Abstract:
An improved baby carrier device having an integral swinging mechanism which is capable of providing a pendulum-like rocking action thereto is herein disclosed. In addition to other known uses such as a containment mechanism for infants or as a receptacle for mounting within a baby carriage, or car seat, the present invention enhances the utility of a conventional baby carrier system via the incorporation of a integral baby swing, thereby abating the need for other extraneous mechanisms or other related swing drive devices. The carrier device has a pair of leg assemblies which are incorporated into the handle assembly thereof and are selectively adjustable by a user from an extended position wherein said carrier shell is suspended above a support surface in a stable manner, to a retracted position wherein the leg assemblies are confined within the housing of the handle assembly. Self-propelled actuation means are also described which drivingly couples the rotational force of a motor drive means to the reciprocal pendulum-like action of the swing assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to to baby carrier devices, and more particularly, to an improved baby carrier device having a swinging mechanism integrally incorporated therein for imparting a self-propelled pendulum-like swinging action thereby providing a soothing and calming effect for an infant positioned therein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Baby carriers, bassinets, cribs, baby carriages, baby swings, and baby car seats comprise a list of baby holding devices that are used to contain an infant for various assundry purposes including the sleep, containment, or transport thereof. More recently, baby holding devices having multiple uses have gained significant consumer acceptance due to the relatively lower initial cost outlay in addition to the increased functionality provided thereby. Thus, a conventional baby carrier having specific utility as a means for transporting an infant while walking may also be configured for use as a car seat, or even as a receptacle for mounting within a baby carriage, thereby creating a baby carrier system. Additionally, the conventional baby carrier system has also found viable utility as a portable rocker via the implementation of convex shaped support surfaces fashioned therebeneath, which allow the baby carrier to be manually rocked to-and-fro by an accompanying adult. 
     It is well known that imparting a reciprocating or rocking motion to a young infant has a calming as well as a sleep inducing effect thereon. Due to this fact, many attempts have been made to incorporate a swinging mechanism into various types of baby holding devices. One such type of baby holding device includes a baby crib having reciprocating means as described by U.S. Pat. No. 3,022,520 to Finger, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,225,365 to Miller et al. Nevertheless, smaller, more portable devices such as those described by U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,080 to Hafele, U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,343 to Kinslow and U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,940 to Longoria. et al. have been developed which utilize a reciprocatingly enabled baby recliner device. Although the &#39;080, &#39;343, and &#39;940 devices are all relatively more portable than the crib type devices denoted hereinabove, their designs suffer in that they are dedicated to the single utilitarian function of rocking a baby. That is, neither of these devices is configurable for use as a baby carrier, or as a receptacle for mounting in a car seat or a baby carriage. 
     In order to extend the functionality of the conventional multi-use baby carrier system for use as a self-propelled swing or rocker, motorized actuating mechanisms have been developed which cause the conventional baby carrier to rock to-and-fro when placed on a large flat surface such as a floor wherein several examples of such devices includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,698 to Jantz, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,698 to Asenstorfer, et al. Although both of these devices do provide utility as a self-propelled motion imparting device for the baby carrier, they both exist as external mechanisms to the baby carrier system and thus possess the inherent drawback of an extraneous part which may possibly become inadvertently displaced from the baby carrier device, thus negating their usefulness for their intended purpose. Additionally, the motorized rocking system described by the aforementioned devices would find very limited use on uneven or soft surfaces such as lawns, which is a typical surfacing feature found at parks, front yards, golf courses, and the like. 
     There has thus been a long-felt need for baby carrier system having the ability to impart a self-propelled swinging or rocking motion for the purpose of comforting and calming of a baby disposed thereinside. The self-propelled actuating mechanism should optimally exist as an integral portion of the baby carrier device and should be easily configurable for use either as a baby carrier or as a baby swing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTIVES 
     The present invention provides a solution to these needs as well as other needs via an integral reciprocating mechanism for a baby carrier seat which imparts a self-propelled swinging action thereto in order to calm and relax an infant seated therein. The swinging mechanism of the present invention exists as an integral portion of the baby carrier thereby enabling the convenient use thereof as a baby swing at virtually any location. Thus, the utility of a conventional baby carrier system is enhanced to provide functionality of a baby swing in addition to other uses such as a car seat or as a receptacle for mounting within a baby carriage, 
     thereby abating the need for extraneous mechanisms or other related swing drive devices. Moreover, the baby carrier seat in conjunction with the novel swinging mechanism of the present invention is selectively configurable for use either as a baby carrier or as a baby swing thus negating the need for cumbersome externally configured swing drive mechanisms. 
     It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved baby carrier having an integral swinging mechanism which is capable of imparting a swinging action to a baby carrier device. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an integral reciprocating mechanism for a baby carrier seat which exists as an integral portion of a conventional baby carrier seat, wherein the utility thereof is enhanced in order to provide a self-propelled swinging action thereto. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a reciprocating mechanism for a baby carrier which exists as an integral portion of a conventional baby carrier seat which is easily portable and is capable of being used at any location where a parent may carry their infant. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel reciprocating mechanism which is configurable to swing a baby carrier seat in a pendulum type motion, wherein said pendulum type motion causes the combination of said baby carrier and seated infant to swing at the resonant frequency thereof, thereby imparting a smooth, soothing ride for said infant. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an integral reciprocating mechanism for a baby carrier seat which is relatively low cost, compact, and easy to use. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those familiar with the construction and use of baby holding devices and will become apparent in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbers, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art baby carrier device, wherein alternative angular positions of the handle assembly relative to the carrier seat are shown in dashed lines. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the present invention shown with the legs thereof in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 3  is a right side elevational view of the present invention shown with the legs in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 4  is a left side elevational view of the present invention shown with the legs in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the present invention shown with the legs thereof in the extended position. 
         FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of the present invention shown with the legs in the extended position. 
         FIG. 7  is a cut-away view taken at  7 — 7  of  FIG. 3 , showing the arrangement of components of the drive assembly in the right vertically extending portion of the handle assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is an inside elevational view of the right side of the handle assembly of the present invention shown removed from the carrier seat. The figures in dashed lines reveal the portions of the drive assembly which are disposed within the cavity. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective exploded view of the right vertically extending portion of the handle assembly in order to reveal the various components of the drive assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is an inside elevational view of the left side vertically extending portion of the handle assembly shown removed from the carrier seat. 
         FIG. 11  is a cut-away view taken at  11 — 11  of  FIG. 4  showing the arrangement of the battery compartment within the left side hub assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial side elevational view of the carrier seat showing the configuration of the right side hub seat. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial cut-away view taken at  13 — 13  of  FIG. 6  showing the arrangement of the components of the right side release button. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 through 13  thereof, a new and improved baby carrier having an integral swinging mechanism embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 , will now be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a prior art baby carrier  1  is shown which may exist as a stand-alone device for the containment and transport of an infant or more preferably may exist as a portion of a baby carrier system wherein the baby carrier  1  may also be utilized as a receptacle for releasably mounting within a baby carriage assembly (not shown) or a car seat mount (not shown). The baby carrier  1  has an infant carrier shell  3  for containment of an infant therein having a fabric inlay  4  to provide a cushioning as well as a thermally insulating effect for the infant positioned therein. The prior art baby carrier  1  also has a handle assembly  5  for lifting and transport of the baby carrier  1  by an accompanying adult which is typically formed of rigid material into a generally inverted U-shape having hub assemblies  6  attached at both depending ends thereof. Although only the left side hub assembly is shown in the drawings for clarity, it is to be understood that the right side hub assembly is a mirror image thereof. The hub assemblies  6  interconnect the handle assembly  5  to the infant carrier shell  3  via a rotatable connection and release buttons  7  configured in either hub assembly  6  enable the handle assembly to be locked in a plurality of angular positions relative to the carrier shell  3 . Thus, the handle assembly  5  may be held at angular orientation “A” for lifting and transport of the baby carrier  1 , which is denoted as the transport position. Alternatively, if access to the infant is desired or if the carrier  1  is to be releasably mounted within the baby carriage assembly or car seat mount, the release buttons  7  may be depressed thereby allowing the handle assembly to be rotated to angular orientation “B”, otherwise denoted as the access position. Other optional angular orientations include orientation “C” which allows the carrier shell  3  to be propped-up thereby placing the infant in a seat-forward position when placed on a flat surface such as a floor. 
     The present invention enhances the utility of the aforedescribed prior art baby carrier  1  by incorporating a handle assembly  10  having a swing mechanism integrally formed therein which is selectively configurable to allow the carrier shell to be swung in a pendulum fashion thus providing a soothing and relaxing experience to an infant seated therein as shown in  FIGS. 2 through 13 .  FIGS. 2 through 4  depicts a baby carrier device having the enhanced handle assembly  10  of the present invention configured thereon shown with a pair of leg assemblies ( 20   l  and  20   r ) integrally attached to the handle assembly shown in the retracted position. Thus while in the retracted position, the baby carrier may be used in any of the aforedescribed modes such as a stand-alone device or as a portion of a baby carrier system in a manner similar to the prior art type baby carrier of  FIG. 1 . Additionally, the enhanced handle assembly  10  of the present invention has sliding release buttons ( 70   l  and  70   r ) which allows the handle assembly to be selectively disposed at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the carrier shell  3  thereof in a similar manner to the prior art baby carrier device  1 . Conversely, when the leg assemblies ( 20   l  and  20   r ) are selectively moved to the extended position as shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7 , the baby carrier device is enabled for use as a swing. 
     The handle assembly  10  of the present invention generally comprises an inverted generally U-shaped rigid member having left  12   l  and right  12   r  hub assemblies integrally attached at the depending ends and a cross member  14  interconnecting the upper ends thereof. Both vertically extending portions ( 13   l  and  13   r ) of U-shaped member have swing support structure means comprising leg assemblies ( 20   l  and  20   r ) configured therein which are reciprocatively movable from the retracted to the extended position by an adult user. As shown more concisely in  FIGS. 7 ,  9 , and  11 , a pair of elongated through holes ( 15   l  and  15   r ), the longitudinal extent thereof which is substantially co-linear with the longitudinal extent of their respective vertically extending portions ( 13   l  and  13   r ), are integrally formed therein and each are dimensioned to accept its respective leg assembly ( 20   l  and  20   r ) therein. Leg retention means defined by projections  19  existing on the forward and aft sections of the vertically extending portions and are integrally formed therewith and project inwardly into each of the through holes ( 15   l  and  15   r ) in order to releasably secure all of the legs therewithin while in the retracted position. The right and left ( 20   l  and  20   r ) leg assemblies are rotatably interconnected to the vertically extending portions proximate the upper end thereof via spindles ( 21   l  and  21   r ) formed preferably of metal, which serve to act as a fulcrum mechanism for the pendulum swinging action of the carrier shell  3 . The spindles ( 21   l  and  21   r ) extend through bearings  23  which are integrally formed on the upper portion of each of the vertically extending portions ( 13   l  and  13   r ) and are held in place via snap rings  24  that are adapted to be springably biased into annular slots  22  formed on the spindles. 
     The left  20   l  and right  20   r  leg assemblies are essentially symmetrically similar in design so only the right  20   r  leg assembly will be described. As best shown in  FIG. 9 , the right leg assembly  20   r  comprises two extendable legs  26  that are interconnected to a generally U-shaped member  32  formed preferably of metal, via metallic pins  33  which are secured thereinto via a press fit. Both depending ledges of member  32  have holes  34  in conjunction with two opposing integrally formed slots  35  for insertion of spindle  21   r  therethrough for the purpose of which will be described hereinbelow. Each of the legs  26  includes an upper section  27  defining a hollow circular cross-section and a lower section  28  having a circular cross-sectional size sufficient to provide for slidable insertion into the inner cavity of said upper section  27 . Although there are numerous well known mechanisms that provide for selective adjustment of the effective length of each of the legs, the preferred mechanism for releasably interlocking the lower section  28  to the upper section  27  incorporates an eccentrically disposed cam member  29  having a locking ring  30  encircled thereabout, wherein said locking mechanism as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,515,418, to Nielsen, issued Jun. 2, 1970, is hereby incorporated by reference. Nevertheless, structural stability for each of the leg assemblies are provided by an optional hinged cross-brace  38  which is attached to each of the legs via collars  39 . The collars  39  may be attached to the outer surface of the legs  26  using any suitable means such as weldment, or the like. 
     Self-propelled actuation of the swinging mechanism of the present invention is provided by a swing drive assembly mounted in the right vertically extending portion  13   r  of the handle assembly as best shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  9 . The swing drive assembly generally comprises an electric DC motor  45 , a worm gear assembly  46  coupled to the output shaft thereof, and a pushrod  48  which translates the rotational motion of the worm gear assembly  46  to a to-and-fro reciprocal action of a torque spring  50 . Although the present embodiment describes the use of an electric motor as a motor drive means, it is well known in the art that alternative motor drive means such as a manual wind-up spring drive means would be a valid substitute. In addition to providing a means of rotational speed reduction, the worm gear assembly also has a post  47  eccentrically attached thereto for providing a rotatable connection of the depending end of the pushrod  48 . The pushrod  48  as well as the torque spring  50  are disposed within an elongated cavity  55  which is formed in the vertically extending portion  13   r  of the handle assembly and extends substantially co-planar to through hole  15   r . The cavity  55  extends into the inner cavity portion of hub assembly  12   r  thereby allowing the pushrod  48  to extend from the post  47  to the torque spring  50 . 
     The torque spring  50  acts as a lever which translates the generally linear to-and-fro motion of the upper end of the pushrod  48  to a reciprocal rotational motion of the spindle  21   r . The torque spring  50  is maintained in torsional communication with spindle  21   r  via a spring hub  51  which has a through hole  52  in conjunction with two opposing slots  53  integrally formed proximate the central portion thereof for insertion of the spindle  21   r  therethrough. Splines  55  integrally formed on the spindle  21   r  are adapted to engage within the slots  53  upon insertion thereto thereby causing rotational motion of the hub  51  to be imparted to the spindle  21   r  as well. Similarly, another pair of splines  56  integrally formed on the spindle  21   r  are adapted to be engaged into slots  35  formed U-shaped member  32  thereby causing rotational motion of the spindle to be imparted thereto. Thus, rotational motion of the motor  45  is translated to a reciprocal to-and-fro motion of the U-shaped member  32  which causes the carrier shell to swing accordingly. The purpose of the torque spring  50  is to dampen the effect of inconsistencies between the effective reciprocal frequency of the to-and-fro movement of the pushrod  48  with the natural resonant frequency of the carrier shell  3  as well as to protect the components of the swing drive assembly from damage should the carrier shell  3  be forced to an immovable state during the operation thereof. Nevertheless, it is to be noted that although the lever portion of the swing drive assembly as described comprises a torque spring in order to provide dampening therefor, other components of the swing drive assembly may alternatively incorporate spring dampening means such as a pushrod formed of a resilient material and shaped in such a manner to allow a spring-like elongation or contraction thereof. Optionally, electronic circuitry (not shown) may be provided that senses the angular position of the carrier shell  3  relative to the leg assembly  20   r  in order to control power to the motor  45  such that the action of the swing drive assembly is synchronized with the natural resonant frequency of the carrier shell  3 . 
     Electrical power to drive the electric motor  45  is supplied by replaceable batteries  61  which are contained in an onboard battery compartment  60  located in the left side hub assembly  20   l  as best shown in  FIGS. 10 , and  11 . Optionally, other portable sources of electrical power may be utilized including rechargeable batteries, self-contained battery packs, or the like. Additionally, a power jack may be provided on the hub assembly  20   l  thereby enabling power to the motor by a typical AC wall adapter. Nevertheless, electrical power to the motor  45  is controlled by a switch  62  that is mounted on the hub assembly  12   l  and thus easily accessible by an adult user, wherein the switch is preferably a multi-position switch which will allow multiple speeds of operation. Moreover, the speed of operation of the swing drive assembly may be accomplished through conventional resistance elements which are selectively configured in a series connection with the motor, and battery circuit via the switch  62 . Optionally, the switch may be configured to control the speed of operation through circuitry which intermittently delivers electrical power to the motor, the function and design of which is well known in the art. 
     Release buttons ( 70   l  and  70   r ) are provided on both left and right ( 12   l  and  12   r ) hub assemblies in order to allow the handle assembly to be locked in a plurality of user selectable angular orientations with respect to the carrier shell  3  via hub seats ( 80   l  and  80   r ). The function and design of the left  70   l  and right  70   r  release buttons in addition to the left  80   l  and right  80   r  hub seats are substantially similar so only the right  70   r  release button and  80   r  hub seat will be described. As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 13 , release button  70   r  generally comprises a pin member  71  which is integrally attached to a thumb-access member  72 . Member  72  has grooves  73  integrally formed on either side thereof for slidable insertion into a slot  74  formed in the walls of the hub assembly  12   r . The pin member  71  also has a concentrically formed hole for slidable receipt of a rod  77  therein. The rod  77  projects outwardly from the cavity of the hub assembly  12   r  and is affixedly attached to a spring seat  78  which is in turn, affixed to the inner surface thereof as best shown in  FIG. 13 . The spring seat  78  is integrally formed thereon for incorporation of a spring  79  which biases the release button  70   r  outwardly away from the cavity of the hub assembly  12   r.    
     Hub seats ( 80   l  and  80   r ) are integrally formed on either side of the carrier shell  3  to provide for rotational attachment of the handle assembly thereto and are secured in place via bolts  76 . The right hub seat  80   r  has an annular depression  81  formed therein to accept the outer end of the hub assembly  12   r  and a circular plate member  82  which is encompassed thereby. When the hub assembly is installed onto the hub seat  80   r , the force of the spring  79  causes the head of the rod  71  to press against the plate member  82 . Holes ( 84   a ,  84   b , and  84   c ) are formed in member  82  and are dimensioned to receive the head of the rod  71  therein, thereby providing a means to lock the handle assembly in a predetermined angular orientation. Thus, the handle assembly may be freely rotated by a user when the rods  71  are not positioned over any of the holes ( 84   a ,  84   b , and  84   c ). However, when the handle assembly is rotated to a point where the rods  71  are over either of the holes, the force of the spring  79  presses the rods  71  thereinto and thus causing the handle assembly&#39;s angular orientation to become locked with respect to the carrier shell. Further rotation of the handle assembly requires the user to press outwardly on the release buttons ( 70   l  and  70   r ) while simultaneously rotating the handle assembly in order to disengage the rods  71  from the hole. Utilizing the aforedescribed configuration, the handle assembly may have virtually any quantity of predetermined locking angular orientations, limited only by the number of holes which can be formed in the circular plate  82 . The present embodiment however, employs three sets of holes; hole  84   a  locks the handle assembly in the transport position, hole  84   b  locks the handle assembly in the access position, and hole  84   c  locks the handle assembly in the seat-forward position. Projections  85  which are integrally formed on the surface of the circular plate  82  act as a blocking mechanism to the head of the rod  71  thus insuring that the handle assembly is not rotated significantly beyond the transport or seat-forward positions. 
     The U-shaped member, hub assemblies ( 12   l  and  12   r ), bearings  23 , battery compartment  60 , rod  77 , and spring seat  78  are preferably integrally formed from one piece of high strength thermoplastic, preferably a plastic material which will withstand a reasonable amount of normal as well as abnormal use without warpage or breakage thereby providing optimal safety for the infant contained within the carrier device. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are several plastic formulations which are suitable for this purpose. 
     To use the swinging mechanism of the present invention, the handle assembly is initially placed in the transport position and the legs  26  moved to the extended position. The device is then placed on any generally level support surface such as a floor, a lawn, or the like and the switch adjusted to the desired speed setting for the swing drive mechanism. It is important to note that the length of either of the four legs may be easily adjusted at any time during the use thereof in order to compensate for any contour irregularities of the support surface. Following use, the aforementioned procedure is reversed and the baby carrier may again be used in a similar manner to any conventional prior art type baby carrier. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the aforedescribed embodiment discloses a pair of leg assemblies that are adapted to recede into the handle assembly while in the retracted position, however it is well known in the art that leg assemblies that are adapted to merely lie juxtaposed to the handle assembly while in the retracted position would achieve a substantially similar purpose and thus provide a substantially similar utility. Thus, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.