Dual infant rocking device

The dual infant rocking device is adapted for use with two infant/toddlers. The infant/toddlers sit in the dual infant rocking device. The dual infant rocking device is a rocking structure. By rocking structure is meant that the one or more selected individuals seated in the dual infant rocking device are moved in a rhythmic motion relative to the force of gravity. The dual infant rocking device includes a pedestal structure, a plurality of seats, and a control circuit. The pedestal structure, the plurality of seats, and the control circuit are attached to form a single object. The plurality of seats receive the one or more selected individuals. The control circuit provides the motive forces that rock the plurality of seats. The pedestal structure transfers the loads of the plurality of seats, the one or more selected individuals, and the control circuit to a supporting surface.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

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REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of rocking-chairs, indoor swings, and baby bouncers. (A47D13/10)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The dual infant rocking device is a furniture item. The dual infant rocking device is adapted for use with one or more individuals selected from the group consisting of: a) an infant; and, b) a toddler. The selected individuals sit in the dual infant rocking device. The dual infant rocking device is a rocking structure. By rocking structure is meant that the one or more selected individuals seated in the dual infant rocking device are moved in a rhythmic motion relative to the force of gravity. The dual infant rocking device comprises a pedestal structure, a plurality of seats, and a control circuit. The pedestal structure, the plurality of seats, and the control circuit are attached to form a single object. The plurality of seats receive the one or more selected individuals. The control circuit provides the motive forces that rock the plurality of seats. The pedestal structure transfers the loads of the plurality of seats, the one or more selected individuals, and the control circuit to a supporting surface.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the dual infant rocking device will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the dual infant rocking device in detail, it is to be understood that the dual infant rocking device is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the dual infant rocking device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The dual infant rocking device100(hereinafter invention) is a furniture item. The invention100is adapted for use with one or more individuals selected from the group consisting of: a) an infant; and, b) a toddler. The selected individuals sit in the invention100. The invention100is a rocking structure. By rocking structure is meant that the one or more selected individuals seated in the invention100are moved in a rhythmic motion relative to the force of gravity. The invention100comprises a pedestal structure101, a plurality of seats102, and a control circuit103. The pedestal structure101, the plurality of seats102, and the control circuit103are attached to form a single object. The plurality of seats102receive the one or more selected individuals. The control circuit103provides the motive forces that rock the plurality of seats102. The pedestal structure101transfers the loads of the plurality of seats102, the one or more selected individuals, and the control circuit103to a supporting surface.

The pedestal structure101is a rigid structure. The pedestal structure101is a disk shaped structure. The pedestal structure101is a load bearing structure. The pedestal structure101rests on a supporting surface. The pedestal structure101forms the inferior structure of the invention100. The pedestal structure101forms a load path that transfers the load of the invention100to a supporting surface. The pedestal structure101comprises a pedestal base111and a plurality of stanchion structures112.

The pedestal base111is a rigid structure. The pedestal base111is a disk shaped structure. The pedestal base111is a load bearing structure. The pedestal base111rests on a supporting surface. The pedestal base111forms the inferior structure of the invention100. The pedestal base111forms the final link in load path that transfers the load of the invention100to a supporting surface.

The plurality of stanchion structures112attach to the pedestal base111. The plurality of stanchion structures112further comprises a collection of individual stanchions141. Each individual stanchion141selected from the plurality of stanchion structures112is identical. Each individual stanchion141selected from the plurality of stanchion structures112is a rigid structure. Each selected individual stanchion141has a non-Euclidean shape. Each individual seat121selected from the plurality of seats102attaches to the superior congruent end of the non-Euclidean prism structure of the selected individual stanchion141. Each selected individual stanchion141elevates its associated selected individual seat121above the pedestal base111.

Each individual stanchion141selected from the plurality of stanchion structures112further comprises a non-Euclidean arm142, a locking hinge143, and a slewing bearing144.

The non-Euclidean arm142is a rigid structure. The non-Euclidean arm142is a load bearing structure. The non-Euclidean arm142attaches the associated individual seat121to the pedestal base111of the pedestal structure101. The non-Euclidean arm142has a non-Euclidean prism shape. The associated individual seat121attaches to the congruent end of the non-Euclidean arm142that is distal from the pedestal base111. The non-Euclidean arm142elevates the associated individual seat121above the pedestal base111. The non-Euclidean arm142is an adjustable structure. The non-Euclidean arm142is a rotating structure. The non-Euclidean arm142rotates around a horizontally oriented axis of rotation such that the cant between the force of gravity and the spine of the selected individual sitting in the associated individual seat121is adjustable.

The locking hinge143is a locking hinge. The locking hinge is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The locking hinge143is a mechanism that is formed within the non-Euclidean arm142. The locking hinge143enables the rotation of the non-Euclidean arm142around the horizontally oriented axis of rotation. The locking nature of the locking hinge143locks the cant between the force of gravity and the spine of the selected individual sitting in the associated individual seat121into a fixed position.

The slewing bearing144is a fastening device. The slewing bearing144is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The slewing bearing144attaches the congruent end of the non-Euclidean arm142that is distal from the associated individual seat121to the pedestal base111. The slewing bearing144attaches the non-Euclidean arm142to the pedestal base111such that the non-Euclidean arm142rotates around the vertically oriented axis of rotation.

Each individual seat121selected from the plurality of seats102is a chair. Each selected individual seat121forms a structure that supports a selected individual. Each selected individual seat121attaches to the superior congruent end of the non-Euclidean prism structure of an individual stanchion141selected from the plurality of stanchion structures112. The selected individual seat121transfers the load of the selected individual to the individual stanchion141attached to the selected individual seat121. The plurality of seats102comprises a collection of individual seats121.

Each individual seat121selected from the plurality of seats102removably attaches to its associated individual stanchion141such that the plurality of seats102are interchangeable. Each selected individual stanchion141forms a load path that transfers the load borne by the attached individual seat121to the pedestal base111. Each individual stanchion141selected from the plurality of stanchion structures is a rotating structure. Each selected individual stanchion141rotates relative to a horizontally oriented axis of rotation such that the cant between the force of gravity and the spine of the selected individual sitting in the associated individual seat121is adjustable. Each selected individual stanchion141further rotates relative to a vertically oriented axis of rotation such that the plurality of seats102can be rotated to face each other.

Each individual seat121selected from the plurality of seats102is a chair. Each selected individual seat121mounts on the congruent end of the non-Euclidean prism structure of the individual stanchion141selected from the plurality of stanchion structures112associated with the selected individual seat121. Each individual seat121is adapted for use in supporting the selected individual.

The control circuit103is an electric circuit. The control circuit103converts electric energy into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy generated by the control circuit103generates a rhythmic motion for each individual seat121selected from the plurality of seats102. The control circuit103controls the speed of rotation of each selected individual seat121. The control circuit103independently controls the rotation of each selected individual seat121. By independently control is meant that the rotation and the rate of rotation of any seat initially selected from the plurality of seats102is not influenced by the rotation and the rate of rotation of any seat subsequently selected from the plurality of seats102. The control circuit103further comprises a plurality of limited arc motor161structures131and an external power source132. The plurality of limited arc motor161structures131and the external power source132are electrically interconnected.

Each external power source132is an externally provided source of electric energy. The external power source132provides the electric energy necessary to operate the plurality of limited arc motor161structures131.

The plurality of limited arc motor161structures131comprises a collection of individual limited arc motor161structures151. Each individual limited arc motor161structure151selected from the plurality of limited arc motor161structures131is identical. Each individual limited arc motor161structure151selected from the plurality of limited arc motor161structures131comprises an individual limited arc motor161, an individual limited arc motor161controller162, an individual potentiometer163, and an individual master switch164. The individual limited arc motor161, the individual limited arc motor161controller162, the individual potentiometer163, and the individual master switch164are electrically interconnected.

Each individual limited arc motor161structure151selected from the plurality of limited arc motor161structures131is a mechanical structure. Each selected individual limited arc motor161structure151is an electrically powered device. Each selected individual limited arc motor161structure151converts electric energy into mechanical energy. Each individual limited arc motor161structure151selected from the plurality of limited arc motor161structures131is associated with an individual seat121selected from the plurality of seats102. Each individual limited arc motor161structure151selected from the plurality of limited arc motor161structures131provides the motive forces necessary to rock its associated individual seat121.

The individual limited arc motor161is an electric motor. The individual limited arc motor161is a limited arc motor. The limited arc motor is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The individual limited arc motor161converts electric energy into a rotational energy that rotates the individual seat121associated with the individual limited arc motor161over a limited arc.

The individual limited arc motor161controller162is a motor controller. The individual limited arc motor161controller162electrically connects to the individual limited arc motor161. The individual limited arc motor161controller initiates the operation of the individual limited arc motor161. The individual limited arc motor161controller162discontinues the operation of the individual limited arc motor161. The individual limited arc motor161controller162controls the direction of rotation of the individual limited arc motor161. The individual limited arc motor161controller162controls the speed of rotation of the individual limited arc motor161.

The individual potentiometer163is an electric circuit element that electrically connects to the individual limited arc motor161controller162. The individual potentiometer163is a variable resistance device. The individual potentiometer163forms an interface used to provide the individual limited arc motor161controller162with the desired speed of rotation of the individual limited arc motor161.

The individual master switch164is a maintained electric switch. The individual master switch164forms an electric connection between the individual limited arc motor161controller162and the external power source132. The individual master switch164controls the flow of electric energy from the external power source132into the individual limited arc motor161controller162. The individual master switch164is essentially the power switch for the individual limited arc motor161structure151.

In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of stanchion structures112further comprises a first stanchion structure171and a second stanchion structure172. The first stanchion structure171is a first individual stanchion141selected from the plurality of stanchion structures112. The first stanchion structure171is the individual stanchion141selected to attach the first seat191to the pedestal base111. The second stanchion structure172is a second individual stanchion141selected from the plurality of stanchion structures112. The second stanchion structure172is the individual stanchion141selected to attach the second seat192to the pedestal base111.

In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of seats102further comprises a first seat191and a second seat192. The first seat191is the individual seat121selected from the plurality of seats102that attaches to the first stanchion structure171selected from the plurality of stanchion structures112of the pedestal structure101. The second seat192is the individual seat121selected from the plurality of seats102that attaches to the second stanchion structure172selected from the plurality of stanchion structures112of the pedestal structure101. The first seat191is adapted to receive and support a first selected individual. The second seat192is adapted to receive and support a second selected individual.

In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of limited arc motor161structures131further comprises a first limited arc motor161structure181and a second limited arc motor161structure182. The first limited arc motor161structure181is a first individual limited arc motor161structure151selected from the plurality of limited arc motor161structures131. The first limited arc motor161structure181is the individual limited arc motor161structure151used to rock the first seat191. The first limited arc motor161structure181is a second individual limited arc motor161structure151selected from the plurality of limited arc motor161structures131. The second limited arc motor161structure182is the individual limited arc motor161structure151used to rock the second seat192.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

Arc: As used in this disclosure, an arc refers to a portion of a circumference or a curved perimeter. When applied to an angle or cant, the arc also refers to a measure of an angular span as measured from a circle at the vertex formed by the sides of the angle.

Barrier: As used in this disclosure, a barrier is a physical obstacle that forms a boundary between a first space and a second space. The barrier prevents the passage of an object between the first space and the second space.

Cant: As used in this disclosure, a cant is an angular deviation from one or more reference lines (or planes) such as a vertical line (or plane) or a horizontal line (or plane).

Center of Rotation: As used in this disclosure, the center of rotation is the point of a rotating plane that does not move with the rotation of the plane. A line within a rotating three-dimensional object that does not move with the rotation of the object is also referred to as an axis of rotation.

Chair: As used in this disclosure, a chair is a structure that a person can sit on. The horizontal resting surface a person sits on is called the bench. Seat is a common synonym for a chair. A sofa refers to a chair that seats more than one person.

Composite Prism: As used in this disclosure, a composite prism refers to a structure that is formed from a plurality of structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure. The plurality of selected structures may or may not be truncated. The plurality of prism structures are joined together such that the center axes of each of the plurality of structures are aligned. The congruent ends of any two structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure need not be geometrically similar.

Electric Motor: In this disclosure, an electric motor is a machine that converts electric energy into rotational mechanical energy. An electric motor typically comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator is a stationary hollow cylindrical structure that forms a magnetic field. The rotor is a magnetically active rotating cylindrical structure that is coaxially mounted in the stator. The magnetic interactions between the rotor and the stator physically causes the rotor to rotate within the stator thereby generating rotational mechanical energy. This disclosure assumes that the power source is an externally provided source of DC electrical power. The use of DC power is not critical and AC power can be used by exchanging the DC electric motor with an AC motor that has a reversible starter winding.

Elevation: As used in this disclosure, elevation refers to the span of the distance in the superior direction between a specified horizontal surface and a reference horizontal surface. Unless the context of the disclosure suggest otherwise, the specified horizontal surface is the supporting surface the potential embodiment of the disclosure rests on. The infinitive form of elevation is to elevate.

Euclidean Surface: As used in this disclosure, a Euclidean surface refers to a two-dimensional plane that is formed without a curvature. By without a curvature is meant that the shortest distance between any two points on a Euclidean surface forms a line that remains on the Euclidean surface.

Exterior: As used in this disclosure, the exterior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is not contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.

External Power Source: As used in this disclosure, an external power source is a source of the energy that is externally provided to enable the operation of the present disclosure. Examples of external power sources include, but are not limited to, electrical power sources and compressed air sources.

Force of Gravity: As used in this disclosure, the force of gravity refers to a vector that indicates the direction of the pull of gravity on an object at or near the surface of the earth.

Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1. By the term roughly geometrically similar is meant that the primary shapes of two objects are geometrically similar except that there are functional items (such as fastening devices) associated with the primary shape may not maintain the ratio for geometric similarity.

Hinge: As used in this disclosure, a hinge is a device that permits the turning, rotating, or pivoting of a first object relative to a second object. A hinge designed to be fixed into a set position after rotation is called a locking hinge. A spring loaded hinge is a hinge formed as an elastic structure. The elastic structure of the spring loaded hinge is deformed under a rotating force such that the elastic structure returns the spring loaded hinge back to its relaxed shape after the rotating force is removed from the spring loaded hinge.

Independent: As used in this disclosure, the term independent refers to the relationship between the operation and control of a first device and a second device. The first device and the second device are independent from each other if: a) the operation of the first device is neither impacted nor influenced by the operation of the second device; and, b) the operation of the second device is neither impacted nor influenced by the operation of the first device.

Infant: As used in this disclosure, an infant refers to a human child who: 1) is under 18 months old; and, 2) has not yet learned to walk.

Interchangeable: As used in this disclosure, interchangeable refers to the ability to remove and replace an element of a structure. For example, if a first object that is attached to a structure can be removed and replaced with a second object selected from a plurality of compatible objects than the first object is said to be replaceable with both: 1) the second object; and, 2) each of the elements of compatible objects. Term interchangeable is commonly associated with tools.

Interchangeable objects are often used to change the function or the performance characteristics of a tool.

Interior: As used in this disclosure, the interior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.

Interval: As used in this disclosure, the term interval refers to a measure of the distance within an organizational structure between the positions of a first event and a second event that are contained within the organizational structure. The term regular interval is often used to mean that the span of distance between multiple occurrences of the first event and the second event remains constant. This disclosure assumes that the selected second event can be a repetition of the first event. The term interval is often applied to the structure of time and in this context is taken to mean the period of time that passes the first event and the second event.

Limited Arc Motor: As used in this disclosure, a limited arc motor is an electric motor that converts externally provided energy into a limited arc rotation.

Limited Arc Rotation: As used in this disclosure, a limited arc rotation refers the rotation of a structure that: a) has a regular cycle structure that regularly reverses the direction of rotation of the structure; and, b) has an arc of rotation of less than 360 degrees.

Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure.

Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth.

Maintained Switch: As used in this disclosure, a maintained switch is a switch that maintains the position that was set in the most recent switch actuation. A maintained switch works in an opposite manner to a momentary switch.

Motor: As used in this disclosure, a motor refers to the method of transferring energy from an external power source into rotational mechanical energy.

Motor Controller: As used in this disclosure, a motor controller is an electrical device that is used to control the rotational speed, or simply the speed, and the direction of rotation of an electric motor. Motor controllers will generally receive one or more inputs which are used determine the desired rotational speed and direction of rotation of the electric motor.

Non-Euclidean Plane: As used in this disclosure, a non-Euclidean plane (or non-Euclidean surface) is a geometric plane that is formed with a curvature such that: a) two parallel lines will intersect somewhere in the planar surface; or, b) the span of the perpendicular distance between two parallel lines will vary as a function of the position of the plane; or, c) the minimum distance between two points on the non-Euclidean plane as measured along the non-Euclidean plane is greater than the absolute minimum distance between the same two points. In many geometries, the statements (a) and (b) can be considered identical statements. A non-Euclidean plane is said to form a roughly Euclidean surface (or plane) when the span of the minimum distance between two points on the non-Euclidean plane as measured along the non-Euclidean plane is less than or equal to 1.1 times the absolute minimum distance between the same two points.

Non-Euclidean Prism: As used in this disclosure, a non-Euclidean prism is a prism structure wherein the center axis of the prism lies on a non-Euclidean plane or is otherwise formed with a curvature.

Non-Euclidean Structure: As used in this disclosure, a non-Euclidean structure is a structure wherein: a) the non-Euclidean structure is formed with a non-Euclidean plane; b) the non-Euclidean structure has an axis that lies on a non-Euclidean plane or is otherwise formed with a curvature; or, c) a combination of both (a) and (b) above.

Pan: As used in this disclosure, a pan is a hollow and prism-shaped containment structure. The pan has a single open face. The open face of the pan is often, but not always, the superior face of the pan. The open face is a surface selected from the group consisting of: a) a congruent end of the prism structure that forms the pan; and, b) a lateral face of the prism structure that forms the pan. A semi-enclosed pan refers to a pan wherein the closed end of prism structure of the pan and/or a portion of the closed lateral faces of the pan are open.

Pedestal: As used in this disclosure, a pedestal is an intermediary load bearing structure that forms a load path between two objects or structures.

Pivot: As used in this disclosure, a pivot is a rod or shaft around which an object rotates or swings.

Potentiometer: As used in this disclosure, a potentiometer is an adjustable electrical device that presents a resistance to an electric. The level of resistance is adjustable.

Primary Shape: As used in this disclosure, the primary shape refers to a description of the rough overall geometric shape of an object that is assembled from multiple components or surfaces. Use Roughly

Primary Structure: As used in this disclosure, a primary structure refers to the component of an object that the other components attach to. The primary structure is also called the base structure.

Protected Space: As used in this disclosure, a protected space is a negative space within which an object is stored. The protected space is enclosed by a barrier structure that: a) prevents damage to the object contained within the protected space; b) maintains conditions that are appropriate for the object; c) protects the object within the protected space from potential dangers that are outside of the protected space; or, d) maintains the privacy of the object within the protected space.

Resistance: As used in this disclosure, resistance refers to the opposition provided by an electrical circuit (or circuit element) to the electrical current created by a DC voltage is presented across the electrical circuit (or circuit element). The term impedance is often used for resistance when referring to an AC voltage that is presented across the electrical circuit (or circuit element).

Resistor: As used in this disclosure, a resistor is a well-known and commonly available electrical device that presents a resistance that inhibits the flow of electricity through an electric circuit. Within an electric circuit processing alternating currents, the resistor will not affect the phase of the alternating current. A current flowing through a resistor will create a voltage across the terminals of the resistor.

Rhythm: As used in this disclosure, a rhythm refers to a pattern that repeats at regular intervals.

Rigid Structure: As used in this disclosure, a rigid structure is a solid structure formed from an inelastic material that resists changes in shape. A rigid structure will permanently deform as it fails under a force. See bimodal flexible structure.

Rotation: As used in this disclosure, rotation refers to the cyclic movement of an object around a fixed point or fixed axis. The verb of rotation is to rotate.

Seat: As used in this disclosure, a seat is a structure that a person can sit on. Chair is a common synonym for a seat.

Slewing Bearing: As used in this disclosure, a slewing bearing is a device that is used to rotate an object on a horizontal surface. Slewing bearings are typically load bearing structures Slewing bearings are often called turntable bearings or a lazy Susan bearing.

Stanchion: As used in this disclosure, a stanchion refers to a vertically oriented prism-shaped pole, post, or support.

Switch: As used in this disclosure, a switch is an electrical device that starts and stops the flow of electricity through an electric circuit by completing or interrupting an electric circuit. The act of completing or breaking the electrical circuit is called actuation. Completing or interrupting an electric circuit with a switch is often referred to as closing or opening a switch respectively. Completing or interrupting an electric circuit is also often referred to as making or breaking the circuit respectively.

Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.

Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object.

Time: As used in this disclosure, time refers to a structure within which the sequence of all events from the past, through present, and into the future can be organized. Time also refers to a measure of the interval between the occurrence of a first event and the occurrence of a second event within the structure of time.

Toddler: As used in this disclosure, a toddler is a human child between the ages of one and three who has learned to walk.