Abstract:
The present invention is a two speed automatic rocking chair that plays one of six pre-programmed lullaby while it gently rocks the baby to sleep. A three position on/off switch and a multi-position selector switch for choosing a lullaby are located beneath the seat on the rear of the rocking chair. A rechargeable battery powers a small electric motor which rocks the rocking chair. The battery may be removed as required and recharged with a counter-top battery charger. A removable canopy shields the infant and a removable tray may be installed to provide a surface whereby toys may be placed for the infant to play with.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present invention is a Continuation of U.S. Provisional Application 60/185,790, filed on Feb. 29, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to musical rocking chair devices and, more particularly, to an automatic, electrical, two-speed musical rocking chair.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Infants and newborns love to be rocked to sleep. Whether it is the arms of an adult or in an infant swing, the methodic movement just works magic on fussy or crying babies. As the child grows older, they may outgrow the swing or being held by an adult, but they still like to be rocked. Options for them at this point include using an adult rocker, but their feet cannot often reach the floor. Sitting with an adult in a rocker is an option also, but requires that a parent or other person sit with them to produce the rocking motion. Accordingly, the need has developed for a means by which small children can be rocked to sleep without requiring the constant attention of their parents to produce the rocking motion. The development of the Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair fulfills this need.  
           [0006]    Within the related art, numerous applications exist for manually operated rocking chairs incorporating musical reproducing devices. However, a need has been felt for providing a means by which small children can be rocked to sleep without requiring the constant attention of their parents to produce the rocking motion.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need for a means for providing a rocking chair that automatically rocks and plays musical lullabies thereby allowing children to be rocked to sleep without effort and eliminating the need for direct parent interaction.  
           [0008]    In the related art, U.S. Pat. No. D366,677 issued in the name of Patterson claims a child&#39;s rocking toy in a caricature of a dinosaur.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. RE 33,933 issued in the name of Hou discloses a toy music rocking chair for a doll.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,711 issued in the name of Pollock discloses a musical rocking chair for a child but without batteries or electricity.  
           [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,055 issued in the name of Eakin discloses a somatic acoustic non-rocking chair for a child or adult.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,376 issued in the name of Yamada discloses a vibrating sound reproduction chair for adult or child.  
           [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,170 issued in the name of Nohmura discloses a chair or bed with sound and acoustical vibrations to promote health.  
           [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,566 issued in the name of Martinmaas discloses a chair or bed with various speakers producing sound, timbre control and sonic vibrations.  
           [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,806,397 issued in the name of Nichols discloses a musical rocking chair for adult/child whereby rocking motion produces music.  
           [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,623,430 issued in the name of Hassllon discloses nearly the same invention as in U.S. Pat. No. 2,806,397 issued in the name of Nichols but with switch selectability for on/off.  
           [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,519,782 issued in the name of Mueller et al discloses a method of incorporating a non-battery/electrical “swiss styled” music box into juvenile furniture including a rocking chair.  
           [0018]    While musical rocking chair devices are incorporated into this invention in combination, other elements are different enough as to make the combination distinguished over this related art.  
           [0019]    Consequently, a need has therefore been felt for an improved but less complex mechanism that automatically rocks and plays musical lullabies thereby allowing children to be rocked to sleep without effort and eliminating the need for direct parent interaction.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0020]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved musical rocking chair that automatically rocks and automatically plays musical lullabies.  
           [0021]    It is a feature of the present invention to provide mechanical action to a reciprocating mechanism by an electric motor.  
           [0022]    It is another feature of the present invention to provide power to the electric motor by a battery pack.  
           [0023]    It is still another feature of the present invention to provide the soothing comfort of rocking in a rocking chair for babies and toddlers which allows them to quickly and easily fall asleep with gentle rocking motions as well as soothing music.  
           [0024]    Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair, as its name implies, is an automatic rocking chair for babies and toddlers. The rocking chair itself is of a small size so children can easily sit in it. Located beneath the seat of the rocking chair is a reciprocating mechanism which forces the chair back and forth with reference to the floor upon which it sits. The reciprocating mechanism is powered by a small electric motor which receives power from a battery pack. Such a mechanism would have a switch to allow for movement at two speeds. The battery also powers a music box comprised of a microchip pre-programmed with six popular lullabies to help the child sleep as well. Such a device is especially suited for older children who may have trouble falling asleep, but are too old or big to fit into an infant swing. After the child has fallen asleep, he or she may be placed in a bed or crib where they will be safe for the rest of their sleep or nap. The use of the Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair provides the soothing comfort of rocking in a rocking chair for babies and toddlers which allows them to quickly and easily fall asleep with gentle rocking motions as well as soothing lullabies. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]    The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2 is a right side view of a Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair with the access panel to the rocking mechanism and music box removed, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 a  is a bottom view of a rocking mechanism and music box from an Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 b  is a rear side view of a rocking mechanism and music box from an Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair with the rear panel removed, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 c  is a rear side view of a rocking mechanism and music box from an Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair with the rear panel removed, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic of the music box and rocking means from an Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment thereof. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]    The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the FIGS.  1 - 5 .  
       1. Detailed Description of the Figures  
       [0034]    Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair  10  is shown, according to the present invention, comprised of a rocking chair  15  and a rocking means  20 , a music box  30 , a rechargeable battery  28 , a three position on-off switch  30   c  all residing on the inside of a housing  40 . The housing  40  is of a rectangular configuration resting on top of a housing support member  15   a  and resting underneath a seat  15   b  of rocking chair  15  being of a size adapted for the seating of young children Housing support member  15   a  is of such dimensions to yield sufficient strength to accommodate the weight of said housing  30 . Rotatably connected to rocking means  20  is a rocking rod  26  for transmitting the linearly translating motion created by a rocking means  20 . In an alternate embodiment, rocking chair  15  can be fitted with a removable canopy to shield the infant seated therein. A removable tray may also be fitted and attached via suitable means to the front of rocking chair  15  to provide a surface where the infant may be fed or provided with toys to play with.  
         [0035]    Rocking means  20  comprises an electric motor  21  which generates rotational power necessary for rocking chair  15 . Electric motor  21  and music box  30  is powered by a battery pack  28  which is removably inserted into a specially formed cavity in housing  40 . Connected to the posterior end of electric motor  21  is a first shaft  22  being of a linearly elongated laterally extending cylindrical configuration. First shaft  22  couples the rotational power of electric motor  21  to a gear box  23  which converts the high RPM, low torque of electric motor to a low RPM, high torque output which is desirable for rocking chair  15 . This is accomplished by converting this output to a linearly and vertically translating motion via a cam  25  coupled to the output of gearbox  25  via a second shaft  24 .  
         [0036]    The output side of cam  25  is generally elliptical in shape for pushing rocking rod  26  in a generally downward direction. Rocking rod  26  is attached directly beneath the output side of cam  25  so that the top end of rocking rod  26  will contact the elliptical portion of cam  25 . Rocking rod  25  is kept in constant contact with the elliptical portion of cam  25  by a spring  26 a biasing rocking rod  26  upward. A specially formed guide socket  40   a  in the bottom of housing  40  supports and permits rocking rod  26  to protrude through the bottom of housing  40 . As the elongated portion of cam  25  rotates toward it&#39;s lowermost position, rocking rod  26  is forced downward toward it&#39;s lowermost position. The length of rocking rod  26  is designed so when in it&#39;s lowermost position, it&#39;s lower end contacts the surface the rocking chair  15  is resting on. Rocking rod  26  when in this position applies an upward external force on the frame of rocking chair  15  forcing the rear of rocking chair  15  upward. As the cam continues through it&#39;s rotation, rocking rod  26  is pulled upwardly by spring  26   a  and the upward force on rocking chair  15  is relaxed. As a result, the rear of rocking chair  15  begins to fall under the force of gravity. The momentum of the falling chair will cause the chair to rock slightly backward until the natural righting moment of the chair begins to rock the chair back to its at rest position. However, cam  26  continues through its rotation and begins to push rocking rod  26  downwardly and again raise the rear end of rocking chair  15 . This cycle continues as long as the power to electric motor  21  is switched on.  
         [0037]    The automatic rocking motion and the automatic playing of music is effectuated by means of a three-speed switch  30   c  (shown in FIG. 3 b  in the rear sidewall and in FIG. 4 in the electrical schematics). The three-speed switch  30   c  comprises a means for turning the present invention off and on and consists of low speed and medium speed. FIG. 3 b  also shows located in the rear sidewall of housing  40  a seven-position switch  30   b  that allows a user to select one of six pre-programmed lullabies from an IC chip  30   a  or a mute position.  
         [0038]    Now referring to FIG. 3 a , shown is a bottom view of housing  40  showing the placement of rocking means  20 , music box  30 , rechargeable battery  28 , a three position on-off switch  30   c , and a speaker grill  31   a  located on the surface of the bottom sidewall. Rocking means  20  for purposes of disclosure consists of motor  21 , first shaft  22 , gear box  23 , second shaft  25 , and cam  25 . Electric motor  21  is a direct current motor with a voltage rating between 6 to 12 volts. Seven position switch  30   b  is located integrally within music box  30  and positioned such that it faces to the rear of housing  40  and can be accessed through a rectangular aperture in the rear sidewall of housing  40  as shown in FIG. 3 b . Three-position switch  30   c  is located similarly facing toward the rear of housing  40  and accessed through a rectangular aperture in the rear sidewall of housing  40  as shown in FIG. 3 b . FIG. 3 c  is a rear view of housing  40  with the rear sidewall removed to show the placement of rocking means  20 , rocking means  20 , music box  30 , rechargeable battery  28 , three position on-off switch  30   c , and rocking rod  26  protruding through the bottom sidewall of housing  40  through guide socket  40   a . Shown in detail is rocking rod  26  biased upward by spring  26   a  located in guide socket  40   a  against cam  25 . Motor  21  can be seen directly behind and adjacent to cam  25 .  
         [0039]    Finally, referring now to FIG. 4, an electrical schematic from an Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair  10  is shown. A rechargeable battery  28  supplies power to a direct current electric motor  21  which provides the mechanical power to rock rocking chair  15 . Rechargeable battery  28  can be removed from housing  40  via a removable panel (not shown) in the sidewall of housing  40 . Rechargeable battery  28  can then be recharged with a conventional counter-top battery charger (not part of the disclosure). Power to electric motor  21  is selectively isolated by a three-position switch  30   c . In the first position, now current can flow to electric motor  21  or IC chip  30   a . In the second position, full current can flow to electric motor  21  and IC chip  30   a . In the third position, current can flow to electric motor  21  but a resistor  32  placed in series on the power lead to electric motor  21  causes a voltage drop across electric motor  21  causing electric motor  21  to operate at a slower speed. Full current still flows to IC chip  30   a  via a separate power lead. In this fashion, when three position switch  30   c  is in the second and third position, power is supplied to IC chip  30   a  so that one of six pre-programmed lullabies will be played through speaker  31  A seven-position switch  30   b  connected to IC chip  30   a  allows a user to select which of the lullabies is to be played. A position on seven-position switch  30   b  signals IC chip  30   a  to be mute.  
         [0040]    Referring now to FIG. 5, and alternate embodiment of an Automatic Two Speed Musical Rocking Chair  10  is shown, in which a number of optional features are indicated. These include a removable canopy that encloses a headrest, a removable tray provide with receiving means for attaching toy protuberance, as well as a frame that provides for a swing-like operation when used with infants of a younger age that are unable to support themselves. As such, the features and improvements described above can be provided in combination with such a configuration.  
       2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment  
       [0041]    To use the present invention, one simply places an infant in the seat of the rocking chair. A special harness is then used to strap the infant in the chair. A removable canopy top may then be installed to shield the infant. Likewise, a removable tray may then be installed to provide a surface where toys may be placed for the infant to play with. The chair me then be set to rock automatically by selecting one of two speeds on a selector switch located on a housing beneath the seat in the back of the chair. One of six pre-programmed lullabies may also be played by sliding a selector switch also located beneath the seat behind the chair to the appropriate position. A rechargeable battery powers a small electric motor which can be removed for charging as required.  
         [0042]    The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.