Patent Publication Number: US-7717800-B2

Title: Swing with a recline mechanism and method of using the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an infant support structure, such as a swing for a child. In one embodiment, the child swing includes a seat and a recline mechanism that can be adjusted to change the orientation or recline angle of the seat. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Various types of swings for children are known. Usually, a swing includes a frame, one or more hanger arms that are pivotally coupled to the frame, and a seat that is attached to the hanger arms. Some swings include a drive mechanism which moves the hanger arms and the seat in a reciprocating manner. 
   Some child swings include a recline mechanism that can be adjusted to change the inclination of a portion of the seat relative to another portion of the seat. For example, a seat back can be pivotally mounted relative to a seat bottom so that the angle of the seat back with respect to the seat bottom can be adjusted. In that arrangement, the seat back can be disposed in various positions, such as an upright position, a fully reclined position, and/or an intermediate position between the upright position and the fully reclined position. 
   Conventional child swings do not provide recline mechanisms that are easy to use. Therefore, a need exists for an improved recline mechanism for a swing for a child. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a swing with a seat and a recline mechanism that can be manipulated to adjust at least a portion of the seat. In one embodiment, the seat includes a seat frame with a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is movable relative to the second portion. The recline mechanism is configured to move the first portion relative to the second portion and thereby change the recline angle of the seat frame. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a child swing according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of some of the components of the child swing illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of some of the components of the seat frame of the child swing illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of some of the components of the seat frame of the child swing illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a close-up perspective view of some components of the recline mechanism of the child swing illustrated in  FIG. 2 , shown in a deployed configuration. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the recline mechanism of the child swing illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a lower portion of the coupler illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the recline mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a close-up perspective view of the recline mechanism components illustrated in  FIG. 5 , shown in an intermediate configuration. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a close-up perspective view of the recline mechanism components illustrated in  FIG. 5 , shown in another deployed configuration. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the inner surface of an embodiment of a housing according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the inner surface of an embodiment of a coupler according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a front view of the coupler illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a bottom view of the coupler illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a cam member according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of the cam member illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a locking member according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a side view of the locking member illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
   

   Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The infant support structure according to the present invention is a swing with a seat and a recline mechanism. The recline mechanism can be used to adjust the orientation or recline angle of the seat. In one embodiment, the swing includes a frame and the seat is movably mounted to the frame so that it can be oriented in different directions for different swinging motions. In another embodiment, the seat can be removably coupled to the frame so that the seat can be detached from the frame and carried to a different location. 
   The terms “rods,” “tubes,” “tubular members,” and “bars” may be used interchangeably to refer to elongate members that can be used with the present invention. Similarly, the terms “recline,” “recline angle,” “inclination,” and “orientation” may be used interchangeably to refer to the angle at which a portion of the seat frame is disposed. Changing that angle may be referred to as changing the inclination, the orientation, and/or the recline angle of a portion of the seat frame. Also, the recline mechanism of the present invention may be referred to as the adjustment mechanism. 
   An embodiment of an infant support structure is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the infant support structure  10  is a swing that includes a frame  20 , a hanger arm  50  movably coupled to the frame  20 , and a seat  100  that is coupled to the hanger arm  50 . The frame  20  supports the hanger arm  50  so that the seat  100  is suspended from the frame  20  (and above the supporting surface  101 ). The swing  10  includes a drive mechanism that moves the hanger arm  50  and, as a result, the seat  100  as well. 
   As illustrated, the frame  20  includes legs  22  and  26  that are coupled to bases  24  and  28 , respectively, using a conventional connector or fastener, such as a bolt or a screw. The bases  24  and  28  are configured to support the frame  20  on the supporting surface  101 , such as a floor. A cross-member  30  extends between legs  22  and  26  to provide additional support to the frame  20 . The cross-member  30  can have any shape or configuration provided that it adds side-to-side or lateral support to the frame  20 . 
   A housing  40  is mounted on the top ends of legs  22  and  26 . Contained within the housing  40  is a drive mechanism (not shown) that is coupled to the hanger arm  50 . The drive mechanism is configured to impart reciprocating movement to the hanger arm  50 . In this embodiment, the housing  40  has a front surface  42  with a control panel or portion  44 . The control portion  44  allows a user to control the swinging motion of the seat  100  and the electronic features of the swing  10 , such as music, sound effects, and output volume level. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the control portion  44  can include a large button  46  which can be manipulated, such as by rotation, to control the speed of the swing  10 . The swing  10  can be operated any one of several speeds. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the seat  100  includes a seat frame  110  and softgoods  102  that are coupled to the seat frame  110 . In one embodiment, the softgoods  102  can be removably coupleable to the seat frame  110  so that it can be easily removed for cleaning and washing. The softgoods may also be referred to as a fabric cover. The seat  100  also includes a restraint assembly (not shown) that is used to retain a child in the seat  100 . 
   The seat frame  110  includes handles  202  and  222  on opposite sides of the seat frame  110 . The seat  100  is removably coupled to the hanger arm  50  and can be transported by a caregiver using the handles  202  and  222 . The seat  100  can be coupled to the hanger arm  50  in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 1  for motion in a front-to-back swing motion. Alternatively, the seat  100  can be rotated relative to the hanger arm  50  approximately 90° from that illustrated in  FIG. 1  so that the seat  100  moves in a side-to-side cradle-like motion. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the seat frame  110  of the swing  10  is illustrated in detail. As shown, the hanger arm  50  includes an upper end  52  that is supported by the housing  40  and a lower end  54  that is coupled to a seat base mounting portion  62 . The seat frame  110  includes a seat base  60  that is rotatably coupled to the mounting portion  62 . Coupled to opposite sides of the seat base  60  are legs or supports  70  and  80 . When the seat base  60  is detached from the mounting portion  62 , the legs  70  and  80  enable a caregiver to place the seat  100  on a supporting surface. 
   The seat frame  110  includes an upper portion  120  and a lower portion  190 . The upper portion  120  is formed by a generally circular tube or bar arrangement that supports the softgoods  102  of the seat  100 . The upper portion  120  is formed in the shape of a substantially circular ring. The upper portion  120  and lower portion  190  collectively define the shape of the receptacle formed by the seat  100  to contain or support a child. In particular, the upper portion  120  defines the outer perimeter  111  of the seat  100  or the infant receiving area in the seat  100 . 
   The seat frame  110  includes a pair of hubs or housings  200  and  220  on either side of the seat frame  110 . Handles  202  and  222  are coupled to housings  200  and  220 , respectively. In this embodiment, the handles  202  and  222  are coupled to the housings  200  and  220  using any conventional fasteners. The upper portion  120  is pivotally mounted to the housings  200  and  220  as will be described in detail below. 
   The lower portion  190  includes several tubes or bars that are coupled to the upper portion  120  and to the seat base  60 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , bars  192  and  194  extend from housing  200  to the seat base  60 . Similarly, bars  196  and  198  extend from housing  220  to the seat base  60 . In this embodiment, bars  192 ,  194 ,  196 , and  198  have generally curved configurations. In alternative embodiments, the quantity and configuration of the bars of the lower portion  190  of the seat frame  110  can vary. 
   The seat  100  includes a recline mechanism that can be manipulated to adjust the orientation of the upper portion  120  of the seat frame  110 . In particular, the recline mechanism is configured to enable a caregiver to change the recline angle of the upper portion  120  relative to the lower portion  190  of the seat frame  110 . The upper portion  120  can be disposed in multiple orientations. The recline mechanism is operable whether the seat  100  is mounted to the swing frame  20  or detached therefrom. For reference, the upper portion  120  of the seat frame  110  can be referred to as a movable portion and the lower portion  190  of the seat frame  110  can be referred to as a fixed portion. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , two configurations of the upper portion  120  of the seat frame  110  are illustrated. Only some components of the swing  10  are shown in  FIG. 3  for ease of reference. The upper portion  120  of the seat  100  is pivotally coupled to the housings  200  and  220 . The upper portion  120  is mounted for movement about pivot axis  128 , which extends through housing  220 . The upper portion  120  can be placed in a first position or orientation  122  in which it is substantially horizontal. This position can be referred to as a recline or reclined position. The upper portion  120  can be moved about pivot axis  128  along the direction of arrows “A” to a second orientation  124 . In the second position  124 , the front of the upper portion  120  is lower than the rear of the upper portion  120  and a child in the seat  100  is in a more upright or inclined position. When desired, the upper portion  120  can be moved along the direction of arrows “B” from the second position or orientation  124  to the first position or orientation  122 . 
   An embodiment of a portion of the seat is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the upper portion  120  includes a front portion  130  and a rear portion  180 . The front portion  130  includes a bar  140  that has a coupler  160  mounted thereon. The bar  140  extends from end  142  to end  148  and is pivotally mounted to the housings  200  and  220 . The rear portion  180  includes a bar  182  that is detachably coupled to the front portion  130 . In particular, ends  184  and  186  of bar  182  can be coupled to ends  142  and  148 , respectively, of bar  140 . Ends  184  and  186  can be sized and configured so that they can be inserted into the openings of ends  142  and  148  in a telescopic arrangement. In one implementation, the ends of the bars can be coupled together using a spring-biased button member. In another implementation, a screw, a rivet, or other fastener can be used to connect the ends together, such as by being inserted through hole  146  in bar  140  (see  FIG. 5 ) and a corresponding hole on bar  182 . The front portion  130  and the rear portion  180  collectively form the upper portion  120  of the seat  100 . When the front portion  130  and rear portion  180  are coupled together, the upper portion  120  of the seat  100  can be pivoted along the directions of arrows “C” about pivot axes  126  and  128 . In this embodiment, the range from the recline position to the incline position is approximately 12 to 15 degrees. In other embodiments, the range between the positions can be either less or greater than that range. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , housing  200  includes an inner portion  204  and an outer portion  206  that are coupled together using any conventional fasteners or connectors. The inner portion  204  and the outer portion  206  collectively define an opening  208  near the upper end of the housing  200 . Similarly, housing  220  includes an inner portion  224  and an outer portion  226  that are coupled together and collectively define an opening  228 . 
   The seat  100  includes an adjustment or recline mechanism with several components disposed within each of the housings  200  and  220 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , housing  200  includes a coupler  310  that is rotatably mounted therein. In this embodiment, the coupler  310  is formed from two parts  312  and  314  that are coupled together to capture a portion of the bar  140  therebetween. The coupler  310  is mounted for rotation about axis  126  (along the direction of arrow “C”) and the coupler  310  and bar  140  rotate together. Similarly, housing  220  includes a coupler  305  rotatably mounted therein. Coupler  305  receives another portion of bar  140  and rotates about axis  128  along the direction of arrow “C.” The particular features of the couplers and the movement of the components of the seat frame  110  are described in greater detail below. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , an embodiment of a recline mechanism according to the present invention is illustrated. In  FIG. 5 , some of the components of the housing  200 , the coupler  310 , and the recline mechanism  300  are illustrated. While only the portion of the recline mechanism associated with housing  200  is described below for simplicity, the portion of the recline mechanism associated with housing  220  has similar components, arrangement and operation. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , the outer part  206  of housing  200  is shown with the inner part  204  removed so that the interior of the housing  200  can be shown. In this embodiment, the outer part  206  and the inner part  204  of the housing  200  are mirror-images of each other. The outer part  206  of the housing  200  includes a side wall  240  that extends around most of its perimeter. An inner wall  250  extends from one side to the other side of the housing  200 . The inner wall  250  defines two receptacles  252  and  254 , which correspond to and define different orientations of the upper portion  120  of the seat frame  110 . In alternative embodiments, the inner wall  250  may include more than two receptacles, which would allow the seat upper portion  120  to be placed in additional positions or orientations. The receptacles  252  and  254  can be referred to alternatively as openings or detents. Additional structural features of the housing  200  are illustrated in  FIG. 11  and described in detail below. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , the outerpart  312  of coupler  310  is illustrated. The innerpart  314  of the coupler  310  is not illustrated so that the internal components of the coupler  310  can be shown. The coupler outer part  312  includes walls  340  and  342  that define a channel  344  therebetween. The channel  344  is configured to receive a portion of the bar  140  of the seat upper portion  120 . The bar  140  is connected to the coupler  310  by a fastener that is inserted through hole  144  in the bar  140 . That fastener also passes through and is coupled to the housing  200  and to the inner and outer parts of the coupler  310 . Accordingly, the coupler  310  and the bar  140  are pivotally mounted to the housing  200  about the fastener in hole  144 , which defines pivot axis  126 . The coupler  310  and bar  140  are movable along the directions of arrow “E” (see  FIG. 5 ). Additional structural features of the coupler  310  are illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14  and described below. 
   The recline mechanism  300  includes a locking member  520 . The locking member  520  prevents movement of the seat upper portion  120  relative to the housings  200  and  220 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the locking member  520  includes a body  522  with an opening  524  and an extension  532  that can be selectively located in receptacle  252  or in receptacle  254 . The locking member  520  is movable between a locked position in which it engages a receptacle and an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from a receptacle. When the extension  532  of locking member  520  is engaged with either receptacle  252  or  254 , coupler  310  and bar  140  are prevented from rotating relative to housing  200 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , extension  532  is illustrated as being engaged with receptacle  252 . Additional structural features of the locking member  520  are illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18  and described below. 
   The recline mechanism  300  also includes a cam member  500 . The cam member  500  engages and moves the locking member  520 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the cam member  500  includes a base  502  with an upper portion  506  that has a cam surface  508 . Part of the cam member  500  is inserted through the opening  524  of the locking member  520 . When the cam member  500  moves, the cam surface  508  engages the inner surface  525  of the locking member  520  that defines a portion of the opening  524 . 
   The recline mechanism  300  also includes a biasing member  540 . The biasing member  540  is placed between part of the coupler  310  and the locking member  520  to apply a force to the locking member  520 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the biasing member  540  applies a force along the direction of arrow “F” to the locking member  520 . When the locking member  520  moves along the direction of arrow “F,” the extension  532  engages either receptacle  252  or receptacle  254 . In this embodiment, the biasing member  540  is a coil spring. In other embodiments, the biasing member  540  can be a different type of spring or any other element that can apply a force onto the locking member  520 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  8 , the recline mechanism  300  includes an actuator  370  and an elongate member  380  that is movable. The elongate member  380  has the same contour and configuration as bar  140 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the elongate member  380  passes through the coupler  160  and extends to the couplers  305  and  310 . The actuator  370  is movably mounted in the coupler  160  and located so a user can pull on the actuator  370  along the direction of arrow “D” (see  FIG. 4 ). The actuator  370  and coupler  160  are located on the front portion of the upper portion  120  of the seat  100 . Accordingly, a user can adjust the inclination of the seat  100  at the front of the seat  100  using one hand to move the actuator from an un-actuated position to an actuated position and to support the upper portion  120  of the seat frame  110  at the same time. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , the elongate member  380  is a tubular structure, such as a rod, that has bent end portions  382  and  384 . In this embodiment, coupler  160  is formed of portions  162  and  164  that are connected together using conventional fasteners. The portions  162  and  164  include recesses  166  and  170 , respectively, that form an opening to receive a portion of bar  140  of the upper portion  120  of the seat frame  110  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). The portions  162  and  164  also include slots  168  and  172  that form an opening through which a portion of the rod  380  is inserted. The slots  168  and  172  are configured to allow movement of the rod  380  relative to the remainder of the coupler  160 . The elongate member  380  can be a rod, a tube, a wire, a cable, or other similar structure. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , the coupler portion  164  includes a lower surface  174  with an opening  176  formed therein. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the actuator  370  has a body  372  with a connector portion  374  that is configured to be coupled to the rod  380 . The actuator  370  is configured to extend through the opening  176  to a position in which it is accessible to the user (see  FIG. 4 ). The opening  176  is configured so that the actuator  370  can be moved by a user some distance between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to actuate the recline mechanism. In different embodiments, the size or configuration of the opening  176  and the coupler  160  can vary. In this embodiment, the coupler  160  and the actuator  370  can be formed of molded plastic materials and the rod formed of metal. A biasing member  373 , such as a steel coil spring, can be located between the actuator  370  and part of the coupler  160  to apply a force along the direction of action (arrow “D”). The biasing member  373  moves the actuator  370  back to its rest position after actuation. In other embodiments, the biasing member  373  can be any type of spring or element that can provide a force on the actuator  370 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , the arrangement of the components of the recline mechanism  300  is described in greater detail. End  382  of the rod  380  is coupled to the cam member  500  so that movement of the rod  380  causes movement of the cam member  500 . In this embodiment, the distal end  382  of the rod  380  is configured to be inserted into an opening  504  formed in the cam member  500  (see  FIG. 8 ). When the rod  380  is pulled along the direction of arrow “G” in  FIG. 5 , the cam member  500  moves in the same direction. When the rod  380  moves along the direction of arrow “H,” the cam member  500  moves in the same direction. 
   When the cam member  500  moves along the direction of arrow “G,” the cam surface  508  engages and pushes surface  525  of locking member  520  upwardly along the direction of arrow “I.” If the locking member  520  moves upwardly a sufficient distance, the extension  532  disengages from the receptacles  252  and  254  and the coupler  310  and bar  140  can rotate about axis  126 . When the user releases the actuator  370 , the biasing member  540  applies force to the locking member  520  to move it along the direction of arrow “F” and the cam member  500  moves along the direction of arrow “H.” 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  9  and  10 , the operation of the recline mechanism  300  is described. A first position or orientation of the seat upper portion  120  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In this orientation, the extension  532  of the locking member  520  is engaged with the receptacle  252 . To change the inclination of the seat  100 , the user pulls on the actuator  370  along the direction of arrow “G,” thereby moving rod  380  and the cam member  500  in the same direction. The rod  380  is pulled with a sufficient force to overcome the force applied by the biasing member  540  on the locking member  520 . When the rod  382  and the cam member  500  move, the cam surface  508  engages the locking member  520  and forces the locking member  520  upwardly against the biasing member  540  (see arrow “I” in  FIG. 5 ). 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , when the cam member  500  moves into the opening  524  of the locking member  520 , the locking member  520  moves upwardly along the direction of arrow “J” and the biasing member  540  is compressed. In this position, the extension  532  of the locking member  520  disengages from the receptacle  252 . At this point, the coupler  310  and the bar  140  can rotate about axis  126 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , the coupler  310  and the bar  140  can be rotated about axis  126  along the direction of arrow “K.” When the coupler  310  and bar  140  are in their second or inclined position  124 , the tension applied to rod  380  is released. At this point, the biasing member  540  forces the locking member  520  downwardly along the direction of arrow “L.” The locking member  520  slides along the cam surface  508  of the cam member  500 , which, along with elongate member  380 , moves along the direction of arrow “M.” When the locking member  520  continues to move downwardly, the extension  532  engages receptacle  254 . The engagement of the extension  532  with the receptacle  254  prevents the coupler  310  and bar  140  from rotating and retains the seat frame upper portion  120  in an inclined or more upright position. 
   To change the angle of inclination from an inclined position (see  FIG. 10 ) to reclined position (see  FIG. 5 ), a force is applied on the actuator  370  to move it along the direction of arrow “N” in  FIG. 10 . Such movement causes the cam member  500  to move in the same direction and the locking member  520  to move upwardly. When the extension  532  disengages from receptacle  254 , the coupler  310  can be rotated about axis  126  to the intermediate position shown in  FIG. 9  and to the reclined position shown in  FIG. 5 . When the desired position is reached, the actuator  370  can be released and the locking member extension  532  engages receptacle  252 . 
   An embodiment of a portion of a housing is illustrated in detail in  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, the housing portion is an outer portion  206  that can be coupled to an inner portion  204  to form housing  200 . As previously described, the housing outer portion  206  includes a side wall  240  and an inner wall  250  that has receptacles  252  and  254  formed therein. The angles of orientation of the receptacles  252  and  254  determine the different angles of inclination of the upper portion  120  of the seat  100 . In various embodiments, the angles of orientation of the receptacles can vary. While only two receptacles are illustrated, different embodiments of the housing according to the invention can have more than two receptacles. The additional receptacles provide extra settings and orientations (or angles of inclination) from which the user can choose to dispose the seat frame. While receptacles  252  and  254  are illustrated as being cavities formed in the inner wall  250 , in other embodiments, the inner wall can be continuous and the receptacles can be holes formed in the inner wall. Also, the size and configuration of the receptacles  252  and  254  can vary so long as they can receive a portion of the locking member  520 . 
   The housing outer portion  206  can be coupled to a mirror-image housing inner portion using conventional fasteners, such as screws. The fasteners can be inserted through mounts  260 ,  262 ,  264 , and  266  and a part of the housing inner portion  204 . The fastener that is inserted through mount  260  extends through bar  140  of the seat upper portion  120  and establishes the pivot axis  126 . While in one embodiment, the housing can be formed of molded plastic, in other embodiments different materials, including metal, can be used. 
   An embodiment of part of a coupler according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14 . As previously described, each coupler is formed by two portions that can be coupled together using conventional fasteners. In  FIG. 12 , the inner portion of coupler  310  is removed so that the inner surface of the outer portion  312  can be illustrated and described. Conventional fasteners can be inserted through mounts  350 ,  352 ,  354 , and  356  to attach the coupler portions together. The fastener that is inserted through mount  350  is the same fastener that passes through bar  140  and through the housing  200  as previously described. 
   Coupler portion  312  includes an outer wall  316  that extends around a portion of its perimeter. As illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , openings  318  and  320  are formed in the outer wall  316  and are configured to receive a portion of bar  140 . The coupler portion  312  includes walls  340  and  342  that define a channel  344  that extends from opening  318  to opening  320 . The outer wall  316  also includes a smaller opening  322  formed therein through which the elongate member  380  of the recline mechanism  300  can be inserted. 
   Referring to  FIG. 12 , there are several other walls formed on the inner surface of the coupler portion  312 . Walls  336  and  338  define a channel  339  therebetween. The channel  339  is configured to receive a portion of the locking member  520  and guide its movement. Near one end of the channel  339  are walls  330  and  332  that form a receptacle  334  into which the biasing member  540  is located. Channel  339  is aligned with an opening  365  that is formed in the bottom surface of the coupler portion  312 . The opening  365  is configured to allow the extension  532  of the locking member  520  to extend therethrough. 
   The coupler portion  312  also includes walls  360  and  362  that form a surface or pathway  364  along which the cam member  500  moves back and forth. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the paths of movement of the cam member  500  and the locking member  520  intersect. 
   An embodiment of a cam member according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . In this embodiment, the cam member  500  includes a base  502  with an upper portion  506  and a lower portion  510 . The base  502  has an opening  504  formed therein, the function of which has been previously described. The upper portion  506  includes a cam surface  508  that extends upwardly from the base  502 . In alternative embodiments, the angle and length of the cam surface  508  can vary provided that sufficient force can be applied to the locking member  520  to move it during operation of the recline mechanism. 
   An embodiment of a locking member according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . In this embodiment, the locking member  520  includes a body  522  with an inner surface  525  that defines an opening  524  in the body  522 . In alternative embodiments, the size and shape of the opening  524  can vary. 
   Coupled to an end  526  of the body  522  is a protrusion or extension  530 . Extension  530  is configured to accommodate a portion of the biasing member  540  and thereby maintain contact between the biasing member  540  and the locking member  520 . While in this embodiment the extension  530  is formed as an integral part of the body  522 , in other embodiments, the extension  530  can be formed separately and subsequently coupled to the body  522 . 
   Coupled to the other end  528  of the body  522  is a protrusion or extension  532 . Extension  532  is configured to engage one of the receptacles  252  or  254  formed in the housing  200 . Similar to extension  530 , extension  532  can be formed as an integral part of the body  522  or alternatively, can be formed separately and subsequently coupled to the body  522 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the cam members and the locking members are formed of a molded plastic material. In other embodiments, different materials, such as metal, can be used. Additionally, the recline mechanism and methods of using the recline mechanism described herein for the present invention can be applied to other infant receiving or support devices (such as cribs, bassinets, bouncers, etc.). The recline mechanism is applicable to any infant support device to which a portion of a seat or support frame can be pivotally mounted. 
   In other embodiments, the structures that are used to control the movements of the components of the adjustment or recline mechanism can vary. In other embodiments, the inner and outer portions of the coupler can be different from each other. 
   While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, it is to be understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.