for example. The pixilated display could also supply information, stored in the interface module 200, concerning a specific child. The display 202 could also be a touch screen display.
The [0053] interface module 200, such as one including an LCD 234, may advantageously provide its own lighting, and thus may be used in a variety of lighting conditions. The interface module 200 may be in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, as desired.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary swing control system in accordance with the present invention. The control is accomplished via a [0054] microcontroller 250 of the user interface module 200. The user interface module 200 includes the function activators 204 a-204 d, display 202 with icons 208 a-208 d and on/off switch 206, as described earlier with reference to FIG. 3. Controlling swing functions, such as the swing amplitude and music volume, via a microcontroller is known and generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,339,304 and/or 5,525,113, for example. For example, FIG. 3 and the accompanying text of U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,304 illustrates swing amplitude control and music volume control.
The [0055] microcontroller 250 includes a microprocessor 252 for processing signals received from the user interface associated with the function activators 204 a-204 d. The microcontroller 250 controls a music system 260 to adjust the volume and to select music or sound according to user input to the music and volume function activators. The music system 260 can include a music generator 262, an amplifier 264, and a speaker 266 for providing music. The microcontroller 250 also controls the swing amplitude by controlling the swing motor 270 to adjust the amplitude of the swing (not shown in FIG. 5). An amplitude detector 271 provides feedback to the microcontroller 250. In the physical implementation of the control system, the microprocessor 252 and music generator 262 may be mounted on the PCB of FIG. 4B. The microprocessor 252 and music generator 262 may be implemented on a single chip. For example, the microprocessor 252 and music generator 262 may be implemented on a Holtech HT84036 or Winbond W562 chip. The microcontroller 250 (and other swing components) may be powered by a power supply 272, such as batteries, as shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 illustrates a child swing including an object hanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The child swing may be the same as that illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, with the addition of the [0056] object hanger 300. The object hanger 300 includes a support bar 302, connectors 304, and decorative objects 306. The support bar 302 is shown as partially covered by soft goods 308, such as fabric or cushioning material. The support bar 302 may or may not be covered by soft goods 308.
When the swing moves, the swing imparts motion to the [0057] decorative objects 306. Thus, the motion of the swing “activates” the motion of the decorative objects 306. Advantageously, the decorative objects 306 do not require driving motion independent of the swing motion. The decorative objects 306 may be toys or other objects activated by electronics in the objects 306 or in the support bar 302.
The [0058] support bar 302 may be coupled to either the seat hanger tube 40 or the seat 50. The support bar 302 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 is coupled to the seat 50.
The [0059] support bar 302 may be of any appropriate material such as metal or plastic, for example.
The [0060] support bar 302 includes a rotating mechanism 310 that allows the support bar 302 to be rotated back and forth towards and away from the seat back 52 about pivots 311. The rotating mechanism 310 allows the support bar 302 to be rotated between positions above the seating area of the child in the swing, that is, above the region where the child sits in the seat 50. Preferably, the rotating mechanism 310 allows the support bar 302 to be rotated between at least two positions relative to the seating area.
Also preferably, the [0061] rotating mechanism 310 allows the support bar 302 to be rotated to a position towards the seat back to allow easy access to a child seated in the seat. This rotation facilitates placing a child in and removing a child from the seat. A user can rotate the support bar 302 to a position nearer the seat back 52, place the child in the seat 50, and then rotate the support bar 302 forward to allow the child better access to the decorative objects 306. When removing the child from the seat 50, the support bar 302 can be rotated back towards the seat back 52. Of course, it may be possible to remove a child from, or place a child in, the seat 50 without rotating the support bar 302, but rotating the support bar 302 back toward the seat back 52 generally facilitates the process. The support bar 302 may also easily be removed, if desired.
The [0062] support bar 302 is rotatable and positionable above the seating area such that a view of a child seated in the seat and looking forward is not obstructed by the support bar 302 or decorative objects 306 and the child has access to a tray 60 of the swing 50.
[0063] Connectors 304 and decorative objects 306 are positionable above the child seating area. In this regard, it is preferable that the support bar include a rotating mechanism 310, as described above, so that a user can position the support bar 302 at an appropriate position for any sized child. The connectors 304 may be positionable directly above the child seating area, or simply above the area.
The [0064] connectors 304 can be positionable such that the decorative objects 306 are at a height above the child seating area such that the child may readily interact with the decorative objects 306. In this application, interact means that the child can at least touch the decorative objects 306 when seated back in the seat 50 to rest on the seat back 52. In other words, the child need not sit forward from the seat back 52 in order to touch the decorative objects 306.
The child may also choose not to interact with the [0065] decorative objects 306. Because the decorative objects 306 will tend to swing back and forth in the same fashion as the child, the child can easily follow the motion of the decorative objects 306 as they swing with the child.
Alternatively the [0066] object hanger 300 may not include connectors 304 and the decorative objects 306 may by coupled directly to the support bar 302. For example, the decorative objects 306 may include means to couple directly to the support bar 302. The decorative objects 306 may include, for example, a string or clip where the decorative objects 306 can be tied or clipped to the support bar 302.
Providing interactivity with the decorative objects even when the child is seated back in the seat is especially helpful if the child is an infant. Infants may not be strong enough to readily sit forward in the [0067] seat 50, or they may be able to sit forward in the seat 50 only for a short time. By being able to position the decorative objects 306 such that the child can interact with the decorative objects 306, the child simply can lay back in the seat 50 while swinging and enjoy the decorative objects 306 at the same time.
It should be noted that when the [0068] support bar 302 is coupled to the seat bottom 54, the seat back 52 may be reclined without changing the position of the support bar 302 relative to the seat bottom 54. Thus, the position of the support bar 302 with respect to the child reclining in the seat 50 may be changed simply by changing the recline of the seat 50 if the child is laying back on the seat back 52.
The [0069] decorative objects 306 may be toys with which the child may be interested in playing. The decorative objects 306 are coupled to the connectors 304. The connectors 304 may be clips, for example, and the decorative objects 306 may be releasably attached to the support bar 302 via the connectors 304. The decorative objects 306 may be releasably attached to the connectors 304. FIG. 6 illustrates the connectors 304 to be C-clips where the decorative objects 306 may be slid off the C-clips. Thus, if the decorative objects 306 are removed from the support bar 302, the child may hold and play with them in the swing or bring the objects out of the swing area, such as to bed with the child. The decorative objects 306 may also be replaced with other decorative objects designed to couple to the support bar 302. If the decorative objects 306 remain on the support bar 302, the child may interact with the decorative objects 306 or simply follow the motion of the decorative objects 306, as desired.
The number of [0070] connectors 304 and decorative objects 306 may be one, or may be more than one; that is, there may be at least a second connector 304 and second decorative object 306.
The [0071] connector 304 may be coupled to the support bar 302 by a loop 313 around the support bar 302 and soft goods 308 as shown for one of the connectors 304 in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the soft goods 308 may include a loop 315 for coupling the connector 304 to the soft goods covered support bar 302 as shown for the other connector 304 in FIG. 6.
The [0072] support bar 302 may have a generally arched shape. Alternatively, the support bar 302 may have other than a generally arched shape and adjoining portions of the support bar 302 may be at angles relative to one another, for example.
FIG. 7 is a view of the [0073] support bar 302 removed from the seat 50. The support bar 302 can include through holes 312. The through holes 312 allow certain types of connectors 304, such as C-clips, to be attached to the support bar 302 as shown. Other possible connectors 304 to the support bar 302 include webbing that can be coupled to a slot (not shown) on the support bar 302, webbing that can be passed through and fixed to the support bar 302, ribbons, string, and plastic lanyard.
The [0074] support bar 302 can include a coupling mechanism 314 that allows the support bar 302 to be coupled to the seat 50 of FIG. 6. Preferably the coupling mechanism 314 allows the support bar 302 to be releasably coupled to the seat 50 of FIG. 6. The coupling mechanism 312 may comprise, for example, two fastening members, such as C-clamps as shown in FIG. 6. The C-clamps are arranged at opposing ends of the support bar 302.
Alternatively, the [0075] support bar 302 may be connected to only one side of the child seat 50. For example, the support bar 302 may be L-shaped and connected to only one side of the seat 50. In this case, the coupling mechanism 314 may include only one fastening member, for example, that couples to one side of the seat 50. If the coupling mechanism 314 is to couple to both sides of the seat 50, the coupling mechanism 314 may include two fastening members, for example.
FIG. 8 is an exploded and enlarged view of the [0076] rotating mechanism 310 and coupling mechanism 314 of the support bar 302 of FIG. 7. The rotating mechanism 310 shown in FIG. 8 is a ratcheting mechanism. The rotating mechanism 310 includes an internal ring gear 330, engagement member 332, and outer housing 334. The internal ring gear 330 is integral to the coupling mechanism 314. The engagement member 332 includes teeth 336 that engage with gear positions 338 circumferentially positioned around the internal ring gear 330.
The engagement member is rotatably fixed to the outer housing by means of outer pins (not shown) which engage with outer through [0077] holes 340 of the engagement member 332. An inner pin (not shown) passes through an inner through hole 342 along the central axis of the engagement member 332 and to inner pin 344 of the internal ring gear 330 to allow rotation of the engagement member 332 and outer housing 334 relative to the internal ring gear 330. A user can rotate the outer housing 334 and engagement member 332 by pushing or pulling the support bar 302 in the desired rotation direction. As the engagement member 332 is rotated, the teeth 336 successively engage with the gear positions 338 in a ratcheting manner. Thus, the support bar 302 is positionable in a number of positions corresponding to the gear positions 338.
FIG. 9 illustrates a child swing including support for a canopy covering (not shown in FIG. 9) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Advantageously, the canopy can prevent the child from viewing the child's parent when the child is “fussy,” and thus the child may be prevented from desiring to be with the parent while in the swing. The canopy also will block direct sunlight when the swing is in the sunlight. Thus, the swing may be readily used either indoors or outdoors. [0078]
The child swing may be the same as that illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, with the addition of the [0079] object hanger 300 that provides support for at least a portion of a canopy covering, for example, the front edge of a canopy covering. The object hanger 300 may be the same as that described with respect to FIGS. 6-8. The canopy covering is supported at least in part by the support bar 302 of the object hanger 300. More specifically, canopy covering can also be supported in part by the seat back 52. The object hanger 300 may include, in addition to the support bar 302, a second support bar 380.
The [0080] second support bar 380 is similar to the first support bar 302. However, the second support bar 380 is generally intended to function as further support for the canopy covering, and not as support for decorative objects. In a similar fashion to the support bar 302, the second support bar 380 includes a second rotating mechanism 382. The second rotating mechanism 382 may be a ratcheting mechanism in a similar fashion to the rotating mechanism 310. Like support bar 302, the second support bar 380 may be rotated via the second rotating mechanism 382 towards the seat back 52 to allow easy access to a child seated in the seat 50. The second rotating mechanism 382 allows the second support bar 380 to be rotated between at least two positions relative to the seating area.
FIG. 10 is an exploded and enlarged view of the combined rotating mechanisms and coupling mechanism for the [0081] support bar 302 and second support bar 380. In FIG. 10, the ring gear member 400 comprises two back-to-back internal ring gears 330, 430, and the ring gear member 400 is integral to the coupling mechanism 314. The rotating mechanism 310 for the support bar 302 is essentially the same as the rotating mechanism illustrated in FIG. 8 with the same reference numerals referring to the same components.
The second [0082] rotating mechanism 382 is opposite the rotating mechanism 310 and has similar components with a similar function. The second rotating mechanism 382 includes, in addition to the second ring gear 430, a second engagement member 432 and second outer housing 434. The second engagement member 432 includes teeth 436 that engage with gear positions 438 circumferentially positioned around the second internal ring gear 430. The second engagement member 432 is rotatably fixed to the second outer housing 434 by means of outer pins 450 which engage with outer through holes 440 of the second engagement member 432. An inner pin 452 passes through an inner through hole 442 along the central axis of the second engagement member 432 and to inner pin (not shown) of the second internal ring gear 430 to allow rotation of the second engagement member 432 and second outer housing 434 relative to the second internal ring gear 430. As the second engagement member 432 is rotated, the teeth 436 successively engage with the gear positions 438 in a ratcheting manner. Thus, the second support bar 380 is positionable in a number of positions corresponding to the gear positions 438.
FIG. 11 illustrates the [0083] seat 50 of the swing with canopy covering 390 on the support bars 302 and 380. The canopy covering 390 may be any suitable material. The canopy covering 390 may comprise, for example, fabric or cushioning material. The canopy covering 390 may include mesh, plastic or nylon, for example, or may include heat resistant fabric for outdoor use.
FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the [0084] rotating mechanism 310 and coupling mechanism 314 of the support bar 302. FIG. 12 illustrates the portion of the rotating mechanism 310 and coupling mechanism 314 as slightly enlarged relative to the seat 50 for the purpose of illustration. In this embodiment the coupling mechanism 314 includes a coupling member 360 that slides into a receiving member 362 on the side of the seat 50. The coupling member 360 includes a tooth 364 that couples to a slot 366 of the receiving member 362, and allows the coupling to be snug.
The preferred embodiments have been set forth herein for the purpose of illustration. This description, however, should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the invention. Various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the claimed inventive concept. The true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims. [0085]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An object hanger for use with a child swing having a seat hanger tube supported from a support frame and a seat coupled to the seat hanger tube, the object hanger comprising:

a support bar coupled to one of the seat hanger tube and seat;

a connector coupled to the support bar and positionable above a child seating area of the seat; and,

a decorative object coupled to the connector,

wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing.

2. An object hanger for use with a child swing having a seat, the object hanger comprising:

a support bar coupled to the seat at opposite sides of the seat;

a decorative object coupled to the connector,

wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing.

3. The object hanger of claim 2, wherein the support bar has a generally arched shape.

4. An object hanger for use with a child swing having a seat, the object hanger comprising:

a support bar coupled to the seat;

a decorative object coupled to the connector,

wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing.

5. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the decorative object is releasably attached to one of the support bar and the connector.

6. The object hanger of claim 4, comprising at least a second connector coupled to the support bar and positionable above the seating area; and,

at least a second decorative object coupled to the at least a second connector.

7. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the support bar is positionable above the seating area such that a child seated in the seat can interact with the decorative object.

8. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the support bar is positionable above the seating area such that the view of a child seated in the seat and looking forward is not obstructed by the support bar or decorative object and the child has access to a tray of the swing.

9. The object hanger of claim 4, further comprising:

one of at least fabric and cushioning material covering at least a portion of the support bar.

10. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the support bar includes a coupling mechanism for coupling the support bar to the seat.

11. The object hanger of claim 10, wherein the coupling mechanism releasably couples the support bar to the seat.

12. The object hanger of claim 11, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises at least one fastening member, the fastening member arranged at an end of the support bar.

13. The object hanger of claim 12, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises two fastening members, the fastening members arranged at opposing ends of the support bar

14. The object hanger of claim 4, wherein the support bar includes a rotating mechanism that allows the support bar to be rotated between at least two positions relative to the seating area.

15. The object hanger of claim 14, wherein the seat comprises a seat back, and the rotating mechanism allows the support bar to be rotated to a first position towards the seat back to allow easy access to a child seated in the seat.

16. The object hanger of claim 14, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a ratcheting mechanism.

17. The object hanger of claim 4, further comprising:

a canopy covering supported at least in part by the support bar.

18. The object hanger of claim 17, wherein the canopy covering comprises at least one of fabric and cushioning material.

19. The object hanger of claim 17, wherein the seat has a seat back, and the canopy covering is supported at least in part by the seat back.

20. The object hanger of claim 17, further comprising:

a second support bar, the canopy covering supported at least in part by the second support bar.

21. The object hanger of claim 20, wherein the support bar includes a rotating mechanism that allows the support bar to be rotated between at least two positions relative to the seating area, and wherein the second support bar comprises a second rotating mechanism that allows the second support bar to be rotated between at least two positions relative to the seating area.

22. The object hanger of claim 21, wherein the seat comprises a seat back, and the second rotating mechanism allows the second support bar to be rotated to a first position towards the seat back to allow easy access to a child seated in the seat.

23. The object hanger of claim 21, wherein the second rotating mechanism comprises a second ratcheting mechanism.

24. An object hanger for use with a child swing having a seat, the object hanger comprising:

a support bar coupled to the seat; and

a decorative object coupled to the support bar such that the decorative object is positionable above a child seating area of the seat,

wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing.

25. A user interface module for a child swing, the child swing having a support frame, a seat coupled to the support frame, and a forward facing support member on the support frame, the user interface comprising:

a display supported by the support member and facing toward a front of the child swing at a viewing angle; and

function activators supported by the forward facing support member and facing toward the front of the child swing, each function activator activating a function of the swing upon a user activating the activator.

26. The user interface module of claim 25, wherein the function activators comprise one of push buttons, switches and touch screen positions.

27. The user interface module of claim 25, wherein the display comprises:

function icons associated with the functions of respective of the function activators.

28. The user interface module of claim 27, wherein each function icon is located adjacent its respective function activator.

29. The user interface module of claim 27, wherein the functions of the swing include at least one of providing music, adjusting the volume of music, adjusting swing amplitude, and providing swing run time.

30. The user interface module of claim 27, further comprising:

an on/off switch to activate and deactivate a swing motor of the swing.

31. The user interface module of claim 27, wherein each of the function activators include text on the activator identifying the function associated with the activator.

32. The user interface module of claim 27, wherein the display is pixilated liquid crystal diode (LCD) display provides at least one of animation, child information, help screens and different languages.

33. The user interface module of claim 33, wherein the display is one of a fixed-segmented liquid crystal diode (LCD) display, a pixilated LCD display and a touch screen display.

34. The user interface module of claim 25, further comprising:

a microcontroller to control the display, and activate a function of the swing upon a respective function activator being activated.

35. The user interface module of claim 34, wherein the electronics unit includes a printed circuit board.

36. The user interface module of claim 34, wherein the electronics unit includes a processor.

37. The user interface module of claim 25, further comprising a user replaceable bezel cover surrounding the display and function activators.

38. The user inter interface module face of claim 34, wherein the electronics unit controls at least one of a swing drive mechanism and a music generator.

39. The user interface module of claim 38, wherein the electronics unit controls a swing drive mechanism mounted within the support member.

40. The user interface module of claim 25, wherein the user interface module includes a keypad for the function activators.

41. A user interface module for a child swing, the child swing having a support frame, a seat coupled to the support frame, and a support member on the support frame, the user interface comprising:

function activators supported by the support member, each function activator activating a function of the swing upon a user activating the activator; and

a display supported by the support member, the display including function icons associated with the functions of respective of the function activators.

42. The user interface module of claim 41, wherein the function activators comprise push buttons.

43. The user interface module of claim 41, wherein each function icon is located adjacent its respective function activator.

44. The user interface module of claim 41, wherein the functions of the swing include at least one of providing music, adjusting the volume of music, adjusting swing amplitude, and providing swing run time.

45. The user interface module of claim 41, further comprising:

an on/off switch to activate and deactivate a swing motor of the swing.

46. The user interface module of claim 41, wherein the display is pixilated liquid crystal diode (LCD) display provides at least one of animation, child information, help screens and different languages.

47. The user interface module of claim 46, wherein the display is one of a fixed-segmented liquid crystal diode (LCD) display, a pixilated LCD display and a touch screen display.

48. The user interface module of claim 41, further comprising:

an electronics unit to control the display and activate a function of the swing upon a respective function activator being activated.

49. The user interface module of claim 48, wherein the electronics unit controls at least one of a swing drive mechanism and a music generator.

50. The user interface module of claim 49, wherein the electronics unit controls a swing drive mechanism mounted within the support member.

51. A child swing comprising:

a support frame having a user interface support member;

a seat;

a seat hanger tube supported from the support frame and coupled to and supporting the seat; and

an object hanger, the object hanger comprising:

a support bar coupled to the seat; and

wherein motion is imparted to the decorative object by the motion of the swing.

52. A child swing comprising:

a support frame having a forward facing user interface support member;

a seat;

a user interface module mounted on the user interface support member, the user interface module comprising:

a display supported by the support member and facing toward a front of the child swing; and

53. A child swing comprising:

a support frame having a forward facing user interface support member;

a seat;

54. The object hanger of claim 1, wherein the support bar includes a coupling mechanism for coupling the support bar to the seat hanger tube.

55. The object hanger of claim 54, wherein the coupling mechanism releasably couples the support bar to the seat hanger tube.