Patent Publication Number: US-2010127539-A1

Title: Seat Support Structure for a Child Motion Device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This patent is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/055,899, filed on Mar. 26, 2008, which, in turn, is related to and claimed priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/908,174, filed on Mar. 26, 2007, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/385,260, filed on Mar. 20, 2006, which claimed priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/732,640, filed on Nov. 3, 2005. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to child motion and soothing devices, and more particularly to a support structure for coupling and supporting a seat to such a device. 
     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 children, and particularly infants. 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 or bounce the child in a generally vertical motion. Standard pendulum swings often include a seat suspended by an A-frame support stand. In operation, the seat swings forward and backward between the sides of the A-frame in the pendulum motion. 
     Most types of child motion devices do not typically enable multiple different optional seating positions and arrangements for the child or permit 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 as it is positioned near their head. Additionally, the drive takes up space above the seat, which can make it difficult for an adult to position a child in the device. 
     Some swing products are configured with a support that can accept an infant car seat carrier. For example, the SnugGlider® swing commercially available from Graco Children&#39;s Products Inc., the assignee of the present disclosure, has a frame to which an infant car seat carrier may be coupled to serve as the swing seat. The seat frame of the swing is connected to A-frame supports and enables the above-described pendulum motion. 
     Other manufacturers have produced child motion devices with seats that can be moved between two different seat facing orientations and/or that can be removed and utilized as a car seat or an infant carrier. For example, Fisher-Price manufactures a pendulum swing with a motor above the child&#39;s head. The seat of the swing can be oriented in one of two optional seat facing directions by rotating the suspended pendulum-type swing arm through a 90 degree angle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,902 discloses a complex apparatus in a pendulum-type swing. The 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). The seat can be rotated between two different seat facing directions on the seat support. 
     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 and a parent can rotate the device within the stationary base part to change the view of the child seated in the seat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,548 discloses a pendulum type swing with a seat support and a removable seat. This patent discloses that the seat can be configured to attach to and detach from the support and can be configured to be used as an infant carrier or car seat when not attached to the swing. The &#39;548 patent also teaches that the support can have a base that can pivot or rotate about a vertical axis between a forward facing seat position and a side facing seat position. The seat can thus be supported by the swing and swing with a child facing forward or sideways. 
    
    
     
       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: 
         FIG. 1  shows a rear perspective view of a child motion device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a partially exploded view of the child motion device in  FIG. 1  but with the child seat removed and not shown. 
         FIG. 3  shows a front perspective and partially exploded view of the child motion device in  FIG. 1  but with the seat positioned just prior to attachment to the device in one optional seat facing orientation. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic top view representing the child motion device in  FIG. 1  and shows one example of the swing arm motion for the child motion device. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic side view of the child motion device depicted in  FIG. 4  and shows one example of the swing arm orientation for the child motion device. 
         FIG. 6  shows the child motion device in  FIGS. 1 and 3  but with the child seat attached to the device in another optional seat facing orientation. 
         FIG. 7  shows the child motion device in  FIGS. 1 and 3  but with the child seat attached to the device in yet another optional seat facing orientation. 
         FIG. 8  shows the child motion device in  FIGS. 1 and 3  but with the child seat attached to the device in still another optional seat facing orientation. 
         FIG. 9  shows a bottom view of the assembled seat and seat holder of the child motion device configured as depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show a cross section in perspective and plan view, respectively, taken along line X-X in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a cross section in perspective and plan view, respectively, taken along line XI-XI in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a rear perspective view of a stroller frame with an infant carrier being installed on or removed from the frame. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the infant carrier in  FIG. 12  installed on a car seat base. 
         FIG. 14  shows the care seat base in  FIG. 13  without the infant carrier. 
         FIG. 15  shows a bottom perspective view of the infant carrier in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
         FIG. 16  shows the infant carrier in  FIGS. 12 and 13  being positioned over the child motion device in  FIGS. 1-8 . 
         FIG. 17  shows the infant carrier in  FIG. 16  during installation on the seat holder of the child motion device in  FIGS. 1-8 . 
         FIG. 18  shows the infant carrier installed on the child motion device in  FIGS. 1-8 . 
         FIG. 19  is a close up view of a latch element connection between the infant carrier and the seat holder in  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Research has shown that many infants and children are not adequately soothed or calmed by use of currently known motion devices, such as vertical bounce motion or a pendulum swinging motion. Research has also shown 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. Whether this soothing effect results from the child being in close contact with the caregiver or from the motion characteristics imparted by the caregiver has not before been clearly determined. 
     A child motion device is disclosed herein that more effectively soothes, calms, and/or entertains infants and children. The disclosed child motion device solves or improves upon one or more of the problems or difficulties noted above with respect to known motion devices. The disclosed alternative motion device has a frame assembly that employs a generally horizontally supported, oscillating arm. In one example, a child seat or other child carrying or supporting device can be coupled to and carried by the support arm and can be moved through an orbit segment or travel arc that lies in a plane that can be parallel to a reference plane defined by a floor surface or tilted or angled slightly relative to the reference plane. In the disclosed example, the support arm has a driven end coupled to a drive system that reciprocally moves the support arm through its travel path. 
     In one example, the distal or free end of the support arm is configured to accept and support the child seat or other device above the ground surface. In one example, the support arm can include a child seat holder that permits setting the child seat on the alternative motion device in more than one optional seat orientation. In this way, a child seated in the seat can experience a variety of different motions. In another example, the seat holder can be specifically configured to accept and support a seat or other child carrying device from another product, such as a car seat or an infant carrier. Thus, the seat support structure can be configured to be compatible with car seats and other carriers and can impart motion to the child occupant that has more complex motion characteristics than a simple pendulum motion. To this end, the seat support structure can be configured to accept a car seat carrier, an infant carrier, and/or a seat specifically designed for use with the disclosed child motion device. Compatibility with a car seat or infant carrier may be useful when a child falls asleep while in the car seat or carrier but prior to the seat being coupled to the child motion device. The child motion device disclosed herein thus can accommodate moving the child from a car, stroller, floor, or the like to the child motion device with minimal risk of waking the sleeping child. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a child motion device has a support structure to engage a car seat, infant carrier, or other seat in a manner that is secure while imparting motion to the child. For example, the child motion device may include a drive mechanism to move the seated child from side to side in a non-simple pendulum path. The seat can be secured to the child motion device. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the seat can be coupled to the child motion device in a selected one of multiple optional seat facing orientations. 
     The terms generally, substantially, and the like as applied herein with respect to vertical or horizontal orientations of the various product 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 herein applied. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 and 2  show 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 frame assembly  22  that has a base section  24  configured to rest on a floor surface  26 . Throughout this detail description, the term “floor surface” is utilized to define both a surface on which the device rests when in the in-use configurations and the orientation of a horizontal reference plane H for comparison to other aspects and parts of the invention for ease of description. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to use with only a specifically horizontal orientation of either the base section  24  of the frame assembly  22  or the reference surface or plane H. Instead, the floor surface  26  and the reference plane H are utilized to assist in describing relationships between the various components of the device  20 . 
     The child motion device  20  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  also has an upright riser, post, or spine  28  that extends upward from a part of the base section  24 . In this example, the spine  28  is oriented in a generally vertical orientation relative to its longitudinal length. The spine disclosed herein can have a housing or cover  29  configured in any desired or suitable manner. The housing  29  can be ornamental, functional, or both. The housing  29  can also be removable to access the inner workings of the device if and when needed. The spine  28  can vary considerably in orientation, shape, size, configuration, and the like from the example disclosed herein. 
     In this example, a support arm  30  depicted in  FIG. 2  is cantilevered from the spine  28  and extends generally outward in a radial direction from the spine. In this example, the support arm  30  has a driven end  32  that is connected to a portion of the spine  28 . The support arm  30  is mounted for pivoting, lateral, side-to-side movement about its driven end through a travel path that is substantially or generally horizontal. As described below, the support arm  30  can travel through a partial orbit or arc segment of a predetermined angle and can rotate or reciprocate about an axis of rotation R. The rotation axis R can be offset from a vertical reference V and can be offset from an axis of the spine  28 . Alternatively, the axis of rotation R can be aligned with the vertical reference V, the axis of the spine, or both if desired. As described below, the driven end  32  is driven by a drive system designed to reciprocate or oscillate the support arm. The support arm  30  in this example also has a distal or free end  34  that terminates at a seat holder  36 . The seat holder  36  is configured to support a child seat  38  for movement with the support arm  30 . 
     The various components of the child motion device  20  shown in  FIG. 1  and described herein can vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Only one example is disclosed herein to illustrate the nature and function of the child motion device and its overall component configuration. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the base section  24  is positioned generally beneath the seat holder  36  in order to offset the load or moment that would be applied to the spine  28  by the weight of a child placed in the seat  38 . The disclosed base section  24  of the frame assembly  22  in this example is a circular or oval hoop that is sized to provide a stable base for the device  20  when in use. The hoop in this example has two separate sections  40 , each with one end  42  coupled to the bottom end of the housing  29  or spine  28 . Each hoop section  40  has an opposite end  44  coupled to the end  44  on the other hoop section at a connector  46 . Though not shown or described in detail herein, the ends  42  of the hoop sections  40 , and thus the base section  24 , can be removable from the spine  28  and/or foldable or pivotable to a position generally parallel to the spine  28 . The sections  40  can also either be separable from one another at their respective connector ends  44  or be pivotable at the connector  46  to fold relative to one another. This would permit a more compact storage configuration of the device  20  when not in use. 
     Similarly, at least part of the support arm  30  as shown in  FIG. 2  can be separable from the spine  28  at the driven end  32 . In this example, a pair of elongate connector prongs  50  extends from the support arm nearer the driven end  32  of the arm  30 . A pair of receptacles or openings  52  can be provided in a driven part  54  of the support arm  30  carried on the housing  29  or spine  28 . The prongs  50  can be configured with grooves, ribs, oversized tips, or other detent mechanisms, though not shown. The receptacles  52  can likewise have complimentary spring biased detent mechanisms, also not shown, that resiliently and releasably engage the mechanisms on the prongs  50 . The prongs  50  can thus be configured to snap into and out of the receptacles  52  to attach or detach the support arm  30 . The detachability of all or part of the support arm  30  permits a still more compact storage configuration for the device  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a release button  58  can be provided on the driven part  54  of the support arm  30  or another part of the device  20  to assist in releasing and detaching the support arm  30  when desired. 
     The structure and configuration of the seat holder  36  can vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In this example, the seat holder  36  is a square or rectangular ring surrounding a center opening  56 . Other configurations and constructions of the seat holder  36  are also possible, and one example is described in greater detail below. In this example, the spine  28  includes the external housing  29  that can be configured to provide a pleasing or desired aesthetic appearance. The housing  29  can also act as a protective cover for the internal components, such as the drive system, of the device  20 . 
     The motion characteristics for the child motion device  20  disclosed herein can be achieved in a variety of ways with a variety of component geometries.  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate only one example where  FIG. 4  shows a top view of the child device  20  and  FIG. 5  shows a side view. As shown, the support arm  30  can rotate and reciprocate through an arc of travel less than a full circle. In one example, the support arm  30  can rotate between two extremes E through an angle β of, for example, 120 degrees. This angle can vary and thus can be greater than or less than 120 degrees and yet can fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. The angle can be specifically designed to mimic motion that would be created by a caregiver holding and soothing a child. Such motion is much more dependent on the frequency of the travel cycle and not the angle of travel. Thus, depending on the speed of the rotary motion of the support arm, the resulting motion might reciprocate through or within an angle of movement much smaller than 120 degrees. 
     The support arm  30  is described herein as being substantially horizontal and the rotation axis R as being substantially vertical, even though they are angularly offset from these specific references. The support arm  30  can rotate about the axis of rotation R of a driven shaft  60 , which could be aligned with the vertical axis or reference V. However, in the example shown the axis of rotation R of the shaft  60  is oriented at an angle θ toward the seat and support arm relative to the horizontal reference H and is perpendicular to its axis of rotation R. In one example, the angle θ can be about 13 degrees, but the angle θ can be less than 13 degrees, 0 degrees, or greater than 13 degrees, and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. The axis of rotation R can even be tilted away from the seat  38  and support arm  30  if desired. 
     In this example, a top facing surface  62  on the housing  29  and a bottom facing surface  64  on the driven part  54  are oriented perpendicular to the axis R. A drive mechanism  66  can be employed to drive the shaft  60 , which in turn will rotate the driven part  54  and the arm  30  about the axis R relative to the stationary surface  62  on the housing  29 . In one example, the support arm  30  can be parallel to these surfaces  62  and  64  and thus be tilted downward at the angle θ, or 13 degrees in this example. However, the support arm  30  as shown has a bend that places the support arm inclined upward about 4 degrees relative to the horizontal reference plane H. The support arm is oriented at an angle Φ relative to the axis R, and in this example the angle Φ is 73 degrees. 
     In motion, the support arm  30  will sweep through its arc and travel in a cone-like path that is tilted 13 degrees to the horizontal reference H. Any given point on the child seat  38  and holder  36  will travel within a plane that is also titled to horizontal. The actual motion of the seat holder  36  will thus have an orbit component about its axis R, a vertical height component, and a rotational component about a lengthwise axis of the support arm  30 . The holder  36  will vary in positional height between a low elevation point and a high elevation point as it moves along the path between the positional extremes E. These elevations can be set to occur anywhere along the travel arc, depending upon where the mid-point M of the travel arc of the seat holder  36  is designed to occur. If the mid-point M of the travel arc is set at the lowest elevation of the travel arc, equal high points will occur at the opposite travel extremes E of the arc. This configuration may best simulate the motion that a child might experience when held in a caregiver&#39;s arms. 
     Though not depicted herein, other component geometries are certainly possible. In one example, the axis of rotation R can be precisely vertical and co-linear with the vertical reference axis V (as well as the spine axis in this example). In such an example, the support arm could be tilted at an angle upward or downward from the horizontal reference H or be parallel to the reference H. The seat holder position would not vary in height and would travel in a horizontal plane through a partial circular arc. The support arm  30 , depending on its angle to the reference H, could move through an arc of a cone segment and not in a plane. The seat holder  36  could be oriented parallel to the horizontal reference H and/or the support arm  30  or be inclined or declined at an angle relative to either or both, if desired. The support arm  30  or holder  36  can be bent such that, at least at the low elevation point, or the mid-point, of the travel arc, the seat  38  is oriented level with the floor surface  26  or horizontal reference H. Alternately, the arm  30  or holder  36  can be oriented to tilt toward or away from the spine  28 . In one example, the seat holder angle relative to the support arm can even be user adjustable to provide additional motion alternatives to be imparted upon the seat occupant. In another example, the support arm length can also be user adjustable to provide further motion alternatives to be imparted upon the seat occupant. 
     Cam or non-planar surfaces at or near the driven end  32  of the support arm  30  can be employed, or other mechanical means can be devised, to impart optional vertical movement of the support arm as it sweeps through its travel arc. In one example, a four-bar or other mechanical linkage arrangement (not shown) can be employed in the drive system or even in the support arm and/or the holder construction to impart some vertical movement to the seat  38  during operation of the device  20 . Such linkage arrangements could be employed to create optional motions in different directions including pivoting vertical movement of the arm, linear vertical movement of the arm, lengthwise longitudinal movement of the arm, lengthwise longitudinal rotation of the arm, or the like. 
     In addition, a vertical bouncing or oscillating motion can be imparted using a spring (not shown) in the drive components or in the support arm as well. Such a bouncing motion feature can optionally be designed as a separate motion option for the device, such that the child seat can be bounced even while the support arm does not reciprocate through the partial orbit about the axis R, or as an additional motion that can only occur along with the orbit movement of the support arm. The vertical motion can again be angular, such as by pivoting the support arm  30 , or can be linear, such as by raising or lowering the entire support arm. 
     The type and complexity of the motion characteristics imparted to the support arm  30  disclosed herein can vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. A user interface  68  can be provided on a surface of the spine  28  or housing  29 . The user interface  68  can be configured to permit a caregiver to select, adjust, and operate characteristics of the drive mechanism and other functional aspects of the device  20 . In one example, the device can be configured so that a user can select one of several operational modes for the drive mechanism. One variable that may be adjustable or selectable by the user from a plurality of different modes is the arc or angle β of support arm travel. 
     If desired, the support arm  30  can, for example, also be designed to travel through 360 degrees or more before changing directions during a reciprocating cycle. The seat holder  36  and/or the support arm  30  can also be angularly adjustable if desired, to further alter the motion experienced by a seat occupant. As mentioned above, the support arm can be length adjustable, if desired, to create even more motion versatility in the device  20 . Alternatively, the seat position can be slidably adjustable or location-specific adjustable along the length of the support arm  30  from the distal or free end  34  inward toward the driven end  32 . 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, the seat holder  36  is configured to permit the child seat  38  to be mounted on the support arm  30  in a number of optional seat facing orientations. In the example shown, the child seat  38  can have a contoured bottom  70  with features configured to engage with portions of the seat holder  36 . The features can be configured so that when the seat is positioned over and lowered onto the seat holder  36  as in  FIG. 3 , the seat will securely engage and connect to the holder, such as shown in  FIG. 1 . The features can also be configured to enable different seats from different child care devices to be placed on and secured to the holder  36 . One example of such features is described in greater detail below. 
     FIGS.  1  and  6 - 8  illustrate an array of optional child seat orientations that are rendered permissible by the square symmetrical shape of the seat holder  36  in this example. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the child seat  38  can be positioned on the seat holder  36  with the spine  28  and thus the axis of rotation R positioned on the right hand side of the child seat occupant.  FIG. 6  shows another optional seat orientation where the position of the spine  28  and thus the rotation axis R is on the left hand side of the child seat  38 .  FIG. 7  shows another optional seat orientation where the position of the spine  28  and rotation axis R is located behind the child seat  38 .  FIG. 8  shows a further alternative seat orientation wherein the child seat  38  faces the spine  28  and the rotation axis R. By placing the seat  38  in these different optional seat orientations, the child can experience different relative motions and a variety of different visual environments without changing any other motion characteristic of the device  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 ,  10 A, and  10 B, the seat holder  36  in this example generally has four linear side segments  72  forming the square shape of the holder and surrounding the open center  56 . The seat bottom  70  has a nesting portion that projects downward from the seat and fits within the open center  56 . The nesting portion in this example is formed as a pair of rocker legs  74 , which extend front to back under the seat  38 , are spaced laterally apart from one another, and have curved bottom rocker surfaces  75  on which the seat  38  can rest and rock when placed on a flat surface. The legs register the seat  38  in the open center  56  of the seat holder  36  and help to retain the seat in position on and coupled to the holder. A front ledge  76  is positioned forward of the legs  74  on the bottom  70  of the seat  38 . The front ledge  76  is sized and positioned to rest on one of the segments  72  when the seat  38  is installed on the seat holder  36 . A step or notch  78  is positioned near a rear end of each of the legs  74  and is formed upward into the rocker surface  75  on each leg. As shown in  FIG. 10B , the notches  78  are sized and positioned to receive and rest on one of the holder segments  72  when the seat  38  is installed on the holder  36 . The notches  78  also help to retain the seat  38  in position on and coupled to the holder. 
     Gravity alone can be relied upon to retain the seat  38  in position on the holder  36 . In the disclosed configuration, the seat  28  could be placed in the holder  36  in any one of the four optional seat orientations and rely on gravity to retain the seat. However, one or more positive manual or automatic latching mechanisms can be employed to positively secure the seat when installed on the holder. In the disclosed example, components or elements of a latching mechanism are provided on the bottom  70  of the seat  38  and other components or elements of the mechanism are provided on each of the segments  72  of the holder  36 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 9 , each holder segment  72  includes multi-function latch components configured to accept and connect to seat latch components (described below) on either end of the seat  38 . Thus, each pair of opposed segments  72  of the square holder  36  in this example has an identical latch component arrangement. The seat  38  can be installed on the holder in any orientation and engage a pair of the segments  72 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10A-11B , the holder  36  is formed having a square shaped tubular ring with four segments  80  corresponding with the holder segments  72 . The holder  36  also has a shroud or cover  82  that seats over the ring and covers each of the tube segments  80 . In this example, the cover  82  is a molded plastic component that has an inverted U-shape in cross section. Thus, the cover has a curved, rounded top  86  and inner and outer exposed bottom edges  84  and  88 , respectively. The cover  82  can be fastened to the tubes  80  in a conventional manner. 
     In this example, the inside wall  90  of the cover  82  on each segment  72  is molded to include multiple ones of the holder latch elements or components. A first latch element is molded on the wall and is configured to engage one element on the seat  38  and a second latch element of the wall is configured to engage another element on the seat, depending on the seat orientation when installed on the holder  36 . As depicted generally in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the first latch element on each holder segment  72  is a central catch  92 . In this example, the catch  92  is flanked on either side by the pair of hooks  94 , which are spaced apart from one another. In this example, the second latch element for the seat  38  is the underside inner edge  84  on the wall  90  of each segment of the cover  82 . The pair of hooks  94  act as alternate second latch elements for engaging an alternate seat installed on the holder, as described below. 
     Complementary third and fourth latch elements are provided in this example on the bottom  70  of the seat  38 . The third latch element is positioned near the front end of the seat, which includes an actuator  96 , and the fourth latch element is positioned near the rear end of the seat. The third latch element is configured to receive and engage the first latch element, the catch  92 , and the fourth latch element is configured to engage the second latch element, the inner bottom edge  84  of the cover wall  90 , in this example. As shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 A, and  10 B, the third latch element is a pivot latch  100  that is carried on the bottom  70  of the seat  38  near the front end and between the legs  74 . The latch  100  in this example is spring biased to a latching position shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  and is actuable against the spring bias by movement of the actuator  96 . In this example, the actuator  96  is a push button on the forward end of the seat that, when depressed or pushed inward, pivots the latch  100  rearward to a retracted or withdrawn release position as shown in  FIG. 10B  in the direction of the arrow R. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the actuator  96  can be a pull lever or some other type of actuator and can be located on a part of the seat  38  other than the front edge. The actuator  96  need only be actuable to move the latch between the latching position and the released position. 
     The catch  92  in this example has a latch opening  102  positioned beneath a catching lip  104 . The opening  102  and lip  104  are integrally molded in the cover  82  on each segment  72  in this example. The latch opening  102  of each holder segment  72  faces the open center  56  of the holder  36  and thus the opposite holder segment  72 . The latch opening  102  opens into the corresponding segment  72 . The catch lip  104  is positioned at the top of the corresponding latch opening  102  on each of the holder segments. In this example, the lip is an integrally molded element of the cover under the top surface  86 . When the seat  38  is installed on the holder  36 , the latch  100  is biased into the opening  102  and has a finger  106  that hooks under the lip  104 . In this example, a surface  98  above the catch  92  on the cover  82  can act as a latch bearing surface as described below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  11 A, and  11 B, the fourth latch element is a pair of feet  110  that project rearward from the lower edge of the legs  74  near the rear end of the seat. In this example, the feet  110  are laterally spaced apart from one another a distance that is greater than a spacing of the alternate second latch elements or hooks  84  on the segments  72 . The feet  110  are sized and positioned to catch under the exposed inner edge  84  on the inner wall  90  of the cover  82 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the feet  110  are positioned outboard of the hooks  94  when the seat is installed. In this example, the feet  110  are aligned with the legs  74  of the seat. Specifically, each foot  110  has a stem  112  that is received in a bore in the bottom  75  of each leg  74 . The feet  110  extend rearward from the stems  112  and a surface of the legs  74  below the notches  78 . The projecting part  113  of each foot  110  catches under the edge  84  when a segment  72  is positioned abutting the notches  78  as depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . 
     When a caregiver wishes to install the seat  38  on the device  20 , the caregiver need only place the seat above the holder  36  in a desired one of the four seat orientations in FIGS.  1  and  6 - 8  noted above. The seat  38  can then be tipped, rear end down, so that the notches  78  seat on the selected holder segment  72 . The spacing and positioning of the legs  74  will correctly aligned the feet  110  with the bottom edge  84  of the cover on the adjacent holder segment  72  with the nearby hooks  94  inboard between the feet. The caregiver can then rotate the front end of the seat  38  down, which will in turn rotate the projecting parts  113  of the feet  110  under the edge  84  of the cover  82 . The front end of the seat  38  can then be lowered into position on the holder  36  with the ledge  76  resting on the opposite segment  72 . In one example, an exposed, curved cam face  114  on the latch  100  can be configured to ride against the corresponding cover surface  98  above the catch  92 . The cam face  114  can act to push or rotate the latch  100  out of the way for automatic installation. Once the seat  38  drops into position, the spring bias can then automatically pop or snap the latch  100  into the latch opening  102 . In another example, the latch  100  can be configured so that the user must use the actuator  96  to manually move the latch  100  out of the way before dropping the seat  38  into position on the holder  36 . 
     Whether manual or automatic, once the latch  100  clears the surface  98  on the segment  72 , the latch will rotate to the latched position and be held in the latched position by the spring bias and the geometry of the latch and actuator components. The seat  38  can be positioned with its front and rear ends adjacent any one of the holder segments  72 . Each of the holder segments  72  has both a catch  92  and an exposed bottom edge  84  on the cover  82 . Thus, each of the holder segments can accept and engage either of the seat latch components. 
     To release the seat  38  from the holder  36 , a user need only push the actuator button  96  into the seat in this example. Pushing the actuator button  96  causes the latch  100  to withdraw or retract from the catch opening  102  and clear the lip  104 . The user can then raise the front end of the seat  38 . Tipping the front end of the seat upward will pivot the projecting parts  113  of the feet  110  out from under the edge  84  on the cover  82 , allowing the caregiver to lift the seat off of the holder  36 . 
     As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the specific configuration and construction of the first, second (as well as the alternate second), third, and fourth latching elements can vary from the examples shown. In one example, the various hooks, loops, catches, and latch can be swapped with one another and/or replaced by other suitable mechanisms. Alternatively, the elements on the front end of the seat can be of the same type as the back end of the seat, with one of the elements being movable for installation and/or release of the seat. Additionally, the latch elements can be on the opposed sides of the seat, not on the front and back, or can be directly under a mid-point of the seat. In one example, the second latch element can be the hooks  94  on each of the segments  72  and the fourth latch elements on the seat  38  can be loops (see description below for the alternate carrier  222 ) 
     In the disclosed example, the seat  38  is configured as a dedicated seat specifically for use with the child motion device  20 . The seat has a handle  120  that can pivot up to a position extending over the seating area of the seat, thus allowing the seat to be used as an infant carrier when removed from the device  20 . In one example, the seat  38  can also be configured to attach to one or more other child supporting, soothing, motion, or entertainment devices such as a car seat base, a stroller frame, a bouncer frame, a pendulum swing frame, an entertainer, or the like. Thus, the seat  38  could be a multi-purpose seat that has separate utility other than use on the device  20 . Such other devices could be designed with latch elements configured to mate with the third and fourth latch elements of the seat  38 . In one example, such other devices could include a catch for the latch  100  and hooks or other exposed surfaces for the feet  110 . 
     In another example, the holder  36  can be configured to accept and engage one or more seats removed from other child supporting, soothing, motion, or entertainment devices such as car seats, stroller seats, infant carriers, bouncer seats, pendulum swing seats, entertainer seats, or the like.  FIGS. 12-18  illustrate one such example. A stroller  220  is shown in  FIG. 12  with an infant carrier  222  installed on the stroller as is known in the art. In  FIG. 13 , the same infant carrier  222  is shown installed on a car seat base  224  as is also known in the art. The top side of the car seat base  224  is shown after removal of the carrier  222  in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a bottom view of the carrier  222 . In this example, a bottom  230  of the carrier  222  has a pair of depending legs  232  with notches  233 , and complementary fifth and sixth latch elements. The fifth latch element is positioned near the rear end of the seat  222  and the sixth latch element is positioned near the front end of the seat. The fifth latch element is configured to receive and engage the catch  92  and the sixth latch element is configured to engage the hooks  94  on the device  20  in this example. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the fifth latch element is a pivot latch  234  that is carried on the bottom  230  of the carrier  220  near the rear end and between the legs  232 . The latch  234  in this example is spring biased to a latching position and is actuable against the spring bias by movement of the actuator  238  on the rear end of the carrier. In this example, the actuator  238  is a pull lever that, when pulled are drawn rearward along the carrier  222 , pivots the latch  234  forward to a retracted or withdrawn release position. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the actuator  238  can be a push button or some other type of actuator and can be located on a part of the seat  38  other than the rear end. The actuator  238  need only be actuable to move the latch between the latching position and the released position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the sixth latch element is a pair of loops  236  that project downward from the bottom  230  near the front end of the carrier  222 . In this example, the loops  236  are laterally spaced apart from one another a distance that matches the spacing of the second latch elements or hooks  94  on the segments  72  of the device  20 . The loops  236  are sized and positioned to catch under a respective one of the hooks  94  when the seat is installed as described below. In this example, the loops  236  are positioned between the legs  232  of the carrier  222 . 
     As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the specific configuration and construction of the fifth and sixth latching elements can vary from the example shown. In one example, the various hooks, loops, catches, and latch can be swapped with one another and/or replaced by other suitable mechanisms. Alternatively, the elements on the front end of the seat can be the same as the back end of the seat, with one of the elements being movable for installation and/or release of the seat. In the disclosed example, the carrier also has a handle  250  that can pivot up to a position extending over the seating area of the carrier, thus allowing the infant carrier to be carried when removed from the devices. 
     The loops  236  are positioned near the front end of the carrier  222  on the bottom  230  and the latch  234  is positioned nearer the rear end of the carrier bottom. An actuator  238  is exposed on the back side of the carrier behind the seat. When the carrier  222  is mounted on the stroller  220  in this example, the latch  234  can catch on an underside of the stroller tray  240  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The loops  236  can hook under hooks (not shown) on the stroller  220 . When the carrier  222  is mounted to the car seat base  224 , the latch  234  can catch in a receiver  242  on the top of the base. The loops  236  can hook under hooks  244  on the car seat base  224 . Similar hooks (not shown) can be provided on the stroller  220 . The actuator  238  can move the latch  234  between a latched position and a release position. The carrier  222  in this example is installed front end first and removed rear end first, but otherwise operates generally similar to the seat  38  described above. 
     If a caregiver wishes to remove the carrier  222  from the stroller frame  220  or the car seat base  224 , they need only pull or push the actuator  238  to release the latch  234 . The caregiver can then tip the carrier  222  up, rear end first, to unhook the loops  236  from the hooks ( 244  on the base  224 ), and then lift the carrier off the device. The caregiver can then install the carrier  222  in any one of the desired orientations in FIGS.  1  and  6 - 8  on the seat holder  36  of the child motion device  20  as shown in  FIGS. 16-19 . To do so, the caregiver can position the front end of the carrier  222  and the loops  236  adjacent the desired holder segment  72  and drop the carrier, front end first, into the open center  56 . They then can drop the rear end of the carrier  222  onto the holder  36 . The loops  236  will rotate forward into engagement with the hooks  94  as depicted in  FIG. 19 . The latch  234  can be manually retracted using the actuator  238  or can automatically retract as its exposed cam surface  246  contacts the surface  96  on the cover  82  of the corresponding holder segment  72 . Once the carrier  222  rests on top of the holder  36 , the latch  234  can be manually released by releasing the actuator  238  or will automatically will snap or pop into and engage the catch  92 . The latch will assist to secure the carrier  222  on the device  20 . In this example, the carrier  222  is suitable for use at least as a car seat with the base  224 , as a stroller infant seat on the stroller frame  220 , as a conventional infant carrier  222 , and as a seat for the child motion device  20  herein. 
     In the disclosed example, both the seat  38  and the carrier  222  can be mounted or installed on the child motion device in any one of four selectable positions. In another example, the holder  36  and/or the seats  38 ,  222  can be cooperatively designed to permit the seat or other child supporting device to be installed on the holder  36 , or rotated once installed, 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, a round holder could be employed in conjunction with a seat bottom that is configured to attach to the holder at any location and seat facing orientation to achieve the same result. 
     The child motion device  20  depicted and describe herein is constructed according to the invention to simulate or mimic various movements that might be employed by a mother or father as they hold a child in their arms. An adult holding a child will often alternate raising and lowering their shoulders or pivoting their torso from side-to-side to simulate a rocking movement. Other times, an adult may hold the child in their arms and twist their torso from side-to-side creating a motion for the child through a segment of an arc. Other times, the adult may simply sway the child back and forth by laterally moving their elbows from side to side while holding the child. Sometimes an adult may employ a combination of such movements and/or may lean forward and tilt their spine at an angle toward the child when doing these motions. 
     In any instance, 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. Parents usually hold their child and move them in a slow, even rhythm to help calm or soothe the child. The disclosed device  20  can be constructed to operate in a manner that also mimics the degree and frequency of motion that a child might experience when held in an adult&#39;s arms. 
     The drive mechanism  66  can be configured to reciprocally rotate the shaft  60 , and thus the support arm  30 , through a predetermined travel angle, such as 120 degrees as mentioned above. The motor or drive mechanism  66  can be configured for manipulation by a user to adjust the angular travel, the speed of rotation, and the like. The user interface  68  in the form of an operator panel, touch pad device, a remote control unit, or other interface can be provided on a portion of the housing  29  (see  FIG. 1 ) with buttons, a touch screen, a keypad, switches, combinations of these features, or the like that a user can manipulate to access, operate, adjust, and alter various performance characteristics of the device  20 . 
     Other details of the child motion device disclosed herein can also vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The construction and materials used to form the frame assembly parts, the spine parts, and the added features can vary from plastics, to steel tubing, to other suitable materials and part structures. The drive system  66  components can also vary, as can the features employed in the drive system to create desired motions and functions for the disclosed devices. The housing  29  can have a top cap that rotates with and/or is integrally a part of the swing arm instead of the driven part  54  as shown. Alternatively, the housing  29  can provide a platform as shown on the top or on a side of the spine such that the driven end of the support arm is supported by the platform and rotates relative to the platform. 
     The child seat bottom or base can be configured so that it engages with the seat holder in alternative manners from that shown and described herein. Gravity and the weight of a child can be enough to retain the seat in the holder. However, positive latching structures can be employed and are disclosed in the example herein. The seat  38  can also be configured to include common features such as a harness system, carrying handles, a pivotable tray, and a hard plastic shell. The bottom of the seat  38  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. 
     The seat can also 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. In another example, the child seat could be fixed to the support arm and not removable. 
     Although certain child motion devices have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.