Abstract:
An apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep is described. A baby is placed on the apparatus. The apparatus is moved back and forth by a parent or a caregiver. The rhythmic movement, the vibration induced from the contact of the apparatus with the floor, and the sound of the movement operate in conjunction to induce the baby to sleep and/or to sooth the baby. The apparatus includes a platform. The platform includes a base with a lower base surface and an upper base surface. The platform holds or supports a cushion that is removably positioned on the upper base surface. Wheels are engaged to the lower base surface of the platform. A handle extends from the platform. The handle is hingedly engaged to the platform. The handle is retractable with respect to the platform.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Inducing sleep in babies and infants may prove difficult. Adjusting to days/nights, schedule changes, colic, sickness, and other influences may make it difficult for the baby to fall asleep. Parents with a baby who is not sleeping will attempt nearly anything to get the baby to sleep. For example, parents may drive the babies in cars in order to soothe them and induce sleep. Parents may place the babies in expensive and cumbersome mechanical swings in order to induce sleep. Parents may place the babies beneath a ceiling fan so that the baby can watch the ceiling fan in order to induce sleep. 
         [0003]    Unfortunately, many of these existing techniques for inducing sleep do not solve the problem of getting the baby to sleep in the appropriate location. For example, a baby who is a passenger in a car may only remain sleeping while the car is moving. Moreover, fuel will be wasted, and the baby will be exposed to an unnecessary risk of an auto accident. Further, mechanical swings are not designed for a baby to sleep for extended periods of time therein. Moving the sleeping baby from the mechanical swing or from the car seat of the car to the bed or crib may wake the baby. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0004]    An apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep is described. A baby is placed on the apparatus. The apparatus is moved back and forth by a parent or a caregiver. The rhythmic movement, the vibration induced from the contact of the apparatus with the floor, and the sound of the movement operate in conjunction to induce the baby to sleep and/or to sooth the baby. After the baby has fallen asleep, the parent or caregiver may transfer the baby to its crib or bed to continue sleeping. 
         [0005]    The apparatus described herein induces the baby to sleep and/or soothes the baby. The apparatus provides a removable cushion to aid in the transfer of the baby to its crib or to its bed. The apparatus may be rolled on the floor while the apparatus supports the baby. The rolling action induces sleep in the baby. The cushion may be detached or removed from the apparatus in order to move the baby to its bed or crib. 
         [0006]    The apparatus for inducing the baby to sleep includes a platform. The platform comprises a base with a lower base surface and an upper base surface. The platform holds or supports a cushion that is removably positioned on the upper base surface. The cushion supports the baby. Wheels are engaged to the lower base surface of the platform. A handle extends from the platform. The handle is hingedly engaged to the platform. The handle is also retractable with respect to the platform. 
         [0007]    The use of the apparatus will now be described. The apparatus is placed on the floor. The baby that needs to fall asleep is placed face up on the cushion. The cushion is already removably positioned on the upper base surface of the platform. The parent or caregiver grasps the handle and pulls the rolling platform in the direction toward the parent or caregiver and then pushes the rolling platform, via the handle, in the opposite direction away from the parent or caregiver. This process is repeated until the baby has fallen asleep. 
         [0008]    After the baby has fallen asleep, the cushion (with the baby thereon) may be removed from the apparatus, and the cushion and the baby are carried together to its bed. At the bed or crib, the cushion may be slightly tilted and the baby is urged or scooted off of the cushion and onto the bedding surface. As such, the baby and the cushion may be simultaneously removed from the platform and the baby may then be transferred to a bed or a crib. Alternatively, the baby may be picked up from the cushion and carried to the bed or the crib. 
         [0009]    When the apparatus is not in use, the handle be may be retracted into or under the apparatus for convenient storage. The apparatus is lightweight, so the apparatus may easily be stored on a shelf. 
         [0010]    In a further aspect, the apparatus may be designed to move back and forth automatically. The apparatus utilizes a rechargeable battery and a small electric motor to drive the wheels to propel the apparatus. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep with a baby positioned thereon 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a handle end view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a further handle end view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep with the handle extended. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a further side view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep with the handle extended. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the front of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the wheel mount of the apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a view of the handle and the bracket. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is an end view of the embodiment with motorized casters. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the embodiment with motorized casters. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep is shown in  FIGS. 1 through 13 . A roller device  10  comprises a platform  100 , a cushion  200 , and a handle  300 . The cushion  200  rests on the platform  100 . The handle  300  extends from the platform  100 . 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a baby  50  is placed on a top surface  205  of the cushion  200 . A bottom surface  210  of the cushion  200  rests on the platform  100 . When it is desired for the baby  50  to sleep or the baby  50  needs soothing, the baby  50  is placed on the top surface  205  of the cushion  200 , which is resting on the platform  100 . The parent or caregiver grips the handle  300  and moves the roller device  10  in a back and forth motion on a floor  70 . The baby  50  is maintained approximately at or just above ground level. 
         [0028]    The platform  100  has a generally rectangular shape. The platform  100  includes a base  105 . Sidewalls  120  extend from the base  105  to form a receiving area for the cushion  200 . The sidewalls  120  terminate in a rolled lip  130 . The rolled lip  130  provides a bumper structure or buffering surface for the roller device  10  in case the roller device  10  is accidentally pushed or urged against a wall, table, door jam, etc. Further, the rolled lip  130  acts as a means for the parent or caregiver to grip the roller device  10  and pick up the roller device  10 . 
         [0029]    The cushion  200  rests on an upper base surface  110  of the base  105  of the platform  100 . The sidewalls  120  and the base  105  form a recess  125  that receives the cushion  200 . Preferably, the sidewalls  120  extend above a height of the cushion  200  in order to maintain the cushion  200  in the recess  125  and to further act as a rim-like structure to keep the baby  50  from rolling out of or turning out of the platform  100 . The cushion  200  rests on the base  105 . Specifically, the bottom surface  210  of the cushion  200  rests on the upper base surface  110  of the base  105 . 
         [0030]    The cushion  200  generally comprises a cushion layer  220  mounted on or integral to a rigid cushion base  230 . A partial sectional view of the cushion  200  is shown in  FIG. 10 . An outer layer  240  surrounds or envelops the combination of the cushion layer  220  and the rigid cushion base  230 . The cushion layer  220  may be made from a foam pad or other cushioning structure or resilient material. For example, a 2-inch thick foam pad may be used as the cushion layer  220 . The rigid cushion base  230  may include a hard sheet of plastic material or other rigid material upon which the cushion layer  220  is placed, glued, adhered, or attached. The rigid cushion base  230  provides support to the cushion  200  when the cushion  200  is removed from the roller device  10  with the baby  50  thereon. The rigid cushion base  230  prevents the cushion  200  from collapsing or folding in from the weight of the baby  50  such that cushion  200  with the baby  50  thereon may be carefully carried to its bed or crib. As such, the cushion  200  readily separates from the roller device  10 . 
         [0031]    The outer layer  240  may include a vinyl material that resists moisture and stains. The outer layer  240  may include a zipper or other fastening means to close the outer layer  240  about the combination of the cushion layer  220  and the rigid cushion base  230 . A removable, washable cover may be applied over the outer layer  240 . For example, a microfiber, cotton, or synthetic blend sham, fitted sheet, or casing may be fitted over the cushion  200 . 
         [0032]    Velcro tabs  250  extend from the cushion  200 . The Velcro tabs  250  pass through tab openings  115  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) in the base  105 . The Velcro tabs  250  assist in maintaining the position of the cushion  200  upon the upper base surface  110 . 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the handle  300  extends from a first side  142  of the platform  100 . The platform  100  includes a second side  144  opposite of the first side  142 . The first side  142  and the second side  144  form the shorter sides of the generally rectangular platform  100 . A third side  146  and fourth side  148  form the longer sides of the generally rectangular platform  100 . The handle  300  includes handle extensions  320  that hold, form, attach, or define a grip  350 . Opposite of the grip  350 , the handle extensions  320  include, attach to, or form a bar  360  that is in a hinged connection with the platform  100 . The handle  300  extends from the platform  100  in a hinging engagement with respect to the platform  100 . As such, the handle  300  first extends from the platform  100  until reaching a hinging engagement with the platform  100 . 
         [0034]    The hinging engagement allows the parent or caregiver to remain stationary while manipulating the roller device  10  in a back and forth manner. The handle  300  typically elevates when the roller device  10  is pulled toward the parent, and the handle  300  typically lowers when the roller device  10  is pushed away from the parent. The handle  300  is also in a retractable engagement with the platform  100 . The handle  300  may fully or nearly fully retract underneath the platform  100  to provide for easier storage. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  11 , and  13 , the lower base surface  150  is provided with a track  160  to receive the bar  360  and the handle extensions  320  of the handle  300 . The bar  360  is held in a pivoting engagement with a bracket  190  of the platform  100 . The bracket  190  may be integral or attached to the platform  100 . The bracket  190  is in open communication with the track  160  to allow the bar  360  and the handle extensions  320  to slide into and in the track  160  in order to conceal the handle extensions  320  or to mostly conceal the handle extensions  320 . With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 13 , the bracket  190  defines an open space  192  that captures the bar  360  and prevents the handle  300  from being fully removed from the platform  100 . The track  160  defines a void  165  that receives the handle extensions  320 . 
         [0036]    The track  160  comprises oppositely disposed track members  162  and  164  that span approximately 40% to approximately 95% of the length of the lower base surface  150 . The track members  162  and  164  are disposed generally parallel to each other with a space between the track members  162  and  164 . 
         [0037]    The handle  300  comprises the handle extensions  320  connected to the bar  360 . The handle extensions  320  have a generally linear shape. The handle extensions  320  are formed of a material with sufficient rigidity to cause the platform  100  to be pushed and pulled. In the embodiment shown, two handle extensions  320  are disposed in a parallel arrangement. The handle extensions  320  connect to the grip  350  on one end of the handle extensions  320 , and the handle extensions  320  connect to the bar  360  on the other end of the handle extensions  320 . In the embodiment shown, a first handle extension  322  and a second handle extension  324  connect to the bar  360  and to the grip  350 . In other embodiments, the handle  300  may include a telescopic, modular construction, or a single handle extension. 
         [0038]    The handle extensions  320  and the bar  360  are slideably engaged to the track  160 . The track  160  comprises the bracket  190  in operative engagement with the track  160 . The handle extensions  320  and the bar  360  slide along the track  160 . 
         [0039]    Specifically, first and a second opposing ends  362 ,  364  of the bar  360  slide in the first track member  162  and in the second track member  164 . The first opposing end  362  is connected or integral to the first handle extension  322 , while the second opposing end  364  is connected or integral to the second handle extension  324 . 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , the first and second opposing ends  362 ,  364  of the bar  360  slide in the track  160  until the opposing ends  362 ,  364  of the bar  360  abut or contact the bracket  190 . The bracket  190  is positioned at an end of the track  160  on the first side of the platform  100 . The bracket  190  prevents the handle  300  from being fully removed from the platform  100 . The bracket  190  maintains the bar  360  in a hinged engagement to allow the handle extensions  320  to hinge relative to the platform  100 . The bracket  190  maintains the bar  360  in the open space  192  of the bracket  190 . The first handle extension  322  and the second handle extension  324  are generally fully retracted from the track  160  before the handle  300  may hinge relative to the apparatus  100 . 
         [0041]    At the first side  142  of the platform  100 , a lip opening  135  is provided in a portion of the rolled lip  130  in order to accommodate the handle  300 . The handle  300  hinges in a range of approximately parallel to the floor  70  to approximately 80° relative to the floor  70 . 
         [0042]    The lower base surface  150  includes support structures to provide rigidity and strength to the platform  100 . The platform  100  may be picked up with the baby  50  on the cushion  200 . As such, it is important that the platform  100  have sufficient rigidity and strength in order to support the weight of the baby  50  and the cushion  200 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the lower base surface  150  includes lengthwise support ribs  152 , diagonal support ribs  154 , and widthwise support ribs  156 . The diagonal support ribs  154  connect to the intersections of the lengthwise support rigs  152  and the widthwise support ribs  156 . The support ribs  152 ,  154 , and  156  extend from the lower base surface  150 . The support ribs,  152 ,  154 , and  156  are disposed on either sides of the track  160 . Further support ribs  152 ,  154 , and  156  may be positioned in between the track members  162  and  164 . 
         [0043]    A plurality of wheels, casters, or rollers are positioned on the bottom of the platform  100  to provide for the rolling action of the roller device  10 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , four wheels  180  are positioned at the four corners of the platform  100 . Additional wheels may be added to platform  100  and/or their location varied. With reference to  FIG. 12 , the wheels  180  include a wheel stem  182  that is inserted into a wheel opening  174  of wheel supports  170 . The wheel supports  170  are preferably integral to the platform  100  in order to transfer vibration from the rolling of the wheels  180  through the wheel supports  170 , to the platform  100 , and to the cushion  200  in contact with the baby  50 . The sound and vibration of the rolling also acts to soothe and comfort the baby  50 . The sound and vibration is especially soothing when the device  10  is rolled on hard surfaces, such as linoleum or tile floor surfaces. 
         [0044]    The wheel supports  170  may include a thicker region of the platform  100  that integrally connects to a combination of the lower base surface  150  and the sidewalls  120 . The wheel opening  174  is a hollowed recess or socket that receives the wheel stem  182 . 
         [0045]    The wheels  180  and wheel stem  182  are preferably short in height in order to maintain the baby  50  close to the floor  70 . The closer the baby  50  is to the floor  70 , the more vibration is transferred from the rolling of the wheels  180  on the floor  70  to the baby  50 . Further, the baby  50  is in a safer position closer to the floor. Preferably, there is no more than approximately 1 to 6 inches between the lower base surface  150  and the floor  70 . A top surface  181  of the wheels  180  are approximately flush with the lower base surface  150  or are within several inches of the lower base surface  150 . 
         [0046]    The platform  100  has the length of approximately 24 inches to approximately 48 inches. The embodiment shown in the Figures has the length of approximately 34 inches, which accommodates most babies and is still short enough in order to provide for convenient storage. The platform  100  has a width of approximately 18 inches to approximately 36 inches. The embodiment shown in the Figures has a width of approximately 22 inches. The platform  100  has a thickness of approximately 1/16 inches to approximately ½ inches. The embodiment shown in the Figures has a thickness of approximately ⅛ inches. 
         [0047]    The platform  100  may be formed from plastics and thermoplastics, such as, for example, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and blends thereof. The platform  100  may be formed through thermoforming, molding, injection molding, and other plastic forming processes known in the art. The platform  100  may be provided in a variety of colors. 
         [0048]    The sidewalls  120  extend from the upper base surface  110  at an angle of approximately 110° to approximately 140° (relative to the upper base surface  110 ) in order to provide the recess  125 . In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the sidewalls  120  extend at approximately a 120° angle relative to the upper base surface  110 . 
         [0049]    The wheels  180  may be a grip ring stem type cartwheel commercially available from Shepherd as Omega Series Part No. PCM 2020 IBC. The handle  300  may be similar to the handle model T10 commercially available by Clipper Products. 
         [0050]    In further embodiments, the cushion  200  could be hinged lengthwise for ease in placing the baby  50  into the crib. The lengthwise hinge allows for the cushion  200  to cradle the baby  50  during transfer to the crib. 
         [0051]    In still further embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the device  10  includes motorized casters  400  to automatically roll or propel the device  10 . One, two, three, four or more of the motorized casters  400  may be positioned on the lower base surface  150  of the platform  100 . The motorized casters  400  may also be positioned at one or more of the corners of the platform  100 . One or more of the more motorized casters  400  may also be positioned in a central or middle region of the lower base surface  150 . A combination of the motorized casters  400  and the wheels  180  may also be used. 
         [0052]    The motorized casters  400  include a motor  405  to drive the caster  400 . The motorized casters  400  are in electrical and/or control communication with a battery  410  and a controller  420 . The battery  410  may include rechargeable batteries that may be recharged by plugging a jack  415  into a source of alternating or direct current. The battery  410  may also be replaceable batteries, such as, for example, dry cell batteries. 
         [0053]    The controller  420  includes switches  425  and controls  430  to activate and operate the roller device  10 . The controller  420  controls the forward and reverse drive of the casters  400 . The controller  420  controls the speed and length of the movement of the motorized casters  400 . The speed and length of the movement may adjusted by the user via the switches  425  and the controls  430 . The controller  420  signals the motorized casters  400  to drive forward for a distance and then to drive in reverse. Suitable casters  400  include POWERKASTER motorized casters commercially available from Boston Robotics, which use worm gear motors that operates at 12 v or 24 v. 
         [0054]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from the specific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention. The invention should not be restricted to the above embodiments, but should be measured by the following claims.