Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a child care apparatus having a swingable child support.

Baby cribs can provide a comfortable and safe environment for sleeping a young child. For helping the child to fall asleep, the baby crib may include a child support that can be swung in use. When the child is sleeping or the baby crib is not used, the child support may be locked in position to avoid undesirable disturbance. However, the latching mechanism for locking the child support is usually complex in construction, and may not satisfy current needs. Examples of child care apparatuses having a swingable child support are described in document <CIT>.

Therefore, there is a need for a child care apparatus that can be convenient to use, and address at least the foregoing issues.

The present application describes a child care apparatus having a child support frame that can be swung or locked in position as needed.

According to the invention, a child care apparatus includes a standing frame including a mounting portion having a housing, a child support frame held on the standing frame via at least one hanging bar that is pivotally connected with the mounting portion, the hanging bar being rotatable for swinging the child support frame, a latching mechanism for rotationally locking the hanging bar, and a holding mechanism. The latching mechanism includes a latch connected with the mounting portion, a latch actuator movably linked to the latch and having an operating portion exposed for operation, and a spring connected with the latch actuator. The latch actuator is movable along with the latch between a locking state where the latch is engaged with the hanging bar and an unlocking state where the latch is disengaged from the hanging bar, the latching mechanism being biased toward the unlocking state by the spring. The holding mechanism is adapted to keep the latch actuator and the latch in the locking state, wherein the latch actuator is switchable between the locking state and the unlocking state by applying an external force on the operating portion of the latch actuator.

Preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

The present application provides a child care apparatus that includes a standing frame, and a child support frame connected with the standing frame via hanging bars. The hanging bars are rotatable to swing the child support frame relative to the standing frame for soothing a child. Moreover, the child support frame can be locked in position by a latching mechanism operable to rotationally lock the hanging bars, which can prevent swinging of the child support frame. Embodiments of the child care apparatus described herein include baby cribs. However, it will be appreciated that child care apparatuses that may incorporate the structures and features described herein can include, without limitation, child swings, child rockers, child motion apparatuses, and the like.

<FIG> and <FIG> are two perspective views illustrating an embodiment of a child care apparatus <NUM>, which is exemplarily a baby crib. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the child care apparatus <NUM> can include a standing frame <NUM>, and a child support frame <NUM> held on the standing frame <NUM> via a plurality of hanging bars <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the standing frame <NUM> can include two support legs <NUM> that are spaced apart from each other and can extend generally along an upright direction, and one or more transversal bar <NUM> connected with the two support legs <NUM> below the child support frame <NUM>. Each support leg <NUM> can have a lower end connected with a foot portion <NUM>, and an upper end connected with a mounting portion <NUM>. The foot portions <NUM> can provide stable support for the child care apparatus <NUM> on a floor surface. The two mounting portions <NUM> can be respectively connected fixedly with the two support legs <NUM>. Moreover, each mounting portion <NUM> can be pivotally connected with one or more hanging bar <NUM>, which can extend downward from the mounting portion <NUM> and can be connected with the child support frame <NUM> below the mounting portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the child support frame <NUM> provides a rigid support to which a fabric and/or softgoods can be attached to define an interior space suitable to receive a young child. According to an example of construction, the child support frame <NUM> can include an upper frame portion <NUM>, a lower frame portion <NUM>, and a plurality of upright posts <NUM> connected with the upper and lower frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The upper frame portion <NUM>, the lower frame portion <NUM> and the upright posts <NUM> can include a plurality of rigid tubes and/or bars, which can be assembled to define an enclosure frame.

According to an example of construction, the child support frame <NUM> can be placed between the two support legs <NUM> so that two opposite sides of the child support frame <NUM> are respectively adjacent to the two support legs <NUM>, and four hanging bars <NUM> can be provided for linking the two opposite sides of the child support frame <NUM> to the two mounting portions <NUM> of the support legs <NUM>. More specifically, two parallel hanging bars <NUM> can respectively couple each of the two opposite sides of the child support frame <NUM> to one corresponding mounting portion <NUM>. For example, each hanging bar <NUM> can have an upper portion 206A pivotally connected with the mounting portion <NUM>, and a lower end 206B pivotally connected with the child support frame <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the mounting portion <NUM> can include a housing <NUM> having a cavity that is fixedly connected with the support leg <NUM> at a top thereof, the upper portion 206A of the hanging bar <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the housing <NUM>, and the lower end 206B of the hanging bar <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the lower frame portion <NUM> of the child support frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the hanging bars <NUM> can hold the child support frame <NUM> at an elevated position above a floor surface, and are rotatable relative to the standing frame <NUM> for swinging the child support frame <NUM> between the two support legs <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the child support frame <NUM> may be held at an elevated position above a floor surface and protrude higher than the mounting portions <NUM>, which may facilitate access to the child support frame <NUM> and provide improved visibility. Owing to the pivot connection of the hanging bars <NUM> with the child support frame <NUM>, the child support frame <NUM> may remain in a same horizontal orientation during the swing motion.

In conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are respectively an enlarged view and an exploded view illustrating a latching mechanism <NUM> for rotationally locking the hanging bars <NUM> and thereby preventing swinging of the child support frame <NUM> relative to the standing frame <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the latching mechanism <NUM> can be assembled with the standing frame <NUM>, and is operable to engage for locking and disengage for unlocking the hanging bars <NUM> as desired. More specifically, the latching mechanism <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the mounting portion <NUM> of one support leg <NUM>, and is operable to engage and lock the two hanging bars <NUM> that are pivotally connected with the mounting portion <NUM> of the same support leg <NUM>. According to an example of construction, two of the same latching mechanism <NUM> may be respectively provided on the mounting portions <NUM> of the two support legs <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the latching mechanism <NUM> can include two latches <NUM>, a latch actuator <NUM> and a spring <NUM>, which can be assembled with the housing <NUM> of the mounting portion <NUM>.

The two latches <NUM> can be connected with the housing <NUM> so as to operate in a symmetric manner. For example, the two latches <NUM> can move relative to the housing <NUM> away from each other to engage and rotationally lock the two hanging bars <NUM>, and can move toward each other to disengage and rotationally unlock the two hanging bars <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the two latches <NUM> can be slidably connected with the housing <NUM>, whereby the two latches <NUM> can slide toward each other to disengage and rotationally unlock the two hanging bars <NUM> and can slide away from each other to engage and rotationally lock the two hanging bars <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may include two elongate slots <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>), and the two latches <NUM> can respectively include two pins that are slidably received through the two elongate slots <NUM>. The elongate slots <NUM> can generally extend horizontally. The two latches <NUM> can thereby slide along an axis <NUM> that can be substantially orthogonal to the respective pivot axes of the hanging bars <NUM>.

For facilitating the respective engagement of the two latches <NUM> with the two hanging bars <NUM>, the two hanging bars <NUM> can respectively have two bar extensions <NUM> that extend into the housing <NUM>. Each bar extension <NUM> may extend at an angle (e.g., <NUM> degrees) relative to the hanging bar <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the two bar extensions <NUM> can be respectively attached fixedly to the upper portions 206A of the two hanging bars <NUM>. According to another example of construction, the bar extensions <NUM> may be respectively formed integrally with the hanging bars <NUM>. The two latches <NUM> can respectively engage with two notches 114A provided on the bar extensions <NUM> to rotationally lock the two hanging bars <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the latch actuator <NUM> is movably linked to the two latches <NUM>, and is operable to cause the two latches <NUM> to concurrently move for rotationally locking and unlocking the two hanging bars <NUM>. For example, the latch actuator <NUM> can move in a direction to urge the two latches <NUM> to concurrently move toward each other for disengaging and rotationally unlocking the two hanging bars <NUM>, and can move in an opposite direction to urge the two latches <NUM> to concurrently move away from each other for engaging and rotationally locking the two hanging bars <NUM>.

According to an example of construction, the latch actuator <NUM> can be a single part having an operating portion <NUM>, can be slidably connected with the two latches <NUM>, and can be slidably connected with the housing <NUM> for sliding along an axis <NUM> substantially orthogonal to the axis <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> can have a channel 222A for guiding a sliding movement of the latch actuator <NUM> relative to the mounting portion <NUM> along the axis <NUM>, wherein the axis <NUM> can exemplarily extend vertically. The sliding connection of the latch actuator <NUM> with the two latches <NUM> can include, e.g., two pins respectively provided on the two latches <NUM> that are respectively received slidably through two guide slots <NUM> provided in the latch actuator <NUM>. The two guide slots <NUM> can be tilted relative to the axis <NUM>, and can be disposed according to a symmetric arrangement in the latch actuator <NUM>. In this manner, the two latches <NUM> can concurrently slide toward each other for respectively disengaging from the two hanging bars <NUM> when the latch actuator <NUM> slides in one direction along the axis <NUM>, and the two latches <NUM> can concurrently slide away from each other for respectively engaging with the two hanging bars <NUM> when the latch actuator <NUM> slides in an opposite direction along the axis <NUM>.

According to an example of construction, the latch actuator <NUM> may be disposed in a region overlapping with the two bar extensions <NUM> for a compact arrangement. As the hanging bars <NUM> rotate for swinging the child support frame <NUM>, the bar extensions <NUM> can travel past the latch actuator <NUM>. For facilitating the passage of the bar extensions <NUM>, the latch actuator <NUM> can have an inner cavity <NUM> that is connected with the two guide slots <NUM> and is opened at a left and a right side of the latch actuator <NUM>. The bar extensions <NUM> can travel through the inner cavity <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> as the hanging bars <NUM> rotate for swinging the child support frame <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the latches <NUM> can respectively engage with the notches 114A of the bar extensions <NUM> while the notches 114A are positioned inside the inner cavity <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM>.

With the aforementioned construction, the latch actuator <NUM> can move along with the latches <NUM> relative to the mounting portion <NUM> between a locking state where the latches <NUM> can be respectively engaged with the hanging bars <NUM>, and an unlocking state where the latches <NUM> can be respectively disengaged from the hanging bars <NUM>. The operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> is exposed for operation, and can protrude outside the mounting portion <NUM> when the latch actuator <NUM> is in the unlocking state and can be displaced toward the interior of the mounting portion <NUM> when the latch actuator <NUM> is in the locking state.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the spring <NUM> can bias the latch actuator <NUM> toward the unlocking state, i.e., in a direction that displaces the operating portion <NUM> toward an outer side of the housing <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the spring <NUM> can be a compression spring having one end connected with the latch actuator <NUM> and another end connected with an anchor structure provided in the housing <NUM>. For switching the latch actuator <NUM> from the unlocking state to the locking state, a caregiver can push the operating portion <NUM> toward the interior of the housing <NUM> so that the latch actuator <NUM> can move to the locking state against the biasing force of the spring <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, since the latching mechanism <NUM> is biased toward the unlocking state by the spring <NUM>, a holding mechanism <NUM> can be provided for keeping the latch actuator <NUM> and the latches <NUM> in the locking state. According to an example of construction, the holding mechanism <NUM> can include a locking part <NUM>, a spring <NUM> and a release button <NUM>, which can be assembled with the housing <NUM> of the mounting portion <NUM>. The locking part <NUM> is movable to engage with the latch actuator <NUM> for keeping the latch actuator <NUM> and the latches <NUM> in the locking state against the biasing force of the spring <NUM>, and to disengage from the latch actuator <NUM> so that the latch actuator <NUM> and the latches <NUM> can move under the biasing force of the spring <NUM> from the locking state to the unlocking state. For example, the locking part <NUM> can have a protrusion 126A that can engage with or disengage from an opening <NUM> provided in the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> for locking or releasing the latch actuator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking part <NUM> can be provided as a single part, and can be slidably connected with the housing <NUM>. For a compact assembly, the locking part <NUM> can be disposed adjacent to the latch actuator <NUM> with the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> passing through an opening 126B provided in the locking part <NUM>, the locking part <NUM> being slidable along an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the axis <NUM>. The locking part <NUM> can thereby slide relative to the mounting portion <NUM> for engaging with or disengaging from the latch actuator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the spring <NUM> can have two opposite ends respectively connected with the locking part <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and can bias the locking part <NUM> for engagement with the latch actuator <NUM>. The release button <NUM> can be fixedly connected with the locking part <NUM>, and can be exposed on the mounting portion <NUM> for operation. According to an example of construction, the spring <NUM> and the release button <NUM> can be disposed at two opposite sides of the locking part <NUM>. The release button <NUM> is operable to urge the locking part <NUM> to move against the biasing force of the spring <NUM> for disengaging from the latch actuator <NUM>.

In conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG> are schematic views illustrating exemplary operation of the latching mechanism <NUM> and the holding mechanism <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the holding mechanism <NUM> is shown in a configuration where the locking part <NUM> is disengaged from the latch actuator <NUM>, and the latching mechanism <NUM> is in the unlocking state with the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> protruding outside the mounting portion <NUM> and the latches <NUM> respectively disengaged from the bar extensions <NUM> of the hanging bars <NUM>. The latching mechanism <NUM> can be kept in the unlocking state by the biasing force of the spring <NUM>. Accordingly, the hanging bars <NUM> are unlocked and can rotate relative to the mounting portion <NUM> for swinging the child support frame <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are respectively a perspective view and an enlarged view illustrating a displacement of the bar extensions <NUM> as the child support frame <NUM> swings to one side. <FIG> and <FIG> are respectively a perspective view and an enlarged view illustrating a displacement of the bar extensions <NUM> as the child support frame <NUM> swings to another side opposite to that shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the bar extensions <NUM> can alternately travel through the inner cavity <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> as the child support frame <NUM> swings back and forth.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when a caregiver wants to disable the swing motion, the child support frame <NUM> is first put in a proper rest position. For example, the proper rest position can be a lowest position of the child support frame <NUM> relative to the mounting portions <NUM> corresponding to a generally vertical position of the hanging bars <NUM>. While the child support frame <NUM> remains in the proper rest position, a caregiver can press the operating portion <NUM> toward the interior of the mounting portion <NUM> so that the latch actuator <NUM> moves and urges the two latches <NUM> to move away from each other and respectively engage with the two bar extensions <NUM>, thereby rotationally locking the hanging bars <NUM>. As the latch actuator <NUM> moves toward the locking state, the opening <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> can be displaced toward the protrusion 126A of the locking part <NUM>, which may be in sliding contact with the latch actuator <NUM>, e.g., in sliding contact with the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM>. Once the latch actuator <NUM> reaches the locking state, the spring <NUM> can urge the locking part <NUM> to lock the latch actuator <NUM> in position via an engagement of the protrusion 126A with the opening <NUM>. The latching mechanism <NUM> can be thereby held in the locking state to prevent swinging of the child support frame <NUM>.

To release the child support frame <NUM>, a caregiver can press the release button <NUM> so that the locking part <NUM> moves and disengages from the latch actuator <NUM>. Under the biasing force of the spring <NUM>, the latch actuator <NUM> then can slide in a direction that causes the operating portion <NUM> to protrude outside the mounting portion <NUM>, which displaces the opening <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> away from the protrusion 126A of the locking part <NUM> and urges the latches <NUM> to respectively disengage from the bar extensions <NUM> of the hanging bars <NUM>. The hanging bars <NUM> are thereby unlocked and can rotate relative to the mounting portion <NUM> for swinging the child support frame <NUM>.

In conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG> are various views illustrating another construction of a holding mechanism <NUM> for keeping the latch actuator <NUM> and the latches <NUM> in the locking state, which can substitute for the holding mechanism <NUM> previously described. Referring to <FIG>, the latch actuator <NUM> can be connected and operate like previously described to drive locking and unlocking movements of the latches <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and the spring <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> can be likewise used to bias the latch actuator <NUM> to the unlocking state. The holding mechanism <NUM> can include one or more detent part <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>) capable of elastic deformation that is connected with the latch actuator <NUM>, and one or more anchoring part <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>) having a notch <NUM> that is provided on the housing <NUM> of the mounting portion <NUM>. The detent part <NUM> and the anchoring part <NUM> can be configured to interact with each other so that the detent part <NUM> can engage with the notch <NUM> for keeping the latch actuator <NUM> in the locking state and disengage from the notch <NUM> for releasing the latch actuator <NUM> in response to the application of an external force on the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the detent part <NUM> is attached to the latch actuator <NUM>, and is movable along with the latch actuator <NUM> between the unlocking state and the locking state. The detent part <NUM> can have a protrusion <NUM> that can be in sliding contact with the anchoring part <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the detent part <NUM> can have an elongate shape, and the protrusion <NUM> can be provided at a distal end of the detent part <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> of the detent part <NUM> can engage with the notch <NUM> of the anchoring part <NUM> for holding the latch actuator <NUM> in the locking state, and disengage from the notch <NUM> for releasing the latch actuator <NUM> so that the latch actuator <NUM> can move from the locking state to the unlocking state. For example, the protrusion <NUM> can have an edge surface 142A that can contact against a sidewall surface 140A of the notch <NUM> to stop and hold the latch actuator <NUM> in the locking state. Moreover, the protrusion <NUM> of the detent part <NUM> can be in sliding contact and interact with the anchoring part <NUM> so as to cause elastic deflection of the detent part <NUM> for facilitating the engagement and disengagement of the protrusion <NUM> with respect to the notch <NUM>. For example, the sliding contact may be achieved between the anchoring part <NUM> and any one of a plurality of edge regions 142B, 142C, 142D and 142E of the protrusion <NUM>.

According to an example of construction, the anchoring part <NUM> can be fixedly connected with the housing <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the anchoring part <NUM> can have a base surface <NUM>, and an edge <NUM> connected with the base surface <NUM>. The notch <NUM> can be cut into the edge <NUM>, and can open on the base surface <NUM>. The edge <NUM> can include two edge surfaces 146A and 146B of different orientations that are connected with each other at an angle, the edge surface 146B being adjacent to the notch <NUM>. Moreover, the anchoring part <NUM> can include an ejecting surface <NUM>, which is provided inside the notch <NUM> opposite to the sidewall surface 140A of the notch <NUM> and is connected at an angle with the base surface <NUM>. As the ejecting surface <NUM> extends away from the base surface <NUM>, the ejecting surface <NUM> can bend toward the interior of the notch <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the anchoring part <NUM> including the base surface <NUM>, the edge <NUM> and the ejecting surface <NUM> may be formed integrally as one single body.

According to an embodiment, the holding mechanism <NUM> can include four detent parts <NUM> of a same construction provided on the latch actuator <NUM>, and four corresponding anchoring parts <NUM> of a same construction provided in the housing <NUM>. It will be appreciated, however, that the holding mechanism <NUM> is not limited to the aforementioned example and may include more or less detent parts <NUM> and anchoring parts <NUM>.

In conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> are schematic views illustrating exemplary operation of the holding mechanism <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the holding mechanism <NUM> is shown in a configuration corresponding to the unlocking state of the latch actuator <NUM> with the operating portion <NUM> thereof protruding outside the housing <NUM>. While the latch actuator <NUM> is in the unlocking state, the protrusion <NUM> of the detent part <NUM> is disengaged from the notch <NUM> and is located adjacent to the edge surface 146A of the anchoring part <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a caregiver can apply a force FO on the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> for switching the latch actuator <NUM> from the unlocking state to the locking state. As the latch actuator <NUM> moves in a first direction from the unlocking state toward the locking state in response to the application of the force FO, the protrusion <NUM> of the detent part <NUM> can slide in contact with the edge <NUM> of the anchoring part <NUM> transitioning from the edge surface 146A to the edge surface 146B. For example, the protrusion <NUM> may contact with the edge surface 146A at the edge region 142B, and may contact with the edge surface 146B at the edge region 142C. This causes the detent part <NUM> to deflect, which elastically loads the detent part <NUM>. When the protrusion <NUM> of the detent part <NUM> reaches the notch <NUM>, the detent part <NUM> can release at least partially the elastic load and urge the protrusion <NUM> to engage with the notch <NUM>. The engagement of the protrusion <NUM> with the notch <NUM> can position the edge surface 142A of the protrusion <NUM> adjacent to the sidewall surface 140A of the notch <NUM>. The force FO then can be removed, and the edge surface 142A of the protrusion <NUM> can contact with the sidewall surface 140A of the notch <NUM> to keep the latch actuator <NUM> in the locking state against the biasing force of the spring <NUM> (better shown in <FIG> and <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a caregiver can likewise apply a force FO on the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> for switching the latch actuator <NUM> from the locking state to the unlocking state. As the latch actuator <NUM> moves in the first direction in response to the application of the force FO, the edge surface 142A of the protrusion <NUM> can be displaced away from the sidewall surface 140A of the notch <NUM>, and the protrusion <NUM> can slide in contact with the ejecting surface <NUM> of the anchoring part <NUM>. For example, the protrusion <NUM> may contact with the ejecting surface <NUM> at the edge region 142D. This causes the detent part <NUM> to deflect in a direction schematically illustrated with arrow O in <FIG>, which can disengage the protrusion <NUM> from the notch <NUM> and elastically loads the detent part <NUM>. Once the protrusion <NUM> has disengaged from the notch <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> can be in sliding contact with the base surface <NUM> of the anchoring part <NUM>, and the detent part <NUM> can release at least partially the elastic load and displace the protrusion <NUM> sideways away from the notch <NUM>. The force FO then can be removed, and the biasing force of the spring <NUM> (better shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) can urge the latch actuator <NUM> to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction toward the unlocking state. As the latch actuator <NUM> moves toward the unlocking state, the protrusion <NUM> can slide in contact with the base surface <NUM> past the notch <NUM> and the edge surface 146B of the anchoring part <NUM>. Once the latch actuator <NUM> reaches the unlocking state, the protrusion <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the edge surface 146A of the anchoring part <NUM>, and the operating portion <NUM> protrudes outside the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are respectively a perspective view and an enlarged view illustrating another construction of a holding mechanism <NUM> for keeping the latch actuator <NUM> and the latches <NUM> in the locking state, which can substitute for the holding mechanisms previously described. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the latch actuator <NUM> can be connected and operate like previously described to drive locking and unlocking movements of the latches <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> can be provided to bias the latch actuator <NUM> to the unlocking state. The holding mechanism <NUM> can include a detent part <NUM> connected with the housing <NUM>, and an anchoring part <NUM> having a closed guide track <NUM> and a protuberance <NUM> provided on the latch actuator <NUM>. The detent part <NUM> and the anchoring part <NUM> can be configured to interact with each other so that the detent part <NUM> can engage with the protuberance <NUM> for keeping the latch actuator <NUM> in the locking state and disengage from the protuberance <NUM> for releasing the latch actuator <NUM> in response to the application of an external force on the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the detent part <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the housing <NUM>, and is rotatable relative to the housing <NUM> as the latch actuator <NUM> moves between the unlocking state and the locking state. According to an example of construction, the detent part <NUM> can include a rod pivotally connected with the housing <NUM>. The detent part <NUM> can have a protrusion 152A that is received in the guide track <NUM>. During operation, the protrusion 152A can be guided for sliding along the guide track <NUM>, and the detent part <NUM> can rotate relative to the housing <NUM>.

The anchoring part <NUM> comprised of the guide track <NUM> and the protuberance <NUM> is carried with the latch actuator <NUM>. The guide track <NUM> can extend around the protuberance <NUM>. More specifically, the guide track <NUM> can be defined between the protuberance <NUM> and an outer sidewall <NUM> surrounding the protuberance <NUM>. The protuberance <NUM> and the outer sidewall <NUM> can be fixedly connected with the latch actuator <NUM>. For example, the protuberance <NUM> and the outer sidewall <NUM> may be formed integrally with the latch actuator <NUM>. The protuberance <NUM> and the outer sidewall <NUM> can generally have a heart-like shape, and can be in sliding contact with the protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> during operation.

In conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> are schematic views illustrating exemplary operation of the holding mechanism <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the holding mechanism <NUM> is shown in a configuration corresponding to the unlocking state of the latch actuator <NUM> with the operating portion <NUM> thereof protruding outside the housing <NUM>. While the latch actuator <NUM> is in the unlocking state, the protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> can contact with a concavity 160A provided in the outer sidewall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a caregiver can apply a force FO on the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> for switching the latch actuator <NUM> from the unlocking state to the locking state. As the latch actuator <NUM> moves in a first direction from the unlocking state toward the locking state in response to the application of the force FO, the protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> can be displaced along the guide track <NUM> in sliding contact with an edge 158A of the protuberance <NUM>, which can cause a rotational movement of the detent part <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. This is schematically shown in <FIG>. The protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> can slide in contact with the edge 158A of the protuberance <NUM> until it reaches a turn portion 160B of the outer sidewall <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, which can prevent the latch actuator <NUM> from further moving in the first direction. Accordingly, the force FO can be removed.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, as the force FO is removed while the protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> is located at the turn portion 160B of the outer sidewall <NUM>, the spring <NUM> can urge the latch actuator <NUM> to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction, which causes the protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> to move away from the turn portion 160B of the outer sidewall <NUM> and engage with a concavity 158B of the protuberance <NUM>. The engagement of the protrusion 152A with the concavity 158B can prevent the latch actuator <NUM> to further move in the second direction, which can thereby keep the latch actuator <NUM> in the locking state against the biasing force of the spring <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a caregiver can likewise apply a force FO on the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> for switching the latch actuator <NUM> from the locking state to the unlocking state. As the latch actuator <NUM> moves in the first direction in response to the application of the force FO, the protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> can move in sliding contact with a ramp 160C of the outer sidewall <NUM> until the protrusion 152A reaches another turn portion 160D of the outer sidewall <NUM> for disengaging from the concavity 158B of the protuberance <NUM>. When the protrusion 152A reaches the turn portion 160D of the outer sidewall <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the latch actuator <NUM> is prevented from further moving in the first direction. Accordingly, the force FO can be removed.

Referring to <FIG>, as the force FO is removed while the protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> is located at the turn portion 160D of the outer sidewall <NUM>, the spring <NUM> can urge the latch actuator <NUM> to move in the second direction opposite to the first direction until the latch actuator <NUM> reaches the unlocking state. As the latch actuator <NUM> moves in the second direction under the biasing force of the spring <NUM>, the protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> can be displaced away from the turn portion 160D and move along the guide track <NUM> toward the concavity 160A at least in sliding contact with a ramp 160E of the outer sidewall <NUM>. The protrusion 152A of the detent part <NUM> can be located adjacent to the concavity 160A of the outer sidewall <NUM> when the latch actuator <NUM> reaches the unlocking state.

<FIG> are various views not according to the present invention, illustrating another construction of a latching mechanism <NUM> provided in the child care apparatus <NUM>, which can substitute for the latching mechanism <NUM> previously described. Referring to <FIG>, the latching mechanism <NUM> can be likewise disposed adjacent to the mounting portion <NUM> of one support leg <NUM>, and is operable to engage and lock the two hanging bars <NUM> that are pivotally connected with the mounting portion <NUM> of the same support leg <NUM>. According to an example of construction, two of the same latching mechanism <NUM> may be respectively provided on the mounting portions <NUM> of the two support legs <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, not according to the present invention, the latching mechanism <NUM> can include two latches <NUM> and a latch actuator <NUM>, which can be assembled with the housing <NUM> of the mounting portion <NUM>.

The two latches <NUM> can be connected with the housing <NUM> so as to operate in a symmetric manner. For example, the two latches <NUM> can move relative to the housing <NUM> away from each other to engage and rotationally lock the two hanging bars <NUM>, and can move toward each other to disengage and rotationally unlock the two hanging bars <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the two latches <NUM> can be slidably connected with the housing <NUM>, whereby the two latches <NUM> can slide toward each other to disengage and rotationally unlock the two hanging bars <NUM> and can slide away from each other to engage and rotationally lock the two hanging bars <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may include two elongate slots <NUM>, and the two latches <NUM> can be respectively guided for sliding through the two elongate slots <NUM>. The elongate slots <NUM> can generally extend horizontally. The two latches <NUM> can thereby slide along an axis <NUM> that can be substantially orthogonal to the respective pivot axes of the hanging bars <NUM>.

For facilitating the respective engagement of the two latches <NUM> with the two hanging bars <NUM>, the two hanging bars <NUM> can respectively have two bar extensions <NUM> that extend into the housing <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the two bar extensions <NUM> can be respectively attached fixedly to the upper portions 206A of the two hanging bars <NUM>. According to another example of construction, the bar extensions <NUM> may be respectively formed integrally with the hanging bars <NUM>. The two latches <NUM> can respectively engage with the two bar extensions <NUM> to rotationally lock the two hanging bars <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, not according to the present invention, the latch actuator <NUM> is movably linked to the two latches <NUM>, and is operable to cause the two latches <NUM> to concurrently move for rotationally locking and unlocking the two hanging bars <NUM>. For example, the latch actuator <NUM> can move in a direction to urge the two latches <NUM> to concurrently move toward each other for disengaging and rotationally unlocking the two hanging bars <NUM>, and can move in an opposite direction to urge the two latches <NUM> to concurrently move away from each other for engaging and rotationally locking the two hanging bars <NUM>.

The latch actuator <NUM> can be a single part having an operating portion <NUM>, can be pivotally connected with the housing <NUM> about a pivot axis <NUM> that is substantially orthogonal to the axis <NUM> and parallel to the pivot axes of the hanging bars <NUM>, and can be connected pivotally and slidably with each of the two latches <NUM>. According to an example of construction, each latch <NUM> can have two portions 172A and 172B that form an L-shape, the portion 172A can be slidably connected with the elongate slot <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and the portion 172B can be connected pivotally and slidably with the latch actuator <NUM>. More specifically, the portion 172B of each latch <NUM> can have a guide slot <NUM> that extends generally orthogonal to the axis <NUM>, and the latch actuator <NUM> can be fixedly connected with two pins <NUM> that are respectively disposed through the guide slots <NUM> of the two latches <NUM>, the two pins <NUM> being provided at two diametrically opposite locations relative to the pivot axis <NUM>. In this manner, the two latches <NUM> can concurrently slide toward each other for respectively disengaging from the two hanging bars <NUM> when the latch actuator <NUM> rotates in one direction about the pivot axis <NUM>, and the two latches <NUM> can concurrently slide away from each other for respectively engaging with the two hanging bars <NUM> when the latch actuator <NUM> rotates in an opposite direction.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the not according to the present invention, housing <NUM> can have an interior provided with a plurality of ribs 188A and 188B for restricting a range of rotation of the latch actuator <NUM>. For example, the latch actuator <NUM> can include a plate portion <NUM> of an elliptical shape to which the two pins <NUM> are fixedly attached, the rib 188A can contact with the plate portion <NUM> to stop the latch actuator <NUM> in the locking state as shown in <FIG>, and the rib 188B can contact with the plate portion <NUM> to stop the latch actuator <NUM> in the unlocking state as shown in <FIG>.

With the aforementioned construction, the latch actuator <NUM> can move along with the latches <NUM> relative to the mounting portion <NUM> between the locking state where the latches <NUM> can be respectively engaged with the hanging bars <NUM>, and the unlocking state where the latches <NUM> can be respectively disengaged from the hanging bars <NUM>. A caregiver can simply rotate the operating portion <NUM> of the latch actuator <NUM> exposed outside the mounting portion <NUM> for switching the latching mechanism <NUM> between the locking state and the unlocking state.

The child care apparatus described herein is relatively simple in construction, and has a child support frame that can be swung or locked in position as needed. Therefore the child care apparatus can have a soothing function for a child, which may be particularly suitable for bedside cribs.

Claim 1:
A child care apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a standing frame (<NUM>) including a mounting portion (<NUM>);
a child support frame (<NUM>) held on the standing frame (<NUM>) via at least one hanging bar (<NUM>) that is pivotally connected with the mounting portion (<NUM>), the hanging bar (<NUM>) being rotatable for swinging the child support frame (<NUM>);
a latching mechanism (<NUM>) for rotationally locking the hanging bar (<NUM>), the latching mechanism (<NUM>) including a latch (<NUM>) connected with the mounting portion (<NUM>), a latch actuator (<NUM>) movably linked to the latch (<NUM>) and having an operating portion (<NUM>) exposed for operation, and a spring (<NUM>) connected with the latch actuator (<NUM>), the latch actuator (<NUM>) being movable along with the latch (<NUM>) between a locking state where the latch (<NUM>) is engaged with the hanging bar (<NUM>) and an unlocking state where the latch (<NUM>) is disengaged from the hanging bar (<NUM>), the latching mechanism (<NUM>) being biased toward the unlocking state by the spring (<NUM>); and
a holding mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) for keeping the latch actuator (<NUM>) and the latch (<NUM>) in the locking state, wherein the latch actuator (<NUM>) is switchable between the locking state and the unlocking state by applying an external force on the operating portion (<NUM>) of the latch actuator (<NUM>).