Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SWING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001 ] 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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] Child or infant swings are also known to be provided with
decorative objects, such as toys, for a child to interact with while the
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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.
[00061 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
[00071 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.
[00081 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.
(00091 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
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above a child seating area of the seat, wherein motion is imparted to the
decorative object by the motion of the swing.
[0010] 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.
[001 1 ] 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
(0012] 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
[0013] 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.
[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a child or infant swing including a user
interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
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[0015] Figure 2 illustrates the seat of the swing of Figure 1 .
[0016] Figure 3 is a view of a user interface module according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate, in break-out fashion, components
of an embodiment of the interface module of Figure 3.
[0018] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary swing control
in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] Figure 6 illustrates a child swing including an object hanger
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 7 is a view of the support bar of the object hanger of
Figure 6.
[0021 ] Figure 8 is an exploded and enlarged view of the rotating
mechanism and coupling mechanism of the support bar of Figure 7.
[0022] Figure 9 illustrates a child or infant swing including a support for
a canopy covering according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
(0023] Figure 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 Figure 9.
[0024] Figure 1 1 illustrates a seat of the swing including a canopy
covering according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] Figure 12 illustrates another embodiment according to the
invention of a rotating mechanism and a coupling mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] 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.
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[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a child or infant swing that includes a
user interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The swing in Figure l,other than the user interface, has
features similar to the swings described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,525,113,
6,193,224 and 6,339,304. The swing includes a 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.
[0028] An exemplary seat 50 is shown in more detail in Figure 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 51 facilitates movement of the seat back 52 towards
or away from the seat bottom 5 4, and allows the angle between the seat
back 52 and seat bottom 54 to be adjusted as desired.
[0029] The user interface module 200 is shown in more detail in
Figure 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 204a-204d. In addition to the
function activators 204a-204d,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 onloff 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.
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[0030] Advantageously, the user interface module 200 with display
202 and function activators 204a-204d 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.
[0031 ] The function activators 204a-204d 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.
[0032] The function activators 204a-204d may be push buttons, for
example. Alternatively, the function activators 204a 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.
[0033] If the function activators 204a-204d 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 204c to activate it. The music function activator
204c may allow a user to select among a number of different types of
music or sound. For example, if the music function activator 204c allows
three types of music/sound, such as in sequence, lullaby music, classical
music and nature sounds, the user rnay select the desired music or sound
by pressing and quickly releasing the music activator 204c 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 wculd
press and release the music activator 204c three times. In one
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embodiment, upon pressing and releasing the activator 204c a fourth
time, the lullaby music would be activated. In another embodiment,
upon pressing and releasing the activator 204c 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 204c to progressively cycle through
the different music/sounds and deactivation.
[0034] In a similar fashion, if the function activators 204a-204d are
push buttons, the user may select a desired volume of music or sound by
sequentially pressing and quickly releasing the volume function activator
204d or pressing and holding the volume function activator 204d 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 204d twice. Pushing
the activator once more will deactivate (turn off) the volume.
[0035] The amplitude or speed function activator 204a 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 204a-204d
are push buttons, a user can select a desired swing amplitude by
repeatedly pushing and quickly releasing the amplitude function activator
204a, or by pressing and holding down the amplitude function activator
204a and cycling through the amplitude levels until the desired level is
reached.
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[0036] The timer function activator 204b 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. ~~Iternately 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 204a-204d are push buttons, a user
can select a desired time duration by repeatedly pushing and quickly
releasing the timer function activator 204b, or by pressing and holding
down the timer function activator 204b and cycling through the time
levels until the desired level is reached.
(0037] The display 202 includes a number of icons 208a-208d that
correspond to the function activators 204a-204d, respectively.
Preferably, each icon is adjacent to its respective function activator. The
icons 208a-208d provide a visual indication of the current level or status
of the functions corresponding to their respective function activators
204a-204d.
[0038] For example, if the music/sound types are classical music,
lullaby music and nature sounds, as described above, the corresponding
icon 208c may be a violin, cradle, and bird, respectively, as shown in
Figure 3. Figure 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
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be displayed at any one time. If no music or sound is activated, then the
music/sound icon 208c may simply be blank or may say "OFF."
Additionally the icon 208d Corresponding to the music volume may
provide an indication that the music or sound is off, i.e., that there is no
volume.
[0039] The icon 208d 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
Figure 3.
[0040] The icon 208b 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.
[0041 ] The icon 208a 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
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of dots progressively increases behind the child on the swing on the
display accordingly.
[00421 Alternatively, the icon 208a may be a standard digital symbol,
such as one or two digits, representing the amplitude. For example, the
icon 208a may be from "1 " to "9" to represent the amplitude levels 1 to
9, respectively. The icon 208a may also be a combination of a standard
digital symbol and a number of dot:. representing the amplitude.
[00431 The function activators 204a-204d 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.
[0044] The function activators 204a-204d 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 icans 208a-208d are illustrated in
Figure 3 as being positioned from tap to bottom on the user interface
module 200. The function activators 204a-204d and the corresponding
function icons 208a-208d may, however, be positioned in any order
desired. The on/off switch 206 rnay 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 204a-
204d.
[00451 In addition to icons corresponding to the swing function
activators 204a-204d 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.
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[0046] The display 202 with icons 208a-208d 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.
[0047] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate, in break-out fashion, components
of an embodiment of the 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. Patent 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 Figure 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.
(0048] The 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).
(0049] Figure 4B illustrates a break-out of the 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
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conductor 236 provides an electrical connection between the LCD 234
and the PCB 240 which acts to control and drive the LCD 234.
[0050] The 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.
[0051 ] The keypad 238 includes function activators 204a-204d, such
as push buttons, and the on/off switch 206. The function activators
204x-204d 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 204a-204d, and to turn the swing
motor on and off.
[0052] The LCD 234 can be any appropriate commercially available
LCD. The LCD 234 could be a fixeal-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.
[0053] The 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.
[0054] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary swing
control system in accordance with the present invention. The control is
accomplished via a microcontroller 250 of the user interface module 200.
The user interface module 200 includes the function activators 204a-
204d, display 202 with icons 208a-208d and on/off switch 206, as
described earlier with reference to Figure 3. Controlling swing functions,
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such as the swing amplitude and music volume, via a microcontroller is
known and generally described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,339,304 and/or
5,525,1 13, for example. For example, Figure 3 and the accompanying
text of U.S. Patent 6,339,304 illustrates swing amplitude control and
music volume control.
[0055] The microcontroller 250 includes a microprocessor 252 for
processing signals received from the user interface associated with the
function activators 204a-204d. 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 Figure 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 i:he PCB of Figure 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 Figure 5.
[0056] Figure 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 Figure 1, for example,
with the addition of the 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.
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[0057] When the swing moves, the swing imparts motion to the
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 305 or in the support bar 302.
[0058] The support bar 302 may be coupled to either the seat hanger
tube 40 or the seat 50. The support bar 302 shown in Figures 6 and 9 is
coupled to the seat 50.
[0059] The support bar 302 may be of any appropriate material such as
metal or plastic, for example.
[0060] The 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 31 1 . The rotating mechanism
310 allows the support bar 302 to tie 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.
[0061 ] Also preferably, the 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
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support bar 302 back toward the seat back 52 generally facilitates the
process. The support bar 302 may also easily be removed, if desired.
[0062] The 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.
[0064] The 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.
[00651 The child may also choose not to interact with the 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 30fi as they swing with the child.
[0066) Alternatively the 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.
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[0067] 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
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.
[0068] It should be noted that when the 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.
[0069] The decorative objects 306 may be toys with which the child
may be interested in playing. The dE;corative 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. Figure 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.
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[0070] The number of 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 abject 306.
[0071] The 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 Figure 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 Figure
6.
[0072] The 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.
[0073] Figure 7 is a view of the 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.
(0074] The support bar 302 can include a coupling mechanism 314
that allows the support bar 302 to be coupled to the seat 50 of Figure 6.
Preferably the coupling mechanism 314 allows the support bar 302 to be
releasably coupled to the seat 50 of Figure 6. The coupling mechanism
31 2 may comprise, for example, two fastening members, such as C-
clamps as shown in Figure 6. The C-clamps are arranged at opposing
ends of the support bar 302.
[0075] Alternatively, the 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
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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.
[0076] Figure 8 is an exploded and enlarged view of the rotating
mechanism 310 and coupling mechanism 314 of the support bar 302 of
Figure 7. The rotating mechanism 310 shown in Figure 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.
[0077] The engagement member is rotatably fixed to the outer housing by
means of outer pins (not shown) which engage with outer through 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.
[0078] Figure 9 illustrates a child swing including support for a canopy
covering (not shown in Figure 9) according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. AdvantagE~ously, 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
18
CA 02425659 2003-04-16
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.
[0079] The child swing may be the same as that illustrated in Figure 1,
for example, with the addition of the 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 Figures 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.
[0080] The 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.
[0081 ] Figure 10 is an exploded and enlarged view of the combined
rotating mechanisms and coupling mechanism for the support bar 302
and second support bar 380. In Figure 10, the ring gear member 400
comprises two back-to-back intern<31 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
19
CA 02425659 2003-04-16
as the rotating mechanism illustrated in Figure 8 with the same reference
numerals referring to the same components.
[0082) The second rotating mechanism 382 is opposite the rotating
mechanism 310 and has similar connponents 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 circ:umferentially 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 sE:cond internal ring gear 430. As the
second engagement member 432 i~; 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.
(0083] Figure 1 1 illustrates the 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 cu:>hioning material. The canopy
covering 390 may include mesh, plastic ar nylon, for example, or may
include heat resistant fabric for outdoor use.
(0084] Figure 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the rotating
mechanism 310 and coupling mechanism 314 of the support bar 302.
Figure 12 illustrates the portion of the rotating mechanism 310 and
coupling mechanism 314 as slightly enlarged relative to the seat 50 for
CA 02425659 2003-04-16
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.
[0085] 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.
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