Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
- 1 -
COLLAPSIBLE INFANT SUPPORT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an infant support and, in particular,
to a rocking infant
support that folds from a deployed configuration to a collapsed configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Parents have available to them a myriad of infant support devices. For
example,
infant mats or gyms are easily portable, and provide an infant with a
comfortable, sanitary
place to rest. While infant mats can be easily packed away into a car or a
diaper bag, such
supports cannot be rocked or otherwise manipulated to soothe and pacify the
infant.
Bassinets and cradles, furthermore, are typically not easy to collapse for
storage or transport.
Conventional bassinets are not capable of being rocked and, while sturdy, are
often
expensive, especially when considering that they are generally only used
during the infant's
first months. As a result, strollers are often used as makeshift cribs when
traveling. While
many strollers can be quickly collapsed and stored into a trunk or back seat,
they are
generally not recommended for use with very small infants as a portable crib
or cradle
because the seat portion does not offer adequate support for the infant's back
and neck.
[003] Thus, it would be desirable to provide an infant support that is easily
portable,
securely supports and infant, and takes advantage of the relaxing and sleep
inducing effects
produced by gentle rocking motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] The present invention is directed toward an infant support device
including a frame
and an infant seat. The frame includes a first frame member pivotally coupled
to a second
frame member via a hub assembly. In one embodiment, the frame includes two hub
assemblies. The footers of the frame members are curved to permit the rocking
of the frame
along a supporting surface. The seat includes angled wall portions that form
an offset
support. With this configuration, a child placed within the seat is safely
supported on the seat
and is oriented at a predetermined support angle. The infant support device
may be
selectively reconfigured from a deployed configuration to a folded/stowed
configuration, and
vicc vers_a..
CA 2724964 2017-08-08
la
[004a] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an infant support structure, comprising: a frame assembly including a
first
frame member, and a second frame member pivotally coupled to the first frame
member, each of the first frame member and the second frame member including a
footcr configured to rock on a support surface; an infant support portion
coupled to
the frame, the support portion defining a receptacle in which an infant may be
placed, the support portion comprising a first end, a second end opposite to
the first
end, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side, the first
side being
coupled to the first frame portion, the second side being coupled to the
second
frame portion, the support portion having a lowermost point, the lowermost
point
being located closer to the second end than to the first end; and an insert
member,
the insert member disposed proximate to the infant support portion, the insert
member being configured to maintain the first side and the second side spaced
apart
when an infant is placed in the receptacle.
[004b] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a rocking
hammock, comprising: a frame assembly including: a first rocking portion
including a curved lower end configured to rock on a support surface; a second
rocking portion being coupled to the first rocking portion, the second rocking
portion including a curved lower end configured to rock on a support surface;
and
an infant seat supported by the frame, the infant seat including: a flexible
support
portion, the support portion being coupled to the first rocking portion and to
the
second rocking portion, the support portion defining a receiving area in which
an
infant may be placed, the support portion defining a width; and a resilient
insert
member, the insert member disposed proximate to the support portion, the
insert
member being configured to maintain the width of the support portion when an
infant is placed in the receiving area.
CA 2724964 2017-08-08
lb
[004c] A still further embodiment of the invention provides an infant support
structure comprising: a frame including at least one rocking portion
configured to
engage a support surface; and a receiving assembly coupled to the frame, the
receiving assembly defining a receptacle in which an infant may be placed, the
receiving assembly including a flexible support member having a trunk portion
and
a foot portion coupled to the trunk portion, the trunk portion and the foot
portion
being disposed at an angle relative to each other, the trunk portion including
a
resilient brace configured to maintain the width of the receiving assembly
when an
infant is placed in the receptacle and the orientation and position of the
infant
placed in the receptacle.
[004d] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a rocking
infant
support comprising: a frame assembly including: a first frame member
comprising:
a footer bar operable to rock along a supporting surface, and a header bar
oriented
in spaced relation from the footer bar, and a second frame member comprising:
a
footer bar operable to rock along a supporting surface, and a header bar
oriented in
spaced relation from the footer bar; a flexible seat assembly suspended from
the
frame assembly, the flexible seat comprising a flexible wall operable to
support an
infant, the wall including a trunk portion coupled to a foot portion, the
trunk portion
being oriented at an acute angle with respect to the foot portion; and a
substantially
rigid support brace housed within the flexible wall of the seat assembly, the
support
brace being configured to maintain the width of the seat assembly when an
infant is
placed in the seat assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
CA 2724964 2017-08-08
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
-2-
10051 FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a rockable infant support
in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[006] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the infant support shown
in FIG. 1, with
the seat removed for clarity.
[007] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of stop members in accordance with an
embodiment
of the invention.
[008] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate views of a hub in accordance with and
embodiment of the
invention. Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates a close-up perspective view of
the forward hub,
and FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of the forward hub.
[009] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view in plan of the frame shown in FIG. 2.
[0010] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the infant support oriented in its stowed
configuration.
Specifically, FIG. 6A illustrates the frame of FIG. 5 oriented in its stowed
configuration, and
FIG. 6B illustrates a side view in plan of the frame shown in FIG. 6A.
[0011] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the seat in accordance with an embodiment of
the
invention. Specifically, FIG. 7A illustrates a top view in plan, and FIG. 7B
illustrates a side
view in plan.
[0012] FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a seat brace in accordance with an
embodiment of
the invention.
[0013] FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of a seat brace in accordance with
another embodiment
of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 8C illustrates the seat brace of FIG. 8B secured within the seat
of FIG. 7A.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of the device shown in FIG.
1 oriented in its
stowed configuration.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of the infant support shown
in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a mounting component
of the infant
support shown in FIG. 10.
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates another close-up perspective view of the mounting
component
shown in FIG. 11.
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates an end view of the mounting component shown in FIG.
11.
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
-3-
100201 FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the mounting component shown in FIG.
11 and a
portion of the seat of the infant support.
[0021] FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up view of the mounting component and seat
portion shown
in FIG. 14 assembled.
[0022] FIG. 16 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a rockable
infant support.
[0023] FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the infant support shown in FIG. 16.
[0024] FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom perspective view of components of the
infant support
shown in FIG. 16 and viewed from one side.
[0025] FIG. 19 illustrates another bottom perspective view of the components
of the infant
support shown in FIG. 18 and viewed from another side.
[0026] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements
throughout this
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The terms "support," "support device," and "support structure" are used
to refer to
any frame or support that is configured to provide support for an object. The
terms "infant
support," "infant support device," and "infant support structure" are used to
refer to any
frame or support that can be used to support an infant in a stationary manner
or in a moving
manner. Some exemplary infant support structures are swings, bassinets,
playards, cribs,
jumping devices, bouncers, high chairs, rockers, hammocks, etc. The terms
"child" and
"infant" may be used interchangeably herein. The terms "trunk" and "torso" may
be used
interchangeably herein.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the infant support 100 according to the present
invention includes
a frame assembly 110 that supports an infant seat assembly or receptacle 120
(also called an
infant support portion) above a supporting surface. The frame assembly 110
includes
mounting components to couple softgoods to the frame assembly 110, as
described in greater
detail below. In FIG. 1, only mounting components 1010 and 1020 are shown.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame assembly 110 includes a first frame
member 210 and a
second frame member 215. The first frame member 210 defines a generally
rectangular
structure including a rear lateral bar 220A oriented in spaced, generally
parallel relation from
a forward lateral bar 225A. Similarly, an upper crossbar or header 230A is
oriented in
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 4 -
spaced, generally parallel relation from a lower crossbar or footer 235A.
Specifically, the
header 230A extends between the lateral bars 220A, 225A proximate their upper
terminal
ends, while the footer 235A extends between the lateral bars 220A, 225A
proximate their
lower terminal ends. In this embodiment, the header 230A has opposite ends or
end portions
230C and 230D that have the same length and extend the same distance from the
main
portion of the header 230A.
[0030] The second frame member 215 possesses a similar structure, having a
rear lateral bar
220B oriented in spaced, generally parallel relation from a forward lateral
bar 225B, as well
as an upper crossbar or header 230B, is oriented in spaced, generally parallel
relation from a
lower crossbar or footer 235B. Specifically, the header 230B extends between
the lateral bars
220B, 225B proximate their upper terminal ends, while the footer 235B extends
between the
lateral bars proximate their lower terminal ends. In this embodiment, the
header 230B has
opposite ends or end portions 230E and 230F that have the same length and
extend the same
distance from the main portion of the header 230B. As described below, in
different
embodiments, the lengths of the end portions of the headers can vary.
[0031] The headers 230A, 230B support the infant seat 120 (discussed in
greater detail
below). The footers 235A, 235B contact a supporting surface, such as the
floor. In this
embodiment, the headers 230A, 230B and/or the footers 235A, 235B may possess a
generally
arcuate shape having a predetermined radius of curvature. Preferably, the
footers 235A,
235B possess an arcuate shape that defines a curved surface along which the
frame assembly
110 may be rocked. With this configuration, the frame assembly 110 rocks
longitudinally
(front to back along an axis defined by the hubs, also discussed in greater
detail below),
providing a soothing effect to an infant supported by the seat.
10032] The shape and dimensions of the frame members 210, 215 of the frame
assembly 110
may be any suitable for their described purpose. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,
the first frame
member 210 possesses a height (measured between the header and footer) and
width
(measured between lateral bars) substantially equal to that of the second
frame member 215.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, the components of frame member 210 are coupled
together using
swaged or tapered ends and spring-loaded buttons, such as valco buttons. In
particular, the
ends or end portions 230C and 230D of header 230A are swaged so that they are
insertable
into the upper ends of lateral bars 220A and 225A. Similarly, the ends of
footer 235A are
swaged so that they are insertable into the lower ends of lateral bars 220A
and 225A. Valco
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 5 -
buttons or tabs are inserted into the ends of the lateral bars 220A and 225A
and include
projections (such as projections 231 and 233 in FIG. 2) that extend through
openings in the
lateral bars 220A and 225A and the corresponding header 230A or footer 235A to
couple the
particular components together. Similarly, the components of frame member 215
are
configured and assembled in the same manner.
[0034] The frame assembly 110 may further include one or more stop members 240
placed at
predetermined locations along the frame members 210, 215. In the illustrated
embodiment,
the first frame member 210 includes two stop members 240, each being
positioned proximate
the longitudinal ends of its associated footer 235A and generally aligned with
a
corresponding lateral bar 220A or 225A. Similarly, the second frame member 215
includes
two stop members 240, each being positioned proximate the longitudinal ends of
its footer
235B and generally aligned with a corresponding lateral bar 220B or 225B.
[0035] The stop members 240 are configured to selectively engage the
supporting surface to
prevent over rotation of the infant support 100 while rocking longitudinally
along the
supporting surface. FIG. 3 is close-up view of a stop member 240 in accordance
with an
embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the stop member 240 includes a
top surface 310
and a bottom surface 320. The top surface 310 is generally contoured to the
corner curvature
of its associated frame member 210, 215. The bottom surface 320, in contrast,
may be
generally planar; consequently, the stop member 240 possesses a generally
inclined structure
having an interior end 330 with a height that is less than the height of an
exterior end 340. In
operation, the bottom surface 320 contacts the supporting surface as the
infant support 100 is
rocked/rotated thereon, preventing over rotation of the frame assembly 110 in
the forward or
rearward direction.
[0036] The frame members 210, 215 are coupled to each other via a hub
assembly. Referring
back to FIG. 2, the infant support device 100 includes a first or forward hub
assembly 250
and a second or rearward hub assembly 255. In one embodiment, the forward hub
250 may
be generally coaxial with the rearward hub 255 along a substantially
horizontal axis. In an
alternative embodiment, the forward hub 250 may be vertically offset from the
rearward hub
255. The hub assemblies 250, 255 secure the frame members 210, 215 such that
the frame
members intersect. Referring to FIG. 2, the hub assemblies 250, 255 are
coupled to the frame
members 210, 215 in such a way that the substantially similarly configured
frame members
210, 215 can collapse proximate to each other. As shown, hub assembly 250
retains lateral
bar 225A outside of lateral bar 225B and hub assembly 255 retains lateral bar
220A outside
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 6 -
of lateral bar 220B. This offset configuration allows the frame members 210,
215 to be
collapsed in a reduced profile and provides overlapping frame portions for the
support
structure for the device 100.
[0037] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the structure of the forward hub 250 in accordance
with an
embodiment of the invention. The forward hub 250 includes a first or exterior
subassembly
405 and a second or interior subassembly 410. The exterior subassembly 405
includes an
exterior or annular cap 415 that cooperates with a first or outer housing 420
to capture the
forward lateral bar 225A of the first frame member 210. The second subassembly
410 further
includes a second or inner housing 425 that cooperates with an interior or
closed cap 430 to
capture the forward lateral bar 225B of the second frame member 215. Thus, the
forward
lateral bars 225A, 225B are disposed in spaced relation along substantially
parallel planes.
These substantially parallel planes are vertically oriented. The rearward hub
255 includes a
structure similar to that of the forward hub 250, orienting the rearward
lateral bars 220A,
220B in parallel, spaced relation.
[0038] As mentioned above, the hubs 250, 255 may position the frame members
210, 215
such that the frame members are longitudinally offset (seen in FIG. 6B) with
respect to each
other. That is, the rearward lateral bar 220A of the first frame member 210 is
captured within
the interior subassembly 410 of the rearward hub 255, while the forward
lateral bar 225A of
the first frame member 210 is captured within the exterior subassembly 405 of
the forward
hub 250. Conversely, the rearward lateral bar 220B of the second frame member
215 is
captured within the exterior subassembly 405 of the rearward hub 255, while
the forward
lateral bar 225B of the second frame member 215 is captured within the
interior subassembly
410 of the forward hub 250.
[0039] The first subassembly 405 may be rotatably coupled to the second
subassembly 410
(or vice versa) to permit the rotation of each frame member 210, 215 with
respect to each
other. Specifically, the first subassembly 405 rotates about the hub axis such
that it can be
rotationally displaced with respect to the second subassembly 410 (or vice
versa). As a
result, the frame members 210, 215 may be pivoted to reorient the infant
support 100 from a
deployed or expanded configuration to a collapsed or stowed configuration.
[0040] In addition, one or both of the hubs 250, 255 may further include a
lock mechanism
that selectively secures the subassemblies 405, 410 with respect to each
other, preventing
their rotation and securing the frame members 210, 215 in a predetermined
orientation.
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 7 -
Referring to FIG. 4B, the components of an embodiment of the hub assembly 250
is
illustrated. Hub assembly 255 has similar components to hub assembly 250.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 4B, the hub assembly 250 includes an axially
displaceable gear 440
and a biasing member 445 (e.g., a spring) captured between the exterior
housing 420 and the
interior housing 425. The exterior housing 420 is internally keyed such that
it accepts the
gear in predetermined rotational positions. By way of specific example, the
gear 440 (which
is generally coaxial with the hub 250) may include a plurality of slots
angularly spaced along
the gear. The exterior housing 420, moreover, may include a plurality of
angularly spaced
teeth or ribs extending from the interior surface of the housing. The slots of
the gear 440 are
configured to receive the ribs of the exterior housing 420 when aligned
therewith. With this
configuration, when the gear 440 is oriented in a predetermined rotational
position, the slots
and ribs align, resulting in the meshed engagement of the gear 440 and the
exterior housing
420.
[0042] The interior space of the interior housing 425, in contrast, permits
the rotation of the
gear 440 when the gear 440 is positioned therein. Thus, when the gear 440 is
oriented within
the interior housing 425, rotation between the subassemblies 405, 410 is
permitted.
[0043] The biasing member 445 biases the gear 440 into engagement with the
exterior
housing 420. The annular cap 415 includes a depressible actuator 435 operable
to axially
displace the gear from its normal, engaged position (meshed with exterior
housing 420), to its
disengaged position (i.e., positioned within interior housing 425). In
operation, engaging the
actuator 435 displaces the gear 440 from the exterior housing 420 and into the
interior
housing 425. This, in turn, releases the first subassembly 405, permitting its
rotation about
the hub axis with respect to the second subassembly 410. Once the ribs and
slots align, the
biasing member 445 drives the gear back into engagement with the exterior
housing,
rotationally locking the subassemblies 405, 410.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 4B, the interior cap 430 includes an edge 431 that
defines a notch
433 that receives forward lateral bar 225B. The interior housing 425 includes
an edge 427
that defines a notch 429 that receives forward lateral bar 225B. Thus, the
forward lateral bar
225B is captured between the interior cap 430 and the interior housing 425.
Similarly, the
annular cap 415 has an edge 417 that defines a notch 419 that receives forward
lateral bar
225A and the exterior housing 420 has an edge 421 that defines a notch 423
that receives
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 8
forward lateral bar 225A. Thus, the forward lateral bar 225A is captured
between the annular
cap 415 and the exterior housing 420.
[0045] With the above-described configuration, the frame assembly 110 may be
selectively
rotated between a deployed configuration to a stowed configuration. As
illustrated in FIG. 5,
in the deployed configuration, the subassemblies 405, 410 position the upper
portions of the
frame members 210, 215 (i.e., the portions above the hub assemblies 250 and
255) at a
predetermined deployment angle A with respect to each other (e.g., 45 ).
Engaging or
depressing the actuator 435 disengages the lock to release the subassemblies
405, 410 of the
hubs assemblies 250, 255, permitting the rotation of the first frame member
210 and/or the
second frame member 215.
[0046] Specifically, applying a force to the headers 230A, 230B (along the
directions of
arrows R) rotates the first frame member 210 toward the second frame member
215. The
frame members 210, 215 are rotated until the stowed configuration is achieved,
such as the
configuration illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B,
which are end
and side views, the frame members 210, 215 are placed proximate to each other
in this
collapsed or stowed configuration.
[0047] The seat or seat assembly 120 receives and supports an infant therein.
The seat 120
may possess a generally elongated shape formed to hold an infant when the
infant support
100 is in its deployed configuration. The seat 120 is suspended from the frame
assembly 110.
Specifically, the seat 120 is supported by the headers 230A, 230B of the frame
members 210
and 215, respectively, such that the longitudinal axis of the seat 120 is
oriented substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame assembly 110. That is, the
longitudinal axis of
seat 120 is oriented generally parallel to the rocking axis so that a child
positioned in the
receptacle and facing forward will rock from front-to-back in the manner of a
rocking chair.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 7A, the seat 120 includes a first longitudinal or
side wall 710 and a
second longitudinal or side wall 715 opposite to the first side wall 710. As
illustrated, the
first side wall 710 is coupled to the header 230A of first frame member 210
and the second
side wall 715 is coupled to the header 230B of the second frame member 215.
The side walls
710, 715 are coupled to a bottom wall or body 720. Specifically, the first
side wall 710
extends distally (downward) from the header 230A of the first frame member 210
and
connects to the first longitudinal edge 725 of the bottom wall 720 (e.g., via
stitching).
Similarly the second side wall 715 extends distally from the header 230B of
the second frame
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 9
member 215 and connects to second longitudinal edge 730 of the bottom wall
720. Each of
the side walls 710 and 715 may include some mesh material.
[0049] The bottom wall 720 is defined by a first or forward transverse end 735
and an
opposed second or rearward transverse end 740, each extending between
longitudinal edges
725, 730. The bottom wall 720 is formed by a first or trunk portion or torso
portion 745
operable to support the trunk or torso of an infant and a second or foot
portion 750 operable
to support the legs and/or feet of the infant.
[0050] The seat 120 is contoured to suspend an infant in a predetermined
orientation. In one
embodiment, the seat 120 possesses an L-shaped sling structure (when viewed
from the side),
with the trunk or torso portion 745 being oriented at an acute angle with
respect to the foot
portion 750. In other embodiments, the angle between the trunk or torso
portion 745 and the
foot portion 750 can vary.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 7B, the bottom wall 720 of the seat 120 slopes
downward (away
from the headers 230A, 230B) as it extends longitudinally along the frame
assembly 110
(from back to front). Specifically, the trunk portion 745 of the bottom wall
720 slopes
downward a predetermined distance hl to a lowermost point 755. By way of
example, the
trunk portion 745 may possess an incline of approximately 25 ¨ 35 (e.g.,
about 30 ). The
foot portion 750 of the bottom wall 720 slopes upward (toward the headers
230A, 230B) a
predetermined distance h2 from point 755 such that the first/forward
transverse end 735 of
the bottom wall 720 is located at approximately the same height as the
second/rearward
transverse end 740 of the bottom wall.
[0052] This trunk portion 745 possesses a length (longitudinal dimension) that
is greater than
the length (longitudinal dimension) of the foot portion 750. With this
described
configuration, the bottom wall 720 possesses a lowermost point 755 that is
longitudinally
offset along the seat. That is, the lowermost point 755 is located closer to
the first/forward
transverse end 735 (and, as such, the forward hub 250) than to the
second/rearward transverse
end 740. This difference in length provides greater support area for the trunk
or torso of an
infant and less for the legs of the infant, which often may be folded while
resting or sleeping.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 7B, the device 100 includes fabric portions 960 and
970 that are
coupled to the frame members 210 and 215. Fabric portion 960 has two sleeve
portions that
are configured to receive lateral bars 225A and 225B. The fabric portion 960
covers the area
between lateral bars 225A and 225B when the frame assembly 110 is in its
deployed
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 10 -
configuration, thereby preventing the insertion of any object or body part in
the area and
reducing the likelihood of an pinching or capturing of such an object or body
part. Similarly,
fabric portion 970 has two sleeve portions that are configured to receive
lateral bars 220A
and 220B. The fabric portion 970 covers the area between lateral bars 220A and
220B when
the frame assembly 110 is in its deployed configuration.
[0054] The seat 120 may be configured to collapse or fold when the frame
assembly is
reconfigured from its deployed/open configuration (FIG. 1) to its
collapsed/stowed
configuration. In a preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by forming the
walls 710,
715, 720 of the seat 120 individually or collectively out of flexible/pliable
softgoods material
(e.g., natural or synthetic fabrics). By way of specific example, the seat 120
may be formed
of fabric and/or mesh sheets, with the side walls 710, 715 folded around the
headers 230A,
230B and secured releasably thereto by releasable fasteners (e.g., snap
fasteners) or secured
permanently thereto (e.g., via sewing). With this configuration, the seat 120
is suspended
from the headers 230A, 230B, providing a hammock or sling effect.
10055] The seat 120 may further include a substantially rigid or resilient
support brace or
insert member configured to provide support for an infant and/or to maintain
the side walls
710, 715 in spaced relation when an infant is positioned on the seat 120. The
support brace
800 may possess any shape and dimensions suitable for its described purpose
(e.g., to
maintain the orientation and position of an infant placed in the seat 120). By
way of
example, the support brace 800 may possess a generally oval or elliptical
shape, and may be
generally contoured to the slope of the back wall portion 745 of the bottom
wall 720. The
brace 800 may possess a width substantially equal to that of the back wall
portion 745.
Stated another way, the transverse dimension of the support brace may be
substantially equal
to the transverse dimension of the trunk portion 745 of the bottom wall 720
(measured
between longitudinal edges 725, 730). Similarly, the longitudinal dimension of
the brace 800
may be substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the back wall 745,
extending
from second/rearward transverse edge 740 to the lowermost point 755.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 8A, the brace 800 may be in the form of a band having
an exterior
edge 810 and an interior edge 820 that defines a central opening 830. The band
functions as
a frame for the trunk portion 745 of the bottom wall 720, with the infant
being positioned
within the opening 830. In one embodiment, the brace 800 may have a curved
configuration
when viewed from the side. In another embodiment, the brace 800 may be
substantially
planar.
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
-11-
100571 Referring to FIG. 8B, the brace 800 may be in the form of a generally
continuous,
contoured planar member including a central panel 850 in communication with
upward-
sloping (curved) side walls 860A, 860B running longitudinally along the panel,
and an
upward-sloping transverse bottom wall 870 running along the forward transverse
end of the
panel. The central panel 850 may include one or more apertures 880 configured
to provide
airflow with the apertures 880 being located beneath the trunk or torso of the
infant. With
this configuration, the brace 800 provides a contoured, rigid support for an
infant placed
within the seat 120.
[0058] The support brace 800 may be affixed to the seat 120 via an internal
receptacle
formed into the bottom wall 720 by multiple pieces of fabric. By way of
example, the trunk
portion 745 of the bottom wall 720 may define a pocket or sleeve that receives
the support
brace 800. That is, the trunk portion 745 may include a first fabric member
and a second
fabric member connected to the first fabric member so as to define a cavity
therebetween.
The cavity possesses dimensions sufficient to receive the support brace 800
(e.g., the cavity
may possess dimensions slightly larger than the dimensions of the support
brace). Referring
to FIG. 8C, the support brace 800 is illustrated in position within the seat
120.
100591 The support brace 800 may be permanently secured within the receptacle.
In one
embodiment, the receptacle may be sewn closed to retain the support brace 800
therein. In
another embodiment, the support brace 800 may be coupled directly to the
fabric by stitching
or some other mechanism or technique. Alternatively, the support brace 800 may
releasably
secured within the receptacle to permit its selective insertion into and
removal from the seat
120. For example, the trunk portion 745 of the bottom wall 720 may include an
opening
selectively secured by snaps, buttons, and/or a zipper.
[0060] The foot portion 750 of the bottom wall 720 preferably does not include
a support
brace 800. It should be understood, however, that the foot portion 750 may be
provided with
a brace having a structure similar to the support brace described above.
100611 In operation, an infant is placed within the seat such that the back of
the infant rests
against (is supported by) the trunk portion 745 of the bottom wall 720 and the
feet are
oriented within foot portion 750 of the bottom wall. In this orientation, the
infant is in a
seated, but reclined position, facing the forward hub 250. Placing the infant
face down, or
placing the trunk of the infant within the foot portion of the bottom wall is
not preferred,
since injury to the infant may result.
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 12 -
[0062] The folding of the device is explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9.
Initially, the
infant support 100 begins in its deployed configuration (FIG. 1). The actuator
435 of each
hub assembly 250, 255 is engaged, releasing the subassemblies 405, 410 of the
hub
assemblies 250, 255 and permitting relative rotation of the frame members 210,
215 as
described above. The headers 230A, 230B are rotated inward until the frame
members 210,
215 are oriented in their stowed configuration (e.g., when the headers 230A,
230B are
oriented generally parallel to each other). In this position, the lock
mechanism is engaged,
securing the frame members 210, 215 in their stowed position as described
above.
[0063] The brace 800 may be formed from resilient or substantially rigid
materials. By way
of example, the brace may be formed from plastic. The brace 800, moreover, may
possess a
unitary (continuous/one-piece) structure or may be formed from multiple pieces
connected
together.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 7A, the seat 120 may include a strap assembly (as
illustrated) and
other restraint mechanisms to secure the infant within the seat. In this
embodiment, the strap
assembly 1100 may include strap portions 1110, 1112, 1114, and 1116 that are
coupled
together using buckles 1120 and 1122 and a main strap portion 1130 with a
coupling portion
1132. The strap portions 1110, 1112, 1114, 1116 and 1130 may be inserted
through openings
in the softgoods or coupled to the upper surface of the softgoods such as by
sewing or
stitching or other coupling method or technique. In an alternative embodiment,
only two
strap portions are used with the seat 120.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 10-15, the mounting or coupling of a softgoods
portion to the
frame assembly 110 of device 100 is illustrated. The softgoods may be used to
provide an
additional layer of support for the infant. Referring to FIG. 10, a softgoods
or padded portion
900 is removably coupled to the frame assembly 110. As a result, the softgoods
900 can be
easily removed from the frame assembly 110 and washed and cleaned. In this
embodiment,
the softgoods 900 has several coupling portions 910, 920, 930, and 940 that
are located at
spaced apart positions around the softgoods 900. Each of the coupling portions
910, 920,
930, and 940 is similarly configured and therefore the following description
relating to
coupling portion 910 applies to the other coupling portions 920, 930, and 940.
[0066] Coupling portion 910 includes an edge 912 formed in the body 902 of the
softgoods
900. The edge 912 defines and opening 914 that extends through the body 902. A
binding or
layer of fabric 916 (see FIG. 15) is sewn around the edge 912 to prevent the
edge 912 from
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 13
unraveling. The softgoods 900 includes coupling portions 920, 930, and 940
that are
similarly configured with openings 924, 934, and 944, respectively.
[0067] The frame assembly 110 includes a mounting assembly 1000 that includes
several
mounting components 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 (shown throughout FIGS. 10-15).
The
mounting components 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 are located on the headers
230A, 230B in
locations that correspond to the coupling portions 910, 920, 930, and 940 of
the softgoods
900. In particular, mounting components 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 are aligned
with
coupling portions 910, 920, 930, and 940, respectively.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 11, a close-up view of mounting component 1010 and
header 230A
is shown. The seat 120 includes a fabric portion 948 that is coupled to the
headers 230A,
230B. On both sides of the fabric portion 948, there is a sleeve 950 that
defines a channel
952 and is coupled to the fabric portion 948 at end 954. The sleeve 950 is
configured to be
slid onto one of the headers 230A, 230B. The mounting component 1010 is
positioned
proximate to the sleeve 950 and then coupled to the header 230A using a
connector. The
other mounting components 1020, 1030, and 1040 are similarly coupled to the
corresponding
headers 230A, 230B via connectors.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a perspective view and an end view of
mounting
component 1010 are illustrated, respectively. In this embodiment, mounting
component 1010
is molded plastic and has a body portion 1050 with ends 1052 and 1054 and
sides 1053 and
1055. The body portion 1050 has a curved configuration that matches the
configuration of
the portion of the frame to which the mounting portion 1010 is coupled.
Integrally formed
with the body portion 1050 are projections 1060 and 1062. The projections 1060
and 1062
have ends 1064 and 1066, respectively, and extend in opposite directions from
each other. In
another embodiment, the projections 1060 and 1062 can extend from the sides
1053 and 1055
of the body portion 1050 instead of the ends 1052 and 1054.
[0070] The body portion 1050 includes a boss 1056 defining an opening 1058
through which
a connector 1059 (such as a screw) is inserted to couple the mounting
component 1050 to the
frame assembly 110. The body portion 1050 has an inner surface 1070 that
defines a
receptacle 1072 and is placed in contact with the header 230A or fabric (such
as sleeve 950)
mounted on the header 230A. The body portion 1050 also has an outer surface
1074 that can
be engaged by a portion of the softgoods 900.
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 14 -
,
[0071] Referring to FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the projections 1060 and 1062
define areas
or regions 1067 and 1068, respectively. To retain the softgoods 900 on the
mounting
component 1010, the length of the opening 914 (distance "d2") is less than the
length of the
mounting component 1010 as measured from the ends 1064 and 1066 of the
projections 1060
and 1062 (distance "d1"). When the softgoods or fabric portion 900 is moved so
that the
coupling portion 910 is aligned with the mounting component 1010, the opening
914 is
manipulated so that the projections 1060 and 1062 extend therethrough and the
edge 912 is
located beneath the projections 1060 and 1062 and in areas 1067 and 1068.
Referring to FIG.
15, the projections 1082 and 1084 extending from a body portion 1080 of
mounting
component 1020 extend over the binding 916, thereby coupling the softgoods 900
to the
mounting component 1020 and the frame assembly 110.
[0072] The mounting assembly 1000 facilitates the coupling and decoupling of
the softgoods
900 from the frame assembly 110. In various embodiments, the quantity of
mounting
components used with a particular frame can vary. For example, in one
embodiment, only
one mounting component may be included on each side of a frame. In another
embodiment,
the mounting components may be spaced relatively equally about a substantially
circular
frame. In another embodiment, each mounting component may include three or
four
projections extending from a body portion. Thus, the mounting assembly
including mounting
components can be used to couple or mount a softgoods or fabric portion to a
frame having
any shape or configuration and used for any type of infant support structure.
[00731 Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, an alternative embodiment of an infant
support device
or structure is illustrated. In this embodiment, the device or structure 1200
includes a frame
assembly 1210 that includes an infant seat assembly or receptacle 1220 with a
head stop or
padded portion 1222 that can provide additional support and/or cushioning for
an infant. In
this embodiment, the frame assembly 1210 includes a first frame member 1230
and a second
frame member 1235. The frame members 1230, 1235 are coupled together via hubs
or hub
assemblies 1260 and 1270 which facilitate the movement or pivoting of the
frame members
1230, 1235 relative to each other, thereby allowing the frame assembly 1210 to
be deployed
or collapsed. The frame members 1230, 1235 are substantially similar to frame
members
210, 215 described above with the exception of the upper crossbars or headers
1240 and
1250.
100741 As discussed above, headers 230A and 230B of frame assembly 110 have
end
portions 230C, 230D and 230E, 230F, respectively, that have the same length.
The header
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
-15-
1240 has end portions 1242 and 1244 that have different lengths. Similarly,
header 1250 has
end portions 1252 and 1254 that have different lengths. Preferably, the
lengths of end
portions 1242 and 1252 are the same or substantially the same and the lengths
of end portions
1244 and 1254 are the same or substantially the same. The longer end portions
1244 and
1254 result in the upper rear corners 1243 and 1253 of the headers 1240 and
1250 being a
greater distance from the hub assembly 1270 than the upper front corners 1241
and 1251 of
the headers 1240 and 1250 are spaced from the hub assembly 1260.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 17, the upper front comers 1241 and 1251 are spaced
at a distance
"d5" from hub assembly 1260 and upper rear corners 1243 and 1253 are spaced at
a distance
"d6" from hub assembly 1270. Distance "d6" is greater than distance "d5" and
the frame
assembly 1210 has a tapered or sloped configuration from the rear 1211 of the
frame
assembly 1210 to the front 1213 of the frame assembly 1210. This sloped
configuration
results in the rear 1211 being higher than the front 1213 relative to a
support surface, and the
seat portion 1220 having a higher upper end which provides additional support
length for an
infant and increases the angle of inclination of the trunk or torso portion of
the seat portion
1220 to position an infant in a more upright orientation.
[0076] The seat portion 1220 may be substantially similar to the infant seat
120 as described
above, and with the addition of the padded portion 1222. Accordingly,
receptacle 1220 is
suspended from the headers 1240 and 1250, providing a hammock or sling effect.
The
mounting or coupling of a softgoods portion to the frame assembly 1210 may be
similar to
that described above and shown in FIG. 15. The softgoods may be used to
provide an
additional layer of support for the infant.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a softgoods or padded portion 1900 is
removably
coupled to the frame assembly 1210. As a result, the softgoods 1900 can be
easily removed
from the frame assembly 1210 and washed and cleaned. The softgoods 1900
includes several
coupling portions 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 that are located at spaced apart
positions
around the softgoods 1900. In one embodiment, the coupling portions 1920 and
1930 may be
substantially the same as coupling portions 920 and 930, and the coupling
portions 1910 and
1940 may be configured as another type of fastener member. For example,
coupling portions
1910 and 1940 may be configured as side release buckle components, cam or
spring buckles,
snaps, hook and loop fastener material, or some other fastening mechanism.
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
- 16 -
[0078] The frame assembly 1210 includes a mounting assembly that includes
mounting
components located on headers 1240 and 1250 in locations that correspond to
the coupling
portions 1920 and 1930. For example, headers 1240 and 1250 may include
mounting
components 1280, 1285, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 16, 18 and 19. Each of
mounting
components 1280, 1285 has a configuration substantially similar to the
mounting component
1010, as described above. Accordingly, coupling portions 1930, 1920 may be
aligned with
and releasably attached to mounting components 1280, 1285, respectively.
[0079] The seat portion 1220 may include mounting components that align with
the coupling
portions 1910 and 1940. For example, mounting components 1290, 1295 may extend
outwardly from an underside 1220a and are aligned with coupling portions 1910,
1940 when
softgoods 1900 is disposed on the seat portion 1220, as shown in FIGS. 18 and
19. For
example, the mounting components 1290, 1295 may be configured as corresponding
side
release buckle components connected to the seat portion 1220 via webbing, or
webbing
releasably securable to cam or spring buckles, or associated hook and loop
fastener material,
or the like.
[0080] The mounting assembly facilitates the coupling and decoupling of the
softgoods 1900
from the frame assembly 1210. In various embodiments, the quantity of coupling
portions
and associated mounting components used with a particular frame can vary.
Moreover, all
mounting components may be identically configured, or have different
configurations. Thus,
the mounting assembly including mounting components can be used to couple or
mount a
softgoods or fabric portion to a frame having any shape or configuration and
used for any
type of infant support structure.
[0081] In an alternative embodiment, the lengths of the lateral bars at one
end of the frame
assembly (such as the rear end) can be longer than the lateral bars at the
other end of the
frame assembly (such as the front end). This difference in length would enable
the end
portions of the headers to have the same length, but the upper corners of the
headers at the
rear of the frame assembly can be spaced further from the rear hub assembly
than the front
hub assembly, thereby giving the headers and the frame assembly a sloped or
tapered
configuration from rear to front.
[0082] While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to
specific
embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that
various changes and
modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. For
CA 02724964 2010-12-10
=17-
example, the infant support may be formed of any suitable materials. Each hub
250, 255 may
include a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the subassemblies.
Alternatively,
only one hub 250, 255 may include the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism
may be
keyed to lock the hubs 250, 255 in only the deployed and stowed
configurations.
Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be keyed to permit locking of the
hubs at
orientations falling in between the deployed and stowed configurations. Other
mechanisms
providing for the rotation and locking of the frames may be utilized.
[0083] Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
and variations
of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their
equivalents. It
is to be understood that terms such as "left", "right" "top", "bottom",
"front", "rear", "side",
"height", "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "interior", "exterior",
"inner", "outer" and the
like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not
limit the present
invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
