Patent Publication Number: US-7717798-B2

Title: Child motion device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
   This claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/732,640 which was filed on Nov. 3, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Disclosure 
   The present disclosure is generally directed to child motion devices, and more particularly to a device for supporting a child and imparting a soothing motion to the child. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Child motion devices such as conventional pendulum swings and bouncers are known in the art. These types of devices are often used to entertain and, sometimes more importantly, to sooth or calm a child. A child is typically placed in a seat of the device and then the device is used to swing the child in a reciprocating pendulum motion. In the case of a bouncer, a child is placed in the seat and vertical oscillating movement of the child results from the child&#39;s own movement or external force applied to the seat by someone else such as a parent. 
   Research has shown that many babies or children are not soothed or calmed down by these types of motion, but that these same children may be more readily calmed or soothed by motion imparted by a parent or adult holding the child. Parents often hold their children in their arms and in front of their torso and move in a manner that is calming and/or soothing to the child. Such movements can include side-to-side rocking, light bouncing up and down, or light rotational swinging as the parent either swings their arms back and forth, rotates their torso from side-to-side, or moves in a manner combining these motions. 
   Many types of child motion devices do not typically provide multiple different optional seating positions and arrangements for the child or multiple optional motion characteristics. A typical child motion device has only a single seating orientation and a single motion characteristic that can be provided for a child placed in the seat. A number of these types of devices are motorized to impart automatic and continuous movement to the child seat. These devices typically mount the motor above the head of a child within the device. The motor can be a noisy nuisance for the child. Additionally, the drive takes up space above the seat, which can make it difficult for an adult to position a child in the device. Furthermore, these devices typically provide motion about a single pivot axis, thereby limiting the type of motion characteristic provided. 
   Other alternative motion devices are known as well. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,217 discloses a child seating device that can function as a rocker and has curved bottom rails so that the device can simulate a rocking chair. U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,499 discloses a motor driven rocker with a base and a seat that can be attached to the base. The base incorporates a drive system that can move the seat in a rocking chair-type motion. U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,902 discloses a complex apparatus in a pendulum-type swing. Its seat moves in a manner such that a component of its travel path includes a side-to-side arcuate path in a somewhat horizontal plane (see FIG. 9 of the patent). U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,994 discloses another child swing wherein the base is formed having a first stationary part and a second part that can be turned or rotated by a parent within the first part. The seat swings in a conventional pendulum-like manner about a horizontal axis and a parent can rotate the device within the stationary base part to change the view of the child seated in the seat. 
   What is therefore needed is a child motion device that provides a motion characteristic not achieved by conventional motion devices. 
   SUMMARY 
   In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a child motion device is supported by a support surface. The device further includes at least one track that defines a travel path. A seat assembly is movably supported on the track and reciprocally moves along the travel path. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the travel path imparts at least one of a rocking motion, a gliding motion, and a bumping motion onto the seat assembly. 
   It should be appreciated that the foregoing and other aspects of the invention will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration, and not limitation, preferred embodiments of the invention. Such embodiments do not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention, and reference must therefore be made to the claims herein for interpreting the full scope of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures in which like reference numerals are intended to represent like elements throughout, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a child motion device constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the child motion device illustrated in  FIG. 1 , but in a collapsed configuration; 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional side elevation view of the child motion device taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevation view showing the child motion device during operation; 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional side elevation view of the child motion device taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional side elevation view similar to that of  FIG. 5  but showing control circuitry elements in an actuated position; 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of a child motion device similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 1  but including tracks constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment; and 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of a child motion device similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 12  but including tracks constructed in accordance with another alternative embodiment. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a seat assembly constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 10-13  are perspective views of a seat platform illustrated in  FIG. 7  and each showing a child seat mounted in a different one of a plurality of optional seating orientations; 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
   A number of examples are disclosed herein of alternative motion devices for soothing, calming, and/or entertaining children. The disclosed child motion devices solve or improve upon one or more of the problems or difficulties noted above with respect to known motion devices. The disclosed alternative motion devices each generally include a frame assembly having a seat holder that is configured to accept a seat or other child carrying device from another product, such as a car seat. The frame assembly further includes a track that provides a travel path for a supported child seat or other child carrying or supporting device. In the disclosed examples, the track can assume one of several alternative geometric configurations, and the seat can be electrically powered to ride along the travel path. 
   The travel path can be substantially flat such that the child seat translates in a pure side-to-side gliding motion, or the travel path can be contoured such that the elevation of the child seat changes to simulate a rocking motion and/or a bouncing motion in combination with the side-to-side motion. Additionally still the child seat can recline relative to the travel path to provide yet a third motion characteristic. In this way, a child seated in the seat can experience a variety of different motions. In another example, the seat can be automatically translated back and forth in a reciprocating manner along the track under the power of an electric motor. 
   The terms generally, substantially, and the like as applied herein with respect to vertical or horizontal orientations of various components are intended to mean that the components have a primarily vertical or horizontal orientation, but need not be precisely vertical or horizontal in orientation. The components can be angled to vertical or horizontal, but not to a degree where they are more than 45 degrees away from the reference mentioned. In many instances, the terms “generally” and “substantially” are intended to permit some permissible offset, or even to imply some intended offset, from the reference to which these types of modifiers are applied herein. 
   Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows one example of a child motion device  20  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The device  20  in this example generally includes a freestanding frame assembly  22  including a pair of longitudinally extending parallel tracks  24  that are supported by a base section  26 . Each track  24  includes a corresponding rail  28 , and a seat assembly  31  including a seat platform  27  that carries a child seat  29  is configured to ride along the track  24 , guided by the rail  28 , under the power of a drive assembly  50 . In  FIG. 1 , a portion of the track  24  has been removed so that the rail  28  is visible. The base section  26  is configured to rest on a support surface  30  which can include both a surface on which the device rests when in the in-use configurations and a reference plane for comparison to other aspects and parts of the invention for ease of description. 
   The support surface  30  could comprise a tabletop, countertop, or other like surface depending upon, for instance, the height of the base section  26 . However, the invention is not intended to be limited to use with only a specifically horizontal orientation of either the base section  26  of its frame assembly  22  or the reference plane. For instance, instead of the child motion device  20  being supported by an underlying support surface  30 , the device could instead be cantilevered from a vertically extending support structure (not shown). Accordingly, the term “support surface” as used herein refers to any structure or surface capable of reliably supporting the child motion device  20  in a desired position and/or orientation. It should thus be appreciated that the support surface  30  and the reference plane are utilized to assist in describing relationships between the various components of the device  20 . 
   The components of the base section  26  are described herein with reference to their position while in the in-use configuration and lying in floor reference plane. In this example, the base portion  26  includes a plurality of legs  32  (four legs as illustrated) or any alternative suitable structure that supports the child motion device  20  on the support surface  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, laterally spaced legs  32  are connected by a support beam  34  extending laterally between, and connected to, the lower ends of the legs  32  at a location below the lower surface of the tracks  24 . The support beams  34  provide enhanced support and structural integrity to the base section  26 . Alternatively, or additionally, longitudinally extending support beams (not shown) can be provided and connected between longitudinally spaced legs. 
   Feet  36  are provided at the lower edges of the legs  32 , and are configured to rest on the support surface  30 . The feet  36  can comprise a structure, such as a disc or stopper, formed from an elastomeric or other like material that increases the frictional forces with respect to the support surface  30 . The support beams  34  can be offset from the feet  34  such that they extend above the support surface  30  and below the tracks  24 , or they can be substantially aligned with the feet  34  and can include aligned discs or stoppers (not shown) that engage the support surface  30 . 
   A pair of stabilizing spacer members  38  can be further provided to enhance the stability of the device  20  and to maintain a consistent predetermined distance between the parallel tracks  24 . As illustrated, a pair of laterally extending spacer members  38  is rigidly connected to the laterally inner surfaces of the opposing tracks  24  at locations proximal the legs  32 . 
   The legs  32  extend vertically up from their feet  36  to an upper end that is connected to the frame assembly  22 . Specifically, the laterally inner surface of the upper end of each leg  32  is connected to the laterally outer surface of the respective tracks  24 . As illustrated, four legs  32  are connected at the four longitudinally outer ends of the tracks  24 , but one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the legs  32  can be connected to the tracks  24 , either directly or indirectly, at any desired location to provide structural support and stability to the child motion device  20 . Furthermore, while four legs  32 are shown as being provided, it should be appreciated that a greater or fewer number of legs  32  can be provided as desired. The legs  32  can also flare longitudinally and/or laterally inward from their lower ends as they extend upwardly towards the tracks  24  to provide enhanced stability. 
   The legs  32  can be pivotally connected to the tracks  24  in order to move the child motion device  20  between the set-up condition such as that illustrated in  FIG. 1  and a folded or collapsed condition such as that shown in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, the support beams  34  can be eliminated or removable to allow the device to be folded for storage by pivoting the legs  32  to a longitudinally extending position along the tracks  24 . The legs  32  can likewise be pivoted to the position shown in  FIG. 1  when it is desired to use the device  20 . The child motion device  20  has a very thin profile in its folded configuration, particularly when the child seat  29  is removed, which permits the device  20  to be easily stored in relatively small, thin spaces. 
   Alternatively, the legs  32  can be rigidly connected to the tracks  24  such that the child motion device  20  disclosed is not foldable at all. Instead, the child motion device  20  can be constructed so that it can not be collapsed without disassembly of the components. Quick disconnect joints can thus be employed so that the device  20  can be easily broken down for transport or storage. 
   Alternatively still, the legs  32  can be eliminated and that the lower edges of the tracks  24  can comprise be straight or contoured in a desired manner such that the tracks  24  are configured to rest directly on the support surface  30 . In this arrangement, the stabilization members  38  can remain connected to the tracks  24  but do not extend below the tracks  24  so as to enable the tracks  24  to directly engage the support surface  30 . In accordance with another alternative embodiment, if the legs  32  are eliminated, the stabilization members  38  can extend below the tracks  24  a sufficient distance so as to rest on the support surface  30 . 
   Turning now FIGS.  1  and  3 - 4 , each track  24  has a height and a lateral width that are sufficient to ensure reliable attachment to the base section  26  and further to ensure structural stability and integrity during operation as child seat rides along the tracks  24 . The precise dimensions of the tracks  24  and other structure of the child motion device  20  can be configured as desired based on, for instance, the dimensions of the seat platform  27  and the rated load weight for the device  20 . 
   The tracks  24  each define corresponding upper surfaces  40  that are in substantial vertical alignment with each other along the length of the tracks  24  to define a path of motion for the seat platform  27  and the connected child seat  29 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the tracks  24  define an actuate path along a plane that defines an angle that is greater than 0°, and substantially perpendicular, to the support surface  30 . The arcuate path is defined by a radius R. The arcuate shape is configured such that the longitudinal outer ends of the tracks  24  are both disposed above a centrally disposed midpoint that defines the lowest point along the tracks  24  such that the longitudinal outer ends of the tracks  24  are spaced further from the support surface than the midpoints of the tracks  24 . Each track  24  can therefore be substantially symmetrical about its longitudinal midpoint. 
   Accordingly, during operation, the seat platform  27  travels back and forth along the tracks  24  between the longitudinally outer ends of the tracks  24 . The motion thus imparted onto the seat platform  27  (and therefore also the seat  29 ) simulates a pendulum having a radius substantially equal to the radius R that defines the arcuate shape of the tracks  24 . The child motion device depicted generally in  FIGS. 1-4  is thus constructed to simulate or mimic various movements that might be employed by a mother or father as they hold a child in their arms. For instance, the pendulum motion simulates an adult holding a child while alternately raising and lowering his/her shoulders or pivoting his/her torso from side-to-side to provide a rocking movement. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the seat assembly  31  can include one or more spring members  37  that extend vertically between the seat platform  27  and the seat  29 . The spring members  37  can be traditional coil springs or any alternative structure having a desired spring constant that allow the child seat  29  to travel vertically (or bounce) during operation of the device  20 . For instance, the child seat  29  can bounce due to the gravitational and inertial forces acting on the child seat assembly  31  due to the motion during operation of the device  20 . Alternatively, a child&#39;s motion or a parent&#39;s touch can impart a mechanical bouncing motion. While spring members  37  have been illustrated and described as forming part of the seat assembly  31 , it should be appreciated that the spring members  37  could be eliminated such that the child seat  29  is mounted directly to the seat platform  27 . 
   With continuing reference to  FIG. 3 , the rail  28  will be described with respect to one of the tracks  24 , it being appreciated that the description is equally applicable to the other track. In the illustrated embodiment, a support beam  46  extends along the length of the track  24 , projects vertically from the upper surface  40  of the track  24 , and connects at its upper end to the rail  28 . The rail  28  is illustrated as a longitudinally elongated tubular member, but could alternatively assume any suitable size and shape appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art. 
   A guard  48  extends along the track and protects the rail from debris. The guard  48  includes a pair of L-shaped walls that are connected at their lower ends to the upper end of the lateral outer surfaces of the track  24  and that extend laterally inwardly at a location above the rail  28 . A gap exists in the upper surface of the guard  48  to accommodate a wheel  52  of the seat platform  27 . A tie  55  (see  FIG. 1 ) surrounds the walls of the guard  48  at the longitudinally outer end of the guard to provide enhanced structural stability. The guard  48  can be formed from a rigid plastic or any alternative material suitable to substantially maintain its shape over time to provide protection to the rail without impinging on the wheel  52 . The bottom surface of the seat platform  27  defines a pair of laterally spaced elongated inverted U-shaped grooves  45  (see also  FIG. 9 ) that are configured to receive, and fit around, the guards  48  free from interference. 
   With continuing reference to  FIG. 3 , the child motion device  20  includes a drive assembly  50  that is configured to cause the seat assembly  31  to automatically travel back and forth along the tracks  24  at a predetermined speed. The drive assembly  50  includes a relative motion assembly  42  that maintains the seat platform  27  in reliable sliding engagement with the tracks  24 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the motion assembly  42  includes four similarly constructed wheels  52  have a curvature configured to mate with the curvature of the rail  28 , which thus provides a mating contact surface for the wheels. At least one of the wheels  52  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is driven by the drive assembly  50 , while the remaining wheels  52  can passively rotate along the tracks  24 . The illustrated wheel  52  is supported on a cylindrical housing  54  that contains a driven shaft  56  (see  FIG. 5 ). A bracket  58  extends vertically down from the housing  54  and into the guard  48 , at which point the bracket  58  flares laterally outward and rotatably supports a capture wheel  60  that is configured to ride along the track at a location adjacent the support beam  46 . The rail  28  is thereby trapped between the wheels  52  and  60 , thereby preventing the seat platform  27  from becoming derailed during operation. It should be appreciated that the capture wheel  60  can be eliminated and that reliable contact between the wheels  52  and the rail  28  can be maintained under gravitational forces. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the drive assembly  50  further includes an actuator in the form of a motor  62  that receives command signals from a controller  64 . The motor  60  can receive power from any known source, such as a battery or a conventional electrical receptacle. The motor drives the shaft  56  to rotate via a gearbox  63  that can include a conventional clutch assembly (not shown). The driven shaft  56  is enclosed in the housing  54  that supports the capture wheel support bracket  58  as described above. Also supported on the housing  54  is a normally open limit switch  66  that includes a downwardly facing actuator extending through an opening in the bottom wall of the seat platform  27  at the groove  45  and immediately adjacent the wheel  52 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , two cam surfaces  68  are mounted onto the upper surface of the guard  48  at a location immediately adjacent the wheel  52  and laterally aligned with the actuator of the limit switch  66 . The cam surfaces  68  have a height that is sufficient to depress the actuator of the limit switch  66 , but low enough to provide clearance relative to the bottom edge of the seat platform  27 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , as the seat platform  27  travels in a forward direction as illustrated by Arrow F, the actuator of the limit switch  66  is not depressed and the controller continues the mode of motor operation. However as the seat platform  27  travels over the cam surface  68 , the limit switch actuator becomes depressed, thereby sending a signal to the controller  64  indicating the position of the seat platform  27 . 
   The operation of the child motion device  20  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . First, the user can mount the child seat  29  onto the child seat platform  27  to provide a seat assembly  3   1 . Advantageously, seat  29  can be configured to mate within a platform or system of related products. In other words, the seat could be removable from one of the disclosed motion devices and readily placed in a different product that is configured to accept the seat. Such related products can be, for example, a cradle swing frame, a standard pendulum-type swing frame, a bouncer frame, a stroller, a car seat base, or an entertainment platform. In this way, the product system can be useful as a soothing or calming device when a child is young then be transformed for use as an entertainment device. 
   It should be appreciated, however, that the seat assembly  31  need not include both the seat platform  27  and the child seat  29 , nor need the seat assembly  31  be limited to only the seat platform  27  and the child seat  29 . For instance, the seat  29  can include the grooves  45  that accommodate the rails  28  and can further include the motion assembly  42  and drive assembly  50 , thereby dispensing with the seat platform. Alternatively, a third member could be provided that houses the drive assembly  50 , thereby removing the drive assembly  50  from the seat platform. Accordingly, the term “seat assembly” is used herein to describe any apparatus that allows a child seat to travel along at least one track in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention. 
   Once the seat assembly  31  is mounted to the tracks  24  and the child is secured in the seat  29 , the child motion device  20  can be powered on to cause the seat assembly  31  to translate back and forth along the tracks  24 . Specifically, the controller  64  causes the motor  62  to drive one of the wheels  52 , thereby causing the wheels  52  and  60  to propel the seat assembly  31  in the forward direction at a desired speed consistent with a soothing rocking motion. A cam surface  68  is disposed on the track  24  at a location proximal the forward-most end of the track  24 . Accordingly, when the limit switch  66  is depressed by the cam surface  68 , the controller  64  either causes the motor  62  to stop rotating or disengages a clutch (not shown) that can be located inside, for instance, the gearbox  63 . Accordingly, the seat assembly  31  travels back down the track  24  under gravitational forces. 
   A second cam surface  68  is disposed at the midpoint of the track  24  and engages the limit switch  66  as the seat assembly  31  travels back along the direction of Arrow B. The seat assembly  31  traveling rearwardly passes over the middle cam surface  68  and travels up along the track until the momentum of the seat assembly  31  is overcome by gravity, thus causing the assembly  31  to travel again in the forward direction F under gravitational forces. The seat assembly  31  will travel over the cam surface  68  a second time, at which point the controller  64  will actuate the motor to again drive the seat assembly  31  in the forward direction until the limit switch  66  is again engaged by the forward cam surface  68 . The ties  55  extend vertically beyond the track  24 , and thus provide bumpers disposed proximal the outer longitudinal ends of the track  24  as a safeguard to prevent the seat assembly from traveling off the track  24 . 
   The seat assembly  31  will thus vary in positional height between a low elevation point and a high elevation point as it moves along the travel path. These elevations can be set to occur anywhere along the travel arc, depending upon where the mid-point of the travel arc of the seat assembly  31  is designed to occur. If the mid-point M of the travel arc is set at the lowest elevation of the travel plane defined by the seat holder travel arc (shown in  FIG. 4 ), equal high points will occur at the opposite extreme longitudinal ends of the arc. This configuration may best simulate the motion that a child might experience when held in their parent&#39;s arms. 
   In accordance with the certain aspects of the present invention, the seat assembly  31  travels back and forth along the tracks at a frequency of no more than two minutes per cycle (i.e., no more than two minutes for the seat assembly  31  to travel from the neutral position to the forward most position, back through the neutral position to the rearward most position, and return to the neutral position). Certain aspects of the present invention contemplate that the device travel from one end of the track  24  to the other has a length that is no more than approximately 6 feet, or 72 inches. 
   While one example of a drive assembly has been described in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the drive assembly  50  disclosed herein, and that several alternatives are contemplated by the present invention. For instance, the cam surfaces  68  and limit switch  66  could be replaced by, or provided in addition to, any known alternative position sensor in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. For example, a hall effect sensor could provide rotational position signals to the controller that allow the controller to calculate the position of the platform  27  based on a known diameter of the wheel  52  and a known starting location of the platform  27 . In another embodiment, a capacitive feedback circuit can be employed having an interface that senses a change in capacitance as the wheel  52  rotates. The change in capacitance can trigger position signals to an integrated circuit, thus causing the controller  64  to drive the motor  62  as desired. Alternatively still, the relative motion assembly  42  could alternatively be configured with a translating glider that is connected to the seat assembly  31  to drive the seat assembly  31  back and forth along the tracks  24 . Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, the term “drive assembly” is intended to encompass any suitable structure that causes the seat assembly  31  to travel repeatedly back and forth repeatedly along a predetermined path. 
   As described above, the child motion device  20  constructed in accordance with various aspects of the present invention can be constructed to simulate or mimic various movements that might be employed by a mother or father as they hold a child in their arms. Parents usually hold their child and move them in a slow, even rhythm to help calm or soothe the child. For instance, an adult may simply sway the child back and forth by laterally moving their elbows from side to side while holding the child, creating a relatively flat gliding motion for the child. Other times, the adult may repeatedly raise and lower the child to include a bumping motion along with the rocking or flat gliding motion. 
   Likewise, an adult can easily alter the position of the child held in their arms. Sometimes an adult may hold a child in a somewhat seated position with the child facing away from their chest. In another example, the child may be held in a position looking directly at the adult. In another example, the child may be held with their legs to one side and head to another side and rocked by the adult. The disclosed child motion devices can simulate any or all of these various proven, natural, calming and soothing movements. 
   For instance, while a pure rocking movement is simulated with the track construction illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , other types of motion are simulated using alternative track constructions. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the tracks  24  can define virtually any suitable path of motion for the seat platform  27  and child seat  29 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  show alternative arrangements for the device  20  to product different motion characteristics. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the tracks  24  are shown as having a child motion device  120  is illustrated having reference numerals corresponding to like elements of device  20  incremented by 100 for the purposes of clarity and convenience. As illustrated, the child motion device  120  includes tracks  24  whose rails define a substantially flat profile such that the elevation of the seat assembly  31  is substantially constant as it travels back and forth along the track  24  during operation. Accordingly, the seat assembly  31  assumes a side-to-side gliding motion. It should be appreciated that in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the controller would cause the motor  62  to drive the wheel in forward and backward directions to impart the reciprocating motion onto the seat assembly  31 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the tracks  24  are shown as having the arcuate travel path as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . However, the tracks further include sections of elevation changes  57  that produce bumps in the travel path. Accordingly, as the seat assembly  31  travels back and forth along the tracks  24 , bouncing or oscillating vertical motion is imparted onto the seat assembly  31  based on the contour of the track. The vertical motion is angular, and the angle of vertical motion is at least partially dependent upon the slope of the bumps  57  relative to the direction of the track  24  immediately adjacent the bump. If the momentum of the seat assembly  31  is insufficient to overcome the gravitational forces while traveling over the bumps  57  in the direction of rearward travel, the controller  64  can be configured to cause the motor  62  to drive the wheel  52  in the rearward direction as needed. 
   The various components of the child motion device  20  shown in  FIG. 1  and the various alternative embodiments of child motion devices described herein can vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. A small number of examples are disclosed to illustrate the nature and variety of component configurations. 
   For instance, while not illustrated herein, any number of a virtually infinite number of track configurations fall within the scope of the present invention. As one example, the rocking motion simulated by the child motion device illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 8  could be varied by altering the configuration of tracks  24  to induce a greater or lesser slope to the rocking motion. Furthermore, the track  24  could include more or fewer bumps than that illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In addition, the track  24 s of  FIGS. 1 ,  7  and/or its alternatives could include bumps as illustrated and described herein. Still furthermore, while various alternatives to the track  24  extended longitudinally, they could further have lateral directional components, thus imparting lateral curves in the direction of travel such that the travel path extends substantially parallel to the support surface  30 . As an additional example, while a pair of tracks  24  has been illustrated in accordance with the various examples described herein, the present invention contemplates a uni-track configuration whereby a single track supports the seat assembly for motion along the single track. All such alternatives are contemplated by the present invention. 
   In one aspect of the invention, the seat holder  34  is configured to permit the child seat  36  to be mounted on the support arm  30  in a number of optional orientations. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the child seat  29  can have a contoured bottom or base  70  with features configured to engage with portions of the seat platform  27  so that when it is rested on the seat platform, the child seat  29  is securely held in place. In this example, the seat platform  27  includes a seat holder  35  formed of tubular, linear side segments. The seat bottom has a flat region  72  on one end that rests on one linear side segment of the holder  35 . A depending region  74  of the seat base  70  is sized to fit within an opening  33  of the holder  35 . The other end of the base  70  has one or more aligned notches  76  that are configured to receive the opposite linear side segment of the holder  35 . The depending region  74  and the notches  76  hold the child seat  29  in place on the holder  35 . Gravity alone can be relied upon to retain the seat in position. In another example, one or more positive manual or automatic latches  78  can be employed in part of the seat, at one or both ends of the seat, as part of the seat holder  35 , and/or at one or both ends of the seat holder to securely hold the child seat  29  in place on the seat holder  35 . The latches  78  can be spring biased to automatically engage when the seat is placed on the holder  35 . 
   Geometry and symmetry can be designed into the holder  35  and seat  29  to permit the seat to be placed in the holder in multiple optional seat orientations.  FIGS. 10-13  illustrate one example of an array of optional child seat orientations rotatably offset 90° relative to the seat platform  27 . By placing the seat  29  in different orientations on the child motion device  20 , the child can experience different relative motions and a variety of different visual environments. 
   The child seat  29  can thus be configured so that it engages with the seat platform  27  in any suitable manner. The seat can also be configured to include common features such as a harness system, carrying handles, a pivotable tray, and a hard plastic shell. The base of the seat can have a rocking, bouncing, or stationary support structure configuration and the seat can employ a pad, cover, or other suitable soft goods. As noted above, the seat holder can be configured to hold other devices such as a bassinet or other child supporting device. 
   Furthermore, in any of the examples disclosed herein, the seat  29  can swivel in the direction shown by Arrow S in  FIG. 1 , and oriented in virtually any rotational position on the seat platform  27  as desired. In fact, the seat platform  27  and/or the seat  29  can be cooperatively designed to permit the seat  29  or other child supporting device to be rotated between fewer than four, more than four, or even an infinite number of seat facing orientations when placed on the holder. Cooperating discs on the two parts could be employed to achieve infinite orientation adjustment. Alternatively, the seat platform  27  can be configured as a circular ring surrounding an open space, and the child seat  29  can have a bottom configured with vertical or angled slots that engage opposite sides of the ring. Furthermore, the seat assembly  31  can further be tilted or reclined forward or back in the direction of Arrow T of  FIG. 1  using any known reclining mechanism appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art. 
   Additional play or entertainment features can also be employed in the disclosed devices. Motion speed options, music and sound options, and other entertainment features can be configured as part of the device. These features can be electronically linked to occur as part of optional, selectable program settings or use modes. For example, a “soothing” setting could be programmed to pre-select music or background sound to accompany a use mode or other product features to create desired characteristics for that setting. Other optional settings can have their own pre-programmed or selectable features as well. Additionally, different play features associated with the devices can be employed in different ways, depending upon the selected child seat orientation. For example, an entertainment device, a toy, a video screen such as an LCD screen, or the like (not shown) can be mounted on or part of the frame assembly  22  or seat assembly  31  to entertain the child as he/she moves. Toys or other play features can also be provided as part of or attachable to the child seat  29 , if desired. 
   The invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. However, the present invention has been presented by way of illustration and is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. 
   For instance, while embodiments have been shown for supporting the rails  28  on the tracks  24  and for providing a child seat that is configured to automatically travel along the rails  28 , it should be appreciated that the present is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and described herein, and that any alternative construction suitable to allow for reliable translation of a baby seat along a set of tracks is contemplated by the present invention. Furthermore, the details of the various child motion device examples disclosed herein can vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The construction and materials used to form any components of the device  20  can vary from plastics, to steel tubing, to other suitable materials and part structures. 
   Accordingly, those skilled in the art will realize that the invention is intended to encompass all modifications and alternative arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth by the appended claims.