US20120248832A1

US20120248832A1 - Motion Simulated Infant Seat

Info

Publication number: US20120248832A1
Application number: US13/079,101
Authority: US
Inventors: Lori Boncher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-04
Filing date: 2011-04-04
Publication date: 2012-10-04

Abstract

An infant seat for simulating vehicle movement comprising: a base; an infant seat, where the infant seat is secured within the base; and a means for movement of the base, where the movements simulate the movement of a moving vehicle. The movements replicate a vehicle accelerating, decelerating, braking and occasional bumps that may be similar to a moving vehicle. The movement of the base may be powered by a motor that has various speed options associated with the movement. The infant seat may also include a handle and a visor.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an infant seat that simulates the motion of a vehicle through automated movements.
2. Description of Related Art
Infant seats provide a means to seat and secure infants when the infant isn't being held or nurtured by their parents or caregiver. Infant seats come in many sizes and have various functions associated with them. Some infant seats have been known to include a rocking motion and perhaps a swinging motion to assist in appeasing an infant that may be seated in the seat. Further, other infant seats include the ability to transmit audio sounds such as music or lullabies while the infant is placed in the seat.
One example of an infant seat is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,806 which discusses an infant seat rocking device that provides a smooth rocking motion for infant without relying on the infant's own movement or the parent sitting with the child. Another example of an infant seat rocker is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,164 which discloses a base unit for supporting an infant carrier seat where the base provides a rocking motion to move the infant seat while the child is placed within the infant seat. A weight on the base is moved to shift the seat from one position to another and to cause the base to rock.
It would be advantageous to have an infant seat that simulates the movement and behavior of a moving vehicle. It's well known that many children fall asleep while traveling in a car seat of a moving vehicle and therefore if such a stationary device could be used in the home or daycare center it would be helpful in lulling the infant to sleep.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant seat for simulating vehicle movement comprising: a base; an infant seat, where the infant seat is secured within the base; and a means for movement of the base, where the movements simulate the movement of a moving vehicle. The movements replicate a vehicle accelerating, decelerating, braking and occasional bumps that may be similar to a moving vehicle. The movement of the base may be powered by a motor that has various speed options associated with the movement. The infant seat may also include a handle and a visor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a motion simulation seat according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of a motion simulation infant seat according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an infant seat that simulates the movement of a moving vehicle to assist in soothing and encouraging the sleep of a child that may be placed in the seat. It is well known that many children fall asleep in a moving vehicle. The base for the infant seat according to the present invention helps to simulate the motion of a moving vehicle along with bumps, rocking and stops and starting of a moving vehicle and therefore induces the sleep of a child.
FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a vehicle simulation seat according to the present invention. The Simulation Seat 100 includes a Base 30. It provides the means for the movement of the Infant Seat 43. The Infant Seat 43 is secured within the Base 30 and movements associated with the base replicate the motions of a moving vehicle. Consequently, the movements may be similar to a vehicle accelerating, decelerating, braking and occasional bumps that may be similar to a moving vehicle. The movement of the base is powered by a motor that has various speed options associated with the movement. The motor within the Base 30 may be powered through either a stored battery or an AC power cord that may extend from the base for plugging into an AC outlet. Other features of the Simulation Seat 100 include the Handle 42 and a Visor 44. The Handle 42 extends over the seat and therefore provides a means for a user to transport or move the seat to various positions and also makes the seat portable. A Visor 44 is provided to shield the infant within the seat and protect the infant from any sunlight.
FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the Simulation Seat 100 according to the present invention where Straps 47 are depicted that extend over the Seat 43. The Straps 47 help to secure the infant into the seat to prevent the infant from climbing out of the seat and/or injuring themselves. Further a perspective view of the Visor 44 is also depicted in FIG. 2. The Simulation Seat 100 may also include speakers not shown that transmit sound such as music or other simulating sounds to encourage or induce sleep on to the child. The instant invention has been shown and described in what it considers to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made there from within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An infant seat for simulating vehicle movement comprising:

a. a base;

b. an infant seat, where the infant seat is secured within the base; and

c. a means for movement of the base, where the movements simulate the movement of a moving vehicle.

2. The infant seat according to claim 1, where the movements replicate a vehicle accelerating, decelerating, braking and occasional bumps that may be similar to a moving vehicle.

3. The infant seat according to claim 1, where the movement of the base is powered by a motor that has various speed options associated with the movement.

4. The infant seat according to claim 3, where the motor is a battery or an AC power source.

5. The infant seat according to claim 1, further including a handle and a visor.