Abstract:
A reciprocating device for holding an infant carrier that is expandable to accommodate carriers of various sizes. The device includes a base member that is stationary with respect to a support surface and a platform that reciprocates above the base member. The reciprocation is executed by an actuator. The reciprocation of the platform on the base member is linear. The platform can include expansion trays which extend outward, increasing its usable surface area, it can be foldable between folded and unfolded positions, or it can be foldable and include expansion trays.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a reciprocating platform for holding infant carriers, and more specifically relates to a reciprocating platform that is expandable to accommodate different sized carriers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It has long been known that oscillatory motion can induce a small child, especially an infant, to sleep. Rocking has been a method used by caretakers for thousands of years to help infants fall and remain asleep. It is also well known that the movements involved with transporting an infant can help induce it to sleep. For example, the motion associated with pushing a stroller or riding in a car frequently put infants to sleep. Devices have been developed to simulate this motion mechanically. For example, electrically powered rockers which automatically swing an infant back and forth in a consistent rhythm have been developed. 
         [0003]    None of the methods are guaranteed to induce a child to sleep. However, once asleep, some infants will awaken once the movement is stopped. Also, the process of moving an infant from a stroller or car seat to an automatic rocker can rouse an infant. Once the child is awake, it may not return to sleep. Accordingly, there are devices which can convey motion to an infant carrier, such as a stroller or car seat, once the infant is no longer traveling. 
         [0004]    For example, International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/GB/00474 discloses a device with a platform that moves back and forth while pivoting to replicate rocking. The device includes a box next to the platform that houses a motor to impart the motion to the platform. The overall design of the device is large and awkward and is intended to be stationary. 
         [0005]    The BabySitter by Robopax is somewhat smaller and includes an actuator under the platform. However, the platform is not expandable, and the device must be as large as the platform. This can be cumbersome if the device is designed to accommodate a large stroller. 
         [0006]    Accordingly there is a desire for a device which can accommodate an infant carrier and has an expandable platform such that it can be made small and portable. There is also a desire for such a device to accommodate both large carriers, such as strollers, and smaller carriers, such as car seats. Further, the device may be portable, so the caregiver can transport it easily to another location or destination outside the care giver&#39;s home. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention provides a reciprocating device for holding an infant carrier that is expandable to accommodate carriers of various sizes. The device includes a base member that is stationary with respect to a support surface and a platform that reciprocates above the base member. The reciprocation is executed by an actuator. The reciprocation of the platform on the base member may be linear. Accordingly, the actuator can be a linear actuator, or a rotating motor with linkage to convert the rotating motion to a linear motion. 
         [0008]    The device may include one or more features which allow it to expand in either length, width or both. The platform can include expansion trays which may extend outward, increasing the usable surface area of the platform. The expansion trays are movable between a first contracted position, where the platform is small and a second expanded position. The expansion trays may slide relative to the rest of the platform. 
         [0009]    Alternatively, the platform may be foldable, such that it can be folded and smaller or open and larger. The device may include various elements to support the unfolded section of the platform when the platform is open. For example, the base member can be expandable, a second base member may be included, or the platform can have its own support members, such as wheels. 
         [0010]    To accommodate a wide range of different sized baby carriers, the device may include more than one expansion feature. The device can be both foldable and include an expansion tray. The expansion trays can be used when the device is in the unfolded position. In the expanded position, the device is open (unfolded) and the expansion trays are in an extended position. Each side of the folded platform is supported by a base member. 
         [0011]    The expansion trays can be slidably connected to the rest of the platform. To keep the expansion trays in a desired position they can be temporarily fixed in place. For example, the connection between the expansion tray and the platform can include spring-loaded locks, such that the trays can lock in both an extended and a contracted position. 
         [0012]    The platform is also slidably connected to the base members, with each half of the foldable platform connected to a different base member. For instance, a first section of the platform can be slidably connected to a first base member and a second section of the platform can be slidably connected to a second base member. Rollers can be included between the platform and base members, such that the reciprocation of the platform is smooth. 
         [0013]    The platform, including an expansion tray, can be foldable about a hinge or pivot joints. To fold the device, the second section of the platform is rotated about the hinge such that it rests above the first section of the platform. The hinge is not limited to a specific embodiment and only defines the part of the platform through which the two sections are foldably connected. The hinge can be formed integrally with one of or both of the platform sections, or can be separate parts attached to the sections of the platform. Consequently, the second base member, which is attached to the second section of the platform, is also rotated about the pivot joint. Thus, when the device is in the folded position the second base member is above the platform and forms the support surface for a baby carrier. Accordingly, the second base member may be designed to have a surface which acts as the bottom when in the open position, but acts as the carrier surface when in the folded position. 
         [0014]    In the folded position the device is smaller and can be portable. Accordingly, the device can include a handle or strap for added convenience to the user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0015]    These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent by referring to the drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  show perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention including expansion trays; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2   a - 2   b  show perspective views of a foldable embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of another foldable embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 4   a - 4   b  show perspective views of yet another foldable embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a foldable embodiment of the present invention including expansion trays in an expanded position; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  illustrate the reciprocation of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  in the unfolded position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7   a  shows an attachment mechanism of the expansion trays of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7   b  is a magnified view of the attachment mechanism shown in  FIG. 7   a;    
           [0024]      FIG. 8  shows an interconnection of the platform and base members of  FIG. 5  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  illustrates an operation of the actuator of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  in a folded position; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  illustrates a reciprocating motion of the folded embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  show an embodiment of a reciprocating device  1  for soothing an infant. Device  1  is shown in a compact position in  FIG. 1   a  and an expanded position in  FIG. 1   b . Device  1  includes a base member  10  adapted to conform to a support surface, such as a floor, and a platform  40 . Platform  40  is designed to hold a carrier for a small child, for example a stroller or car seat. Device  1  includes an actuator  70  for oscillating the platform  40  with respect to base member  10 . Actuator  70  may be any type of actuator operable to oscillate platform  40  with respect to base member  10 . For example, actuator  70  may be a linear actuator including solenoids, a rack and pinion or a simple mechanical linkage for converting rotational motion from an induction motor to a linear motion, such as a crank-rocker. In the illustrated embodiments, actuator  70  is adjacent base member  10  and platform  40 . However, the location of actuator  70  is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. 
         [0031]    Platform  40  may be in the form of a flat surface which supports the child carrier. In order to change the size of the platform surface, platform  40  may include one or more expansion trays  66 . The expansion trays  66  have a retracted position fitting tightly into the platform  40 , such that the platform  40  is in a compact position. In the compact position, platform  40  is more easily transported and takes up less space. Each expansion tray  66  also has an extracted position increasing the surface of platform  40 . Expansion tray  66  may slide away from the rest of the platform  40  into an extracted position to form an expanded position of platform  40 . In the illustrated embodiment part of the main body of the platform is exposed between the expansion trays. However, the expansion trays  66  can each be half the width of the platform, such that they touch when in the compact position. In the compact position, the expansion tray  66  may be held under, above, or within the rest of the platform  40 . The expansion tray  66  may be movable in an up and down direction once in the extracted position to align with the top of the platform. For example, if expansion tray  66  is held beneath the rest of the platform  40  in the compact position, it may be raised when placed in the extracted position to be flush with the top of the platform  40 . In  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  the platform  40  includes two expansion trays  66 , each of which is shown above the rest of the platform and is operable to slide over the platform. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show another embodiment of reciprocating device  1 . Platform  40  includes two pivotally connected sections  44 ,  46 . In a compact position of device  1 , first section  44  is beneath second section  46 , as shown in  FIG. 2   a . In an expanded position, second section  46  is adjacent first section  44 . Platform  40  may include a hinge  100  connecting first section  44  and second section  46 . A second base member  10 ′ may be placed under second section  46  to provide support, see  FIG. 2   b . As shown in  FIG. 2   a , the second base member  10  may be held below the first base member  10  when device  1  is in the compact position. Alternatively, second base member  10  may be held above platform  40  (See, for example, the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 ) 
         [0033]    Other methods can also be used to support second section  46 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , base member  10  may include rails  12  which extend therefrom. The rails  12  can be extended to support second section  46  in the expanded position, or rails  12  can be held within base  10  when device  1  is in the compact position. 
         [0034]    Another embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , is that second section  46  supports itself. For example, second section  46  may include wheels  42 , which reach the floor when platform  40  is open and second section  46  is adjacent first section  44 . The wheels  42  may be positioned such that they do not interfere with base member  10  as the platform  40  oscillates. Wheels  42  may be retractable, such that they do not obstruct a platform surface provided by second section  46  when in the compact and folded position. 
         [0035]    The device  1  may be portable so that the care giver of the child can take the device to locations outside of the care giver&#39;s home. The expandability of the platform  40  surface allows the device to be small such that it is easy to carry. Further, the device  1  can include a handle (see  FIG. 12 ), so that it can be lifted and moved easily. 
         [0036]    The device  1  may include additional features to aid in calming the infant. For example, device  1  can include a system for playing music. Device  1  can include speakers for playing music to soothe the infant. Pre-recorded music can be stored in a memory within device  1  to be played over the speakers. Additionally, device  1  may include a radio receiver to receive AM, FM or satellite music broadcasts. Similarly, device  1  may include a receiver for other wireless signals, such as Wi-Fi. Further the device may include a signal port to receive audio signals from an external device. For example, device  1  may include an electrical cable to connect to the headphone port of an audio device, such as a portable audio player or computer. Alternatively, device  1  can include a docking station for a portable music player, such as an MP3 player. 
         [0037]    The oscillation of device  1  can be linear, such that the platform oscillates back and forth. The speed of the motion may be uniform back and forth or it can be sinusoidal such that the platform moves faster through the middle of its path. Alternatively, the platform can oscillate in a non-linear manner, for instance the platform may translate in a circle or other shape. Further, the platform can twist or rock as it moves. The motion can be made to replicate the motion of a car or rocking in a care giver&#39;s arms. Device  1  may include controls for changing the motion of the platform. The controls can change the overall speed of the motion, or change the path of the motion. Further, device  1  may be configured to oscillate according to the rhythm of music being played through the speakers, if provided. 
         [0038]    The details of a specific embodiment of the invention which has a platform  40  that includes both expansion trays  66  as well as first and second sections  44 ,  46  is shown in  FIGS. 5-13  and described herein. Device  1  is shown in  FIG. 5  in the fully expanded position. Platform  40  is folded open such that second section  46  is next to first section  44 . Expansion trays  66  are shown in an extended position providing the largest possible platform area of device  1 . In the most expanded position, as shown, platform  40  is wider than the base members  10  because expansion trays  66  are extending out from platform  40 . The expansion trays  66  overhang the base members  10 . Actuator  70  is held in a housing  72  that is fixed to platform  40 . In the operation of this embodiment, actuator  70 , housing  72  and platform  40 , including both sections  44  and  46  as well as expansion trays  66 , oscillate with respect to the base members  10 . The movement of device  1  in the open and expanded position is shown in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c . In the most expanded position shown in  FIG. 5 , device  1  is sized to accommodate large strollers or baby carriages. 
         [0039]    The expansion trays  66  may be fixedly attached to the rest of platform  40  in such a way that they are slidable between a retracted position and an extracted position. As shown in  FIG. 7   a , the expansion trays  66  may be held on the platform using a peg and slot. One or more pegs  68  are included on each expansion tray  66 . The peg  68  rides in a slot  58  formed in platform  40 , shown in detail in  FIG. 7   b . Slot  58  may have an open bottom such that a washer  62 , with a diameter larger than the width of slot  58 , can be attached to peg  68  on the bottom side of platform  40 . This arrangement allows peg  68  to move back and forth within slot  58 , but prevents peg  68  from being removed entirely from slot  58 . Peg  68  may be lockable within slot  58  at either end, corresponding to the extracted and retracted positions. A mechanism for locking peg  68 , and thus expansion tray  66 , in one of the extracted and retracted positions could be as simple as a leaf spring (not shown) or more complex. 
         [0040]    Of course, the location of the peg  68  and slot  58  may be rearranged, such that the peg  68  is part of the main body of the platform  40  and the slot  58  part of expansion tray  66 . Likewise, other mechanisms and designs may be used to fix the expansion tray  66  onto the platform  40  while allowing it to slide. The shown and described peg and slot embodiment is exemplary. If the user does not require such a large platform, the expansion trays  66  may be placed and held in the retracted position, as described below. 
         [0041]    The connection used for fixing the platform  40  onto base member  10  may be similar to that used to attach expansion tray  66  onto platform  40 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , such that platform  40  itself may be fixed to and slidable with the base member  10 . Accordingly, the platform  40  may include one or more pegs  48  that ride within one or more corresponding slots  18  in the base member  10 . Again, a washer  22  ( FIG. 11 ) can be included to hold peg  48  within slot  18 . This allows each peg  48  to slide back and forth within slot  18  as the platform  40  oscillates. 
         [0042]    For added stability, each base member  10  may include a bar  24  that runs its length and fits within a complimentary trench  54  in the platform  40 , illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The bar  24  of one base member  10  fits in a trench  54  of first section  44  and the bar  24  of the other base member  10  fits in a trench  54  of second section  46 . Though the base members  10  are shown in  FIG. 8  as including a bar  24  and peg slots, while the complimentary platform section is shown including a trench and pegs, these features may be arranged in any fashion. For example, the bar  24  may be included on either the base member  10  (as shown) or on the platform section  42 ,  46 . Likewise, the pegs  48  may be included on either the base member  10  or platform  40 . 
         [0043]    Rollers  20  may be included on either the platform  40  or base member  10  to reduce friction between these parts as the platform  40  is oscillated. In the illustrated embodiment a plurality of rollers  20  are attached to each base member  10 . Smooth flat surfaces are included on the platform sections  44 ,  46  as rolling paths  50  corresponding to rollers  20 . Each roller  20  may be recessed in a cavity  21  exposing only a small rolling surface above the surface of the base member  10 , depicted in  FIG. 9 . The depth of roller  20  within the cavity  21  determines the gap formed between platform  40  and base section  10 . 
         [0044]    As stated above, actuator  70  is held in a housing  72  that is fixed to platform  40 . The housing  72  may be larger than the actuator, as shown in  FIG. 7   a , to provide convenient storage space  74 . The storage space  74  may be used to hold a power adapter or battery pack for device  1  or anything desired by the user. 
         [0045]    In the illustrated embodiment, actuator  70  is a motor that is fixed within housing  72  relative to platform  40 . As platform  40  oscillates so can motor  70 . Motor  70  is coupled to a drive arm  80  that interacts with one of the base members  10  to drive platform  40  in an oscillatory motion. The base member  10  which interacts with drive arm  80  is described as the first base member  14 , while the other is described as the second base member  16 . The drive arm  80  is positioned below platform  40  and is coupled to motor  70  through a hole in the platform. Drive arm  80  is attached at a first end  86  to a shaft  84  that is driven by motor  70 . As motor  70  turns, drive arm  80  rotates about the end  86  which is attached to the shaft  84 . 
         [0046]    The operation of the actuator is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The second end  88  of drive arm  80  has an extension  82  attached thereto. Relative to the motor  70  and platform  40 , extension  82  travels in a circular motion as drive arm  80  rotates. Extension  82  is held in a well  76  in the first base member  14 . Well  76  is a substantially linear groove with side walls  78  extending down from a surface of first base member  14 . Well  76  is arranged such that its length is perpendicular to the direction of oscillation of platform  40 . As drive arm  80  rotates, extension  82  moves back and forth within well  76 . Thus, the motion of extension  82  is linear relative to first base member  10 . The movement of extension  82  within well  76  compensates for a first component of the rotational motion of drive arm  80 . The second component of the rotational motion of drive arm  80  is translated to the oscillation of the platform  40 . For example, if extension  82  begins at one end of well  76  it will push platform  40  in a first direction as the extension  82  moves toward the center of the well  76 . When extension  82  reaches the center of well  76 , platform  40  is at a peak in its oscillatory motion. As extension  82  travels to the other end of well  76 , platform  40  is pulled back to its central position. While the extension  82  goes back to the first end of well  76 , platform  40  moves toward and back from a second peak in its oscillatory motion. If motor  70  rotates at a constant rate, the trigonometric relationship between the well  76  and extension  82  causes platform  40  to have a linear motion with a sinusoidal rate. 
         [0047]    Extension  82  may include a drive wheel  83  which rides against the sidewall  78  of well  76 . Drive wheel  83  reduces friction between extension  82  and well  76 . Thus, a smooth, even motion is imparted in platform  40  as drive arm  80  rotates. In a preferred embodiment, platform  40  oscillates with respect to both first base member  14  and second base member  16 . However, actuator  70  and drive arm  80  act only on the platform  40  and first base member  14 . Thus, platform  40  does not inherently oscillate relative to second base member  16 . Therefore, a temporary attachment member  98  may be included to secure second base member  16  to first base member  14  when device  1  is in an open position. Accordingly, platform  40  oscillates with respect to both base members  10 . The temporary attachment member  98  may be one or more magnets linking the base members  10 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  illustrates that each of the base members  10  may include a grip section  90  including feet  92 . The feet  92  shown in the figures are formed of rubber which has high traction and helps stabilize device  1  on the support surface. Even if the infant carrier is large and heavy, such that its movement on the platform  40  creates large changes in momentum, the grip section  90  holds device  1  in place. 
         [0049]    The platform first section  44  and second section  46  may be held together by pivot joints  102  which act as a hinge  100 . To place device  1  in the folded section, shown in  FIG. 11 , the user rotates second section  46  of platform  40  and second base member  16  about hinge  100  as shown in  FIG. 12 . When in the folded position device  1  may be used to hold a smaller infant carrier, such as a car seat. Grip section  90  of second base member  16  securely holds the infant carrier in place on device  1 . To avoid interference with any infant carriers placed on device  1 , the feet  92  may be included at the corners of grip section  90 . In the folded position, it is preferable if second base member  16  oscillate with platform  40 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In the illustrated embodiment, actuator housing  72  is tall enough that it may include a temporary attachment member  98  to secure second base member  16  to actuator housing  72 . Because actuator housing  72  is fixedly attached to platform  40 , the temporary attachment member  98  ensures that second base member  16  is fixed with respect to platform  40 . 
         [0050]    In the folded position, device  1  is smaller and more portable. A handle  96  may be included on device  1  for easier carrying. The handle  96  preferably extends to the side of device  1  such that it is in a vertical orientation when being carried by handle  96 . The side of device  1  opposite handle  96  may include a floor pad (not shown) to secure device  1  when set down temporarily during transport. As shown in  FIG. 12 , handle  96  may be an extension of platform  40 . In this embodiment, second base member  16  is kept from moving in the oscillation direction by temporary attachment member  98  and actuator housing  72 . Similarly, first base member  14  is held in place by the static torque of motor  70 . Thus, when device  1  is carried by handle  96 , the parts which oscillate with respect to one another are held in place. 
         [0051]    Although the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described, many features may be varied, as will readily be apparent to those skilled in this art. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.